EDUCATION

Dr. Kara Swofford began teaching in the Education Department in the fall of 2007. She completed her undergraduate, masters, and specialist degrees at Missouri State University and received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas. Kara taught at the elementary level for six years and served four years as a primary school principal. In 2012, she was named as Director of the Teacher Education Program. Dr. Swofford served as the Chair of the Education and Health Division from 2015-2024.

Dr. Colleen Hardy joined the faculty at College of the Ozarks in fall 2017.  Dr. Hardy earned a terminal degree at St. Louis University in Educational Leadership.  She has over 30 years experience in education.  During her 15 years in public education she worked as a classroom teacher, staff development specialist and a curriculum consultatnt.  As a teacher preparation faculty member in higher education she has had the opportunity to teach, develop new programs, provide leadership, and present internationally.  She worked extensively with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the development of a statewide assessment system and the review of teacher preparation programs.  Dr. Hardy also serves as the Coordinator for Assessment in the Education Department.

Dr. Tina Keith began her College of the Ozarks'career as a member of the education department faculty in fall 2012. She holds a M.A. degree from Lindenwood University, where she is also completed her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership.  She has 12 years of experience as a classroom teacher, most recently in fourth grade, and nine years as a Library Media Specialist.  Dr. Keith also serves as a co-sponsor for the S-MSTA (Student Missouri State Teachers Association) organization on campus.

Dr. Kerry Moore joined the faculty at College of the Ozarks in Fall 2013.  Dr. Moore graduated with an Elementary Education/Early Childhood degree from Southeast Missouri State University and completed her Masters in Reading Education as well as her doctorate in Educational Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction at Evangel University.  Kerry's twelve year teaching career includes teaching kindergarten and second grade, as well as serving as a Reading Recovery/CIM Interventionist.

Dr. Christy Patrick holds a Master of Arts degree from Missouri State University and earned her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University. She joined the Education Department faculty in 2018.  Christy has over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, with varied experiences in kindergarten, third grade, sixth grade and junior high science. Dr. Patrick serves as a co-sponsor for the S-MSTA (Student Missouri State Teachers Association) organization on campus.

Gwen Simmons joined the C of O faculty in 1991 as a media specialist in the library and is currently the library director. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history at the School of the Ozarks and a master’s degree in library science at the University of Missouri. She also serves as sponsor of Kappa Delta Pi, the honor society for teacher education majors.

Chip is the Collection Development and Instruction Librarian. He has a BA from Asbury College (KY), MA TESOL from Michigan State University, and an MS in Library Science from the University of Kentucky. He spent five years serving in China teaching English as a foreign language in Beijing, Qufu, Changchun, and Siping. 

Mrs. Donna Copeland joined the Education Department at College of the Ozarks in the fall of 2022. Mrs. Copeland earned her Bachelors of Science in Communication degree at Evangel University. She brings 25 years experience in higher education. Mrs. Copeland coordinates the daily operations of the Education office, verifies requirements for state certification, supervises student works, and assists the Director of Teacher Education and the Education faculty.