College of the Ozarks launches four academic centers designed to integrate Christian faith with every aspect of education: The Center for Faithful Education, The Center for Faithful Arts, The Center for Faithful Vocation, and The Center for Faithful Media.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks has launched four academic centers designed to integrate Christian faith with every aspect of education, furthering the College’s vision to develop citizens of Christlike character, who are well-educated, hardworking, and patriotic. The new academic centers — the Center for Faithful Education, Center for Faithful Arts, Center for Faithful Vocation, and the upcoming Center for Faithful Media — are key components of the College’s 10-year strategic plan, Light the Way: Equipping Students to Shine the Hope of Christ.

“These centers don’t just expand what we offer,” said Dr. Eric Bolger, provost of the College. “They reflect who we are and what we believe — that every subject, every calling, and every student can be shaped by the truth of Christ.”

Center for Faithful Education

Founded in 2018, the Center for Faithful Education equips faculty to teach with both academic rigor and Christian conviction. Through faculty workshops, the journal Faithful Lives, and annual reflective projects for new professors, the center encourages educators to rethink how their disciplines are taught in light of the Gospel.

“Christian higher education is not just about adding a Bible verse to a syllabus,” said Dr. Brad Pardue, director of the Center and dean of institutional effectiveness. “It’s about helping faculty teach, research, and mentor in a way that is grounded in their faith.”

Center for Faithful Arts

Established in 2023, the Center for Faithful Arts promotes the creation of art as an act of worship. Under the direction of Dr. Rusty Osborne, professor of biblical and theological studies, the center supports student and faculty exploration in visual, fine, and interpretive arts. The center hosted its first major event, the Festival of Arts, in April 2024, drawing students, faculty, and community members for performances, exhibits, and discussions on the role of faith in the arts.

Center for Faithful Vocation

The Center for Faithful Vocation integrates faith and purpose into the College’s renowned Work Education Program, which allows students to graduate debt-free while gaining real-world experience. The Center is directed by Dr. Nathan Roberts, dean of academic programs.

A new general education course, “Faithful Vocation,” will teach students to view all work, whether in business, ministry, healthcare, or the arts, as a calling that can honor God. Additional initiatives include a vocational honors program, expanded academic internships, and a new effort to track alumni career outcomes to improve student preparation.

Center for Faithful Media

Launching in the Fall of 2025, the Center for Faithful Media will train students to be ethical, Christ-centered communicators in a culture shaped by constant media engagement.

Joshua Williams, assistant professor of theatre, will direct the center, drawing from his experience in communication and storytelling. The center will eventually bring together journalism, public relations, video production, and other media disciplines under one roof, while offering new courses and co-curricular opportunities focused on truth, virtue, and cultural influence.

Together, the academic centers represent a unified and holistic vision of education — one that prepares students to think deeply, live faithfully, and serve courageously in their communities.

“These centers embody our mission,” Bolger said. “They’re helping us shape the whole person — head, heart, and hands.”