Academic Support Archives - 糖心vlog官网 /news-category/academic-support/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:34:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 First-Gen Trailblazer: Green Crosses the Finish Line /news/first-gen-trailblazer-green-crosses-the-finish-line/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:30:24 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=102885 AntErica Green

When 糖心vlog官网 graduating senior AntErica Green steps onto the Commencement stage on Dec. 20, she won鈥檛 just be accepting a diploma鈥攕he鈥檒l be rewriting what鈥檚 possible for her family. The Clarksville native is becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree, a milestone she hopes will ripple through the younger […]

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AntErica Green

When 糖心vlog官网 graduating senior AntErica Green steps onto the Commencement stage on Dec. 20, she won鈥檛 just be accepting a diploma鈥攕he鈥檒l be rewriting what鈥檚 possible for her family. The Clarksville native is becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree, a milestone she hopes will ripple through the younger cousins who look up to her.

A 2022 graduate of Clarksville High School, Green will receive a degree in biology, with minors in criminal justice and philosophy.

As a first-generation college student, Green said the achievement feels both personal and generational.

“Being the first to graduate from college is a huge accomplishment for me, and I鈥檓 proud to set an example for my younger family members,” Green said. “It feels like I鈥檓 breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation. As I walk across the stage, I think I鈥檒l feel proud, grateful, and emotional. I鈥檒l be thinking about all the hard work, sacrifices, and support that helped me get to that moment. It will feel like both an ending and a beginning.”

Among those sources of support, Green said, was the University鈥檚 TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded initiative that provides free, personalized academic services for first-generation and other qualifying students.

“TRIO has been a huge part of my success,” Green said. “My TRIO advisor supported me both academically and personally and helped me navigate things like financial aid, course planning, and time management. TRIO gave me a safe space, resources, and people who genuinely cared about my success. Having that support system made a big difference in helping me stay motivated while balancing work and school, and it played a major role in helping me become a college graduate.”

Green is also part of the first graduating class to participate in First Look, a new TRIO SSS summer bridge experience launched in 2022. The program brings first-generation students to campus before their first semester to help ease the transition to college life.

“Students attend mock classes, explore the campus, meet upperclassmen, connect with faculty, and stay in a residential hall,” said Lori Wineland, student success advisor and academic skills coach. “TRIO SSS and other campus departments provide a variety of workshops intended to increase student鈥檚 connection to campus. First Look creates an environment for students to build skills and knowledge to help them be successful during their time at Ozarks.”

Green said Wineland played a particularly meaningful role in her college journey.

“My favorite professor has been Professor Wineland, who taught me during my freshman year,” Green said. “She has always been supportive, caring, and committed to helping her students succeed. She is also my TRIO advisor and has been an incredible source of guidance and encouragement throughout my time at Ozarks.”

Green鈥檚 accomplishments are all the more notable given her demanding schedule. Throughout college, she worked an average of 36 hours a week at Johnson Regional Medical Center while maintaining her studies鈥攁nd will still graduate in just 3陆 years.

“Some obstacles I鈥檝e faced include balancing school and work, managing stress, and pushing through moments where things felt overwhelming,” Green said. “Staying determined, staying organized, and relying on my support systems helped me stay focused on my goals. Balancing school and work has taught me time management and discipline. I stay organized, plan, and make sure to set priorities so I can be successful in both areas.”

With her background in biology and criminal justice, Green plans to pursue a career in forensics.

“My long-term goal is to become a forensic scientist or homicide detective, possibly specializing in DNA analysis or crime scene investigation,” Green said. “I want a career where I can contribute to the justice system by helping provide accurate, science-based evidence for real cases and provide justice to families.”

Green said she chose to attend her hometown University because she wanted a place where she could form deep academic and personal connections.

“The smaller class sizes, welcoming community, and opportunities for mentorship made Ozarks the perfect fit for me,” Green said. “My experience at Ozarks has been so meaningful and transformative. I鈥檝e grown academically, personally, and professionally.”

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Spicer Recognized for 25-Year Support of TRIO Students /news/spicer-recognized-for-25-year-support-of-trio-students/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:18:25 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=83218 Kimberly Spicer

Kimberly Spicer, program specialist in the Student Success Center, was recognized recently for 25 years of working and supporting TRIO students at 糖心vlog官网. Spicer, a 1998 graduate of Ozarks, was honored by the Arkansas Association of Student Assistance Programs (AASAP) at its annual conference in Rogers, Ark., Oct. 8-10. Spicer has worked […]

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Kimberly Spicer

Kimberly Spicer, program specialist in the Student Success Center, was recognized recently for 25 years of working and supporting TRIO students at 糖心vlog官网.

Spicer, a 1998 graduate of Ozarks, was honored by the Arkansas Association of Student Assistance Programs (AASAP) at its annual conference in Rogers, Ark., Oct. 8-10.

Spicer has worked at the University since she graduated from Ozarks, including more than decade working directly with TRIO students. The TRIO programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are administered, funded, and implemented by the United States Department of Education.

Vanessa Hollowell, director of the Student Success Center, said Spicer鈥檚 roles at Ozarks have changed over the years, which has allowed her to support students within the TRIO program in a number of ways.

鈥淎 few of those include, directing career services, connecting students with tutors, providing academic pre-advising, and leading various programs including our first-generation celebration,鈥 Hollowell said. 鈥淜imberly connects with first-gen students, which is the focus of TRIO, because she herself is a first-generation college student.  She understands the challenges first-gen students face and is able to use her own experience to guide students throughout their educational journey. Her longevity with both Ozarks and TRIO shows her dedication to student success.  I am blessed for her to be a part of our TRIO team.鈥

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Connie High Announces Retirement /news/connie-high-announces-retirement/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:26:15 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=75883 Connie High

Connie High, who has led the 糖心vlog官网鈥 Student Support Services (SSS) program since 2011, has announced that she will retire this summer. Her last day will be July 28. The SSS program is part of TRIO, an initiative established by the federal government in 1964 to overcome class, social and cultural barriers […]

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Connie High

Connie High, who has led the 糖心vlog官网鈥 Student Support Services (SSS) program since 2011, has announced that she will retire this summer. Her last day will be July 28.

The SSS program is part of TRIO, an initiative established by the federal government in 1964 to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. The SSS program at Ozarks provides extensive and varied academic services to students, including tutoring, course advisement, note-taking, success sessions, and financial aid workshops. The Student Support Center was added to the support services program in recent years to assist students who are not eligible for Trio.

High, whose title is director of the Student Support Center, said one of the things she will miss the most is working with students.

鈥淚 love the start of the fall semester. I鈥檒l miss the excitement and buzz that that time brings to campus,鈥 she said. 鈥淢any times I鈥檓 connected with students during freshmen orientation, so I鈥檓 working closely with them from their first semester until they graduate,鈥 High said. 鈥淧rior to coming to Ozarks, most of my years in higher education were spent with 鈥榥on-traditional鈥 college students, so it鈥檚 amazing to me to see the changes that occur in a person from 17 or 18 to 21 or 22 years old.鈥

All of the SSS services are free to eligible students. Ozarks is certified to serve 180 students who are first-generation college students, students from low income families, and students with disabilities.

鈥淢ost of the students in our Student Support Services program are first-generation college students,鈥 High said. 鈥淲e have three staff members in Trio who were the first in their family to graduate college. They are role models showing students that they can overcome obstacles and accomplish the goals they set out for themselves.鈥 

High said her interview for the Ozarks position in April of 2011 is one memory that stands out for her.

鈥淥ne of the tasks I was assigned during my job interview was a 30-minute presentation to the campus community,鈥 High said. 鈥淢y interview was in February and about an hour before my presentation was scheduled it started to snow. This being Arkansas, classes were cancelled and everyone headed home.  I still had to do the presentation, but it was me sitting at the desk of the committee chair while stepping through the PowerPoint presentation on his computer.  I would have been less nervous in front of a crowd.鈥

She said her first day at Ozarks, March 1, 2011, 鈥渇elt like coming home.鈥

鈥淚 was happy to be back in my home state after spending many years away while working in Wyoming, Utah and Tennessee,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 started out working with Kimberly Spicer, Louis Aszod and Norma Kirshberger and they embraced and supported me as I connected with students, faculty, and staff.鈥

During her time at Ozarks, High wrote a pair of TRIO grants that helped the program secure nearly $3 million from 2015 to 2025.

鈥淎lmost every aspect of my job has been a joy,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e loved working with the students; however, working under a grant can be a bit nerve-racking. The reality is that grants have to be funded in order for you to continue working.  I鈥檓 proud of the fact that the Trio grants I鈥檝e written were funded.鈥

She cited her colleagues at Ozarks as another thing she will miss.

鈥淚 have lots of fond memories, but the one that comes to mind at the moment is being on a search committee with [professors] Befrika Murdianti, Isaac Hunter, Chris Skinner, and Tammy Harrington,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t was one of those searches that kept resurrecting and reinventing itself, but being with that group of people made it a pleasant experience.鈥

鈥淚 will also miss the team of fantastic people I have had the pleasure to work with every day.鈥

High said her retirement plans include plenty of time with family.

鈥淚 have lots of plans for the next chapter of my life and my six sisters and brother also have big plans,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey expect lots more visits. I鈥檓 also very much looking forward to having more time to hang out with my 22 nieces and nephews, and their kids and grandkids.  They鈥檙e a great group of people.鈥

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Pelts Recognized Nationally as Advocate for First-Year Students /news/pelts-recognized-nationally-as-advocate-for-first-year-students/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:40:23 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=69789 Dody Pelts

Dody Pelts, vice president for student success at 糖心vlog官网, has been named an 鈥淥utstanding First-Year Students Advocate鈥 by a national organization. The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, along with co-sponsor Cengage, recently named Pelts as one of 10 recipients across the country for its annual award […]

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Dody Pelts

Dody Pelts, vice president for student success at 糖心vlog官网, has been named an 鈥淥utstanding First-Year Students Advocate鈥 by a national organization.

The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, along with co-sponsor Cengage, recently named Pelts as one of 10 recipients across the country for its annual award that recognizes educators 鈥渋nvolved in high-impact practices for first-year student success.鈥 Pelts will receive the award at the 42nd Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, Feb. 3-6, 2023, in Los Angeles.

Pelts was one of two national recipients selected from four-year universities with less than 2,000 students.

鈥淭his recognition was a surprise and such an honor,鈥 Pelts said. 鈥淚n all truthfulness, this award belongs to the many faculty and staff at Ozarks who chose to spend a large portion of their lives investing in first-time students. Freshmen come to Ozarks with big dreams, a little apprehension, and abundant potential. It鈥檚 my honor to lead a team that is dedicated to helping freshmen find their path each day.鈥

Pelts, who joined Ozarks in 2001, has been the director of the University鈥檚 Jones Learning Center since 2019 after serving as the assistant director the previous 12 years. She was promoted to the new position of vice president for student success in August of 2021.

鈥淔or nearly 25 years Dody has committed her professional skills, talents, education, and energy to enabling and empowering students to be successful,鈥 said U of O President Richard Dunsworth. 鈥淪he does not give up on a student, even when they may have given up on themselves.鈥

Dunsworth said Pelts has led efforts to 鈥渋ncrease the dialogue and exchange of information and ideas between and among faculty and staff to improve retention and persistence.鈥

鈥淭he first year of the modification resulted in an eight percent increase in freshman retention, Dunsworth said. 鈥淗er results are amazing, but just as important as her results is the approach to students and student success that Dody is inculcating in the campus. She is using data and information to guide strategy, continuously testing and modifying strategies, conducting environmental scanning and research with students who complete as well as those who transfer and stop out, while integrating a sincere and authentic voice to and for every student.鈥

Several students also submitted letters of support for Pelts during the nomination process.

Said Joseph Chrisman, 鈥淲hen I finally stepped foot on the campus, Covid-19 was something that made the moving process difficult and created fears that my college experience would be ruined, but because of Mrs. Pelts she provided an environment that would allow me to make friends within the first week of classes. Despite no longer being in the course, she still makes time to help me out and allows me to come into her office and discuss different things like classes or ways to deal with stress. Without her on campus, things wouldn鈥檛 be the same. With everything she does, she continues to create big impacts on the futures of many students.鈥

Said Maddison Powers, 鈥淎s I was stepping foot at the 糖心vlog官网 for the first time, in the midst of a global pandemic, I had no idea where to turn. For the first time ever I was completely on my own; a brand new place and brand new people to meet. Fortunately for me, I was soon placed in Dody Pelts鈥 introductory course. Mrs. Pelts ensured that I always felt welcomed at the University and understood that she was there for me, regardless of the situation. As a first-semester freshman, Mrs. Pelts was part of the handful of staff and family members that consistently checked in. Not only did Mrs. Pelts discuss academic goals with me, but about my emotional being as well. This was especially important to me considering I was about 13 hours from home. She was also very thorough in ensuring that I knew all of the resources that were available; whether it was tutoring, counseling, etc. Even as I continue my academic journey at the Ozarks, Mrs. Pelts still checks in with me and we often still converse about my achievements and where my future is guiding me.鈥

Recipients of the Outstanding First-Year Students Advocate award are selected by a national panel composed of members and former members of the National Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates, and other leaders in American higher education.

Established at the University of South Carolina, the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition serves education professionals by supporting and advancing efforts to improve student learning and transitions into and through higher education. The organization achieves this mission by providing opportunities for the exchange of practical and scholarly information as well as the discussion of trends and issues in our field through the convening of conferences and other professional development events such as workshops and online learning opportunities.

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Denn茅 Named Instruction and Outreach Librarian /news/denne-named-instruction-and-outreach-librarian/ Wed, 27 Jul 2022 20:48:21 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=63424 Krista Denne

Krista Denn茅 has returned to 糖心vlog官网 as the instruction and outreach librarian for Robson Library. Her first day at Ozarks was July 20. Denn茅 most recently worked as the programming librarian at the Johnson County Public Library. She also serves as the pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville, which meets on […]

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Krista Denne

Krista Denn茅 has returned to 糖心vlog官网 as the instruction and outreach librarian for Robson Library. Her first day at Ozarks was July 20.

Denn茅 most recently worked as the programming librarian at the Johnson County Public Library. She also serves as the pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville, which meets on campus in Munger-Wilson Chapel.

Denn茅 previously worked at Ozarks as an adjunct instructor, assistant softball coach and in the Office of Public Safety.

鈥淚 am thrilled to return to Ozarks as the instruction and outreach librarian,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 look forward to sharing the abundant resources Robson Library has to offer with our students, faculty, and staff.鈥

Denn茅 will report to the associate vice president for academic affairs and will work with Robson Library鈥檚 circulation, reserves, and interlibrary loan services as well as catalog materials and maintain the library鈥檚 website. She will also help introduce and reinforce 鈥 in the library and in the classroom 鈥 the library鈥檚 print and digital resources while assisting individuals with their specific research interests.

A first-generation college student, Denne is currently working on a doctor of ministry degree with a focus on Ecclesiastical responses to crisis and trauma at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Iowa, where she obtained her master of divinity degree. She is also enrolled in the fall at Emporia State University to begin work toward a master of library science degree with a focus in leadership and administration.

She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in theological studies from Hanover College in Indiana.

Denn茅 is certified in mental health first aid with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is a volunteer with the Ozark Rape Crisis Center.. She and her husband, Doug, who is the director of Robson Library, reside in Clarksville.

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Trustees Honor Faculty and Staff at Awards Banquet /news/trustees-honor-faculty-and-staff-at-awards-banquet/ Tue, 03 May 2022 21:30:24 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=61294 Board of Trustees Awards

The 糖心vlog官网鈥 Board of Trustees presented its annual faculty and staff awards during the 2022 Trustees Awards Banquet, held April 29 in the Rogers Conference Center. Among the recipients for 2022 were (pictured, from left) Albert Leding, Mary Jane Spillers, Sara Warren, Lisa Gruben-Inness, Alicia Nowotny-Stewart, Dr. Derek Warren and Dr. Nathan […]

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Board of Trustees Awards

The 糖心vlog官网鈥 Board of Trustees presented its annual faculty and staff awards during the 2022 Trustees Awards Banquet, held April 29 in the Rogers Conference Center.

Among the recipients for 2022 were (pictured, from left) Albert Leding, Mary Jane Spillers, Sara Warren, Lisa Gruben-Inness, Alicia Nowotny-Stewart, Dr. Derek Warren and Dr. Nathan Eric Dickman.

Dickman, assistant professor of philosophy, and Derek Warren, assistant professor of biology, each received the Richard and Katherene Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award.

Sara Warren, the lead barista at Campus Perks, and Nowotny-Stewart, office manager for Academic Affairs, each were honored with the Arnold G. Sims Outstanding Staff Award.

Leding, the University controller, and Spillers, director of operations, data and records, each received the Alvin C. Broyles Outstanding Staff Award.

Gruben-Inness, the operations coordinator for the physical plant, was presented the 2022 Dr. Rick and Sheree Niece President鈥檚 Above and Beyond Outstanding Service Award.

Several other faculty and staff members also received service awards, including Samantha Hoing and Kimberly Maddox for 10 years; Phyllis Parsons and Dr. Kim Van Scoy for 15 years; Vickie Alston, Tammy Harrington, Vanessa Hollowell, Dr. Matt Myers, Dr. Amy Oatis and Dr. Joel Rossmaier for 20 years; Larry Isch and Debbie Siebenmorgan for 25 years; Dr. Stewart Dippel (in memoriam) and Dr. David Strain for 30 years; Patti Schuh for 35 years; and Robert Wofford for 40 years.

The trustees also honored several employees who announced their retirements this year, Felecia Atkinson (24 years), Stacy Key (23), Stuart Stelzer (39), Dr. Rhonda Shook (9) and Dr. Buddy Smith (42).

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Atkinson ’03 to retire at Semester’s End /news/atkinson-03-to-retire-at-semesters-end/ Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:37:18 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=60588 Felecia Atkinson

Felecia Atkinson 鈥03, who has worked at 糖心vlog官网 for most of the past 31 years, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the Spring 2022 Semester. Since 2015, Atkinson has worked in the Jones Learning Center as the learning disabilities educational assistant, where she has served primarily as a writing […]

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Felecia Atkinson

Felecia Atkinson 鈥03, who has worked at 糖心vlog官网 for most of the past 31 years, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the Spring 2022 Semester.

Since 2015, Atkinson has worked in the Jones Learning Center as the learning disabilities educational assistant, where she has served primarily as a writing specialist and, in the last two years, taught a section of Ozarks Seminar.

She began her career at Ozarks in 1991, working part-time in the Division of Sciences and Mathematics as division secretary for Dr. Buddy Smith. Over the years she has also served as program coordinator for Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), as an adjunct in English and as the tutor coordinator in Student Support Services.

Though she enjoyed classroom teaching, Atkinson said her greatest job satisfaction came from working individually with students on research writing.

鈥淚 enjoy helping students organize their ideas and mine the databases for academic articles to underpin a project,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 also enjoy helping students understand the fundamentals of writing and grammar. Working with students as they improve their writing skills has been rewarding in immeasurable ways. Since 1991, I have enjoyed being a part of the growth and changes on campus, especially the addition of new buildings. I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people here who have become dear friends.鈥

Atkinson, who had an associate鈥檚 degree when she started working at Ozarks, began taking classes part-time at Ozarks in 1996 and persisted until she earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English with Magna Cum Laude honors in 2003.

鈥淔rom 1996 until graduation in 2003, I took one class per semester or one or two classes during summer sessions,鈥 Atkinson said. 鈥淲orking with students with disabilities in SSS showed me what persistence looked like, so even though it would take me seven years, I was highly motivated to earn my English diploma, with my advisor Elissa鈥檚 Heil鈥檚 unwavering support.鈥

She left Ozarks in 2003 to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in English at Arkansas Tech University and, with graduate degree in hand, returned to U of O in 2006 to serve as an adjunct professor. In 2010, she transitioned to work full-time as program coordinator for ACE.

Atkinson said some of her favorite memories of her time at Ozarks occurred while she was both working and taking classes at Ozarks.

鈥淚 especially enjoyed my literature courses with Elissa Heil, Kendrick Prewitt, David Strain, and Tim Edwards,鈥 she said. 鈥淢y favorite memory is taking a class field trip to MacLean Hall with Professor Heil to visit a student who was supposed to be with us in our 6 to 9 p.m. British Literature class, only to find her watching Wheel of Fortune in her dorm room. The professor invited the student to turn off the television as we seated ourselves on the floor and included her in our class discussion of Middlemarch. Good times!鈥

Atkinson鈥檚 last day at Ozarks will be May 14. She said her retirement plans include spending more time with her parents and her grandson and travelling.

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JLC Provides VanHook with Support to Succeed /news/jlc-provides-vanhook-with-support-to-succeed/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:49:14 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=59319 Robert VanHook

Robert VanHook, Ozarks senior biology major wasn鈥檛 sure what to look for in a University when he first began his search during his junior and senior years of high school in Conway, Ar. His family had been all over the country while he was growing up because of military service. He did know one thing, […]

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Robert VanHook

Robert VanHook, Ozarks senior biology major wasn鈥檛 sure what to look for in a University when he first began his search during his junior and senior years of high school in Conway, Ar. His family had been all over the country while he was growing up because of military service. He did know one thing, though, he was looking for a place that would help him succeed and push him more than he had been in the past.

When a family member of VanHook鈥檚 suggested 糖心vlog官网 because of the Jones Learning Center, he was intrigued. After visiting our campus and seeing first-hand the community, connection, and ability to prosper, he knew this was the place for him. Because of a learning difference, he knew that Ozarks would offer him a unique service and provide the ability to thrive while getting the consideration that was needed for him to succeed.

Students who come to Ozarks for the JLC are assigned an Academic Support Coordinator. These coordinators are specialist in the specific type of learning difference that a student has and helps them through all aspects of life on a college campus. 鈥淐oordinators in the JLC are essentially a team-mate in your college career. They help you stay on top of assignments and advocate for you to professors,鈥 explains VanHook.

One of the biggest pieces of VanHook鈥檚 success is that he is able to test separately from the rest of his class. It is important for our most of our JLC students have the space to test that is free of any potential distractions or a specific time limit, which can cause undue anxieties. During his time at Ozarks, VanHook has been able to become more independent and rely less on the services of the JLC, which is the goal for many of our students that are a part of the JLC.

In the last 3 and 陆 years, VanHook has come to appreciate many different aspects of the services offered by the JLC and his coordinator, but said that for him 鈥渢he best part about having a coordinator is the routine it puts you into.鈥 He goes on to say that although he doesn鈥檛 have to meet with his coordinator Tina McCain as often, he knows that she is always there to offer assistance.

Like most other institutions, Ozarks has had to make some adjustments because of the ongoing pandemic. Despite these alterations, VanHook says he considers himself lucky because he feels like he made the shift from all face-to-face, to virtual, then back to face-to-face with masks relatively unscathed, even noting that his grades have improved and it has taught him he is able to be more independent in his learning.

Throughout the changes being made in the last few years, VanHook believes that the small community on Ozarks鈥 campus is what has allowed him to be successful. That tight-knit feel is one of the things that brought him here, beyond the JLC. 鈥淭he small class size allows professors to interact with students directly. The small school, small classes, and close community combine to make one-of-a-kind environment.鈥

VanHook also commented that making a decision to come to Ozarks had multiple different factors. 鈥淥n its own, the JLC program is absolutely worth coming to Ozarks for. The coordinators, services, and accommodations are certainly the best of any college learning disability program there is. The JLC doesn鈥檛 just prepare you for the next day of college; it prepares you for the next step of your life as well. The independence, learning techniques, and skills taught and reinforced by the JLC are invaluable assets that you鈥檒l use forever. Paired with the tight community of the University, small classes and caring professors make not just the JLC the best choice, but the rest of the school too.鈥 After graduation, VanHook plans to apply to and attend medical school. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys going on hikes, playing video games, and watching action movies. Additionally, he has been an EMT for 3 years.

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Denne Named Director of Robson Library /news/denne-named-director-of-robson-library/ Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:48:10 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=59263 Doug Denne

Douglas Denne will become the new director of the L.S. and Hazel C. Robson Library at 糖心vlog官网, effective June 1, 2022. Denne has served as the resource librarian at Ozarks since he joined the University in September of 2013. He replaces Stuart Stelzer, who announced his retirement recently after serving as the […]

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Doug Denne

Douglas Denne will become the new director of the L.S. and Hazel C. Robson Library at 糖心vlog官网, effective June 1, 2022.

Denne has served as the resource librarian at Ozarks since he joined the University in September of 2013. He replaces Stuart Stelzer, who announced his retirement recently after serving as the director of the University鈥檚 library since 1983.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 set out to be a library director when I came to Ozarks. I was just trying to get my footing and I relish the role of resource librarian; a fluid position that embraces new opportunities to serve this community,鈥 Denne said. 鈥淚 believe that libraries are sacred vessels. They hold deep truths, waiting to be discovered by the patient and curious. They also hold terrible lies. My central role is to welcome all and impart, if I can, a sense of wonder to those who enter this place. So while I want to place in each person鈥檚 hands the practical knowledge they seek, I hope that I can also support their quest for deeper meanings about what it means to live life fully.鈥

Denne earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Michigan, a master鈥檚 of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a master鈥檚 degree in library science from Indiana University.

Denne said he has no immediate plans for major changes to Robson Library and will work to further introduce the library鈥檚 services and resources to Ozarks students.

鈥淚 believe the very best things that we do for others are done anonymously,鈥 Denne said. 鈥淪o one of my challenges going forward is to continue to provide quiet stability while finding new ways to share our amazing print and digital resources to a community that is harried, hurried, and distracted.鈥

鈥淚 do not envision major changes until I have a better sense of what gifts and interests our next resource librarian brings. That said, I want to explore ways we can ensure every student has had at least one tour of our physical space and online resources. I want to invite staff and faculty to have the same opportunities in either one-on-one or group sessions. I want to build the University archives and expand general awareness about the University鈥檚 history. I also want to explore ways we can serve the larger community.鈥

Denne said he is grateful to have worked alongside Stelzer for the past nine years.

鈥淛ohn O鈥橠onohue writes, 鈥楾rue friendship involves listening compassionately and creatively to the hidden silences. Often secrets are not revealed in words, they lie concealed in the silence between the words,鈥欌 Denne said. 鈥淪tuart is a true friend. Despite [my] shortcomings, he has only shown me kindness, patience and wisdom. We will continue to be friends, but I will dearly miss our daily exploration of ideas together.鈥

Denne and his wife, Krista, reside in Clarksville.

The University will begin the search for a new resource librarian immediately.

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JLC Celebrating 50 Years /news/jlc-celebrating-50-years/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 14:10:23 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=58613 Student Tutoring

During the 2021-2022 year, the Jones Learning Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As one of the first learning centers for students with learning differences in the country, this anniversary is exciting for our University community. Fifty years ago the (then) College of the Ozarks embarked on a bold new experiment. In the fall of […]

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Student Tutoring

During the 2021-2022 year, the Jones Learning Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As one of the first learning centers for students with learning differences in the country, this anniversary is exciting for our University community.

Fifty years ago the (then) College of the Ozarks embarked on a bold new experiment. In the fall of 1971 three students with learning disabilities in the areas of reading and writing were admitted to a new program that would allow them the opportunity to receive a college education in spite of their learning difficulties. The program was 鈥渙riented toward working around a student鈥檚 disabilities with visual aids and cassette tapes taking the place of written tests and books鈥 (1972 Aerie).

The center opened the fall of 1971 under the leadership of Dr. Robert Dalke, Professor of Education. One of the first students, Tom Sisk from North Little Rock, commented, 鈥淭his program is fulfilling a dream for me in that this is one of the few colleges in America offering such an opportunity for the dyslexic student鈥 (1972 Aerie).

Since those early days of the learning center, many things have changed. The students that the JLC serves is no longer restricted to students with dyslexia. We serve students who are on the Autism spectrum, have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as dyslexia and other types of learning differences.

The support, care, and commitment to a unique population of students has allowed the Jones Learning Center to be devoted to students for 50 years, and will continue to be committed to these students for years to come. Students have been given the opportunity to earn college degrees through this essential program and become successful adults. Throughout this upcoming semester, we will be celebrating current JLC students and its proud alumni.

We hope that you will join us in celebrating this momentous occasion in April during our Homecoming event. To see the Homecoming schedule and to register for events, visit: ozarks.edu/homecoming.

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