Drury, Ozarks Tech sign new academic agreement

Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College have inked a new academic agreement designed to help students more easily transfer from one Springfield higher education institution to the other.

The partnership allows Ozarks Tech students who earn associate degrees to continue their education at Drury in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, with a focus on high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and mechanical and electrical engineering, according to a news release. Those students would be able to participate in the Drury Springfield Promise initiative, a grant program designed to lower student costs that was announced earlier this year.

"Ozark Tech students thrive in small classes and perform well at Drury because our relational and personalized education approach keeps their progress and momentum rolling," Drury President Jeff Frederick said in the release. "By offering a smooth transition into our cyber and engineering programs and access to the Drury Springfield Promise program, OTC grads have an affordable, approachable route to a world-class education, no matter what course of study they pursue."

Through the agreement, Ozarks Tech graduates in good academic standing would have guaranteed admission to Drury, subject to departmental requirements for specific programs, as well as financial aid opportunities, student support and campus engagement opportunities, officials say.

“Ozarks Tech prides itself on creating strong relationships with other higher education institutions so our students have clear pathways after graduation, and this partnership with Drury is just one more way we are fulfilling our mission of providing affordable and accessible education to our community,” said Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Tech, in the release.