OTC global engagement director hired for job in Virginia

Last edited 5:31 p.m., Oct. 26, 2023 [Editor's note: OTC has responded to a request for comment about the position.]

Daniel Ogunyemi, who has held diversity, equity and inclusion-focused roles at Ozarks Technical Community College and Burrell Behavioral Health, is exiting Springfield for a job in Virginia.

Ogunyemi said he is scheduled to start Nov. 10 as director of inclusive excellence and belonging at Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

"It was something that I was not expecting, though I am very excited to dive into," he said via email. "I will take all that I have learned from here, both OTC and the community, to one of the oldest and best research institutions in the country."

Ogunyemi's last day at OTC is Nov. 7, he said. He's the college director for global engagement and opportunity after previously serving as the school's first director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Prior to his time at OTC, Ogunyemi worked as the learning, development and inclusion partner at Burrell and volunteer coordinator for CASA of Southwest Missouri, according to past reporting.

"Southwest Missouri has been my home for 10 years with people that I can certainly now call family and friends," he said in the email. "OTC gave me an opportunity to be a part of one of the best community colleges in this country, while also introducing me to my love of higher education. This college is a staple in the community that cares about its students as well as the dozen counties that it serves."

OTC spokesperson Mark Miller said the open position would be handled through the school's human resources process.