OTC receives seven-figure land donation

Ozarks Technical Community College received a land donation valued at over $1 million.

The 7.7-acre, undeveloped plat is located in southwest Republic, south of Highway 60 near the Christian County line, said OTC spokesman Steve Koehler.

Announced this week, the donation was given by the Bussey, Cox and Lipscomb families.

“We believe in OTC’s mission and we’re very pleased to be able to make this gift that could further education opportunities in Republic,” said Larry Lipscomb, speaking on behalf of the family, in the release.

Koehler said OTC currently has no plans for the land but would make a separate announcement when the decision is made.

“We look forward to exploring how we can best serve our students and community through this substantial gift,” OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the release.

Modern Tractor & Supply Co. - a company founded by the late Lester E. Cox, namesake of CoxHealth - owns over 100 acres in southwest Republic where Greene and Christian counties meet, according to Greene County assessor records. Two of his heirs, Lester B. Cox and Lipscomb, are known in Springfield for turning former family farmland into Chesterfield Village. The estate of his daughter, Virginia Cox Bussey, also is known for gifts toward community causes, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.