POINT LOOKOUT, MO. —College of the Ozarks recently awarded Mark Young, professor of theatre, and Dr. Daniel Chinn, associate professor of Biblical and theological studies the C of O Veteran Faculty Member Five-Fold Mission Award for 2020 and 2021, respectively. Because of circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the presentation of the 2020 Five-Fold Mission Awards were postponed until fall 2021.
The C of O Veteran Faculty Member Five-Fold Mission Award is given to a faculty member who has worked at least seven years at the College and whom students and co-workers recognize as best embodying the College’s academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals.
2020 College of the Ozarks Veteran Faculty Member Five-Fold Mission Award
Mark Young has served at College of the Ozarks since 1983. In the 38 years he has taught at C of O, Young has directed or designed over 50 plays for the theatre department. Young has written each of the four patriotic plays for the College. Young wrote this year’s patriotic play, A Flight to Faith: A Story of a Vietnam POW, alongside five students. Young holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre from the University of Evansville in Indiana.
Young teaches between 12-15 credit hours each semester at the College. Courses he instructs include Vocal Training for the Stage, Acting, and Costuming and Makeup. Additionally, Young teaches the theatre elective at School of the Ozarks alongside his wife, Lisa. Young reads the Bible every morning and spends his time on Sunday serving as an usher at Woodland Hills Family Church.
“Mr. Young serves the College with a humble spirit and tremendous work ethic,” said Dr. Stacy McNeill, professor of communication arts and performing and professional arts division chair. “The results of his longtime work writing, directing, and producing plays have entertained both the campus and community and commemorated several important cultural and patriotic events. In the classroom and on the stage, he teaches with wisdom and a distinct Christian worldview.”
2021 College of the Ozarks Veteran Faculty Member Five-Fold Mission Award
Dr. Daniel Chinn has taught at College of the Ozarks for 20 years. During his two decades of service at the College, Chinn has taught courses in practical theology, such as: Introduction to Christian Ministry, Christian Theology, Christianity in a Pluralistic World, and the Christian Worldview 1 and 2 courses required of all C of O students.
In addition to his service in the classroom, Chinn has spoken to students at FCA, micro-convocations, and dorm gatherings. Chinn, alongside his wife, Sue, often speak with students about marriage, dating, and relationships. Chinn also offers his time to conduct pre-marital counseling to students and even officiates some of their weddings. Chinn considers himself both a professor and a shepherd to the students and employees at C of O.
“Dr. Chinn is an exemplary teacher,” said Dr. Ethan Smilie, associate professor of humanities and humanities division chair. “His students appreciate his humility, sincerity, and authenticity, as he walks beside them — inside and outside the classroom — asking questions that matter, especially those that pertain to how to live as a Christian in our contemporary world.”