College of the Ozarks announces inaugural Women’s Leadership Award

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — College of the Ozarks is proud to announce the establishment of an annual leadership award honoring extraordinary women whose actions inspire others. The Ozarks Women in Leadership (OWL) Award will be presented at the fall OWL Luncheon on Monday, October 28, 2024, at The Keeter Center on the College of the Ozarks campus. 

This award celebrates outstanding leadership contributions from women who demonstrate a deep commitment to making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those around them and embody the College's core values to steward faithfully, create community, pursue good, practice hospitality, and show gratitude.  

“We are thrilled to introduce this new award as part of our ongoing commitment to uplifting women in our region,” said Laura Lacey Johnson, first lady of College of the Ozarks. “The Ozarks Women in Leadership Award is a way to highlight those whose leadership extends beyond their noteworthy accomplishments and into the heart of their community, where they make a lasting difference.” 

The luncheon will also honor recipients of the prestigious OWL Scholarship, which recognizes academic excellence and exemplary leadership. The OWL Scholarship is presented annually to junior and senior female students at College of the Ozarks who have a 3.5 GPA or higher. 

The event's keynote speaker is Maria Lohmeyer, who has worked for the U.S. Congress, the White House, and the U.S. Navy.  Her notable career experiences include serving as Chief of Inaugural Ceremonies for the 58th and 59th Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol, Press Secretary to Mrs. Lynne Cheney, and Deputy Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush at the White House. 

The OWL Luncheon brings together local female leaders, community members, and friends of the College to engage in meaningful conversations and encourage the next generation of female leaders. 

Luncheon tickets are available to the public for $20 and can be purchased by calling the C of O Development Office at 417-690-2209.  

Given the event's popularity and limited seating, the College encourages all interested attendees to secure their tickets as soon as possible. 

For more information about the event, please contact Abigail Buschman, director of development, at (417) 690-2209.

For media inquiries, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and financial responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 3 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2024. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2024 and the Best of the Best and Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 from ConventionSouth magazine. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus. Follow College of the Ozarks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/collegeoftheozarks , on Instagram, @collegeoftheozarks, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/school/college-of-the-ozarks/, or on X,  @CofOHardWorkU.