Nearly a decade after the sudden loss of a beloved classmate, ����vlog���� alumnus Cole Clementson ’15 is ensuring that the spirit, creativity, and generosity of his friend Theodore “Taz” Beard IV ’15 continue to shape lives at Ozarks for generations to come.

Clementson (pictured left) recently made a beneficiary gift commitment to the University in support of the Theodore “Taz” Beard IV ’15 Scholarship Endowment, honoring the memory of Beard, a friend whose impact on campus remains deeply felt.

Beard died from injuries sustained in a vehicular accident in March 2015, two months before he was scheduled to graduate from Ozarks. He was posthumously awarded his degree that May.

In 2021, Clementson and several of Beard’s classmates and friends established the scholarship endowment in his honor. Beard was a popular student known for his infectious personality and boundless creativity — he was a member of the men’s basketball team and also an accomplished artist and musician. He also used his artistic talents as a prosthetic technician.

Clementson, who works in marketing and communications for a patient advocacy organization in Washington, D.C., said that after reflecting on how he could further support the scholarship, a beneficiary commitment felt like the right next step.

“My original mindset was to ‘lead by example,’ but that seems a bit arrogant in hindsight,” Clementson said. “There are a lot of people looking for an excuse to do good in the world. It’s not enough just to say, ‘I want Taz to have a legacy’ and leave it at that without putting your money where your mouth is.”

Describing Beard’s death as something that “devastated anyone he ever touched,” Clementson has organized birthday fundraisers in Beard’s honor through social media over the years. 

“I always kick it off with a matching gift challenge, and I’m always humbled by the response,” he said. “Taz has been gone for a whole decade now. It’s insane. Several familiar faces regularly donate when I do this fundraiser, but I still find myself surprised. I remember one year I did it, Tyler Hydrick almost immediately matched my challenge with $1,000. I was astounded. You never truly know what sort of impact someone has on someone else until you see a gesture like that. There are still people who remember him so well and chip in to support a cause in his name because it’s just the opportunity they were looking for to make a small but meaningful part of the world a little brighter.”

Although Clementson and Beard never shared a class, their friendship formed quickly and deeply.

“As a dormmate and friend, he was the kind of guy that could light up any room he walked into,” Clementson said. “You don’t get a lot of friends in college who are capable of having a good time, but also unashamedly vulnerable. He wasn’t just looking to party or get a degree. He saw many different sides of the people he connected with, and always wanted to know more.”

Clementson said Beard was a powerful example of what it means to pursue life with passion and intention.

“He did everything he wanted to do with more fervor than I’ve ever seen from another person,” he said. “I’ve known some people to get incredibly focused on one thing and do it well, but Taz was zealous about everything he put his mind to—rap, basketball, and especially his art. He even wrote a children’s book for his son, and I can’t stress enough how objectively fantastic it was. The amount of consideration and effort he put into polishing every interest he had, while never forgetting to live his best life, is a combination of skills I don’t think I’ll ever come close to mastering, but I think it’s the perfect model for how one should aspire to live.”

Clementson’s reflection on his own experience as a student and scholarship recipient at Ozarks helped inspire him to make the beneficiary commitment to the Beard scholarship.

“I was once interviewed by Dr. Rickey Casey and Debby Mooney for the Hurie Scholarship and that scholarship was the biggest reason I was able to go to U of O,” he said. “I remember one of their questions was something along the lines of: ‘after graduating from U of O, how would you give back?’ and I brazenly told them that I’d create a scholarship. I meant it then, though I never expected a friend’s passing to be what spurred me into taking actionable steps.”

“When Taz first passed, there was a community to grieve with. But time marches on. People settle into careers, get married and have children. And while it’s marching, what becomes of those frozen in a moment? If you get two deaths, and the second comes the last time someone says your name, all the more reason to make sure others have a good reason to speak it into perpetuity. Thoughts like that pushed me to finally honor my original promise to give back in a way to make sure Taz hopefully won’t ever be completely left behind.”

For those interested in making a gift to the Theodore “Taz” Beard IV ’15 Scholarship Endowment or in establishing a beneficiary gift in honor or memory of a classmate or loved one, please contact Brian Henderson, director of development, at bhenderson@ozarks.edu or 479-979-1304.

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For 2021 ����vlog���� graduate Divina Cox, the path to a Ph.D. began in the clear, shallow waters of The Bahamas. What started as childhood days spent snorkeling and exploring the coastline has evolved into a scholarly pursuit of coastal geomorphology, driven by a desire to understand how climate change and rising seas are reshaping the natural resources of her island home and coastlines across the Caribbean. Today, Cox is a second-year Ph.D. student in geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where her research examines how coastlines and coastal landforms are formed—and how they continue to evolve over time.

Cox, who earned a degree in environmental studies from Ozarks, is currently serving as a graduate research assistant on a project examining coastal dunes along the California coast. Her responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data related to dune restoration projects, building an inventory of dune restoration efforts across California, and examining the primary motivations behind these restoration initiatives. She is also currently involved in two academic publications: one analyzing the motivations behind dune restoration projects, and another focused on sea turtle nesting in the Florida Panhandle.

“Growing up in The Bahamas, I have always had a strong passion for the marine environment,” Cox said. “Knowing the state of The Bahamas and how the effect that climate change and sea level rise plays on the country’s natural resources, I wanted to understand more about how the coastline in The Bahamas is affected and expand that more to the other Caribbean countries. “

Cox earned a master’s degree in environmental science from University of West Florida. She said her Ph.D. research centers on examining shoreline dynamics in The Bahamas.

“As part of this work, I have recently established CoastSnap stations on three beaches in The Bahamas,” she said. “CoastSnap is a citizen science initiative that allows members of the public to contribute to scientific research by taking repeat photographs of the coastline from fixed locations and uploading them to an online platform. These images are then used to analyze how shorelines change over time.”

Cox said that The Bahamas, considered a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces significant threats from climate change.

“This includes sea level rise and increased storm impacts that place beaches at risk,” she said. “This research is critical for improving our understanding of shoreline dynamics in The Bahamas and informing strategies to enhance coastal resilience.”

She plans to pursue a life-long career focused on protecting coastlines.

“In the future, I plan to expand my research on a broader regional scale throughout the Caribbean,” she said. “My goal is to collaborate directly with these communities to better understand their coastlines and support efforts to protect them from the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. I chose this field because of my passion for coastal environments and my desire to produce applied research that directly supports vulnerable communities.”

Cox attended U of O on a scholarship from The Bahamas’ Ministry of Education.

“Being able to attend Ozarks on a scholarship played a major role in shaping who I am today,” Cox said. “This opportunity allowed me to study in the United States, where I gained clarity on my academic and professional goals.”

Cox took advantage of the University’s LENS program to study a variety of disciplines, including minors in creative writing & thought and education.

“Through the LENS program at Ozarks, I became more open-minded, culturally aware, and developed a broader global perspective,” she said. “The program also provided me with numerous academic opportunities. Through my education minor, I had the chance to teach students about coastal science, and my creative writing minor strengthened my writing and communication skills. These experiences have been foundational to my development as a researcher and educator.”

She is already working to assist her home country that has helped her through her academic journey.

“I plan to continue giving back to The Bahamas by visiting schools and speaking with students about the opportunities I have received and the pathways available through education and scholarships,” Cox said. “I currently work, and will continue to work, with organizations and summer programs to engage with students about my research and academic journey. Additionally, through my CoastSnap research in The Bahamas, I actively involve local communities by encouraging public participation in data collection. This approach ensures that Bahamians are directly involved in the scientific work being conducted on their coastlines and helps build local awareness and capacity in coastal science.”

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����vlog���� is expected to welcome back to campus more than 500 alumni and friends for Homecoming 2025, scheduled for Oct. 16-19.

The weekend includes numerous events that are open to the public and most have no cost for admission.

Homecoming 2025 begins on Thursday, Oct, 16, with a proclamation signing and kickoff celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the campus mall. The event will include live music, yard games and food trucks. There will also be an Alumni Golf Tournament four-person scramble at Eagle Crest Golf Course in Alma, Ark., on Oct. 16

The highlights for Friday, Oct. 17, include, a Fall Choir Concert featuring the University Choir and an alumni choir at 4 p.m. in Munger-Wilson Chapel; an Eagles women’s volleyball match at 5 p.m. against Centenary in Mabee Gymnasium; and the Ozarks Awards Ceremony and Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet ($25 per ticket) at 6 p.m. in the Rogers Conference Center.

The highlights for Saturday, Oct. 18, include, the Alumni Association Meeting at 9 a.m. In the Rogers Conference Center; a dedication ceremony and tours of the New Student Residence Hall at 10 a.m.;  an Ozarks Reunion/50-Year Club ($10) at 11 a.m. in the Rogers Conference Center; the Home Run Hangout featuring yard games, food and music at the Wilson Athletic Complex at 11 a.m.; a piano concert by alumna Chie Ishii-Losinger ’86 at 2 p.m. in the Walton Fine Arts Center; a photography exhibit and talk by alumnus Geoshan Lee ’20 at 3:30 p.m. in the Walton Fine Arts Center; and a Taste of Arkansas event ($10) at the President’s House at 6 p.m.

Homecoming 2025 concludes on Sunday, Oct. 19, with an Ozarks Remembers Chapel Service at 10 a.m. in Munger-Wilson Chapel, and a President’s Brunch ($15) at 11 a.m. in the Rogers Conference Center.

“Homecoming is one of the most special times of the year at Ozarks,” said Alyssa Langel, director of alumni engagement. “It’s a weekend filled with laughter, connection and memories — where alumni, families and friends can come together to celebrate the spirit of this incredible University. From concerts and campus tours to food trucks and family-friendly fun, there’s truly something for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome everyone home to Ozarks this fall.”

To view a complete list of Homecoming 2025 activities or to register for a paid event, please visit 

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A sweeping new mural celebrating the people, places, and pride of Johnson County is adding color and character to downtown Clarksville — the result of a creative collaboration among ����vlog���� alumni, a recent art graduate, and a pair of accomplished artists.

Stretching 56 feet across the back wall of Curran’s Abstract and Title, the vivid outdoor artwork was commissioned by business owners and 2012 Ozarks alumni Ethan and CharLee Rogers. The mural was designed by 2025 art graduate Mirian Miralda and brought to life by Tammy Harrington, professor of art at U of O, and her husband, Neal Harrington, professor of art at Arkansas Tech University.

The 7-foot-tall piece serves as a visual love letter to Johnson County, showcasing its most beloved landmarks — from the Oark Café and Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel to the Arkansas River, Red Lick Mountain Bike Trails, Johnson County Courthouse, and even a nod to the county’s famous peach orchards. Hidden within the vibrant imagery is a subtle tribute to the Rogers’ close friend and fellow Ozarks alumnus, Ben Powell (Class of 2000), a Clarksville businessman and avid outdoorsman who passed away earlier this year.

The Rogers have owned and operated Curran’s Abstract and Title since 2023. CharLee Rogers said the idea of the mural came about unexpectedly after trees were removed behind their building, revealing a blank canvas ready for transformation.

“I’ve always liked murals and suddenly we had this wall that we thought would be perfect for a mural,” CharLee said. “We thought it would be a great idea to add a little color and Johnson County history to the back of the building.”

A downtown revitalization grant from the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce helped fund the project, which became a community effort from start to finish. Miralda, an art and marketing major from Comayagua, Honduras, and recipient of U of O’s 2025 Outstanding Student in Art award, collaborated closely with the Rogers to create a design that captured both local landmarks and community spirit.

Painting began in July under the intense Arkansas summer heat. Tammy Harrington, with assistance from her husband Neal, spent more than 200 hours completing the mural — using roughly 10 gallons of paint to bring the design to life just in time to meet the grant’s mid-October deadline.

“The middle of the summer wasn’t the ideal time to work on it, but the deadline and school schedule made it necessary,” Harrington said. “This is by far the largest outdoor mural I’ve ever done and I learned a lot through the process.”

The Rogers say the finished product exceeded their expectations and has already become a conversation piece for locals and visitors alike.

“I love the details in it. It seems like every time we look at it, we discover something new,” Ethan said. “It’s way above and beyond what we expected.”

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The ����vlog���� Alumni Association will present its 2025 alumni awards to four distinguished alumni (pictured, from left) — Kelly Robins ’03 of Reno, Nev.; Chie Ishii-Losinger ’86 of Berlin, Germany; Geoshan Lee ’20 of Penang, Malaysia; and Jake Holland ’20 of Sugar Land, Texas.

The awards will be presented as part of the Ozarks Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, during the University’s 2025 Homecoming Week.

Here is a look at the Alumni Association’s 2025 award recipients:

Alumni Merit Award

Kelly Robins is the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Merit Award for meritorious work on behalf of his alma mater. Earlier this year, the former Eagles soccer player made a $127,500 gift for the soccer press box in the University’s new Wilson Athletic Complex. The University named the press box Robins Nest in honor of the gift. Originally from Arkadelphia, Ark., Robins earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Ozarks in 2003 before going on to earn an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno. He is the general manager for New Millennium, a Steel Dynamics company, in Reno. After graduating from Ozarks, Robins began his career as an international steel trader for Commercial Metals Company in Dallas, Texas, before working for a renewable energy company. He has worked for New Millennium since 2010, serving as district sales manager and sales manager before being promoted to general manager in 2020. Founded in 1999 in Butler, Indiana, Steel Dynamics is now one of the largest providers of high-performance structural steel joists, joist girders, and deck solutions for commercial steel construction projects.

Alumni Achievement Award

Chie Ishii-Losinger ’86 will receive the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding recognition in her chosen professional field. Ishii-Losinger is an acclaimed pianist, composer, author, and producer. Born in Japan, she moved to the U.S. at 19 to study piano performance at the then College of the Ozarks and Berklee College of Music. During her freshman year, she won first prize in the Arkansas College Student Piano Competition. While at Ozarks, Ishii-Losinger performed extensively at banquets, conventions, and board of trustees meetings, played the national anthem and cheer music at basketball games, served as organist/pianist at the First Presbyterian Church, and played alto saxophone in the Clarksville community jazz band. In addition to her musical talents, she also held exhibitions showcasing her paintings. After graduating, she directed the YAMAHA Music School in Arkansas before advancing her career in Japan, England, and Germany. Her versatility spans from performing Chopin’s works to producing rock music as the bassist and manager of her band, Breathless. In 1997, she became the first artist in Europe to record an audio DVD with her album Berlin Affair. Her profound connection to her alma mater was highlighted in 2017 when she was invited to perform a solo concert at the ����vlog���� as part of the Walton Arts and Ideas Series, playing on the same stage where she held her senior recital 31 years earlier. Throughout her career, she has released four solo albums, published seven music books, and launched the ALWRITE project, arranging instrumental piano compositions that brought solace to listeners worldwide during the pandemic. She is also the author of Meine Selbstheilung (My Self-Healing) in German and co-author of Psycho-Musicology in English. Even with her busy schedule, Ishii-Losinger’s dedication to music education is evident in her willingness to mentor aspiring talents. She has consistently provided piano lessons—both in person and online— to international students of all ages and skill levels, including adult beginners, in English, German, and Japanese.

Young Alumni Achievement Award

Geoshan Lee ’20 is the recipient of the 2025 Young Alumni Achievement Award, given to an alumnus under the age of 35 who has gained recognition in his or her chosen profession. After graduating with high academic honors from U of O with a degree in communications and media studies, Lee went on to earn a degree in photography from John Brown University. In 2024, he was appointed festival director of the Ozark Media Arts Festival (OMAF) in Springdale, Ark., following a media internship with Springdale Public Schools. Under his leadership, the festival grew in scope and visibility, engaging over 500 students across the Midwest and strengthening ties between creative education and industry. He oversaw operations, content strategy, and team coordination—ensuring student voices in media were seen and celebrated. Currently, Lee serves as a media specialist at FaveKad in Penang, Malaysia—Asia’s leading platform for culturally themed digital e-cards. His photography, featured in more than 400 published designs, plays a key role in preserving and promoting Asian heritage through visual storytelling that reaches diverse audiences. His signature project, The Touch of Tradition: Stories Woven Through Time, is a global series documenting endangered trades and crafts, with a focus on Malaysia’s rich artisanal heritage. Through intimate imagery and cultural insight, he spotlights traditional makers working with wood, clay, fiber, food, stone, and metal, capturing age-old practices on the brink of extinction and renewing appreciation for heritage crafts in the digital age.

Young Alumni Service Award

Jake Holland ’20 is the recipient of the 2025 Young Alumni Service Award, which recognizes an alumnus who is at least five years out from graduation and under 35 years of age and has been active in alumni activities and has demonstrated loyalty to the University. Holland earned a degree in communications and was also a member of the baseball team at Ozarks. Shortly after graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jake moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where he worked in logistics before returning to Ozarks as the associate director of alumni engagement. In that role, he spent two and a half years strengthening alumni relations through events, philanthropy, and digital outreach, while also working closely with the Alumni Board. Through his work with the board, Holland saw firsthand the impact it has on growing alumni engagement and fostering a strong connection between graduates and the university. Even after leaving Ozarks, he knew he wanted to stay involved and continue making a difference for his alma mater by giving back in a meaningful way. He is currently a member of the Alumni Board of Directors. In June 2024, Holland moved back to his hometown of Sugar Land, Texas, and was engaged to his fiancée, Kristina, later that September. He now serves as the communications and community engagement specialist for the City of Sugar Land, managing the city’s volunteer program and fostering civic engagement and community connection.

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Kimberly Spicer, program specialist in the Student Success Center, has been appointed as staff liaison on the ����vlog���� Alumni Board of Directors. She begins her three-year term on July 1.

A first-generation college graduate, Spicer earned her B.S. in management from Ozarks in 1998 and followed with an MBA from Webster University. 

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Alumni Board,” Spicer said. “As a proud alum and current employee of ����vlog����, it means a lot to stay connected and give back to a place that’s been such a big part of my journey.”

Spicer has dedicated over 25 years to serving students at Ozarks, and has held multiple roles within the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services and student success programs. She currently serves as a program specialist, offering personal, academic, and career support to first-generation college students.

In addition, she teaches Ozarks Seminar, a foundational course designed to help incoming freshmen transition successfully into college life.

During her undergraduate years at Ozarks, she was actively involved in Students in Free Enterprise and Phi Beta Lambda and gained valuable experience through the University’s work-study program with TRIO and Career Services.

Rooted in Logan County, Spicer grew up on an Arkansas Century Farm, where she continues to live and work today as a beekeeper and horticulturist. She owns and operates Spicer Farms & Kimberly’s Pantry, offering homemade and homegrown products available at local mercantiles and the Paris, Arkansas Farmers Market, where she also serves as market manager.

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The ����vlog���� Alumni Association has elected six alumni to join its board of directors during the organization’s annual recent spring meeting on campus.

The new directors will begin their terms on July 1, 2025.

Those selected for three-year terms (Class of 2028) included (picturd, top row from left) Claudia Cruz ’95 of Las Magnolias, El Salvador; Nicolas Dunsworth ’22 of Hampton, Va.; Jill Arbuthnot ’89 of Hiwasse, Ark.; (pictured, bottow row from left) Sandra Paige Davis ’16 of Chicago; and Jake Holland ’20 of Sugar Land, Texas. Odalis Garcia ’23 of Springdale, Ark., was elected to complete a one-year term and will be eligible to serve a three-year term beginning in 2026.

Also at the meeting, the association elected officers for 2025-26. Those included George Pittenger ’91 as president, Celeste (Willis) Coppage ’97 as vice president, Cori Dyson ’97 as secretary, and Cory Maag ’21 as treasurer. 

Cruz has extensive professional experience in sustainability, social and economic development, non-profit management, corporate communications, and marketing. Currently, she creates sustainable impact strategies, designs, and executes sustainability programs for companies and non-profits through Ubuntu Consulting, a multidisciplinary professional practice. During her college years, she was part of the Ozarks Chorale.Through Glasswing, she created the Glee Club Program, a leadership project to strengthen Central American public school students’ self-esteem and teach them values through music. She holds a degree in Radio/TV/Film from Ozarks and a master’s degree in corporate social responsibility from the University of Barcelona (Spain). Cruz is a fellow of the fifth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She has volunteered since 2004 on the Walton International Scholarship recruiting committee.

Dunsworth graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ozarks in 2022 with a BS in mathematics and a BA in English. While at Ozarks, he was a member of the swim team, an officer in the Ozarks Mathematical Society, and studied abroad in Scotland. After Ozarks, Dunsworth moved to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he completed his master’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in data science. Now based in Hampton, Virginia, he works for Booz Allen Hamilton as a staff scientist – data scientist. Outside of work, Dunsworth takes the opportunity each summer to teach leadership as a Program Coordinator for the Foundation for Teaching Economics. He enjoys being active, and currently enjoys bouldering, running, and playing pickleball with colleagues. He’s an avid reader and is currently exploring fermentation and indoor gardening.

Arbuthnot is one of several in her family that attended and graduated from Ozarks. Both her mother and her aunt attended U of O when it was College of the Ozarks. Arbuthnot graduated in 1989 with a degree in business administration. She worked in real estate and the legal department at the Walmart Home Office for 19 years. She currently works with her family pet-sitting business, where she has worked for the last 30 years. She volunteers weekly at her church food pantry and is actively involved in her Rotary Club as a grant writer and public image. She also participates in annual Wheelchair Mission Trips.

Davis is a member of the University’s Class of 2017, graduating a semester early with a BA in theatre and business administration. While at Ozarks, she was deeply engaged in student life—serving as an orientation leader, commencement speaker, and participating in the Campus Activities Board and theatre productions. Now based in Chicago, Davis is a licensed realtor who brings a creative, solutions-oriented approach to helping clients find home. Her background in operations and the performing arts honed her skills in communication, empathy, and adaptability—all of which serve her well in real estate. Outside of work, Davis enjoys writing poetry, ballroom dancing, and spending time with her 14-year-old dog, Pokey, who’s been her sidekick through it all. 

Holland graduated from Ozarks in 2020 with a degree in communications and minors in theater and environmental Studies. During his time at Ozarks, he was also a four-year member of the baseball team. Shortly after graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Holland moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where he worked in logistics before returning to Ozarks as the associate director of alumni engagement. In that role, he spent two and a half years strengthening alumni relations through events, philanthropy, and digital outreach, while also working closely with the Alumni Board. In June 2024, Holland moved back to his hometown of Sugar Land, Texas, where he got engaged to his fiancée, Kristina, later that September. He now serves as the communications and community engagement specialist for the City of Sugar Land, managing the city’s volunteer program and working to foster civic engagement and community connection.

Garcia is a 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Ozarks. During her time at the University, she studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and completed two impactful marketing internships that helped shape her professional journey. Now based in Northwest Arkansas, Garcia works as a brand and content strategist at TAG Marketing Agency, is a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, and runs her own photography business. With four years of hands-on marketing experience, she thrives on blending creativity and strategy to help brands and individuals stand out. Beyond her professional roles, Garcia is deeply passionate about volunteering and empowering others—especially youth and underserved communities. Her work is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, both in business and in the lives of those around her.

Created in 1967, the Alumni Board of Directors meets three times a year and is comprised of up to 30 U of O alumni who are volunteers. They dedicate their time in support of current students and faculty as well as in engagement of fellow alumni and recruitment efforts.

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����vlog���� alumnus Clayton Guiltner ’95, a Los Angeles-based writer, director, and producer leading GC Films LLC, will release his first feature-length film, “Hope’s Hollywood Christmas,” on Amazon Prime Video on November 25.

The film is written, directed and produced by Guiltner, an accomplished director who recently transitioned from theatre to film and television. A native of Oklahoma, Guiltner graduated from Ozarks in 1995 with a degree in theatre.

Produce by Guiltner’s GC Films and filmed in Oklahoma, “Hope’s Hollywood Christmas” is described as a “heartwarming film” that tells the story of a struggling single mom who takes a temporary job with a has-been, aging movie star and teams up with the star’s chauffeur to stop a scheming lawyer and agent from stealing her fortune. Together, they find love, a new sense of family, and holiday magic along the way.

“This film was a labor of love,” Guiltner said. “It not only captures the magic of Christmas, but also the spirit of generosity and coming together, which is what the holiday season is all about.”

The films stars Lisa Fenimore (“American Underdog,” “The Story Behind the Story”), Charlie Wood (“Billionaire Daddy,” “I Wish It Were You”), and Claire Montgomery (“Reagan: From Movie Star to President,” “Christmas with the Foxes”).

For the first time since filming wrapped this past summer, the film’s stars and Guiltner will reunite at the film’s red-carpet world premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Main Theatre at The Los Angeles Film School.

“I’m overjoyed to reunite with our team and celebrate the debut of Hope’s Hollywood Christmas, particularly in the iconic Hollywood setting,” Fenimore said.

Guiltner said in a 2017 interview with U of O’s Today magazine that he considers his Ozarks education the foundation of his career.

“Not only did my major in theatre expose me to professional methods in the entertainment industry that I use each day, but many other courses I took in humanities and business have shaped my understanding of the entirety of my work,” he said. “College for me was not only about the coursework and instruction, but the life skills I learned in time management, discipline, organization and responsibility. These are invaluable skills all of us need in any industry.”

Guiltner previously was the producing artistic director of The Grex Group Theatre in New York City and Grex Group-LA in Los Angeles. He is a lifetime member of the Directors Unit of the renowned Actors Studio, where he was mentored by the late Martin Landau and director Lou Antonio.

In addition to his degree from U of O, he has earned a pair of master’s degrees.

“My career began with a passion for storytelling and performance, which led me to pursue a formal education in the arts,” Guiltner said, “With a bachelor of arts in theatre, a master of arts in business leadership, and a master of fine arts in directing, I’ve always strived to bring a combination of creativity and professionalism to all of my work.”

A classically trained actor, he embarked on his career touring nationally with the Act One Drama Company before transitioning into directing and producing. For the first two decades of his career, Guiltner focused on directing and producing live theatre, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and classical theatre, in various venues throughout New York City and the U.S. Encouraged by his mentors at the Actors Studio, he began exploring film and television directing and producing. He initially worked as a creative producer, director, and writer for a boutique film production company in Orlando, Fla., where he gained comprehensive knowledge of filmmaking.

Since 2015, Guiltner has directed and produced an Indie television series, short films, and developed numerous films, refining his producing skills, business acumen, and creative storytelling abilities. His other films include, “The Prevalence” (writer/director) and “Some Things Private” (writer/director).  His original TV Series, “Finding Miles,” was featured in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan.

In addition to his professional directing work, he currently serves on the faculty counsel and as lead faculty for the entertainment business program at The Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood where he teaches a wide range of courses in performance, entertainment business, and leadership as well as serving as an adjunct professor teaching script analysis and acting at Ventura College.

In a recent interview with Canvas Rebel, Guiltner reflected on hitting the 30-year milestone in show business.

“When I celebrated 30 years in this profession, I realized just how much I’ve given—years of study, financial struggle, and even relationships,” he said. “It’s frustrating when people who haven’t walked that path don’t see the difference between a hobbyist and someone who’s spent a lifetime perfecting their craft. I like to think everyone has a creative side. Whether it’s the accountant planting flowers on the weekend, the manager streamlining work systems, or the teacher making lessons fun—creativity shows up in all kinds of ways. But there’s a big difference between someone who enjoys it as a hobby and someone who pursues it as a career. When creativity is your career, it comes with financial hardship, personal sacrifice, and years of training. It’s not just about passion—it’s about the grit to keep going when the challenges pile up.”

“This isn’t about arrogance. It’s about recognizing that mastery takes time and sacrifice. Just as a first-year medical student isn’t on the same level as a seasoned doctor, the same applies in the arts. Behind every great film, play, or song are countless hours of learning, failure, and hard work. So, to anyone new to the arts: stay humble, stay curious, and be ready for the long haul. The creative journey is full of rewards, but it requires dedication, patience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Guiltner lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Erin, and four kids.

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����vlog���� is expected to welcome more than 500 alumni, friends and family members to campus for a variety of events and reunions during Homecoming 2024, scheduled for Oct. 14-20.

The theme for this year’s event is “Home We Love,” and there are numerous events scheduled throughout the week for students, including a Homecoming Dance on Oct. 12 and a Meet-Up Rally and Proclamation Signing at The Levee in downtown Clarksville on Monday, Oct. 14.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Community Event @ Ozarks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, on the campus mall.  The Clarksville community is invited to attend the event, which will include free burgers, hot dogs, and snow cones, games, face-painting, bounce houses for the kids as well as vendor booths showcasing crafts and produce.

There will also be a dedication ceremony for the University’s new Wilson Athletic Complex from 10-10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the complex.

Other events throughout the weekend include, an alumni golf outing at the Clarksville Country Club, a Cyanotype Sun Prints Workshop, an art exhibit featuring alumna Azalia Molina ’18, an Alumni Brick Ceremony, Taste of Arkansas at the President’s Home, a Walton International Scholarship 40-Year Reunion, alumni athletic games, and an Ozarks Remembers Service.

There will also be the annual Ozarks Awards Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18, in the Rogers Conference Center. This year’s alumni recipients will include, Lee Whitaker ’93 with the Alumni Merit Award; Dzuhari “Dzu” Mohad Daud ’89 with the Alumni Achievement Award; Jae Lynn Huckaba ’18 with the Young Alumni Achievement Award; and Abby (Asencio) Tucker ’22 with the Young Alumni Service Award.

Also at the Ozarks Awards Ceremony, the University will present its donor appreciation awards. This year’s recipients include Gilbert Parks and Susan Burden ’67 and Dr. Gene and Lynda Stephenson with the Pay It Forward Champions Award; Ted ’58 and Joe Ann ’57 Young with the Alumni Legacy Award; Tristan ’12 and Andrea ’12 Cooper and Ethan Harbour ’12 with the Emerging Philanthropist Award; and Duffield Gravel Company with the Community Champion Award.

In addition, there will be U of O men’s and women’s collegiate soccer matches on both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Most of the events are open to the public and many do not have a cost for admission. For a complete schedule or to register, please visit or contact the Alumni Office at 979-1234.

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Ted ’58 and Joe Ann (West) Young ’57 of Clarksville will be presented with the Alumni Legacy Award during the 2024 Ozarks Awards Ceremony on Oct. 18. The awards ceremony is held in conjunction with the University’s annual Homecoming week.

The Alumni Legacy Award is presented in recognition of Ozarks graduates “who have given unselfishly of their resources to support the University and its mission during their lifetimes.” This award is chosen by the ����vlog����’ administration.

Ted and Joe Ann have supported the University for nearly 30 years each and have given to Ozarks for 19 consecutive years. They support the Ozarks Annual Fund as well as athletics each month and have given to the Wilson Athletic Complex.

Ted was a former four-sport athlete at Ozarks who was inducted into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. As a freshman in 1952, he earned letters in football, baseball, basketball and track, making him one of the first athletes in Ozarks history to earn four letters in one season. As a speedy halfback/defensive back in football, Young led the AIC one season with the longest punt return (62 yards) and the longest run from scrimmage (66 yards). In baseball, the smooth-fielding, leadoff-hitting second baseman was a four-year starter who helped the Mountaineers to two AIC titles. He hit .375 one season and was consistently among the league leaders in stolen bases. He lettered in track for two years as a sprinter until the school dropped the program, and was also a four-year letterman on the basketball team. By the time he graduated, Young had earned a total of 12 athletic letters.

Following his graduation from Ozarks, Ted served two years in the U.S. Army before going into coaching, including stints at Gentry, Hartman and Clarksville. He later became a business owner with Young Furniture Store and a go-cart track in Clarksville. He also worked for the Clarksville Housing Authority before retiring in 2007.  

Joe Ann spent 48 years in education before retiring in 2006. She taught in Denver, Col., and Fort Smith, Ark., for 13 years before spending seven years as a counselor at Darby Junior High School in Fort Smith and Sylvan Hills Junior High School in North Little Rock. She also worked for 28 years as an educational examiner for school districts and cooperatives in Hot Springs County, Southeast Arkansas and Pine Bluff. She earned a master’s degree in education and certifications in counseling and education examining and was named the Sebastian County Outstanding Young Educator in 1967.

The Youngs have been married since 2006.

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