The Keeter Center for Character Education

The purpose of The Keeter Center for Character Education is to provide programs and activities which enhance the development of character and good citizenship. As an integral part of the total program at College of the Ozarks, the Center reflects the principle upon which the College was established--that character in young people is best developed from an education which includes the head, the heart, and the hands.

Programs and Events

The Community Convocation Series
This series hosts internationally-renowned speakers, recognized for their character and leadership, who provide a keynote address reinforcing institutional values. Such noted speakers as Margaret Thatcher, Benjamin Netanyahu, Tom Brokaw, and Tony Snow have visited the College for the Community Convocation.

Character Forums
The Center hosts forums in which prominent national leaders discuss important issues. Forum themes rotate among the topics of character, citizenship, and the work ethic, which are core values of College of the Ozarks. President Gerald Ford, General Tommy Franks, and Speaker Newt Gingrich have been forum speakers.

Patriotic Education Travel Program
In a unique partnership between College of the Ozarks and the Greatest Generations Foundation, students travel with American Veterans back to the battlefields where they fought. This powerful educational journey  provides a life-changing experience for College of the Ozarks students, who not only learn volumes of history from firsthand participants, but grow to love and appreciate them as well.

First PLACE!
The Keeter Center for Character Education has taken a leadership role in developing the First PLACE! character education initiative for the public schools and communities in Stone and Taney counties.  There are 12 school districts and 555 First PLACE! partnering organizations, businesses, and individuals who are committed to supporting this effort through visibly demonstrating the character trait of the month.

S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit
Reaching out to the population of poor and underserved members of the community starts with education about poverty. The S. Truett Cathy Poverty Summit is a gathering of regional volunteers and business leaders who are interested in helping eliminate poverty, putting ideas and compassion into active participation at the local level.

For more information about the programs of The Keeter Center for Character Education at College of the Ozarks, click here.

The Keeter Report

If you would be interested in receiving periodic updates on the programs and events of the Center, please provide the following information.