Dr. Gavin O’Connor, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, is retiring after more than two decades of academic leadership at Ozarks Tech. While he’s looking forward to spending more time at the family farm and turning off the alarm clock (if the animals allow), he will miss the colleagues he’s worked alongside to support student success.
“It really comes down to the people,” he said. “And the hours we’ve spent together to make each student’s experience the best it can be.”
Dr. O’Connor started at Ozarks Tech in 2002 as a biology and bioclinical sciences instructor. Over the years, he served in multiple leadership roles, contributing to initiatives that strengthened the college, improved the classroom experience for students and streamlined processes for faculty and staff.
“The college has benefited greatly from Dr. O’Connor’s knowledge, his willingness to answer questions, and his commitment to supporting faculty in their work with students,” said Dr. Aaron Light, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Putting students first has always been Dr. O’Connor’s top priority, even when the conversations were difficult. He recalled a memorable moment with a student who was struggling in an anatomy class and feeling discouraged. Known for his candid approach, Dr. O’Connor encouraged the student to consider a different path better aligned with her strengths in mathematics. Although she withdrew from the course, the student later returned to share that she had completed a degree in accounting and would soon start a job with a local company.
Since the beginning of his career, Dr. O’Connor has been deeply involved in curriculum development, starting as a member on the curriculum committee and eventually refining the system into the streamlined, efficient process he oversees today.
His commitment to student success reached beyond campus as well. Through service on the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA), Dr. O’Connor helped keep higher education accessible and affordable by establishing clear transfer guidelines for colleges and universities across the state.
Through this work, Dr. O’Connor helped advance several articulation agreements, making it easier for students to transfer and continue their education without duplicating credits. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored as the inaugural recipient of COTA’s Gavin O’Connor Transfer Champion award.
A farmer at heart, Dr. O’Connor further left his mark by reviving agriculture coursework at the college, laying the foundation for the robust program at Richwood Valley Campus. Now, as he begins retirement, he looks forward to getting back to his roots.