Karla Eslinger, Commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, gives keynote address at the 2025 spring OWL Luncheon.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — On Thursday, April 10, the Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheon took place on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Women from around the region who exemplify leadership joined to network and recognize outstanding leadership by female students and other leaders of the community.

The honored guest, Dr. Karla Eslinger, returned to her alma mater to give the keynote address at this event. Eslinger currently serves as the Missouri Commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She has worked in several educational roles, including teacher, principal, district-level administrator, and superintendent, as well as the Assistant Commissioner in DESE’s Office of Educator Quality. Additionally, she served as a State Representative in the Missouri General Assembly for District 155 and recently as the Missouri State Senator for District 33.

Eslinger’s commitment to education developed from the impact of school during her childhood.

“My passion for education is a result of my own childhood,” Eslinger said. “My family faced poverty and moved a lot — and the one constant in my life was school. I’m certain my future would look very different if not for my public-school education.”

Eslinger shared her inspiring story about how her childhood and time at the College prepared her to be in the position she is in now.  Her words inspired C of O students, faculty, and community members who attended the event. 

"Our time hearing from Dr. Karla Eslinger was encouraging," said Emily Winters, sophomore elementary education major. "Her incredible story of perseverance, service, and growth was inspiring to all the female students in the room. I am encouraged to approach each new role, each window of opportunity I see, with excitement, curiosity, and confidence. Her career, and the path she has walked to be where she is now, is a testament to the empowering role of faith and commitment."

Zoe Johnson, senior nursing major, receives the OWL Scholarship for her academic excellence and leadership.

Attendees included regional female leaders, community members, and College of the Ozarks students who gathered to celebrate and engage in meaningful discussions about leadership, legacy, and service.

Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement, opened the event. She presented the history of the group’s formation and expressed the group’s desire to encourage women in leadership. Taylor Galioto, senior allied health major, opened the event in prayer.

During the event, each attendee was given tulips from the Petals for Patriots campaign as a reminder of the growth happening in the lives of students. The tulips were grown by School of the Ozarks students in the raised beds at the Chick-fil-A Branson Pavilion at School of the Ozarks. The pavilion and raised beds were made possible by the generosity of Kevin and Jessica Hutcheson, local Chick-fil-A owners.

The Ozarks Women in Leadership awarded the OWL Scholarship to a select female student for her academic excellence and leadership, underscoring the College’s commitment to fostering the next generation of effective female leaders. Abigail Buschman, director of development, gave supporting comments and introduced the following scholarship recipient: Zoe Johnson, senior nursing major.

For more information on the Ozarks Women in Leadership Award or scholarship, or future events, please contact Abigail Buschman, director of development, at (417) 690-2209.