Durant Proud to be First-Generation College Graduate
May 5, 2021
Posted in About
When University of the Ozarks senior Jakobe’ Durant walks across the stage next week to receive his college diploma, he will proudly establish a new family tradition.
The Spanish major from Destrehan, La., will be the first in his immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and he will be doing so with Cum Laude honors.
“This is something monumental to me because I have been told that I would not go far, that my goals were too big and that I would not get far in life because of where I was born and because of who my family is,” Durant said. “This achievement helps me show the world that nothing is impossible and, hopefully, that can be encouraging for others. I want to be an influencer that can tell and show people that if you work hard enough you will achieve what you have worked for.”
Manning Plans to Make Impact in STEM Field
May 4, 2021
Posted in About
According to the National Science Foundation, African American women are significantly under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professions, holding less than five percent of those jobs in the workforce. University of the Ozarks senior Destinee L. Manning plans to help change that trend.
Manning, a chemistry major from Memphis, Tenn., will graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors this month. She will then head to the University of Mississippi where she received a full scholarship and stipend to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical science with a concentration in medicinal chemistry.
U of O Receives $5.3 Million from Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation
May 4, 2021
Posted in About
University of the Ozarks has received a $5.3 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation for its new science center project.
The gift will go toward the current $18.6 million renovation and addition to the Thomas and Frances Wilson Science Center, the single largest capital construction project in University history. Construction began on the facility in January and is expected to be completed for the beginning of classes in January 2022.
“This project will meet the demands of record student enrollments, improve aging classrooms and laboratories, enhance community partnerships through technology and research, and advance the career opportunities of graduates in our area while keeping student costs down,” said University President Richard Dunsworth, J.D. “The Wilson Science Center will enable students from varying economic and educational backgroun
University Theatre Recognized for Productions
April 29, 2021
Posted in About
University of the Ozarks Theatre has been recognized for numerous awards and honors by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) for its recent performance of “Proof.”
University Theatre performed four live, virtual performances of “Proof” last weekend to conclude its 2020-21 schedule. The troupe also performed virtual productions of “For Hurting Hands,” and “Murder’s Disposal” this past year.
“In a year that has seen most professional theatres closed, University of the Ozarks theatre students have gone above and beyond to bring productions to life,” said Rebecca Bailey, assistant professor of theatre. “I am so proud of the dedication and ingenuity that our students have shown. They did not only continue to create and entertain, they grew and achieved new goals in each production. The awards and recognitions from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre
Posted in About
University of the Ozarks graduating senior Crystal Oudomvilay doesn’t hesitate when asked how she has grown in her four years at Ozarks.
“I used to be a person who was very timid, quiet, anxious, and stayed very close to a group of people. I was afraid to meet new people and talk,” she said. “Before Ozarks, I would be uncomfortable to put myself into a conversation or start one. Since I’ve been at Ozarks, I’ve grown to make what was uncomfortable, comfortable. Now I find myself going down the sidewalk and having a conversation with anyone. The community at Ozarks has allowed me to build the confidence in who I am and with that, I’ve become socially more active and outgoing.”