Sen. Wasson Receives
Distinguished Legislator Award

BRANSON—The Missouri Community College Association presented Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, with the association's Distinguished Legislator Award at a ceremony in Branson last Friday (Nov. 7). The award was given in recognition of Sen. Wasson's strong support of Ozarks Technical Community College and of community colleges around the state. Senator Wasson's district includes OTC's Richwood Valley Campus, which is built on land once owned by his family.

Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Technical Community College chancellor, praised Sen. Wasson, saying "Senator Jay Wasson has been a long-time and ardent supporter of Missouri's community colleges. He is a consensus-builder and a man who is known for getting things done without worrying about who gets the credit."

The senator represents the 20th District, which includes Christian County and parts of Greene County. He was elected to the Missouri Senate in Nov. 2010. His time in public service includes representing the 141st House District for eight years and serving as Nixa’s mayor for five years. Some of his priorities in the Senate include advocating for education, senior issues and small businesses—including family farms and lower taxes.

This year marked MCCA’s 50th annual convention. Association members celebrated the milestone by hosting several former community college leaders at the convention, including Dr. Norman Myers, founding president of Ozarks Technical Community College; Dr. Don Shook, founding president of East Central College, St. Charles Community College and St. Charles Community College; and Dr. Jim Kellerman, former MCCA executive director.

Visit Sen. Wasson’s official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/wasson.