TRAILBLAZER AWARDS
Every day, faculty and staff reflect our OTC Cares culture in their work. They serve students in innovative ways while advancing the Strategic Plan. These faculty and staff are trailblazers.
Nominate a colleague who has made an extraordinary impact by strategically employing the OTC Cares decision-making model.
Finalists are selected by Strategic Planning Council and employees vote for the winners in January 2025. Trailblazer Award nominations are due October 15, 2024 and winners will be announced at Eagle Summit.
TRAILBLAZER FAQs
Who is eligible to nominate whom?
Any OTC employee can nominate any full-time Ozarks Tech employee.
When is the nomination period?
Nominations open October 1, 2024 and will close October 15, 2024.
How will winners be chosen?
The Strategic Planning Council will review all nominees and select the top ten faculty and top ten staff candidates. These candidates will be presented to the college community for a vote in January 2025. The three faculty and three staff members with the most votes will be awarded live at Eagle Summit.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact the Professional Development Institute (PDI) at pd@otc.edu with questions.
Can someone be nominated again?
Yes! Anyone that was nominated in previous years is eligible to be nominated again.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2024 WINNERS
Faculty
Gabe McLaughlin – Transportation Department Chair
Phil Forrester – Lead Instructor – Music / Choral & Piano
Jennifer Dunkel – English Instructor
Staff
Corey Charle – College Navigator
Jason Bound – Supervisor of College Grounds and Custodial
Kim Lyons – Coordinator of Help Desk
2023
Faculty
Ryan Friend, Drafting and Design Technology Instructor
Cara Griffin, Political Science Instructor
Tony Phillips, Automotive Technology Instructor
Staff
Deana Davies, Community Resource Specialist
Jordan Schreiber, College Director of Admissions
2022
Faculty
Jim Bridwell, Welding Technology Instructor
Heather Eberlin, Agriculture Instructor
Danelle Maxwell, Manufacturing Department Chair
Staff
Raymond Wade, College Director of Facilities and Grounds
Amy Schneider, Instructional Designer
Chelsea Foresee, Technical Education College Navigator
2021
Strategic Initiative #1
Landon Vinson, Industrial Systems Technology Instructor
Jacque Harris, Instructional Designer
Strategic Initiative #2
Jacque Harris, Instructional Designer
Mitch Hurt, Electrical Distribution Systems Instructor
Strategic Initiative #3
Sarah Gott, Course Material Manager
Danelle Maxwell, Manufacturing Department Chair
2020
Difference Maker
Amanda Stone
Ms. Stone was recognized for driving impactful change on campus with products and processes that deliver enhanced transparency and efficiency.
Trendsetter
Jeff Jones
Mr. Jones was recognized for leading by example, living the OTC mission, and inspiring and empowering his colleagues to pursue innovation.
World Changer
Dr. Loren Lundstrom
Dr. Lundstrom was recognized for his community service and outreach projects that positively impact OTC students, faculty, staff and alumni.