By the time the final school bell rings each afternoon at Clarksville Intermediate School, ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų senior Gabbi Davis has learned one of the most important lessons of teaching ā€” no amount of preparation can fully predict what a day in the classroom will bring.

For Davis, a fourth-grade intern and elementary education major from Pottsville, Ark., the past year has been filled with unexpected moments, split-second decisions, and rewarding connections that have confirmed she is exactly where she is meant to be.

Standing in front of her students each day, Davis quickly discovered that teaching is far more than carefully planned lessons and organized schedules. Itā€™s about adapting in real time, finding creative ways to keep students engaged, and learning how to navigate the unpredictable rhythm of a classroom with patience and confidence.

ā€œThe most surprising part of this experience has been how unpredictable each day can be, no matter how well I plan,ā€ Davis said. ā€œItā€™s something that I couldnā€™t fully grasp until I was standing in front of the classroom and making split-second decisions to keep students engaged and learning.ā€

What initially seemed overwhelming soon became empowering.

ā€œThe experience allowed me to realize that I am much more adaptable and patient than I initially thought,ā€ she said. ā€œWhen lessons donā€™t go as planned, I am able to adjust in the moment and keep things moving. Iā€™ve learned to think on my feet and find creative ways to engage students. Overall, this experience has helped me better understand the kind of educator I want to be while confirming my passion for teaching children.ā€

Along the way, Davis also discovered that some of the most meaningful moments in teaching happen outside traditional lessons.

One of her favorite memories came on Valentineā€™s Day, when she celebrated with her students through games, ice cream sundaes, and exchanging Valentineā€™s Day cards. But it was the heartfelt gestures from her students that left the biggest impression.

ā€œWhat made the moment especially memorable was the kindness that students shared with me through handmade cards and gifts,ā€ she said. ā€œIt reminded me that creating a positive classroom environment truly makes a lasting impact on students.ā€

Davis, whose father is an elementary school principal, said she had a ā€œfront-row seat to the impact a school professional can have on students every single day.ā€

ā€œChoosing education allows me to combine my lifelong inspiration with my passion for helping others,ā€ Davis said. ā€œI want to create an environment where students feel safe, engaged, and capableā€”because Iā€™ve seen firsthand how powerful that environment can be.ā€

 She credited the Pat Walker Teacher Education program for preparing her for her first classroom in the fall. She has been hired to teach third grade by a school in Central Arkansas.

ā€œThe education program prepared me for my own classroom by providing me with meaningful, hands-on experiences in real classrooms,ā€ she said. ā€œDuring my time as a student, I have been able to observe and interact with children in kindergarten through sixth grade in three local school districts. Iā€™ve also learned how to design and deliver effective lesson plans and use different strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. With it being such a small campus, the professors involved in the Pat Walker Teacher Education program have worked closely with me, providing a consistent mentorship that has helped me grow tremendously over the four years.ā€

She said she is especially thankful for the mentorship of one of her professors, Dr. Doris Metz, associate professor of education.

ā€œOver the last four years, every moment that I have spent with Dr. Metz has made a positive and lasting impact on me,ā€ she said. ā€œFrom long talks in her office, constructive criticism in the classroom, and modern solutions to problems in the teaching world, Dr. Metz has been nothing but a great mentor. She is someone who is always grateful for every small moment and consistently brings positivity into the classroom. Her attitude has shown me the importance of appreciating the little things and creating an encouraging environment for my students. Her guidance, encouragement, and support have made a lasting impact on me and have influenced the kind of teacher I hope to become.ā€

Davis, who has also been a member of the women’s tennis team at Ozarks, said the last four years at Ozarks has ā€œbrought me the most meaningful and rewarding experiences that I could never have imagined.ā€

ā€œBeing a student-athlete on the tennis team has taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to balance many responsibilities,ā€ she said. ā€œMy teaching journey helped me grow professionally and gave me confidence in the classroom, while serving as president of the Ozarks Student Education Association allowed me to develop leadership skills and become more involved on campus. Most importantly, Ozarks brought me supportive professors who believed in me and encouraged me. It gave me an environment where I felt challenged, valued, and able to grow. It also provided me with the best of friends from around the world, whose support and memories have made these four years the most special. ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų has truly shaped me into the person I am today and has prepared me for my future.ā€

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ā€œYouā€™re going to be a doctorā€”you did it.ā€

Those were the words from her parents that finally made it real for Jessie Wright.

Moments earlier, the ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų senior from Decatur, Texas, had been holding her breath, staring at her phone, trying to process the news she had worked toward for years. But it wasnā€™t until she saw her parentsā€™ faces light up on a FaceTime callā€”voices breaking with pride and disbeliefā€”that the weight of the moment settled in: she was going to medical school.

ā€œWhen I got the news, I immediately FaceTimed my parents, and it didnā€™t fully hit me until I saw their reaction,ā€ Wright said. ā€œIt began with excitement and quickly turned into a phone call full of tears of joy. Hearing my parents say those words will stay with me foreverā€”theyā€™re engraved on my heart.ā€

Wright, who will graduate with high honors in May with a degree in biology, has earned a provisional acceptance to Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Memphis. The offer places her on the waitlist for 2026 admission with guaranteed entry for the fall 2027 semester. In the meantime, she plans to continue building toward her goal this fall by enrolling in the one-year Master of Biomedical Science program at the Arkansas College of Health Educationā€™s Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) in Fort Smith.

The call that changed everything came on the afternoon of April 1ā€”April Foolā€™s Dayā€”exactly four weeks after her in-person interview.

ā€œI had been anxiously waiting since the three-week mark, hoping my phone would ring at any moment,ā€ she said. ā€œBy 4:30 that afternoon, I didnā€™t think I would hear anything. I was in the science buildingā€”the place that holds some of my most meaningful experiencesā€”about to head to class with Dr. Frank Knight when my watch started buzzing.ā€

What happened next unfolded in a blur.

ā€œWhen I looked down and saw an unknown number that said ā€˜Maybe: Baptist University,ā€™ I gasped and told Dr. Knight, ā€˜Waitā€”I think Iā€™m getting an acceptance call,ā€™ā€ she said. ā€œI stepped away and answered, and from that moment on I couldnā€™t stop smiling. It felt surrealā€”hearing them confirm my name and congratulate me on being accepted to medical school.ā€

Wright said she first became interested in the medical field when she began experiencing unexplained health issues in middle school. Even though her medical condition was never precisley identified, she eventually began feeling better, while at the same time discovering a new field of interest. 

“As I continuously worked with specialty doctors, I realized there is an entirely different world of unknowns in medicine,” she said. “I learned that medicine has continuous questions, infinite unknowns, and never-ending research to be done. Watching my doctors search for answers in a selfless and dedicated way showed me the impact that physicians have both personally and on the future of medicine. Growing up in such a small town where I had to drive an hour for any doctorā€™s appointment, had a significant impact on my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up in such an area has fostered deep appreciation for service, resilience, and opportunities. These experiences influenced my desire to pursue medicine to work towards becoming a physician who serves and addresses these healthcare gaps in underserved populations, such as my hometown.”

Wright’s love for medicine only intensified when she began shadowing Dr. Edward Taylor, a trauma and critical care surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, in the summer of 2024. She has continued to shadow Dr. Taylor over the past two years in every opportunity she’s had to go back home.

“Shadowing a trauma and critical care surgeon gave me an unfiltered look into the intensity of medicine, solidifying my commitment to the field,” Wright said. “Despite a room full of chaos, I was drawn to the focus, determination, and quick decision-making that the physicians kept while in a high-risk situation. After the chaos had calmed, I was impacted by the doctor slowing down to engage, listen, and be patient with the patients and their families. This experience showed me the kind of physician who works with steadiness, intent, and compassion; I am inspired to pursue medicine with all in mind. I look forward to engaging and teaching the younger generation of students when I am a physician, as Dr. Taylor did with me.”

In her medical school personal statement, Wright shared a moment in the hospital that made a memorable impact on her.

“My deep passion and determination for medicine were first ignited in the trauma bay and critical care unit. It was Fatherā€™s Day and the beginning of my first shadowing experience. On our first call, from the moment the pager went off to the declaration of death, the room was crowded with fully devoted personnel. As I looked at the holes on each side of his head from where a bullet had penetrated, I thought about how much life was ahead of the young man. I observed the room while commands were called out, personnel were swiftly moving, and police officers were watching anticipatorily. There was a collective sense of intense devotion toward the same goal. I immediately became infatuated with an environment that held such immense passion to assist in the learned helplessness of others. From that first pager forward, I was at the hospital every chance I had.”

Wright credited her professors at Ozarks for helping prepare her for medical school.

“My professors not only provided me with support academically through courses and for the MCAT, but they helped me grow way beyond the classroom,” she said. “Through labs, research, and extracurricular involvements they have pushed me to develop strong skills in leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. These skills have shaped me into a more complete individual. They were also incredibly helpful through the application process, always available to answer questions and offer guidance. By building strong relationships with my professors and mentors, I had many opportunities and experiences that I was able to get involved in. I firmly believe I would not be where I am without them, their impact has been invaluable.”

With minors in chemistry, education and religion, Wright said the University’s LENS curriculum was especially beneficial to her.  

“Although education and religion minors may not focus on the sciences as most premedical students complete, I believe this has an impact on my success and open-mindedness,” she said. “Completing diverse classes and engaging with many professors on campus has improved my communication skills and has opened my eyes to different struggles and experiences. I believe that these opportunities have shaped me into a more compassionate and understanding person; it has strengthened my awareness and how I connect with people. A minor in education has taught me creative and strong ways to engage with all individuals. This has also taught me how to better explain difficult topics, allowing me to teach other students through study groups and one-on-one interactions.  My religion courses have built a deep respect for different ethical issues and world views. This has shaped me to be more culturally sensitive, inclusive, and thoughtful to individuals in different walks of life.”

Also a standout swimmer for the University swimming and diving team, Wright made history earlier this semester when she became the first athlete in program history to be named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Female Swimmer of the Year, capping a stellar senior season that included winning the 200-IM with a program record time of 2:15.39 at the 2026 SCAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

“It feels incredibly meaningful and very rewarding to be the first in program history to earn this honor,” she said, “It is very special and something I will always be proud of. It represents not only my hard work, but also the growth and progress of our program.”

“My final season felt like everything came together. It was incredibly rewarding to see that level of success come out of my time as swimmer and be recognized after so much time and effort invested in the sport. In all ways, it felt like a culmination of my entire collegiate careerā€”the off-season, the summers, winters, and all four years together. Every setback, breakthrough, and moments of growth in the pool led to that point. These awards did not just feel like awards, but the closing of a chapter that shaped so much of who I am. To finish my career at this level, knowing I helped set a new standard for the program, was something I never could have imagined when I first arrived on campus.”

The fact that she shone as a student-athlete is quite remarkable, considering she fractured her back and was in a brace for 12 weeks in the summer before starting college.

“From overcoming a potential career-ending injury, I have grown significantly and more than I ever imagined throughout swimming in college,” she said. “Throughout my four years as a collegiate swimmer, I went from questioning whether I would ever swim again to achieving personal best times and earning placements at major meets that I never thought were possible. Swimming taught me perseverance, discipline and how to push through adversity when the future felt uncertain. Swimming here is something I would do all over again if I could. I will carry with me the lessons, accomplishments and meaningful relationships I gained through this program.”

When Wright walks across the graduation stage on May 16, she expects to feel a strong sense of gratitude.

“For God guiding me to Ozarks and for every experience that has shaped my journey,” she said. “It will be emotional to think about the growth that has taken place over the past four years and the challenges I have overcome to reach my goals. I know seeing my parents in the crowd will make it even more meaningful, as their support ultimately brought me to reach this milestone.”

The post ā€œYouā€™re Going to Be a Doctorā€: Wright’s Dream Becoming Reality appeared first on ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų.

The ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶųā€™ Board of Trustees presented its annual faculty and staff awards during the 2026 Trustees Awards Banquet, held April 24 in the Rogers Conference Center.

Among the recipients for 2026 were (pictured, from left) Dr. David Daily, Dr. Minami Nishioka, Dallas Brose, Terry Hatcher and Nichole Sherman.

Daily, professor of religion, and Nishioka, assistant professor of history, each received the Richard and Katherene Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award.

Sherman, dean of students, was honored with the Alvin C. Broyles Outstanding Staff Award.

Hatcher, advancement services manager, received the Arnold G. Sims Outstanding Staff Award.

Brose, head athletic trainer, was presented with the 2025 Dr. Rick and Sheree Niece Presidentā€™s Above and Beyond Outstanding Service Award.

Several other faculty and staff members received service awards during the dinner, including Albert Leding, Lauren Gentry, Aaron Brueckner, Jessica Baumgartner, Dr. Javier Taylor, Rev. Jeremy Wilhelmi and David DeGeus for 10 years; Charmaine Hutchinson for 15 years; Lisa Thomas for 20 years; Cara Flinn, Connie Booty, Dr. David Daily, and Lori McBee for 25 years; and Emmalee Morrow for 30 years.

Daily, Steve Edmisten, and Phyllis Parsons were also recognized for their respective retirements this year. 

The post Five Receive Faculty, Staff Awards from BOT appeared first on ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų.

The ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų Board of Trustees granted tenure and approved promotions for several professors during the boardā€™s annual spring meeting last weekend.

Those who were recognized included (pictured clockwise, from top left) Dr. Christine McCain, Dr. William “Bill” Gorton, Margo Duvall, and Dr. Piroska Boros.

McCain, who joined the University in 2010, was promoted to full professor of business. She had previously been granted tenure.

Gorton was promoted to full professor of political science and philosophy and granted tenure.

Boros was promoted to associate professor of health science and granted tenure.

Duvall was promoted to associate professor of art and granted tenure.

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ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų senior art major Keyannah Roberts will present her artwork, “Arkansas Bottoms,” as her Senior Art Exhibit April 28 through May 8 in the Stephens Gallery.

There will be a reception to meet the artist from 7-8 p.m. on Monday, May 4, in the gallery, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center.

From New Spadra, Ark., Roberts is a life-long Arkansas painter who said her artwork is an “amalgamation of the sorrowful and serene found in the dark country of the Arkansas Bottoms.”

“Through the mediums of acrylic, oil, charcoal, and sculptures, I capture the essence of the nature and the people who live there,” Roberts added. “In my experience, poverty leads to a stagnation of aesthetics and technology over time. The wood paneling and cigarette-stained backgrounds look outdated, modern designs are not maintained or updated in a struggling life.”

Roberts said she was 7 years old the first time she went walking in the Arkansas Bottoms, low-lying flood plains near the Arkansas River.

“Representing the underside, the Bottoms are where poaching, dealing, and deaths happen,” she said. “Despite the dangers hanging in every tree, they are frequented often. I, however, did not find any poaching; only a beautiful landscape and abandoned deer bones that I now associate with home.”

Roberts said that her art captures the local side of her ancestry.

“My Dominican heritage is as absent from my upbringing,” she said. “Be that as it may, I know the local culture well, despite not seeing myself in it. As someone of mixed race, I have the intimate perspective of a local and the isolated objectiveness of an outsider. The portraits serve to simultaneously act as a local, familiar face and as a window to an unfamiliar one. Using a Renaissance-like style, I paint fantastical portraits loosely based on the people I have met while living in Arkansas. From the solemn contempt, to the pleading helplessness, these are based on the human condition expressed on a canvas. A narrative follows the portraits through depicted through the use of symbolism. Flowers and wedding rings are used as symbols weaving the characters together.”

Through charcoal and paint, Roberts’ canvases “show the harsh yet beautiful reality of the South from the eyes of a poor kid living outside city limits.”

“Creating art from something inherently distasteful is visually captivating,” she added. “Humans are drawn to both aesthetics and darker aspects of life. Whether the viewerā€™s reaction is revulsion or captivation I want to elicit emotion in others through my art.”

Roberts won second place in River Valley Collegiate Art competition earlier this semester. 

The post Roberts’ Senior Exhibit Spotlights the Arkansas Bottoms appeared first on ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų.

For Lili Garcia, the most important step this May wonā€™t be across a graduation stageā€”it will be into a career sheā€™s been chasing for years. The ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų senior is choosing to miss Commencement in order to begin her journey in law enforcement, trading a ceremony for a calling

On May 16ā€”the same day her classmates will be participating in the 2026 Commencement ceremonyā€”Garcia will be taking the entry and physical training test for the police department in Waxahachie, Texas, officially launching her pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Itā€™s a decision that means missing one of lifeā€™s most anticipated milestones. But for Garcia, itā€™s also the clearest sign yet that sheā€™s exactly where sheā€™s meant to be.

ā€œThe decision was difficult all around,ā€ said Garcia, a psychology major from Ferris, Texas. ā€œKnowing that I would miss out on those memories with my friends and family was hard. But my people know how important this career is to me. I knew no matter what I decided, they were going to support me.ā€

That clarity of purpose didnā€™t happen overnight. Itā€™s something that has been steadily shapedā€”both by her lifelong passion and by the opportunities she embraced at Ozarks.

Garciaā€™s interest in law enforcement began long before college. As a child, she watched officers closely, drawn to their presence and purpose. That admiration turned into action during high school, when a law enforcement classā€”and a teacher who served in the fieldā€”ignited something deeper.

ā€œMy passion just grew as the years went on,ā€ she said. ā€œI have always loved helping others and making a positive impact on my community.ā€

At Ozarks, that passion found direction. Through her academic experience, leadership roles, and as a basketball player for the Eagles, Garcia developed the qualities she believes are essential to the profession: integrity, accountability, discipline, and resilience.

ā€œThis job requires a lot of mental and physical discipline,ā€ she said. ā€œThatā€™s something Iā€™ve experienced through my basketball career.ā€

Garciaā€™s impact on campus extended far beyond athletics. As a four-year student ambassadorā€”and eventually president of the programā€”she became one of the Universityā€™s most visible and influential student leaders.

ā€œI have loved every second of being a student ambassador,ā€ she said. ā€œIt has opened many doors for me and created many lifelong relationships.ā€

What brought her the most joy wasnā€™t the title, but the moments that followed.

ā€œThe biggest part that brings me joy is when I see students I gave a tour to on campus the next semesterā€”smiling, wearing their backpack, and remembering our first interaction,ā€ she said. ā€œItā€™s even more special when itā€™s a future teammate. I got to be a part of their transition here.ā€

Those experiences didnā€™t just build confidenceā€”they reinforced her calling to serve others.

On the court, Garcia built a career defined by grit and unforgettable moments. One stands above the rest: a thrilling playoff victory at UT Dallas in the conference postseason tournament during her sophomore year.

ā€œThat moment was unreal,ā€ she said. ā€œThe excitement was through the roof. We made history that year, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.ā€

Even when an injury cut her senior season short, Garcia never lost perspective.

ā€œOverall, my college basketball career was a great ride,ā€ she said. ā€œI developed so many skills that I will continue to use in the future. Playing at the next level was a huge blessing.ā€

Garciaā€™s story carries even deeper meaning as the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.

ā€œIt feels surreal, but such an amazing blessing,ā€ she said. ā€œI couldnā€™t have done it without my family’s support.ā€

Thatā€™s what makes her decision to miss Commencement especially emotional.

ā€œI was sad knowing my parents wouldnā€™t get to see their youngest child walk across that stage,ā€ she said. ā€œBut theyā€™ve listened to me for years talk about this career. They know how driven and passionate I am. Having their love and support means the world.ā€

For Garcia, the choice to miss the graduation ceremony ultimately came down to faith, timing, and trust.

ā€œI knew in my heart that God was opening this door for me sooner for a reason,ā€ she said. ā€œI always put my trust in Him.ā€

Itā€™s a decision that reflects both sacrifice and convictionā€”a willingness to trade a symbolic ending for a meaningful beginning.

Garcia described her time at the University as transformationalā€”not just for what she accomplished, but for who she became.

ā€œOzarks helped me truly find myself,ā€ she said. ā€œI have been extremely blessed to be a part of great programs on and off campus and I got to get out of my comfort zone and explore the world in a new lens. I got to meet wonderful people, my significant other included in that, and the memories shared here will always be extremely special to me. This University opened doors for me and gave me opportunities that I will be forever grateful for.ā€

From leadership development to lifelong relationships, from athletic competition to personal growth, her experience shaped both her confidence and her calling.

ā€œThe moment I stepped foot on campus, I was welcomed with open arms,ā€ she said. ā€œIt felt like home since day one.ā€

While Garcia wonā€™t walk across the graduation stage this spring, her journey is far from incomplete.

In fact, itā€™s just beginning.

Instead of a cap and gown, sheā€™ll carry something else forward: a clear sense of purpose, a commitment to serve, and the lessons of a place that helped her turn ambition into action.

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ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų senior Luke Proctor didnā€™t just get a job offerā€”he got it in a moment heā€™ll never forget. Sitting in the stands in mid-March at the Arkansas High School Girls Basketball Class 5A State Championship game in Hot Springs, cheering on his hometown Mountain Home team, Proctorā€™s phone rang with the news he had been waiting for. On the other end was a Mountain Home High School administrator, calling to tell him the school board had approved his hiring.

Proctor, who will graduate in May, is returning home this summer as a teacher-coach at his high school alma mater, where he will teach special education and coach basketball.

“It was an amazing feeling knowing I will get to go back home, and it was super cool to hear it while watching the school play in a state championship game,” Proctor said. “It was such a great feeling and sense of relief to know where I am headed before I even graduate. I am extremely blessed and thankful for this opportunity.”

A former Ozarks basketball player, Proctor is earning a degree in business technology education. Over the past year, he has gained hands-on experience through an internship at Clarksville High School, working under mentor teacher and Ozarks alumna Kristie Frost ā€™96.

“My student internship has been an amazing experience; I could not have asked for a better mentor teacher than Mrs. Frost,” Proctor said. “The experience has shown me what the day-to-day life of a teacher actually looks like, beyond just lesson planning. The most surprising thing has probably been how much relationship-building matters. If students trust and respect you, everything else becomes easier.”

That experience also revealed strengths he didnā€™t fully recognize in himself.

“Iā€™ve learned that Iā€™m more patient and adaptable than I thought,” he said. “Not every lesson goes as planned, but being able to adjust and keep things moving has been a big area of growth for me.”

For Proctor, the most rewarding part of teaching comes in the small, everyday moments.

“Seeing their confidence grow through the year reminds me why I wanted to teach in the first place,” he said. “It showed me that even small wins can have a big impact.”

A career in education, he said, felt like a natural fit from the start.

“Iā€™ve always loved being around sports and working with students,” he said. “Growing up, my coaches had a huge impact on meā€”not just in athletics, but in how I carried myself and handled adversity. I want to be that same kind of role model for kids. Teaching gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the classroom, and coaching allows me to build relationships and teach life lessons outside of it. I want to be someone that my students and players can count on being there for them and being consistent.”

One of his most impactful classes at Ozarks was theories of athletic coaching with Dr. Sergio Molina.

“This class gave me the opportunity to plan full projects, such as a fully functioning fundraiser with budget sheets and research on basketball development within young athletes,” he said. “It also taught me the best way to handle certain situations.”

Proctor also credited the Pat Walker Teacher Education Program for preparing him for the classroom.

“Weā€™ve had opportunities to practice classroom management, lesson planning, and working with diverse learners,” he added. “I feel more confident going into my own classroom because Iā€™ve already been in that environment and know what to expect.”

His path to education wasnā€™t always linear. Between his sophomore and junior years, Proctor made the decision to switch his major from business management to business technology educationā€”a move that required careful planning and guidance. He credits NaLisa Brown, assistant professor of marketing, in helping him navigate the change.

“She really took the time to really help me achieve my goals,” he said. This was not a small task. Being the only business technology education major within the last few years took a lot of planning and preparation to make happen. I cannot thank her enough.”

Looking back, Proctor describes his time at Ozarks as a period of meaningful growth.

“Iā€™ve learned a lot about myself, built strong relationships, and gained the experience I need to move into my career,” he said. “I have met some of my best friends, been paired with an amazing mentor teacher, got to know all of my Ozarks professors, played basketball at the collegiate level for four years, and really got involved in the community. It has been a challenging but rewarding journey thatā€™s prepared me for whatā€™s next.”

The post Answering the Call: Proctor Heads Home to Lead and Teach appeared first on ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų.

University of the of Ozarks later this week will honor three retiring faculty and staff members who dedicated a combined 90-plus years of service to the University.

(Pictured, from left) Steve Edmisten, Dr. David Daily and Phyllis Parsons have announced their retirements this academic year. They will be recognized at the University’s Board of Trustees Awards Banquet on Friday, April 24.

Edmisten retired in December as special assistant to the president after more than 30 years at the University. He first worked at the University from 1983-85 as director of public information. He returned to the University in 1997 as vice president for advancement. He was named executive vice president in 2004, a title he held until 2012 when he was named special assistant to the president.

Over the course of three decades in advancement leadership, Edmisten was instrumental in raising more than $130 millionĀ in gifts and growing the Universityā€™s endowment by over $60 million. Among his many accomplishments, Edmisten spearheaded several major campaigns, including the five-year, $40 million Promise of Excellence CampaignĀ (completed in 2011) and the Pride & Promise Campaign, which raised more than $60 million.

In 2012, Edmisten was named the recipient of the Dr. Rick and Sheree Niece Presidentā€™s Above & Beyond Award.

Daily, who will retire in June, joined the U of O faculty in August of 2000 as an assistant professor of religion. He was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor in 2006 before being promoted to full professor in 2013. He also served as the dean of humanities from 2019-2022.

Daily was selected for the University’s Bagwell Outstanding Faculty Award in both 2004 and 2009, and presented the keynote address at the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony in December.

Parsons, who retired earlier this academic year, spent a total of 34 years working for the University in part-time and full-time roles.

She began in July of 1991 as secretary of the Ozarks Area Mission, before serving as a part-time publications assistant and graphic designer in the Office of Advancement from 1998-2015. In 2015, she became a full-time graphic designer and brand coordinator, a title she held until her retirement last fall.

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Before they even graduate, three ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų education majors are already doing the workā€”leading elementary classrooms, inspiring young learners, and putting years of preparation into practice at Clarksville Primary School.

Abigail Kindschi (pictured from left), Camryn Kapics and Chloe Weathers are wrapping up their year-long, student-teaching internships this month at the school as they prepare to graduate from Ozarks in May and begin their teaching careers. Kindschi and Kapics are interning in kindergarten classes and Weathers is in a first-grade class.

Kindschi’s reason for going into education was both personal and poignant: Her father passed away when she was in high school.

“I entered the field of education because I wanted to work in a field where I could have the biggest impact and do the most good,” said Kindschi, from Oklahoma City. “I also chose education because it was another way to be close to my dad. I found out that before he passed he was wanting me to pursue education. Since finding that out, being an education major has always made me feel just a little bit closer to him.” 

Kapics, from Las Vegas, Nev., said she decided to go into education because she wants to make a difference in studentsā€™ lives.

“Growing up, I was blessed with incredible teachers who supported, encouraged, and inspired me, and I want to provide that same experience for my future students,” she said. “As a child, I was very shy, and my teachers played a big role in helping me come out of my shell, which is something I hope to do for my own students. I want to be a safe, supportive person in their lives and create a classroom environment where they feel comfortable being themselves. I believe school should be a welcoming place where children feel valued, supported, and excited to learn.”

Weathers, a Clarksville native whose mother was a secondary mathematics teacher and whose father was in law enforcement, said that the way her parents lived their lives influenced her career choice.

“Growing up, I was never sure what I wanted to choose as a future occupation,” she said. “I have always been extremely close to my parents and look up to them. I enjoy watching how selfless they are and how they drop anything to help others, whether it is something big or small. From an early age, I saw the differences that my parents made in other peopleā€™s lives and I have always worked to be a positive figure and example like they have been for me. I took this into major consideration when choosing my profession. I wanted to choose a job that would allow me to help others become better versions of themselves.”

Weathers, a standout cross country runner and swimmer at Ozarks, said she discovered she enjoyed working with children through her experiences in youth coaching and camp counseling.

“I have had the opportunity to coach young athletes on a summer league swim team,” she said. “My favorite thing about coaching was watching young athletes build important skills such as dedication and discipline as well as building a love for the sport of swimming. Additionally, Ozarks Outdoors gave me the opportunity to be a counselor at a summer camp called Camp Take a Hike. I worked with three other counselors to plan the activities for the camp to give the campers the best experience possible. This camp allowed me to further develop my passion for the profession of teaching.”

Kapics called her internship “one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life.”

“I have truly fallen in love with kindergarten and working with young learners,” Kapics said. “The most surprising thing to me has been how much growth students can make in such a short amount of time, both academically and socially, and it has been incredible to witness. Through this experience, I have learned the importance of being flexible and adaptable, as well as the value of building genuine relationships with students. Those relationships are the foundation for a positive and successful classroom.”

Said Weathers, “My student internship has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much from my mentor teacher especially when it comes to classroom management and engagement strategies. She has helped me put everything I have learned at the university into practice. The most valuble thing I have learned is finding my teacher voice. My mentor teacher has been extremely helpful in training me to become a more confident and effective teacher. One day I hope to become as amazing as she is at the profession.”

Weathers said one of her favorite moments has been watching her students gain confidence.

“One of my favorite things to do is read their journals to see how much they learned and remember from the lesson that day,” she said. “They have shown so much growth in their writing and I love seeing the creativity in their responses, whether they are retelling their favorite fairytale or writing about their favorite animal habitat.”

One of Kindschi’s most memorable moments from her internship involved working with a student who was struggling with reading.

“The student was very embarrassed by it,” she said. “I worked with that student and I was so proud to see all the improvement the student has made. It was a very high point in my student teaching.”

Kapics said she particularly enjoyed helping her students earn an ā€œI Know All My Letters and Soundsā€ t-shirt.

“To earn this, they had to go to the librarian and confidently say all of their letters and sounds,” Kapics said. “Watching my students work so hard toward this goal and then seeing their excitement and pride when they achieved it was incredibly fulfilling. It was a true ‘I did it’ moment for them, and being a part of that made it very special.”

All three students credited the Pat Walker Teacher Education at U of O for preparing them for their first job.

“The Pat Walker Teacher Education program has prepared me in so many ways, especially by helping me become adaptable and well-prepared,” Kapics said. “I have had the opportunity to observe and work in a wide range of grade levels and classroom environments, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my teaching skills. This experience has also instilled confidence in me and reassured me that I am ready to be an effective and successful teacher in my own classroom.”

Kindschi said the teacher education program has helped her discover what it means to be a good teacher.

“They helped us prepare for anything that is thrown our way and to think on our feet and land on them even when you feel like you’re falling,” she said. “They do that be having us think with open minds. I will always be appreciative of the Pat Walker Program for keeping my mind open and prepared for future learning. This is something that is highly needed in the classroom and is difficult to learn.”

Weathers said she can’t wait to put all the lessons and knowledge she’s learned into her very own classroom, beginning in the fall.

“The Pat Walker Teacher Education Program has taught me many important aspects of becoming a teacher,” she said. “The courses that I have taken have taught me important research-based strategies and teaching methods that I can use in my future classroom. It has also taught me a variety of classroom management strategies that I will be able to utilize.  This program has also prepared me for interviews and given me the proper preparation I need in order to feel confident in my knowledge of teaching students.”

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For most college students, contributing to a peer-reviewed journal is a long-term goal. For ĢĒŠÄvlog¹ŁĶų junior Caleb Gutierrez, itā€™s already a reality.

Gutierrez, a finance major from Chihuahua, Mexico, is a co-author on a research article published in Environment, Innovation and Management (EIM)ā€”a top-tier, peer-reviewed international journal focused on environmental challenges and technological innovation. The article, titled ā€œNexus between Economy, Energy, Agriculture, and Environment: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh,ā€ appears in the journalā€™s latest edition and is also featured on World Scientific Connect, a global platform for cutting-edge research.

The publication marks a significant academic milestone for Gutierrez, whose work explores the complex relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The article can be accessed at: 

Gutierrez, who is pursuing a minor in information science, worked on the project under the guidance and supervision of his professor, Dr. Filiz Guneysu Atasoy, assistant professor of information science at Ozarks. Along with several other of Atasoy’s former students, the research team conducted an in-depth, year-long empirical analysis of economic and energy trends in Bangladesh.

ā€œI contributed significantly to the data collection process, the empirical analysis, and the writing of the manuscript,ā€ Gutierrez said. ā€œThanks to my information science minor and guidance from Dr. Atasoy, I was able to apply my data analysis skills and programming knowledge to real-world applications. This research looked at the conflict between economic growth and environmental health in Bangladesh from 1990 to 2023. I found that while the country’s rapid economic and agricultural growth has led to higher COā‚‚ emissions, renewable energy is the most powerful tool we have to reverse that trend in the long run. To truly reach a low-carbon future, we need an integrated approach that combines green energy with smarter resource management.ā€

Atasoy said Gutierrezā€™s contributions stood out throughout the research process.

ā€œI am truly proud of my student for this achievement,ā€ she said. ā€œThroughout this process, I had the opportunity to guide and support the research, while Caleb demonstrated strong analytical skills, particularly in data analytics and programming. This work resulted in a publication in a top-tier, peer-reviewed journal, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth and future contributions to research. This collaboration has been both intellectually rewarding and enriching from an international perspective.ā€

For Gutierrez, the publication represents both a personal accomplishment and a launching point for future opportunities.

ā€œI feel incredibly grateful to have been published in such a prestigious and well-recognized journal,ā€ he said. ā€œSeeing all the hard work finally pay off is such a rewarding experience.ā€

ā€œIā€™m really hoping this publication will open up some exciting new doors for me,ā€ he added. ā€œNot only will it create valuable opportunities, but it will also provide a strong foundation for applying to graduate school in the future. Of course, none of this would have been possible without my advisor, Dr. Atasoy. She has been a fundamental part of this entire journey, and I am so thankful for her guidance.ā€

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