Our Christian Pillar is to foster the Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service. Christian Ministries helps students develop a biblical worldview by learning to love God and others, as themselves.
Get to Know the Staff
Justin Carswell - Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Development and Dean of the Chapel
Justin Carswell has served as the Dean of Christian Ministries at the College since 2010. Before that, he taught on the faculty in the Philosophy/Religion department as an Assistant Professor. Justin earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy and his M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated college from Baylor University. He and his wife, Mandy, have five children who keep him busy with the joys and wonders of being a kid. Justin’s responsibilities as the Dean include leading worship in the Chapel, teaching in the Biblical and Theological Studies department, and helping the College fulfill its mission to develop citizens of Christlike character. He can be reached by email at carswell@cofo.edu or by phone at (417) 690-3447.
Jennifer Freeman - Director of Christian Formation
As the Director of Christian Formation, Jennifer Freeman has the pleasure of working with students as they grow in a healthy relationship with Christ, others, and themselves. She helps plan retreats such as Camp Koinonia, the CALL Leadership Retreat, and Women’s retreat. She partners with the Campus Minister in discipling and mentoring students both through Bible studies and personal relationships. She also loves teaching as an adjunct instructor in the Biblical and Theological Studies department. Jennifer received her Master’s degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, and holds a Doctorate in Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Please contact Jennifer at freeman@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3456.
Justin Sharp - Campus Minister
As the Campus Minister, Justin wears a few hats. He is blessed to organize mission trips for the College, teach in Chapel, facilitate At the Table, which is our Small Group Leadership Training program, speak at multiple club and organizational meetings all over campus throughout the year, and engage in one-on-one conversations with students, which is his favorite thing to do. Justin has an undergraduate degree in English from The College of the Ozarks, a Master of Divinity degree and Doctorate of Ministry from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Justin would love to help you in any way, so please contact him at jsharp@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3445.
Lori Simmons - Community Service Coordinator, Camp Lookout Administrator, and Assistant to the Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Development
Lori Simmons is the Community Service Coordinator, Camp Lookout Administrator, and Assistant to the Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Engagement. She guides a team of Student Leaders and helps them organize, plan, and oversee Camp Lookout. Lori takes care of administrative responsibilities for the Vice President of Christian Ministries and Student Development, and the Christian Ministries Department. Lori schedules weddings for Williams Memorial Chapel, supervises Student Leaders, and organizes a variety of events on campus like Operation Christmas Child and Night to Shine. Lori loves working with young adults and is passionate about seeing them grow in their relationship with Christ and others. You can reach Lori at lsimmons@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3385.
Rebecca Padgett - Student Counseling Center Director and Clinical Therapist
Rebecca Padgett is our Student Counseling Center Director and one of our Licensed Professional Counselor on staff at College of the Ozarks. Rebecca, a 2005 College of the Ozarks graduate, also has a M.A. in Counseling from Webster University and a M.S. in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Rebecca spent the last 20 years in service to social sciences, counseling, and child protection. Rebecca is a certified trauma therapist with trainings from Baylor University, Missouri Academy for Child Trauma Studies, and Yale School of Medicine. Rebecca holds a professional license in Missouri and is a Nationally Certified Counselor with training in supervision for counseling professionals. Rebecca is married to her husband Caleb, a Military Service Member of 23 years for the U.S. Army, and together they are blessed to have three amazing children. To reach Rebecca or inquire about services offered through the counseling program email her at rpadgett@cofo.edu or by phone at (417) 690-2441.
Sheri Nelson - Senior Clinical Therapist
Sheri Nelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with the Student Counseling Center. Sheri, along with the other SCC staff, assess needs and meet with students for personal counseling. Students come to the Center for a myriad of reasons including relationship coaching, premarital counseling, grief counseling, family issues, stress management, Personality Profile testing /coaching as well as many other issues affecting emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Workshops and presentations on these topics are also provided. Sheri has a passion to help individuals identify and work through blocks to experiencing fulfillment in their relationship with God and with others. In her spare time, Sheri loves traveling, hiking, dancing, reading, and cheering her nephew’s basketball team to victory. You can reach Sheri Nelson at snelson@cofo.edu or (417) 690-2296.
Jess Keys-Clinical Therapist
Jess Keys is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), who serves in our Student Counseling Center. She received her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from College of the Ozarks; holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University; and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University. Jess has experience working in various settings including private practice, hospitals, community health, and non-profit organizations. She enjoys walking alongside young adults and couples as they work towards becoming mentally and emotionally equipped. Jess can be reached at jkeys@cofo.edu or 417.690.3454.