17

Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, College of the Ozarks, Education, Hollister, Press Release by BroadcastBranson.com

College of the Ozarks Explores Feasibility of Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school. The new secondary level school would reflect the College’s philosophical views by interweaving a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Great Books.

Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head has been charged with researching and creating a framework for a secondary level school that could eventually serve as a model to other colleges and communities. She visited several successful private schools over the summer and gathered “best practices” as part of her study.

“In keeping with the College’s mission and vision, we hope to serve students in our area who seek a challenging curriculum with an intentional threading of service learning and work,” Dr. Head said. “The College was founded as a work school over one hundred years ago, and the new school would reflect the values of the founders.”

The proposed lab school would offer area youth the opportunity of an affordable, quality, Christian education with innovative programming, service learning, and small class sizes.

The feasibility study, which began in April, will conclude in October with a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees.

Top of Page

17

Posted In: Branson, Branson Area, College of the Ozarks, Education, Hollister, News, Press Release by BroadcastBranson.com

              

College of the Ozarks Announces New Deans

College of the Ozarks recently named Dr. Eric Bolger as Dean of the College and Dr. Sue Head as Dean of Character Education.

Dr. Bolger taught philosophy and religion courses at the College as a full-time faculty member from 1992-2010. He served as the Division Chair of Humanities from 2001-2010 and coordinated two Higher Learning Commission self-studies for the College. Additionally, Dr. Bolger has been the College’s Director of Strategic Planning since 2001.

He received his B.A. in chemistry from the University of California, San Diego, M. Div. and Ph.D. (Old Testament) from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Prior to becoming the academic dean, Dr. Bolger served as Assistant Dean of the College for one year. He officially began his position as Dean of the College on June 1, 2011, replacing long-time Dean, Dr. Marilyn Graves, who now serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Athletics.

Dr. Bolger’s duties include overseeing the College’s academic programming and ongoing strategic planning process, the Registrar’s office, college library, and the Child Development Center.

Dr. Sue Head has served as the Executive Director of The Keeter Center for Character Education since 2004. In that position she spearheaded the character education initiative First PLACE!, developed the S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit, and helps oversee the Patriotic Education Travel Program. Dr. Head also coordinates the Spring Forum and Community Convocations, as well as The Keeter Report publication.

Dr. Head received a B.A. in communication from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in organizational leadership from Evangel University, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

As Dean of Character Education, she will continue overseeing her current duties. Additionally, Dr. Head will conduct a feasibility study for a proposed college preparatory lab school.

Top of Page