OTC names new head of academic affairs

Ozarks Technical Community College has named one of its longtime employees to head academic affairs.

Shirley Lawler, currently the college's associate vice president for academic affairs, will take over July 1 as vice president for academic affairs, according to an OTC news release.

She has bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Missouri State University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She has 28 years of education experience, including teaching at Lebanon High School, Logan-Rogersville High School and Missouri State. At OTC, Lawler has served as dean of technical education, dean of academic services and director of curriculum development and grants before taking her current role.

She was also a member of the 2007 class of Springfield Business Journal's 20 Most Influential Women.  

"The exemplary leadership, the experience in both academic and work-force programs, and the constant focus on equipping our students to succeed combine to make Dr. Lawler the ideal choice for this position,” OTC President Hal Higdon said in the release. “I look forward to working with her as we continue to grow as an institution and as a community.”

Lawler will assume the role held by Randy Humphrey, who is retiring after 15 years with OTC. He will continue to teach part-time and will be involved in OTC's leadership program for academic division chairs.[[In-content Ad]]