It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.
Hal Higdon is the president of Ozarks Technical Community College. He sees OTC as having a vitel role in the community. KSMU's Missy Shelton spoke with Hal Higdon about public service, the development of OTC and the college's involvement in the community.
Hal Higdon became president of Ozarks Technical Community College last summer. Since then, he's kept busy with his official duties as the chief campus administrator but he's also keeping busy with off-campus organizations.
Before coming to Springfield, he was the Vice President for Administration at Gulf Coast Community College in Mississippi. He had been in that position since 1993. He got his start in the south.
Hal Higdon says Springfield feels a lot like home.
Growing up in Alabama, Higdon says he learned early in his life that public service is important.
As the leader of Ozarks Technical Community College, Higdon says he tries to set an example by being involved in the community. He says he learned the value of leading by example in his previous positions.
Higdon says it's imperative that community colleges like OTC have a strong connection with the community.
Being involved in the community means engaging in public service but it also means being responsive to the needs of the community.
Higdon says OTC is preparing to offer a fine arts program geared toward meeting the needs of theatres in Branson and the demands of students.
Higdon sees expansions of OTC programs as a way to compliment area universities, not compete with them. He says there's a spirit of cooperation in Springfield's higher education community.
Join us this afternoon at 4:30 as we continue our Sense of Community Series, including a look at how Hal Higdon got involved with community colleges.
