Our Donors

The Ozarks Tech Foundation exists to inspire support of education through giving and by establishing a culture of philanthropy. It works to secure private financial resources to support the college in its mission of providing accessible and affordable learning opportunities.

The Foundation provides scholarships, secures funding for building expansions, raises funds for equipment purchases, advocates for the college, and ensures a successful future for Ozarks Tech. Each year, the Foundation awards more than $650,000 in scholarship assistance to hundreds of Ozarks Tech students with financial need. It also supports the programs and capital projects at the college by securing and managing funds on its behalf.

As the college continues to grow, the Foundation works to keep tuition low and to build additional spaces for student use. It secures resources to obtain the latest equipment and instructional materials, ensuring Ozarks Tech classes keep pace with evolving industry standards. The Foundation continually advocates for the college and strengthens connections between Ozarks Technical Community College and the broader community.

The impact of our work is made possible through the generosity of donors—individuals, businesses, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college—who believe in the power of education. Whether through a one-time gift or an endowed scholarship, donor contributions directly support student success and transform lives. The Foundation is honored to steward these contributions with transparency, gratitude, and a deep commitment to advancing opportunity through education.

3M Foundation

3M Foundation forms lasting partnerships with communities worldwide and provides resources to help them succeed and grow—ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. Goals: Improve the quality of life in underserved families Increase access to youth...

Anonymous

Established by generous donors who have chosen to remain anonymous, these scholarships reflect a shared belief in the transformative power of education. While their names are not publicly recognized, their intention is clear—remove barriers and create opportunities...

Bart "DB" Nelson Memorial

Elizabeth Nelson established the Bart “DB” Nelson Memorial Scholarship in 2025 through the Ozarks Tech Foundation to honor the life and legacy of her late husband, Bart Nelson. The scholarship supports students pursuing an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license,...

Betty Thompson Memorial

Betty Thompson died peacefully at home in Springfield, MO, on February 14, 2021, after a many-years-long battle with aspergillosis, a rare lung infection. Jeanie Betty Bonifield was born July 31, 1944, in Woodward, OK. She graduated from Woodward High School where...

Bill and Ann Turner

To say that Bill and Ann Turner, along with the Turner Family Foundation, are just backers of Ozarks Technical Community College would be a tremendous understatement. “The Turners have been cheerleaders of OTC since day one, and we are grateful to have their...

Bob and Susan Beine

Bob and Susan Beine believe there are few things better to do for your community than to donate to an educational institution. In their case, that place is Ozarks Technical Community College. “It has a direct impact to the community that you can see working. You can...

Burrell Behavioral Health

Burell Behavioral Health is a growing Community Mental Health Center that connects with more than 40,000 clients across 18 counties in Missouri. Their provider base of 400 clinicians offer a full continuum of care through our integrated network. We create...

Carol Jones

The Carol Jones Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Carol Jones, a pioneering businesswoman and longtime Springfield leader whose determination and vision transformed the real estate industry in Southwest Missouri. Rising from humble beginnings, she built one...

Carr Family

A Legacy of Service: The Carr Family’s Commitment to Education and Community The values that built a business continue to shape educational opportunities at Ozarks Tech When Jenny Carr speaks about her family’s commitment to education, she’s drawing from a well of...

Charles "Chuck" Banta, Jr.

The Charles T. Banta Sr. Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by Charles “Chuck” Banta Jr. to honor the life and legacy of his father. Chuck, a Springfield native and leader of Banta Foods, built upon his family’s business with vision and integrity while...

Charlie and Mary Beth O'Reilly

Christian County Elks Lodge #2777

The Christian County Elks Lodge #2777, part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, is dedicated to serving others and strengthening the local community through charitable giving, volunteerism, and educational support. Guided...

Christian County Master Gardeners

Christian County Master Gardeners (CCMG) is an organization dedicated to education. Not only do they strive to educate themselves and the public about safe, sustainable and effective garden practices, but they are committed to the continued education of the next...

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

Stroking the Fires of Knowledge The CFO manages more than 475 private scholarship funds created by individuals, families and companies that want to provide a path to higher education for generations to come. Donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the...

CoxHealth

CoxHealth is a locally-owned non-profit health system that has partnered with OTC to support students, programs, and local economies in the Ozarks region.

Darrell & Dr. Becky Crocker

David Dean Lewis

The Lewis Family Scholarships honor the life and legacy of David Dean Lewis, a humble Ozarks native whose generosity continues to expand educational opportunity across southwest Missouri. Born in Taney County in 1933, Mr. Lewis lived a life defined by hard work,...

David Koch

George (David) Koch, 55, left this earth to join his family and our Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 27, 2011 surrounded by his wife and daughters. David was born August 29, 1955 to George and Nancy Koch. David and his family owned and operated the Shady Inn...

Dennis and Debbie Peters

The Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship was established by his father, Dennis Peters, to honor the memory and sacrifice of Special Agent Sergeant Joseph Michael Peters. Sgt. Peters gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving alongside Army Rangers during a raid...

Dr. Hal Higdon

Dr. Hal Higdon is chancellor of the Ozarks Technical Community College System and president of the OTC Springfield Campus. In these roles, Dr. Higdon oversees the institution’s strategic direction and works to strengthen its resources and funding. The OTC Board of...

Dr. Randall and Julie Humphrey

Randy and Julie Humphrey are long-time educators in the Springfield area. The two met while attending Missouri State University, married, and went on to receive graduate degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Julie earned a Master’s of Science...

Dwight Chism Memorial

Dwight Denton Chism – Springfield – 61, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018 surrounded by family. A visitation will be held at The Venues in Springfield, MO on Saturday, June 9 from 4:00-5:30 pm with a celebration of life following from 5:30-6:00. In lieu of flowers,...

Ed and Darlene Haun

Edmund Haun grew up in the Ozarks, familiar with the kind financial hardship that many students encounter. With the unwavering support of his mother, he earned two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree. In 2018, he and his wife, Darlene, created the Edmund and...

Effie Morrow Nobles Memorial

The Effie Morrow Nobles Memorial Scholarship was created by Mrs. Pat Myers and her husband, Dr. Norman K. Myers in 2023. Obituaries in Springfield, MO | News-Leader Patsy JoAnn Nobles Myers, 85, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2023. Pat was a devoted wife,...

Emma Talbot

The Emma Talbot Scholarship was established to honor the extraordinary life, service, and legacy of Ms. Emma Talbot, a lifelong educator, humanitarian, and community advocate. A dedicated teacher in the Nixa Public School District, Ms. Talbot devoted her career to...

Foundation Credit Union

2018 marked the 85th year that Foundation Credit Union has served our members. In 1933, we started as the Springfield Teachers Credit Union, serving the employees of the Springfield Public School System. Our dedication to continual improvement, plus our desire to be...

Frances Collins Memorial

The Frances Collins Memorial Scholarship was established by Deane Collins in honor of his late wife, Frances, who holds the distinction of being the first registered dental hygienist in Springfield, Missouri. Frances and Deane moved to Springfield in 1970, bringing...

Gene and Gerry Diullo

Longtime friends of OTC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program endow memorial scholarship February 26, 2021 Gene and Gerry Diullo created a way to commemorate the life and legacy of their late son, Anton “Tony” Diullo. The couple recently established an endowed...

Healthy Blue

Healthy Blue Missouri – benefits for all your health needs Staying healthy is about more than just doctor visits. Our Medicare plans have extra benefits that support your whole health, from fitness memberships to dental and vision care. Once you sign up for Medicare,...

Heuer Foundation

Lelia Heuer lived most of her life in the Lebanon area. She was a member of Candock Baptist Church and was a great supporter of missions in Haiti. She was a very generous lady who did numerous good deeds including establishing several scholarships for pre-medical...