College of the Ozarks celebrates the achievements of its alumni, who embody the College’s mission of hard work, faith, and service. Alumnus Dallas DeWeese, social studies and student council elective teacher at Hollister Middle School, exemplifies these values. DeWeese recently won The Milken Educator Award, considered the “Oscar of Education.” The award was a cash prize of $25,000 for top educators in their early-to-mid career who demonstrate excellence in their field.
In 2018, DeWeese graduated from College of the Ozarks with a bachelor’s degree in physical education (K-12) with a middle school social studies endorsement. Then, he earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Evangel University. Currently, DeWeese is continuing his education at Evangel University by pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. 
DeWeese graduated from College of the Ozarks with skills that have led him to the success in his career. 
“The education department was instrumental in shaping me into the educator I am today,” DeWeese said. “It emphasized the importance of building positive relationships, which is crucial for success in education. Each professor took the time to connect with me personally and challenged me to grow.”
DeWeese teaches sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, creating a collaborative learning environment that tailors individual paths to success for each student. He equips them with skills that extend beyond their time at Hollister. By integrating English language arts, science, and math into his social studies lessons, DeWeese provides a rich, multifaceted educational experience that reinforces key concepts across subjects. His engaging, hands-on activities spark excitement and inspire his students.
“First, I want my students to understand the importance of becoming contributing citizens,” DeWeese said. “We explore how the world functions and analyze different worldviews, helping them see that they play a role locally and globally.” 
Under DeWeese’s guidance, enrollment in the student council nearly quadrupled. In this class, students build their own student government and civilization, participating in real-world activities such as creating a business plan, complete with proposals, budgets, and strategies. DeWeese also established the Tiger Coffee Shop, where students gain valuable experience in customer service and leadership.
“Second, I hope to instill in them the value of a strong work ethic. I want them to know that if they are willing to work hard, they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” DeWeese said. 
DeWeese’s incredible work extends beyond the doors of his classroom and throughout the halls of the school where he leads the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) committee. In that position, he spearheads a team that analyzes the behavior of students and creates and implements strategies that appropriately address any behavioral issues, giving the students a positive incentive to act appropriately. Through his works, Hollister Middle School has experienced a significant increase in positive behavior among the students and improvement in school culture. 
“My goal is to be a source of encouragement and support for the students at Hollister, helping them pursue and achieve their dreams,” DeWeese said. 
The alumnus is involved in all facets of the school and student engagement. DeWeese leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, coaches basketball and softball, tutors students outside of regular classroom hours, chairs the assembly focus team, and serves as the seventh grade team leader. 
“Mr. DeWeese is a one in a million teacher,” said Dr. Rachel Hodges, Hollister Middle School principal. “He is very sound instructionally, but his reach goes far beyond the content. He invests in his students. He believes in them. He loves them... and they know it. Mr. DeWeese pushes them to be leaders and sees the potential in all students, even when they may not see that potential in themselves.”
DeWeese learned to value the mindset of servanthood during his time at C of O and has kept that mindset throughout his career. 
“An important value was cultivating a servant’s mindset,” DeWeese said. “In a world that often promotes self-interest, I’ve found peace and purpose by focusing on serving others and following Christ’s example. Each day, I strive to build others, serve others, and love others. This mission drives my work and reminds me of my higher purpose.”
In 2023, DeWeese married his wife, Montana DeWeese. Mrs. DeWeese is a fifth grade teacher and assistant high school volleyball coach for the Hollister R-V School District. Together, the couple serves in their church’s youth group on Wednesday nights and enjoy walking along the Branson Landing and soaking up the sun at Table Rock Lake.