2007 Most Influential Women Honoree: Sue Head

Building strong character in students is what separates Hard Work U – also known as College of the Ozarks – from other higher learning institutions. Students at the 100-year-old college work 15 hours a week and two 40-hour workweeks each semester to pay for tuition.

Leading the way in C of O’s character development efforts is Sue Head, executive director of The Keeter Center for Character Education at the school.

Head’s most high-profile responsibility is the school’s community convocation and forum series that brings nationally known speakers to the Point Lookout campus. TV newsman Tom Brokaw and retired U.S. Army general Tommy Franks are among the dignitaries she’s brought in to speak to students, staff and community residents.

She also directs C of O’s Citizen Abroad program and serves as the liaison for a program that brings cadets from U.S. military academies to the college annually for a spring forum.

As if she didn’t have enough on her plate after starting in 2004 at C of O, Head took it upon herself to launch First PLACE!, which stands for Partners Linking Arms for Character Education. The community program teaches kids values aimed at improving academic achievement, attendance, discipline and at lowering dropout rates.

First PLACE! is a partnership among The Keeter Center for Character Education, parents, businesses, civic organizations, churches and every school district in Taney County – Branson, Bradleyville, Forsyth, Hollister, Kirbyville, Mark Twain and Taneyville.

“As a result of this cooperative effort, positive results – some dramatic – have been measured in most of the schools, and more than 7,000 students are learning about good character every day,” said Head, citing a 50 percent decline in behavior problems at some participating schools.

Her civic responsibilities include serving on the board for the Rockaway Beach Foundation and working in various capacities for the Torchbearer Foundation, Missouri Bar Association and Lakes Area Leadership Academy.

When Head isn’t working for C of O, or working toward an executive doctorate in higher education management from University of Pennsylvania, she spends time with her family.

“My proudest accomplishment is a strong family life, despite a harried schedule,” she said. “I could not do all that I do without the support and love from my family.”

One-on-one with Sue Head

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

I would remind them that they will most likely have many positions before they discover the role that best utilizes their gifts and talents. Each step is an opportunity to acquire skills and form relationships. If a young woman develops a “can do” attitude and is known for being a woman of her word, she will be off to a great start.

Beyond the Golden Rule, what philosophy guides you?

A wise nun told me, “Your wound becomes your gift.” I believe that the Lord uses those difficult, sometimes tragic, events in your life to give you understanding and compassion for others who encounter similar situations.

Please tell us about your family.

My husband, Hayden, and I have been married for almost 20 years. He is an English professor at College of the Ozarks and loves to teach. My son, Heno, is 13 and enjoys living out in the country where he can catch turtles and snakes. My 10-year old daughter, Lanie, likes horses and the “Chronicles of Narnia.”

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]