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In this episode of Oh That’s Cool, we’re pawsitively excited to welcome Amethyst Ditieri, the Director of Student Success at Ozarks Technical Community College and a true cat-alyst for helping students find their path. Amethyst shares how she’s been purr-suing student success, guiding future OTC students through the admissions process and helping them land on their feet as they begin their college journey.

We also curl up with the story of how Amethyst once pounced on an opportunity to study abroad in Scotland, exploring how that experience shaped her perspective on education, independence, and discovering new horizons. Like any curious cat, she followed her instincts across the pond and returned with stories and lessons that continue to influence her work with students today.

Back at OTC, Amethyst is leading the charge on a brand-new onboarding program designed to help students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to pounce on their goals from day one. From helping students navigate admissions to creating systems that make the transition into college smoother, Amethyst is always on the prowl for ways to improve the student experience.

So settle in, grab a cozy spot, and join us for a conversation full of curiosity, opportunity, and a few purr-fectly placed cat puns along the way. It’s a claw-some look at how one leader is helping OTC students start their college journeys on the right paw. 

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 In this episode, Sherri Elder and Marilyn Madden from the Early Childhood Development Department at Ozarks Tech talk about Conscious Discipline and what it looks like in real classrooms when children are learning how to name, understand, and regulate big emotions. They break down why emotional regulation is not “extra,” it is foundational, and how teachers can intentionally build skills like calm-down strategies, emotional language, and connection so kids can move from dysregulated moments to learning-ready ones. Just as importantly, they highlight the often-overlooked piece: adult regulation. When educators have tools to manage their own stress and responses, they create the steady, safe environment children need to practice self-control. If you work with young kids (or live with humans at all), this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and a healthier way to think about behavior, emotions, and classroom culture. 

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We are back! In this episode, we sit down with Marcia Wheeler, our Director of Assessment and Accreditation and the force behind the New Faculty Institute, to pull back the curtain on what “assessment” and “accreditation” actually look like on a real college campus. Expect practical tips you can use right away, the most common myths that stress faculty out for no reason, and a few laugh out loud moments that feel way too familiar if you have ever battled Canvas, deadlines, or a department meeting agenda. If you want the behind the scenes playbook for Access, Assess, and Address, plus a fresh boost of confidence for teaching and improving without drowning in paperwork, this one is for you.

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 After a short hiatus, Oh, That’s Cool! is back! Jared and Andrew sit down with Nathan Cassidy, longtime OTC communications faculty member and advisor for The Eagle, OTC’s newly relaunched student-run newspaper. Nathan shares insights on teaching public speaking, navigating media’s rapid changes, and guiding students as they bring campus news to life. From stage fright to fake news, and from student reporters to the future of journalism at OTC, this episode dives into why student voices matter and how The Eagle gives them a platform. 

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 In this special episode of Oh That's Cool, we sit down with Dr. Tracy McGrady, Provost at Ozarks Technical Community College, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation as she prepares to retire this May. Dr. McGrady reflects on her journey through higher education, shares stories from her time at OTC, and offers wisdom on leadership, learning, and what it means to serve a college community. Whether you're a student, staff member, or simply someone who values education, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of OTC’s most influential leaders. Don’t miss this thoughtful and celebratory send-off for a true campus legend. 

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 In this exciting episode of "Oh, That's Cool!" We welcome Meganne Rosen, a passionate faculty member from the Art, Design, and Humanities department at OTC. Meganne shares her insights into the world of art history and drawing, as well as her enthusiasm for upcoming trips and opportunities specifically designed for art students.  Get a sneak peek into experiences that can shape their artistic journeys. Join us for a conversation filled with creativity, inspiration, and practical advice for aspiring artists! 

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Welcome to another episode of Oh, That’s Cool!—the podcast where we talk about all the amazing people, we work with at Ozarks Technical Community College. Today we’re diving into the excitement, community spirit, and fun of OTC’s Fall 2024 Picnic on the Springfield campus. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or just part of the OTC family, this event is always a highlight of the semester. From food trucks to games, student organizations, and live music, we’ll break down what made this year’s picnic such a blast and why it’s so much more than just a good time on campus. So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s relive the best moments from the Fall 2024 Picnic!" 

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Welcome to Oh, That's Cool!, the podcast where we highlight the amazing people and initiatives shaping the OTC community. I'm your host, Jared Durden, and today we have a special episode featuring two incredible guests from our Counseling Services team. Joining us are Heather Lewellen, the Coordinator of Counseling Services, and Lea Gannaway, one of our dedicated mental health counselors.

In this episode, we'll be diving into the accomplishments of the Counseling Services department and exploring the essential resources they provide to support our students' mental health and well-being. Heather and Lea will share insights on the challenges students face and offer practical advice on how to help them thrive both academically and personally. Join us as we explore, "Mental Health at Ozarks Tech."

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🎙️ Welcome back, everyone! 🎉 We’re excited to bring you a special episode today as we dive into something new and incredibly valuable. Joining us is none other than Dr. Erin Wehrman, an Associate Professor from MSU’s Department of Communication, Journalism, Media, and Film.

You might remember Dr. Wehrman from our recent Faculty Days on August 14th, where she delivered an insightful and impactful talk. We were so inspired by her presentation that we knew we had to invite her to the podcast for a deeper discussion.

This episode is all about "Conflict Resolution"—a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their skills in the classroom or workplace. Get ready for an engaging conversation packed with practical solutions and expert insights.

Don’t miss out—hit play now and join the conversation! 🎧

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Welcome back, folks! Brace yourselves for an electrifying milestone as we celebrate our 50th episode of "Oh That's Cool"! Today, we embark on a bittersweet journey as we bid farewell to Dr. Joan Barrett, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs at our beloved community college. Join us as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Dr. Barrett's tenure, exploring her myriad contributions to OTC and gaining deeper insight into her multifaceted roles within our institution.

As Dr. Barrett prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life in retirement, we seize the opportunity to glean wisdom from her wealth of experience and unravel her plans for the future. Moreover, we engage in candid conversations surrounding the pressing challenges confronting today's classrooms, amplifying voices and perspectives that resonate deeply within our community.

Tune in to yet another riveting episode as we commemorate the legacy of a remarkable leader in "A Student Affairs Vice-Chancellor to Remember."