OTC names new provost, vice chancellor

Ozarks Technical Community College promoted from within for its new provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

The OTC Board of Trustees yesterday approved the appointment of Tracy McGrady. She’ll succeed Steven Bishop, who’s scheduled to retire Jan. 3 after 26 years with the community college, according to a news release.

“Today’s higher education institutions rely on innovative and forward-thinking administrators,” OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the release. “McGrady’s breadth of experience as both a higher education administrator and faculty member – in addition to her passion for student success – will prove invaluable to the college as she steps into this new role.”

As provost, McGrady will be in charge of the college’s instructional areas, including general and technical education, allied health, business, online instruction and high school programs. She’ll also lead the school’s ancillary academic services, including its tutoring and learning center, adult education and literacy, and disability support.

A higher education employee for nearly 20 years, McGrady has worked for OTC since 2001. She’s currently dean of academic and student affairs at OTC’s Richwood Valley campus in Christian County, according to the release.

McGrady was selected after a national search brought in dozens of applicants.

“Students often tell us that their time at OTC has been transformative for them, and I am so proud of the exceptional faculty and staff who are passionate about creating those meaningful experiences,” she said in the release. “I am eager to work in partnership with them and the administrative leadership to continue our efforts to promote student success and teaching excellence.”