June 24, 2009

SUBJECT:  FORMER BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL NAMED COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS

            College of the Ozarks named Angela Ussery Williamson as the new Director of Alumni Affairs. After graduating in 2000 with a Mass Communications degree from C of O, Williamson spent several years working as an Admissions Representative for the College.  She went on to Washington D.C., where she worked for more than four years under the President George W. Bush Administration. Williamson returned to C of O to become the Director of Alumni Affairs in order to assume the position of retiring Director Helen Youngblood, who served the College more than 19 years.  She officially began her position as Director on June 10.

            From the nation’s capital to Point Lookout, Williamson said she is pleased to return to her alma mater with skills she hopes will benefit the College in many ways.   Williamson enjoyed serving the American public during her years as Deputy White House Liaison in the Office of the Attorney General and as a Correspondence Analyst in the Office of Laura Bush. She was also a Senior Press Assistant in the Office of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice and a former White House intern.  Williamson credits individuals at the College of the Ozarks for encouraging her to pursue her goals and apply for a White House internship. “I know that with God all things are possible. He surrounded me with really wonderful people who encouraged me to apply. If I had not taken the first step in applying for an internship that seemed out of reach, I never would have had the experiences or the friendships from the last five years.”

            As Director of Alumni Affairs at the College of the Ozarks, Williamson wants to use her experience to help current students on their way. She said, “As a work supervisor, I hope that I can encourage students to dream big and know that with God, anything is possible.” Williamson said she is honored to be back among her C of O family and looks forward to reconnecting and working with alumni. “Whether they graduated in 1959 or 2009, alumni share a common bond of working for their education.” Williamson’s new responsibilities include contacting alumni, planning events, sponsoring the Student Alumni Association, and supervising student workers.

            Dr.  Jerry C. Davis, College of the Ozarks President, said he is pleased to see Williamson return after encouraging her to apply for the White House internship six years ago.  “Angela Williamson is a capable young lady and a very distinguished alumna of the College,” he said.  “Her work experiences in Washington placed her in responsible roles, which she certainly fulfilled.  Angela’s communication skills and commitment to the mission of the College are great assets.”

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