2017 Economic Impact Awards 30+ Years in Operation Finalist: College of the Ozarks

“Hard Work U” isn’t just a slogan at the College of the Ozarks – it’s a state of mind.

For the last 110 years, professors, administration and other staff members have aimed to change the lives of hard working students in the Ozarks.

Through the school’s Work Education Program, C of O has stayed true to their mission: to provide a Christian education to young people without sufficient means. Students work for their education – rather than pay – when attending C of O through 80 different work areas, including restaurant service, grounds keeping, construction, admissions and more.

“We hear from employers in the workforce that are more than happy to hire a C of O graduate because they already know how to work,” says Valorie Coleman, C of O’s public relations director.

The school gives back to the Ozarks through the training they give students, because many C of O graduates hold positions of leadership and responsibility in the community.

Coleman explained as students continue with their education, they are able to apply for campus jobs that fit their desired field. Students must go through an application and interview process before being considered for a position. Students then work 15-hour work weeks and one 40-hour work week each semester, during which they learn time management, customer service, interpersonal skills and other abilities that make them hirable.

In 2016, C of O employed 327 residents of Taney, Christian and Greene counties, and $22 million of the school’s budgeted $43 million goes toward employee salary and benefits.

With these jobs and 2016 revenue of over $63 million, the school helps supply money back into the local economy.

C of O also brings thousands of visitors to the Ozarks each year with its nationally recognized restaurant, hotel and event venue, The Keeter Center as well as various other activities the school hosts.

“We have visitors to The Keeter Center year round,” Coleman says. “It’s a great window to our campus.”

Coleman explained The Keeter Center brings in at least 350,000 visitors alone each year. It has been named a top small hotel in the United States by Trip Advisor for 2017.

C of O also has created Camp Lookout, a free week-long Christian camp for children ages 8 through 12. Camp Lookout has been available to 500 low-income children of Stone and Taney counties for the last 25 years. The camp experience includes Bible study time, community service projects, a trip to Silver Dollar City, water activities and more.

Of everything that C of O does for the Ozarks, Coleman says the educational opportunities are the most impactful.

“The opportunity for students to better themselves and provide a hope for a bright future is phenomenal,” she says. “We’re producing the leaders of tomorrow.”

Each year, C of O graduates over 300 students debt-free, many of whom would not have the opportunity to attend college. Coleman says students are able to leave C of O and start their lives without being burdened by student loans. With their educational preparation, these graduates land better-paying jobs and economically contribute to the Ozarks.

For the last 110 years, C of O has been devoted to the economy, leadership, betterment and culture of southwest Missouri.