SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – More than 2,500 degrees and certificates were awarded to Ozarks Tech students during two commencement ceremonies Thursday, May 14, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield. The ceremonies also featured remarks from two outstanding student speakers and recognized two distinguished alumni.
Nearly 900 graduates and their families filled the arena for the 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2026. Students who completed coursework during the summer 2025, fall 2025, spring 2026 and summer 2026 semesters were invited to participate.
“Commencement represents the culmination of our students’ hard work and perseverance,” said Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon. “Earning a degree or certificate takes commitment, and our graduates should be proud of this accomplishment.”
Nearly half of the graduating class earned credentials through the Arts, Sciences and Business Division, which includes 28 degree programs ranging from English to engineering. These graduates received degrees designed to transfer to four-year universities through the Core 42 general education block and 2+2 plans, including business, computer science and teacher education.
The popularity of health sciences remains steady as in previous years. Twenty percent of graduates earned health science degrees or certificates, with nursing credentials representing the second-largest group of graduates after Associate of Arts degrees.
Interest in technical education also remains strong, with one-third of graduates completing programs in tech ed areas including aviation, automotive and construction.
Both ceremonies featured student speakers. At the 3 p.m. ceremony, Malia Sweet, (A.A.S., Graphic Design Technology, 2026 and A.A., English, 2022), a former president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter, spoke about overcoming personal challenges to thrive in college.
“Ozarks Tech has helped me grow as a leader,” Sweet said. “I want to inspire others who have been told they can’t do something.”
At the 7 p.m. ceremony, Aleisha Oldham (A.A., Criminal Justice, 2026) also spoke on behalf of the graduating class. A cancer survivor, she earned her high school equivalency in her early 30s before continuing her education at Ozarks Tech.
“I understand what it feels like to doubt yourself and keep going anyway,” Oldham said. “I’m honored to stand here as proof that it’s never too late to change your future.”
The ceremonies also honored Ozarks Tech Distinguished Alumni Erica Gaynor (‘02) and Owen Aldridge (‘19), whose journeys began at the college and led to rewarding careers.
Gaynor is a group benefits advisor and account executive with Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors in Springfield. For more than 20 years, she has helped build long-term success for businesses and organizations through her work in employee benefits.
Aldridge, a regional EMS communications manager with CoxHealth, progressed professionally through the full EMS pathway, from EMT to paramedic to flight paramedic, one of the most demanding roles in emergency medicine. His extensive field experience prepared him for operational leadership.
Ozarks Tech is a community college system based in Springfield, Missouri. The college offers 90+ programs leading to associate degrees, technical certifications and workforce development credentials. To learn more, visit ozarkstech.edu.
Notable graduation-related coverage at Ozarks Tech: