Introduction:
College of the Ozarks, also known as “Hard Work U,” is a unique institution located in Point Lookout, Missouri. This liberal arts college was founded in 1906 and has a distinctive mission of providing a quality education to students who have financial need, while also promoting a strong work ethic and a commitment to service. The College has a rich history and many interesting facts that make it stand out among other institutions of higher learning. In this blog post, we will explore some fun and fascinating facts about the College of the Ozarks.
Fun facts about College of the Ozarks
Tuition is Free
One of the most unique features of the College of the Ozarks is its commitment to providing a tuition-free education. This means that students do not pay tuition for their education, but instead, are required to work on campus to cover the cost of their education. All students at the College of the Ozarks work at least 15 hours per week in various jobs on campus, from cooking and cleaning to working in the college’s dairy farm or its student-run restaurant. This “work-study” program not only provides students with valuable work experience, but also helps to instill a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
In addition to working on campus, students are also required to participate in patriotic education programs and to take courses in the history and principles of the United States Constitution. This requirement is part of the College’s mission to instill in its students a love of country and a commitment to service.
The College Has a Museum of the Ozarks
The Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks is a unique and fascinating attraction that showcases the history and culture of the Ozarks region. The museum is named after Ralph D. Foster, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who was instrumental in the founding of the College of the Ozarks. The museum’s collections include artifacts from the Ozarks region, as well as displays on Native American culture, early settlers, the Civil War, and the college’s own history.
One of the most interesting exhibits at the Ralph Foster Museum is the collection of original paintings by renowned American artist Thomas Hart Benton. Benton, who was born in Neosho, Missouri, is known for his depictions of life in the Ozarks region and his mural work, including the famous “America Today” mural at the New School for Social Research in New York City. The museum’s Benton collection includes many of his most famous works, as well as sketches and other items from his personal collection.
The College Has a Unique Sports Program
The athletics program at the College of the Ozarks is unique in many ways. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in several sports, including basketball, baseball, volleyball, and cross country. However, the college’s approach to athletics is different from that of many other institutions of higher learning.
Firstly, the college does not offer athletic scholarships, meaning that all student-athletes are on an equal playing field in terms of financial aid. Additionally, the college’s approach to athletics emphasizes character development and teamwork over winning at all costs. The college’s athletes are required to sign a code of conduct that emphasizes personal responsibility and respect for others, and the college’s coaches are expected to be positive role models who encourage their athletes to be leaders on and off the field.
Finally, the college’s basketball teams are known for their unique approach to the national anthem. Before every game, both teams line up together on the court and hold hands while a member of the military or a local veteran sings the national anthem. This tradition is part of the college’s commitment to patriotism and respect for the armed forces.
The College Has a Student-Run Restaurant
Dobyns Dining, located on the College of the Ozarks campus, is a student-run restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is staffed entirely by students, who work in all aspects of the operation, from cooking and serving to managing and marketing.
The restaurant is open to the public and offers a variety of menu items, including traditional Ozarks cuisine, such as fried chicken and biscuits, as well as more upscale dishes, such as prime rib and shrimp scampi. The restaurant also offers a farm-to-table experience, with many of the ingredients sourced from the college’s own farms and gardens.
Dobyns Dining is not just a restaurant, but also a learning laboratory for the college’s students. The restaurant offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, while also learning valuable skills in business management, marketing, and customer service. Many of the students who work at Dobyns Dining go on to successful careers in the hospitality industry, thanks in part to the practical experience they gained at the restaurant.
The College Has a Patriotic Education Program
As part of its mission to instill in its students a love of country and a commitment to service, the College of the Ozarks offers a unique Patriotic Education Program. This program is designed to help students learn about the history and principles of the United States Constitution, as well as the sacrifices made by American veterans and servicemen and women.
The program includes a number of initiatives, such as the Veterans Memorial Museum, which honors the sacrifices of American veterans, and the Patriotic Education Travel Program, which allows students to visit important historical sites and monuments, such as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Patriotic Education Program is just one of the many ways in which the College of the Ozarks promotes a love of country and a commitment to service among its students. By providing students with a deep understanding of American history and principles, the college hopes to prepare its graduates to be informed and engaged citizens who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities and in the world.
The College Has an Agricultural Program
The College of the Ozarks is also known for its strong agricultural program, which includes a working dairy farm, a hog farm, a beef farm, and a vineyard. The college’s agriculture students are involved in all aspects of the farming operations, from planting and harvesting to processing and marketing.
In addition to hands-on experience in farming, the college’s agriculture program also offers courses in animal science, plant science, and agricultural economics. The program emphasizes sustainable agriculture practices and promotes the use of technology and innovation in the farming industry.
The college’s agriculture program is not only a valuable learning experience for its students, but also an important contributor to the local economy. The college’s farms and vineyard produce a variety of products, including milk, cheese, beef, and wine, which are sold locally and regionally.
The College Has a Strong Christian Identity
As a Christian liberal arts college, the College of the Ozarks places a strong emphasis on faith and spirituality. The college’s motto, “Hard Work U,” is rooted in the Christian values of discipline, perseverance, and service.
The college’s Christian identity is reflected in many aspects of campus life, including daily chapel services, Bible studies, and Christian fellowship groups. The college’s faculty and staff are also committed Christians who are dedicated to helping students grow in their faith and develop a deep understanding of Christian values and principles.
The college’s commitment to Christian education is also reflected in its academic programs. The college offers courses in Christian theology, biblical studies, and church history, as well as a minor in Christian ministry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the College of the Ozarks is a unique institution that offers a high-quality education, while also promoting a strong work ethic, a commitment to service, and a deep love of country and faith. The college’s distinctive features, such as its tuition-free model, its working farms and vineyard, and its emphasis on patriotism and Christian values, make it a truly one-of-a-kind institution.