Four College of the Ozarks students were selected to attend the 39th Annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum, held Feb. 14 – 16, 2026, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.
The students were among 60 collegiate nominees from institutions across Missouri invited to participate in the annual forum. Students representing College of the Ozarks included:
- Erin Tierney, senior Psychology major from Sauk City, Wisconsin
- Gracie McDonald, senior Elementary Education major from Berryville, Arkansas
- Allen Marx, senior Engineering major from League City, Texas
- Andrew Esser, junior Finance and Accounting major from Liberty, Missouri
Hosted at the Missouri State Capitol, the forum provided students with opportunities to engage with leaders from across the state. Featured speakers included Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, state legislators, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who shared professional insights and leadership experiences.
Throughout the weekend, students participated in leadership development sessions and networking opportunities designed to encourage civic responsibility and ethical leadership. Participants engaged in discussions with peers from colleges and universities across the state, building connections intended to extend beyond the forum.
The Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum was established in 1988 under the leadership of former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft, who later served as the 79th U.S. attorney general. Since its founding, the forum has sought to equip students with tools and encouragement to serve their communities and professions.
For Tierney, one of the most impactful experiences was touring the Jefferson City Correctional Center and learning about restorative justice efforts.
“Touring Jefferson City Correctional Center radically altered my perspective on the criminal justice system,” Tierney said. “Meeting individuals there reinforced my belief that no one is ever too far gone, and that as long as there is breath in someone’s lungs, God can restore.”
Esser said the forum reinforced key principles of servant leadership.
“Christian leadership starts with humility,” Esser said. “Effective leaders understand who they are, listen to others and set the example by living out the expectations they place on those they lead.”
Participation in the forum supports the College of the Ozarks mission to develop citizens of Christ like character who are well-educated, hardworking, and patriotic.
For more information about the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum, visit www.missourigslf.com.