Laura Lacey Johnson

Laura Lacey Johnson brings charisma, enthusiasm, hope, and a prayerful heart as she steps into service at College of the Ozarks. A former radio personality and television news reporter, Laura is an author and speaker with more than 20 years of experience in journalism, marketing, higher education, and nonprofit management. She is also a commissioned fellow for the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

Laura has taught Media Writing, Interpersonal Communication, and Fundamentals of Speech Communication at the collegiate level. She also directed the alumni and media relations programs at her alma mater.

Laura is a featured author in Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: Prayers and Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry, scheduled for release in September 2022 by Proverbs 31 Ministries (www.proverbs31.org).

As Laura and her family settled into the campus during the summer, she was blessed to see how God provides.

“One thing about our move that has blessed me tremendously is knowing that the campus community is praying for my kids,” Laura said. “There is nothing that endears a mother’s heart more to new friends than when she knows they are praying for her kids.”

While dining in the campus cafeteria throughout the summer, she felt the love and acceptance of the students. After spending a few weeks with them, she returned to Bolivar, Missouri, to complete the family move.

“To have students say to me upon my return, ‘Ms. Laura, where were you? We’ve missed you!’ That was such a blessing to me!”

Laura grew up along the Texas Gulf Coast and graduated from Howard Payne University with a degree in speech communication. She earned a Master of Arts in communication from Abilene Christian University. 

“We are thrilled to make our home at College of the Ozarks,” Laura said. “We love this wonderful place and these amazing people!”