Eagle Summit: Learn. Grow. Soar.: Full Schedule

9:00am CST

Building a Connected Classroom Climate

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

This session explores the relationship between safety and connection as foundational pieces that promote willingness and engagement when interacting in the classroom or with others. Through discussion and activities, participants will explore how safety and connection impact a readiness to learn and cultivate relationships in the classroom. The guiding outcomes of the session is to help faculty and staff establish a felt sense of safety and create meaningful connections.

Speakers

Faith Swickard

Study Nursery Coordinator, Ozarks Tech

Darla McDowell

Instructor - Early Childhood Education, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
LCN 207

Teaching & Learning

Audience All Employee
Presenter Type External

9:00am CST

Cultivating Civility: Building Engaging Classrooms Together

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

NKM 126

In this presentation, we will delve into the importance of civility within our educational environments. Civility, defined as respectful and considerate behavior, is crucial for fostering a positive and productive classroom atmosphere. This session is designed for educators who are committed to creating a culture of respect and collaboration among students and faculty.

Speakers

Tena Wheeler

Department Chair - Associate of Science in Nursing, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
NKM 126

Teaching & Learning

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

9:00am CST

Medicare 101: A Medicare Educational Overview

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST

NKM 102

This session provides a high-level overview of the various parts and coverages of Medicare. Our goal is to simplify the information, bringing clarity and peace of mind to all attendees. We will cover the following questions:

Who is eligible for Medicare?
When am I eligible?
What does Medicare cover?
What are my coverage options?
How does retiring affect my options?
What are my next steps?
Where can I find more information?

Speakers

Torrey Amstutz

Fit Life Benefits

Wally Schrock

Fit Life Benefits

Tuesday February 18, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CST
NKM 102

Well-Being

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

11:00am CST

Dream.Plan.Build. Roundtable

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

PMC 103

Curious about the work being done on the Ozarks Tech Strategic Plan, Dream.Plan.Build.? Attend this rapid-fire session to hear from the experts leading the work in the nine strategy taskforces. Leaders from all the taskforces will be present to walk through their progress so far and talk about the progress yet to come. Ask your burning questions about the plan and learn more about how to get involved.

Speakers

Matthew Hudson

Executive Dean - Career, Technical & Community Development, Ozarks Tech

At Ozarks Technical Community College, we take our mission to heart. We’re here to provide affordable, accessible educational opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. As Missouri’s third-largest community college, we offer more than 40 different degree programs... Read More →

Gavin O'Connor

Associate Vice Chancellor - Academic Affairs, Ozarks Tech

Calie Holden

College Director - Strategic Planning & Grant Development, Ozarks Tech

Jared Durden

Instructor - Physical Science, Ozarks Tech

Pan Porter

Director - Disability Support Services, Ozarks Tech

Micha White

Student Engagement Coordinator, Ozarks Tech

Sarah Bargo

College Director - Student Care & Engagement, Ozarks Tech

Trisha White

Department Chair - Mathematics, Ozarks Tech

Misty Tollett

Assistant Director - Strategic Planning, Ozarks Tech

Matthew Simpson

Chief Research & Governmental Affairs Officer, Ozarks Tech

Robert Randolph

Executive Director - Plaster Manufacturing Center, Ozarks Tech

Andrew Aberle

Dean - Arts, Sciences, & Business, Ozarks Tech

Dustin Childress

President - OTC Education Centers, Ozarks Tech

J'Neal McCoy

Associate Vice Chancellor - Administrative Services, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
PMC 103

Institutional & General Knowledge

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

11:00am CST

The New American Sign Language Certificate: Benefits for Your Program and Your Students

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

NKM 100

This session explores the new Certificate of Achievement in American Sign Language at Ozarks Tech. Attendees will explore the program requirements, expectations, and benefits of completion as a stand-alone credential or paired with existing degree programs at the college.

Speakers

Steven Fritts

Instructor - American Sign Language, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
NKM 100

Institutional & General Knowledge

Audience All Employee
Session Type General
Presenter Type External

11:00am CST

Active Listening: The Heart of Communication

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

NKM 102

In this session, participants will learn how active listening enhances workplace communication. Key techniques like paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting emotions will be covered to improve understanding and reduce misunderstandings. Attendees will explore how active listening fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and boosts team collaboration, leading to better outcomes in professional interactions.

Speakers

Jennifer Thompson

Human Resources Specialist, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
NKM 102

Interpersonal Skills

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

11:00am CST

Quiet Leadership: How Introverts Can Thrive in Leadership Roles

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

ICW 108BC

The stereotype that leadership is only for extroverts often overlooks the unique strengths that introverts bring to leadership roles. This session will explore the concept of "Quiet Leadership," emphasizing how introverted leaders can excel through their natural tendencies toward reflection, listening, empathy, and deep understanding.

Speakers

Tracy McGrady

Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor - Academic Affairs, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
ICW 108BC

Interpersonal Skills

Audience Staff
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

11:00am CST

First 15 Minutes

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST

LCN 121

An emergency happens, you call 911, help is on the way, now what? Learn lifesaving skills that anyone can do to help someone in the first 15 minutes of their emergency.

Speakers

Joshua Freeman

Program Director - Paramedicine, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am CST
LCN 121

Well-Being

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

1:15pm CST

Missouri's Higher Education & Workforce Priorities

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

ICW 220

Join Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education & Workforce Development, Dr. Bennett Boggs, to discuss the state's workforce and higher education priorities.

Speakers

Bennett Boggs

Commissioner, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
ICW 220

Institutional & General Knowledge

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

1:15pm CST

Being a Good Middle Man

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

LCN 121

A "how to guide" to being a good middle manager. This session will provide practical strategies for excelling as a middle manager. Learn how to effectively communicate between leadership and teams, manage competing priorities, and be a good follower. Attendees will gain actionable insights to be a better follower and leader.

Speakers

Joshua Freeman

Program Director - Paramedicine, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
LCN 121

Interpersonal Skills

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

1:15pm CST

Brain Changes Over the Lifespan: Supporting Students of All Ages

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

NKM 103

Normal brain changes throughout the lifespan can alter how we learn. One type of intelligence increases while the other decreases. This can begin as early as 30 years of age. Our non-traditional students often believe they are less competent because many times they do not learn in the same way as their younger classmates. Understanding these brain changes can help us support students of all ages by empowering them to recognize and use their strengths in their academic careers.

Speakers

Eloise Thomas

Instructor - Psychology, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
NKM 103

Teaching & Learning

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

1:15pm CST

Genially Jam: Create, Enhance, Engage

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 3:00pm CST

LCN 207

Participants will learn the basic functions of Genially, including how to add interactive features to their content. They will explore practical examples of Genially's use across various subjects. Through a hands-on design planning activity, participants will brainstorm and outline a Genially project tailored to their curriculum. By the end of the session, they will have a clear understanding of Genially’s features and a plan to bring interactive, engaging content into their classrooms.

Speakers

Jacque Harris

Instructional Designer, Ozarks Tech

I am a passionate education professional. I am driven to construct learning experiences that help students find relevance in their learning and make connections that will enrich and empower their lives beyond the classroom. Two of the best parts of my job are working with amazing... Read More →

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 3:00pm CST
LCN 207

Skill-Building & Technology

Audience All Employee
Session Type General
Presenter Type External

1:15pm CST

Some Songs, Some Scenes, and a Movement

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 3:00pm CST

NKM 121

In the Electronic Media Production (EMP) program, we ask our students to view the media they love through a critical lens by asking themselves how content impacts Culture. Join this session, where you will engage in activities I use in the classroom. We will begin by choosing a prompt that links to a music album, listening, and reflecting on how the prompt aligns with the vibe of the album. After the critical listening activity, I will share some scenes that shaped my life and teaching philosophy. Finally, we will discuss the film movement that took place from 1997-2002 and its impact on today’s popular culture.

Speakers

Greyson Foresee

Instructor - Electronic Media Production, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 1:15pm - 3:00pm CST
NKM 121

Teaching & Learning

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

2:15pm CST

Beyond the Basics: A Deep Dive into OTC's Title IX Process

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST

NKM 107

This presentation offers a deep dive into the Title IX process, focusing on the steps for handling sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination cases. We'll explore OTC’s obligations, limitations, and key stages from complaint and investigation to resolution. We'll also cover informal vs. formal processes and recent federal changes to Title IX regulations and how these decisions affect the classroom.

Speakers

Kevin Luebbering

Title IX Coordinator & College Director of Civil Rights Compliance, Ozarks Tech

Rachel Herron

Title IX Assistant Coordinator, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST
NKM 107

Institutional & General Knowledge

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

2:15pm CST

Forging New Paths for Student Success

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST

NKM 102

Communication barriers, disruptive behaviors, and lack of respect are common hurdles that affect the learning experience for everyone. Join us to learn how the Dean of Students, Disability Support Services, and faculty have collaborated to create effective learning environments when faced with these hurdles. We'll share success stories, challenges, and open the floor for discussion. Bring your own scenarios and successes to share—let's make this an organic learning and sharing session for all.

Speakers

Joyce Doebler

Dean of Students, Ozarks Tech

Pan Porter

Director - Disability Support Services, Ozarks Tech

Dana Price

Instructor - Electronic Media Production, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST
NKM 102

Institutional & General Knowledge

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

2:15pm CST

De-Escalation 101

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST

NKM 113

This session focuses on understanding and applying effective de-escalation techniques to defuse tense situations. Participants will learn how to identify key indicators of escalating conflict, such as body language and tone, and discover strategies for using active listening and clear communication to promote calm. The session also provides practical problem-solving tips and includes real-life practice scenarios, ensuring participants can confidently apply these skills in everyday interactions.

Speakers

Sydney Rupert

Student Support Coordinator, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST
NKM 113

Interpersonal Skills

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

2:15pm CST

Mastering Simple HTML for Canvas Content Creation

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST

PMC 156

Have you ever struggled with extra spaces or formatting that just won't cooperate in Canvas Announcements or content? There's a powerful solution right at your fingertips—the HTML editor. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn the basics of HTML coding, giving you more control over your text and formatting. Whether it's removing unwanted spacing or customizing your content layout, you'll gain the skills to navigate and edit the code behind the scenes with confidence. No prior coding experience is needed.

Speakers

Jackson Lewis-Hite

Instructor - Computer Information Sciences, Ozarks Tech

Kirsten Markley

Instructor - Computer Information Sciences, Ozarks Tech

Tuesday February 18, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CST
PMC 156

Teaching & Learning

Audience All Employee
Session Type Breakout
Presenter Type External

Eagle Summit: Learn. Grow. Soar.