Gail Garton Spring 2016

Business Instructor

MS, Missouri State University

BS, Missouri State University

Office: Graff Hall 114B

Phone: (417) 447-8811

Gail Garton

Courses taught:  Office Technology courses and BUS 140 Business Communications.

Professional Experience: Retail, factory, and teaching 20+ years

Publications and/or Accomplishments:

Awarded the 2011 Missouri Distance Learning Higher Education Educator Award.

Article published in the Delta Pi Epsilon Best Practices in Business Instruction manual

Hobbies: Family Gatherings and quilting and crafts

How long have you been teaching at OTC?  Since 1996.  I like helping students reach their educational goals.

What book(s) are you currently reading? I read John Grisham’s books.

What kind of an animal would you be and why? A collie dog — they are smart, loyal, and protective of their owners.

Schools Attended: 

Missouri State University and BS, Missouri State University

What made you interested in your degree area?

I always enjoyed the business classes in high school. I especially enjoyed bookkeeping and office practices.

Brief history of what brought you to OTC.

My academic advisor at MSU knew of an opening here at OTC about the time I graduated. He referred me to that position. So, I started at OTC in May of 1996.

Did you work in industry or have you always taught?

I worked a little over four years in retail for Sears, and then I worked for ten years at Zenith Electronics.  I raised a family and have been very involved in my church, in addition to serving as sponsor of various student organizations while at OTC (FBLA, PBL, and IAAP).

What committees do you serve on either at OTC or in the community?

Business Advisory Committee

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

BUS 140 Business Communication. I enjoy helping students see the benefits of communicating professionally—both orally and in written communications.