Jim and Barbara Towery

When people ask Jim Towery why he is so involved with OTC, he doesn’t have to think twice about how to answer. He’s proud to serve on the OTC Foundation Board of Directors, and he’s quick to share his passion for the college. “The growth and success the college has had in developing programs and attracting talented students has been phenomenal. I say OTC’s on fire,” says Jim. Jim had a successful career in the trucking industry and first witnessed the momentum of OTC when he met with Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of OTC, about starting a truck driver training program in 2006. “He said, ‘If the transportation industry can supply the trucks and trailers, the college will start a truck driving school,’” Jim recalled. “Within six weeks, we had it. It’s amazing to have a government entity react with that kind of speed.”

Even though the truck driver training program is no longer a part of OTC, the college’s ability and willingness to meet the needs of businesses and students still impresses Jim. He said OTC’s diesel technology program provides the trucking industry with capable, well prepared mechanics and technicians. Jim also has a personal appreciation for the OTC mission. He attended Ventura Community College in California. “I’m the product of a community college,” he said. “I experienced the benefits of having a community college and the affordable education it provides.”

Barbara Towery agrees with her husband and understands that higher education provides more than just a specific set of skills. “I think one of the aspects of going to college is learning how to learn. The love of learning and always continuing with that is important,” she said. But OTC offers more than just career opportunities, Jim said. “It’s a way out of poverty, generational poverty, a chance to escape low income status and get a good job. That’s what OTC does. That’s why it’s easy to support and brag about OTC.”