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Students gathered at a study group

Mission

The mission of College of the Ozarks is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.

 

 

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Official seal of College of the Ozarks

Vision and Pillars

The vision of College of the Ozarks is to develop citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.

To achieve this vision, the College has Academic, Vocational, Christian, Patriotic and Cultural pillars. Even as College of the Ozarks has evolved through secondary and junior college stages to the present four-year liberal arts institution, the fundamental pillars have remained the same.

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Core Values

Creating and stewarding a faithful community that fosters growth and pursues good.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

  • Steward Faithfully. God calls us to faithfully steward his gifts; therefore, we will faithfully steward the College’s mission, vision, goals, and resources (people, finances, time). 

    This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV
     
  • Create Community. God calls us to grow up together into Christ; therefore, we will cultivate a community that fosters personal growth and thriving by valuing, respecting, and lovingly speaking and receiving the truth from one another. 

    Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV 
     
  • Pursue Good. God calls us to be salt and light; therefore, we will influence others for good, both inside and outside the College, through selfless service, the pursuit of excellence, and living with Christlike character and integrity. 

    And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
     
  • Practice Hospitality. God calls us to be hospitable; therefore, we will provide a gracious, welcoming environment for all we meet.

    Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13
     
  • Show Gratitude. God calls us to give thanks; therefore, we will practice gratitude in all we do.

    Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
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C of O quick facts including enrollment, degree programs, and graduation rates.
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Original gate to C of O

HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE

College of the Ozarks is a fully accredited, Christian, liberal arts college located just outside Branson, Missouri. Founded in 1906 by Presbyterian minister Reverend James Forsythe as a high school called The School of the Ozarks®, the institution became a junior college in 1956 before becoming a four-year bachelor’s program in 1965. It has been called College of the Ozarks since 1990.

The institution provides the opportunity for full-time students to work at one of more than 100 campus jobs or industries to help pay for part of their tuition. The remaining portion of the students’ expenses is covered through scholarships provided by gifts and contributions from donors who believe in and support the programs and policies of the College. These student work programs and donor contributions allow C of O students to graduate debt-free.

In 2012, College of the Ozarks reopened School of the Ozarks, a classical laboratory high school. The addition of School of the Ozarks was followed soon after with the full implementation of a lower school in the fall of 2015, completing the K-college format.

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Amy Grant
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FAMOUS VISITORS

Every year, College of the Ozarks hosts world-renowned speakers on campus through both the Spring Forum Series and the Leonard and Edith B. Gittinger Community Convocation Series. Famous guests include world leaders such as President George W. Bush, Governor Sarah Palin, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Prime Minister of Great Britain Margaret Thatcher, and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Students, staff and community members have enjoyed visits from Chick-fil-A Founder and Chairman S. Truett Cathy, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Duke University Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Dr. Franklin Graham, General Colin Powell, and others.

For more information, see Convocations and Forums.