BTC Celebrates 20 years in Bolivar!
Posted on September 5, 2025
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Bolivar Technical College will host a full day of community events on Saturday, Oct. 4 designed to honor its past, thank its partners, and look ahead to the future.
The celebration begins with a free Community Celebration from 9 a.m. – noon, that is open to the public. The morning features live music, inflatables and games, refreshments, emergency vehicle and race car exhibits, tours of BTC’s classrooms and labs, and free health checkups—including a “stuffie check-up” station, where children can bring their stuffed animals for a nurse’s checkup.” A special ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., BTC will host an Alumni Luncheon on campus. Alumni and staff are invited to join in a group photo, followed by a complimentary lunch and commemorative t-shirt. Alumni, RSVP by Sept 15 here.
Later that evening, the celebration culminates with the Partner Gala at Bello Venue, featuring Governor Mike Parson, First Lady Teresa Parson, and community leaders Don and Carrie Babb. The event is designed to support the BTC Education Foundation as it launches new scholarship initiatives to help meet the needs of the college and its students well into the future.
“BTC is humbled to promote opportunities for people to learn new skills that allow them career opportunities that not only help improve their lives and their families’ lives, but also play a helpful role in providing nurses to the healthcare facilities in our communities,” said Charlotte Gray, President of Bolivar Technical College.
Since its founding in 2005, BTC has conferred 1,800 degrees and placed thousands of students, currently offering programs in Professional Nursing (RN); Practical Nursing (LPN); RN to BSN (Online); LPN to RN Bridge and Paramedic to RN Bridge. BTC maintains a close partnership with Citizens Memorial Hospital, where its graduates also serve in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across the region.
“Bolivar Technical College is proud to be part of a strong healthcare network in Southwest Missouri,” Gray said. “Our graduates are working at many healthcare facilities throughout the area. We are honored to play a role in improving access to quality healthcare close to home. With continued community support, BTC is committed to preparing students to meet the region’s healthcare needs for generations to come.”