If you have spent any time in or around Branson, Missouri, chances are that you have heard of a school known as College of the Ozarks, or Hard Work U. This unique four year college is one of the few schools in the country to have a work program, which means that students who attend are given the opportunity to work off their tuition and graduate debt free. The community takes real pride in this historic and innovative college – if you get the chance while you are in town, go see Hard Work U for yourself!
College of the Ozarks has been serving its community since the early 1900s, when the Reverend James Forsyth started a school for young men who showed real academic promise, but lacked the funds to attend school. From there, School of the Ozarks (as it was formerly known) blossomed into a college with a two year education program, then a four year education program, and today, College of the Ozarks boasts a unique program where students can attend the school from preschool, though elementary, middle and high school, and head right into college!
College of the Ozarks encourages students to work enthusiastically and build strong work ethic at their on campus work stations – students work 15 hours a week, plus two 40 hour work weeks each school year. Work stations range from serving food at the Keeter Center, to planting flowers in the landscaping department, to milking cows at the dairy, to secretary duties in the dean’s office! Everywhere you look around Hard Work U, it’s obvious that the students take pride in their campus and their work.
College of the Ozarks also takes pride in their country – students are taught courses in patriotism, and also invited to participate in many events honoring veterans, such as the school’s annual Honor America event. College of the Ozarks has also created many on campus memorials to veterans, such as the Veteran’s Grove next to the Keeter Center. They have also hosted four star general and alumni Terrance Dake, Former First Lady Laura Bush, and American patriot Ben Carson to speak at some of the college’s convocations.
Visitors and locals of the community surrounding College of the Ozarks are invited to come and experience the school for themselves! The Keeter Center features a fully functioning hotel, plus an outstanding in house restaurant that features dairy products, meat and produce all raised by students! You can also visit the College of the Ozarks Farmers Market to purchase vegetables grown in the school’s garden, pork and beef raised at the hog and cattle farm, stone ground flour from Edwards Mill, fruitcake from the Fruitcake and Jelly kitchen, and more! The college is also home to the Ralph Foster Museum, which has been dubbed ‘The Smithsonian of the Ozarks.’ You’ll find years of Ozarks history here, plus traveling exhibits! If you want to represent Hard Work U when you leave, visit the on campus apparel store and gift shop.
Hard Work U is, without a doubt, one of the most unique four year colleges in the country. With character building, education and patriotism, they plan to continue building strong values in their students for years to come!
