College of the Ozarks reaffirms Sabbath observance, adjusts Sunday operations

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks, after carefully evaluating Sunday operations, is committed to upholding its foundational values by discontinuing Sunday brunch at The Keeter Center. This step, rooted in faith, tradition, and a desire to prioritize students and employees, aligns with the values of the College.

 

Reservations for Sunday brunch will continue through the summer, with the final brunches being served on July 20, 27, and Aug. 3. Enjoy a thoughtfully curated brunch menu featuring timeless signature dishes and student-made products. This enhanced menu will feature an array of culinary delights, including seafood selections and carving stations.

 

Reservations will be accepted by phone only beginning June 2, 2025, at 8 a.m. at 417.690.2146. Please visit the website for more details at https://www.keetercenter.edu/Special-Brunch  

 

“Minimizing Sunday operations on campus is more than a business decision; it is a reflection of the College and its values,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president. “This decision is not only a part of our faith-based identity, but it also demonstrates our commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment for our employees and their families. By staying true to these values, we believe we are better serving our community.”

 

The Keeter Center will remain open Monday-Saturday, ready to serve guests lunch and dinner.

 

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, fine dining, and group meetings facility — remains the largest student workstation on campus, with more than 400 students serving there each year.

 

“We want to honor our students and employees by giving them the opportunity to rest, spend time with loved ones, and worship in a local congregation,” Johnson said. “The decision, affirmed unanimously by our Board of Trustees, aligns with the College of the Ozarks vision to foster a culture that values faith and family. The hallmark of authentic faith is the willingness to reflect deeply and the courage to align our actions with biblical principles. We see this as both a meaningful step and a valuable opportunity to grow in our walk with Jesus Christ.”

 

For additional information, 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 fiscal 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.