"I believe the OTC Republic Center will provide real change, with limitless possibilities for Republic and the westward rural communities," he said, in the release. "I am beyond excited to serve and learn more about how I can be of service to the individuals of these communities."
The center is a $7.3 million project located on 7.7 acres donated to the college by the Bussey-Cox-Lipscomb family. The donation was estimated at $1 million.
Hired by OTC a decade ago, Ackerman started as a financial aid representative. He has been a full-time communications instructor since 2011.
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In March 2012, he was also named director of the Speech Communication Center.
OTC plans to open up the new center for student tours and on-site enrollment later this summer.
An enrollment of 400 to 500 students is expected during the 2020-21 year, including many Republic High School students. The capacity is 800 to 1,200 students.
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Originally from Aurora, Ackerman attended OTC as a recipient of the A+ Scholarship program.
He graduated from OTC and transferred to Missouri State University for a bachelor's degree in public relations and a master's degree in communications. He is a doctoral candidate in Lindenwood University's Instructional Leadership in Higher Education program.
Ackerman and his wife, Tara, reside in Springfield. They are certified foster parents and adopted their three children, Elsey, Reese and Gryffin.
Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com and consider supporting vital local journalism by subscribing. Learn more by visiting News-Leader.com/subscribe.