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Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College collaborate through Drury Springfield Promise for affordable and accessible education

Drury University > Newsroom > Newsroom Archives > Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College collaborate through Drury Springfield Promise for affordable and accessible education

Springfield, Mo., November 20, 2024 — In a significant step to broaden educational pathways and make higher education more accessible for transfer students, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College are partnering through the Drury Springfield Promise. This innovative partnership enhances degree access, reduces financial barriers, and provides a seamless transition for academically qualified Ozarks Tech students aiming to complete their degrees at Drury.

Drs. Tracy McGrady (Provost of Ozarks Tech), Hal Higdon (Chancellor of Ozarks Tech and President of OTC – Springfield Campus), Jeff Frederick (President of Drury University), and Beth Harville (Provost of Drury University). Courtesy of Ozarks Technical Community College’s Office of Communications.

“These new agreements between Drury and Ozarks Tech pave the way for greater collaboration now and into the future,” said Dr. Jeff Frederick, Drury University President. “Ozarks Tech students thrive in small classes and perform well at Drury because our relational and personalized education approach keeps their progress and momentum rolling. 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. That’s great news for our community and employers hungry to add talented achievers to the workforce.” 

Ozarks Tech students are assured a streamlined admissions process, high-quality academic advising, and a pathway to an affordable Drury education through this collaboration. The partnership reflects the shared mission of both institutions to prioritize a relational, personalized educational experience and meet the needs of students throughout the Ozarks region.

Key Benefits of the Drury Springfield Promise Agreement:

  • Guaranteed Admission: OTC graduates in good academic standing will receive guaranteed admission to Drury (subject to departmental requirements for specific programs).
  • Financial Aid: The Drury Springfield Promise offers two primary financial options:
    • An annual DSP scholarship of $2,000, stackable with other academic scholarships, or
    • A DSP grant limiting out-of-pocket tuition costs to $3,000 per year for eligible students receiving the Federal Pell Grant and Access Missouri Grant.
  • Enhanced Student Support: Drury Springfield Promise students will gain access to student success services, collaborative academic and financial aid advising, career counseling, and campus activities such as athletic events. Additionally, each DSP grant recipient receives 25 free meal swipes per academic year.
  • Engagement Opportunities: Drury will host OTC students for campus tours, giving them a firsthand look at DU’s academic and student success programs.

Creating a straightforward transfer pathway and reducing financial strain will improve student retention and graduation rates. Students will benefit from a customized transfer advising process, coordinated academic guidance from both OTC and DU, and the reassurance of a supportive transition.

“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 Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College.

As part of this partnership, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College are creating clear pathways for students pursuing high-demand fields like Cybersecurity and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. These additional agreements allow Ozarks Tech students with associate degrees in related fields to easily transfer into Drury’s Bachelor of Science programs. By streamlining the transfer process and saving students time and money, the collaboration aims to support career-ready graduates in these critical, growing industries. This partnership demonstrates both institutions’ commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in technology and engineering.

The Drury Springfield Promise program will be available to students beginning in Fall 2025. To learn more about it, visit drury.edu/springfieldpromise/. 

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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu