Meet the Team

Born and raised in from Vermont, Tyner finished his high school career in Kansas. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Ottawa University, where he discovered a campus that felt like home and was a great personal fit. While a student at OU, Tyner served as the vice president of the DECA (business club), which was first started during his tenure. He graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree, with a concentration in entrepreneurship. 

Tyner enjoys traveling the country, watching and participating in sports, listening to music and watching movies. Tyner resides in Ottawa with his wife Laurie and daughter Annelise. The couple is also expecting the arrival of a son is summer.

Advice to Students:
"Take full advantage of college and be open to trying new things. Get out of your comfort zone. Your college experience is only as good as YOU make it!"

Eric Bradshaw received his Bachelor of Science in music education and Master of Music in tuba performance from the University of Alabama. Prior to his current position, Bradshaw served as the director of bands at Topeka High School (Topeka, KS) from 2016-21, director of athletic bands at Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA) from 2002-16, and taught in the public school system in Carroll County (Georgia) from 1997–2002. Throughout his career, Bradshaw has performed as principal tubist in several regional orchestras, served as a clinician for high school honor bands, and adjudicated high school marching and concert festivals. Eric has also conducted and performed several times in Europe with the “Ambassadors of Music” program. In 2019-20, he received the “Distinguished Staff Award” for high school teacher from the Topeka Public Schools system and was a district finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year for 2020-21.

Bradshaw’s hobbies and interests include traveling, spending time with family and friends, riding his motorcycle, boating, playing golf, and enjoying good food. He is married to Dr. Melissa Grady (a music professor at the University of Kansas) and has twin sons, Andrew and Ryan, who are graduates of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA).

Michael, originally from Independence, Missouri, is a recent graduate of Baker University where he was involved in diversity groups on campus. He majored in sports administration with a minor in business. Michael currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, and is a huge Chiefs fan. He also is an avid NBA fan and enjoys video gaming, running and blaring his music.

Advice to Students:
"Don't stay in your room/house, get out on campus as much as possible. Pursue any interest you have and join any clubs or activities available. College can be stressful, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable times of your life. Also, GO TO CLASS—no seriously, you need to."

RECRUITING TERRITORY

COUNTIES of Anderson, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Labette, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Wilson, and Woodson.

STATES of  Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas (west of I-35), Vermont, and Washington.

In the little free time that I have I like to spend time with my family, including my husband Alex and 1 year old son. I enjoy reading, coloring, and spend time outdoors, whether that be going for a walk or playing soccer.

Advice to Students:

Start early, take your time, and put in the effort to find a school that best fits you and your family. The school you choose will be your home away from home, so make sure it’s the perfect fit.

Mykenna graduated from Ottawa University with a degree in communication studies. While at OU, she enjoyed being part of the Braves softball team. She has used her degree for various marketing and event planning jobs including serving the Kansas City Royals as Sluggerr's mascot assistant. In her free time, Mykenna enjoys attending baseball games, teaching painting classes, creating digital media for various activities, signing badly to Britney Spears and attending cultural events in Kansas City.

Advice to Students:
"Spend time on campus and in the community to find activities that speak to what you are passionate about. Finding an activity, sports team, or coffee shop in town that speaks to you is the best way to make Ottawa University feel like your home away from home."

"Take advantage of the resources that OU offers. Through using the resources provided to you and discovering what your dreams and passions are; you will begin to start your journey of a life filled with significance."