Meet the Team

Originally from Drexel, Missouri, Andy Otto joined the Ottawa University enrollment team in the fall of 2011. In 2010, he graduated with Suma Cum Laude honors with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree with secondary education licensure. While a student, Andy was a member of the Braves football team, as well as ran track. His involvement as a student included Shoulder Pads and Paragraphs (a reading program in coordination with local elementary schools) and heading the Toys for Tots football Christmas party.

As one of OU's prestigious Top Scholar students in pursuit of his undergraduate degree, Andy continues to strive for excellence as he pursues his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife Courtney, playing with their two dogs (Oakly and Kova), working out, playing sports, and reading.

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. 

Currently, Tyner is pursuing his Master of Business Administration (MBA). He enjoys traveling the country, watching and participating in sports, listening to music and watching movies. Tyner resides in Ottawa with his wife Laurie.

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!"

I grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, and spent five (5) summers working just outside of Ottawa at Camp Chippewa as a counselor. I fell in love with the community of Ottawa and love helping students find their home here!

My best advice for future students is to take advantage of all the clubs and organizations Ottawa has to offer. They’ll provide unique and incredible experiences that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

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 Sluggerrr'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.

My advice for current and perspective college students is to 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.

My other advice would be to 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.

I graduated from Poplar Bluff Senior High, located in southeast Missouri, back in 2015 and was recruited to play soccer at Ottawa University, through which I earned Honorable Mention in the KCAC Conference my freshman year in addition to scholar-athlete recognitions the following years. I was nominated to partake in the NAIA/American Red Cross Leadership Program my sophomore year, allowing me to become the blood drive coordinator for the university. My additional involvement through undergrad included being part of 4 campus clubs, student senate, and bible study; over the years, I worked as a Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and TA for chemistry laboratories my senior year. As a First-Generation student, I graduated from Ottawa University as a Summa Cum Laude in May of 2019 with my Bachelors of Science (BS) earning Distinction in Biology, my next goal is to work towards my MBA though Ottawa University. 

In my free time, I like to visit and spend time with family back home. I love to work-out often, taking trips to the river, listening to music, watch live sporting events, drinking coffee, and going home to mom’s home-made meals. 

My advice: College can become some of the best four years of your life, enjoy the experience but stay focused on your academic pursuits. If you struggle, don’t be afraid to ask for help, more often than not, the other person has been in your shoes before. Engage in student activities and programs, that can open up the door to significant friendships. Lastly, moderate powernaps are essential in a college student’s success.

At Ottawa University, Casey was a member of the Braves football and golf teams. In addition, he was involved in FCA and served as station manager for the campus radio station.

Casey works  in education because "it gives me the opportunity to help students reach their dream of completing a degree. It also allows me to give back to the University that gave me so many opportunities during my pursuit of a degree at the residential campus."

In his free time, Casey doing radio play-by-play for Ottawa University basketball, baseball and softball, refereeing soccer for the Heartland Soccer Association, and spending time with his wife Tracie, daughter McKenzie (2), and son Graham (5 months). 

Hailing from North Richland Hills, Texas, Casey currently resides in Olathe, Kansas.

Raised in Long Beach, Mississippi, Madeline was discovered by OU’s tennis program her senior year of high school, which led her to attend OU and play on the first ever women’s tennis team. She found Ottawa to be her home away from home. While at OU, Madeline co-founded Greek Life, participated in Biology Club, and was heavily involved in Campus Ministries. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and hopes to begin her master's degree work in the near future.

She enjoys leading worship and working part time at a local church in Ottawa. When she’s not working, Madeline enjoys reading, finding new music, and crafting.

Advice to Students
"Don’t limit yourself. Get out of your bubble and try new things! Meet new people! The world is your playground."