Michael McGinnis serves as the senior admissions representative at College of the Ozarks

How a Non-traditional Student Turned Admissions Representative Sees the World

     Mike McGinnis, senior admissions representative at College of the Ozarks, is an inspiration to many. He attended the College as a non-traditional student, married with two children, and graduated in December 2020. Students, most of whom are traditional students and live on campus, were impressed by his tenacity and humility. They were drawn to him.

      Prior to becoming a student at the College, he and his wife, Kim, served in ministry roles for over 20 years and in retail management to support that ministry. This included youth ministry and youth camps, college ministry, planting two churches, and lastly a church revitalization effort. As they concluded their time helping a church in Arkansas, his wife encouraged him to finish his college degree. The time was right.

      McGinnis embraced his time as a student in a college with high expectations. No one gave him a shortcut through the rigorous Work Education Model. He worked 15 hours per week, and two 40-hour work weeks per semester, to pay for his education, just like everyone else.

Read the newest edition of the Ozark Visitor and more of McGinnis' story on page 10

     He participated in patriotic education, rappelling off towers. He completed his convocation and chapel requirements. McGinnis got the full experience of being a C of O student, graduating with a degree in biblical studies and theology, and now he represents the College to prospective students daily. He is truly able to give them a first-hand perspective and finds great joy in speaking with high schoolers about the gift of a Christian education.

      McGinnis builds bridges in the community in more ways than one. His ministry includes the role of chaplain at Silver Dollar City, a nationally known theme park in the Branson area that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. He worked at SDC in merchandising during his time as a student, but little did he know this would set the stage for Act II of his time at the park.

      Read on to learn more about his mission, his passion, and his vision for young people. Hopefully, you will hear his heart and his energy will jump off the page with every line, just as it does in real life. His heart for others is contagious and he isn’t shy in telling people, “Imagine what could happen if you applied to C of O. If you do not apply, you are sure to miss an opportunity of a lifetime!”  

Listen to McGinnis tell his story on episode four of the "Our Story" Podcast

Read the Spring 2023 edition of the Ozark Visitor and find a Q&A session with McGinnis on page 10!

Listen to McGinnis tell his story on episode four of the Our Story Podcast!