New faculty to join School of the Ozarks this fall

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — School of the Ozarks is excited to announce two new faculty members: Casey Bass and Jacob Williams.

Casey Bass is joining S of O as the K-12 visual arts instructor. Bass is a Branson High School alum with a degree in art education from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s in gifted and talented education from Arkansas State University. Bass brings a dynamic blend of artistic passion, global experience, and heartfelt dedication to the educational system.

Her teaching journey began at the same place she attended as a student: Branson Schools. Eventually, however, she began teaching across the globe at all grade levels in places such as Alaska, Beijing, and England. Regardless of where she teaches, she is celebrated for sparking imagination and empowering her students to think big.

Bass’ college years were marked by deep involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ and meaningful summers spent guiding and mentoring youth at camps in Maine and at Kanakuk. These experiences shaped her passion for youth and commitment to building lasting connections both in and out of the classroom.

Bass is also the proud mom of four kids: Jacob, Winnie, Canon, and Daisy. Her youngest daughter, Daisy, recently graduated from Bentonville High School and will be studying culinary arts at College of the Ozarks.

Jacob Williams is joining the Beulah I. Winfrey Upper School at S of O as the natural philosophy instructor. This fall semester, he will teach chemistry and biology and contribute meaningfully to the Great Conversation — a cornerstone of the School's classical education framework.

A graduate of College of the Ozarks, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in educational ministries from Liberty University. His academic background and deep commitment to student growth reflect the values that define the School’s mission.

Williams brings a diverse background in science education and youth ministry. He previously taught science at Hollister High School and served at Mentoring Alliance Summer Camps and Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, where he shared the gospel and mentored children and teens. Most recently, he worked with the Taney County Health Department, focusing on community well-being. Now, he returns to the classroom with renewed passion for shaping the lives of young people through both scientific inquiry and Christian formation.

Driven by a belief in the formative power of daily habits, Williams is passionate about teaching practices that shape character, desire, and worldview.

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.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2024 and the 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.