KCOZ Radio Station Changes To Christian Format

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozark’s radio station 91.7 KCOZ transitioned from broadcasting light jazz to contemporary Christian today.

C of O junior Jacob Poole, who serves as the KCOZ program director as his college work education assignment, will oversee the Christian music selection. Fifteen other KCOZ student workers will aid Poole in the transition.

KCOZ also will broadcast live chapel services being held at the College’s Williams Memorial Chapel every Sunday beginning at 11a.m.

For further information please contact KCOZ General Manager Jae Jones at 417-690-3279 or [email protected].

Springfield Business Journal Names College of the Ozarks Professor One of 2011’s Most Influential Women
By: Sarah Unruh

The Springfield Business Journal (SBJ) will honor 2011’s Most Influential Women of southwest Missouri at a luncheon on Oct. 21, at the University Plaza in Springfield, Mo. SBJ named College of the Ozarks Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Kara Swofford one of the 20 Most Influential Women.

Dr. Swofford was selected out of a group of 200 women who were nominated for recognition based on their contributions to improving southwest Missouri business, civic and charitable communities. She was anonymously nominated for the honor. “Upon receiving the congratulatory letter, I was most humbled by the honor,” said Dr. Swofford. Nominees submitted a questionnaire, resume and a letter of recommendation to a panel of independent judges who determined the top 20.

Dr. Swofford’s selection was based on her dedication to go above and beyond the normal expectations of a college professor. She possesses a natural ability to motivate her students to “get involved” in classroom activities and discussions. As part of her curriculum, she collaborates with public school employees to visit her classes, allowing her students to hear about authentic teaching experiences. Dr. Swofford also spends much of her time and effort mentoring young women who are preparing to enter the teaching field. She has helped raise funds to provide appropriate clothes, eye glasses and even hair appointments to prepare young women for the professional world.

Dr. Swofford began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Republic R-III school district. She taught third and fourth grade for six years before moving up to an administration role for a year. She spent four years as an elementary school principal and is now in her fourth year of teaching at College of the Ozarks.

The luncheon honoring this year’s Most Influential Women will include a silent auction to benefit women in need. Cost for the event is $35 a ticket; for more information go to www.SBJ.net.

Participants Sought For Survey Regarding Area Interest In Proposed Lab School

College of the Ozarks is determining the feasibility of opening a college preparatory lab school on campus. As part of the feasibility study, the College is asking interested individuals who have school aged children to take part in a brief survey that will be accessible September 14-30. Individuals willing to take part in the brief survey, which should take less than ten minutes to complete, may go to www.cofo.edu and click on the survey link.

“Input regarding interest in the school is vital to determining feasibility,” said Dr. Sue Head, study coordinator. “Participation will be greatly appreciated.”

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.

“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.

For more information about the online survey, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education at (417) 690-2242.

“Jammin’ For Joplin” Concert Location Changed To Jones Auditorium
By: Matt Farmer

The location for the “Jammin’ for Joplin” concert has changed to Jones Auditorium. On Sunday, September 25 at 3p.m. in Jones Auditorium, the Concert Band, Handbell Choir, Chapel Choir and Chorale will join together in song and spirit to raise awareness and funds for music students in Joplin, Mo.

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado struck Joplin with a fury and vengeance which destroyed most of the town; St. John’s Hospital, homes, and the Joplin schools. The C of O music faculty and ensemble members are using their talents and resources to come together to perform a concert to help benefit the music students in Joplin.

“Many of the citizens from our campus family and around the country have given generously, but there are still things that we can do to help the music students in Joplin,” said Lynda Jesse, associate professor of music. “According to Rick Castor, Joplin High School Band Director, there is still a need for specialty instruments, funds to help students with their participation fees for marching band and color guard, and much more. The orchestra and choir program, those in elementary, middle school and junior high music, have all been affected by this devastating storm.”

The music department invites you to attend an uplifting and inspiring afternoon to help celebrate the gift of music and the spirit of the Joplin music-makers! Your donation at the end of the concert will go directly to the Joplin schools music departments.

For more information, contact the C of O Music Department at 417-690-2244.

College of the Ozarks To Hold 9-11 Flag Memorial
By: Ashley Bench

College of the Ozarks will hold a flag display and ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. to honor those whose lives were taken during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The flag display, which consists of nearly 3,000 American flags—one for each person lost in the 9-11 attacks, will be up the entire day of September 11, on the Alumni Center lawn at the campus entrance.

The College welcomes members of the community to visit the memorial during daylight hours, as well as attend a ceremony at 9 a.m. on the Alumni Center parking lot.

“It is vital that we do not forget our fellow Americans whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001,” said Elizabeth Hughes, public relations director. “This year marks the tenth anniversary of the tragedy, but the ninth, eleventh or twelfth anniversaries are as important as the tenth anniversary. The College began holding the memorial several years ago as a reminder. Otherwise, the tragedy might be forgotten. Americans cannot afford to forget such events.”

Every September 11, the College flies an official 9-11 Remembrance Flag on the main flagpole located at the campus. During the ceremony, the 9-11 Remembrance Flag will be raised.

For more information on the 9-11 Memorial, please contact the Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212.

College of the Ozarks to Host Associates Luncheon
By: Jacob McCauley

College of the Ozarks invites current and prospective Associates to attend the next Associates Luncheon Monday, Sept. 12, at 11:30 a.m., in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of The Keeter Center.

The luncheon will begin with a buffet at 11:30 a.m., followed by a program at noon. College of the Ozarks students will present about the Chorale trip to Europe this summer.

The College of the Ozarks Associates is an organization of individuals and businesses committed to the furtherance of the College in its efforts to provide a higher education for deserving young men and women.

Associates recognize not only the College’s unique contribution to higher education in the United States but the tremendous impact it has had economically and culturally in the Ozarks region.

A variety of student projects are funded through the Associates’ generosity to the College.

In recognition of their services to the College, Associates receive benefits such as invitations to select events held on campus each year. They include certain concerts, lectures, plays, athletic events and other functions.

The cost of the luncheon is $15 per person. Please RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 8 to the Development Office at 417-690-2209 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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.

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.

Christian Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author Dave Ramsey will speak at College of the Ozarks on October 4, at 7 p.m., in the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex. The prelude will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required to this special convocation. There is no cost for the tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. To obtain tickets, please call (417) 690-2240.

America’s trusted voice on money and business, Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert and extremely popular national radio personality. His three New York Times best-selling books-Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Make-over-have sold more than six million copies combined.

“The College is honored to welcome Dave Ramsey to campus,” said Dr. Sue Head, executive director of The Keeter Center for Character Education. “His goal of helping people live debt- free dovetails perfectly with the College’s own attitude toward debt. The College is debt- free and we strongly encourage our students to live by the same principle.”
By age 26 Ramsey had established a four-million-dollar real estate portfolio, only to lose it by age 30. Using the wisdom he gained, Ramsey rebuilt his financial life and now teaches others how to be responsible with their money, so they can acquire enough wealth to take care of loved ones, retire with dignity, and give generously to others.
Ramsey offers that life-changing message as host of a nationally syndicated radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show,” which is heard by 4.5 million listeners each week. His also offers his message of hope through a variety of mediums and products. His high school and college curriculums are offered in more than 10,000 schools and educational institutions.
The major convocation featuring Dave Ramsey is part of The Keeter Center for Character Education Community Convocation Series. For more information, please contact Character Education Office at (417) 690-2242.

By: Shelby Gray

Carrying irrigation pipes, picking vegetables or milking cows is just part of a typical day for a summer C of O student working to pay for his/her room and board. While other college students spend their summer days sleeping in, C of O students are working campus jobs.

The Summer Work Program (SWP) is a room and board scholarship opportunity that provides students the option to work either a 6 or 12 week session during the summer to pay room and board for the following year. Students working six weeks can cover the room and board for the fall semester, and students working all 12 weeks can work off an entire year’s room and board. Additionally, by participating, students receive room and board during the summer program.

Junior Renay Renyer, assigned as a counselor at the College’s summer camp for area children, is just one of the many students who rely on the program every year. One of six siblings, she is the third Renyer to attend College of the Ozarks. She and her younger sister are currently participating in the SWP. Renyer said that with such a large family, money for room and board would be hard to come by. “If it weren’t for the Summer Work Program, I would have to stay at home and work a summer job,” she said. “I don’t know how I’d be able to pay the difference.”

The number of students working varies slightly each year. Each summer the College accepts roughly 500 students, about one third of its student body. Numbers are based on the College’s need for labor, so that all students involved will have a job to do.

Students who demonstrate the most financial need, based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), receive first consideration for the scholarship that equates to roughly $2,800 dollars per six weeks. The scholarship money can only be applied toward room and board.