College of the Ozarks installs a 40-foot sculpture, “The Empty Cross” TM, in the entrance of campus today, in time for Easter weekend

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks installed a 40-foot sculpture, “The Empty Cross” TM, in the entrance of campus today, in time for Easter weekend. The cross is a symbol of the Christian faith upon which the College was founded and stands as a reminder to all who enter and exit that Christ is the center of the campus.

The public is welcome to visit the campus and view the cross sculpture at any time. For the next few weeks, the College of the Ozarks construction team will continue to finish the installation process – removing braces, installing lighting, and completing the project with landscaping.

“'The Empty Cross’ TM, by artist Max Greiner, is aptly named – as Jesus is no longer there,” said College of the Ozarks President Brad Johnson. “He is risen and sits at the right hand of God. This symbol, placed at the entrance of campus, represents our deep Christian faith. It also serves as a reminder to those who live, work, and study on campus to view the world through the truth of Christ’s redemptive work at the cross.”

Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president of Christian ministries and dean of the chapel, reflected on the addition of a strong Christian symbol on campus.

“The Christian commitment of College of the Ozarks is the soul of the College,” Carswell said. “The installation of ‘The Empty Cross’ TM will serve as a lens that tells that story for everyone who visits the campus, and a daily reminder for our students and employees. Hopefully it serves as an invitation to view our campus and the community through the lens of faith.”

Senior family studies major Esperanza Melendez reflected on the installation of “The Empty Cross” TM in her final semester at the College.

“My heart for this campus goes deep and wide,” Melendez said. “This community and atmosphere have pushed me beyond what I could imagine and has shown me more love than I expected from a college experience. My heart for campus is that it continues to let Christ be its very life and breath. I pray this campus community seeks Christ above all else and that the cross is another reminder of the grace extended to us each day!”

Placement of the Empty Cross

“The Empty Cross” TM is made of COR-TEN® steel. It stands 40 feet tall and is wide enough at the base for an individual to walk through the structure. It weighs 28,000 pounds.

Viewing benches will be available at the west side of The Keeter Center and will be installed in the Rex Cowherd Plaza. Guests may also enjoy an additional viewing area on the deck of the Welcome Center at Patriots Park. These areas will allow guests to view the artwork at their leisure, take photos, and experience the picturesque scenery of the campus through the lens of the cross.  

The artist, Max Greiner, Jr., is a professional artist and designer with experience in the broad fields of art, architecture, graphic design, landscape architecture, photography, advertising, public relations, writing, education, and public speaking. Greiner’s drawings, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and art gift designs are collected in all 50 states and more than 65 countries. Greiner’s work can be found in private and corporate collections and on the campuses of businesses, colleges, and seminaries. Today, Greiner and his wife, Sherry, donate much of their time and resources to The Coming King Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit art museum in Kerrville, Texas.

“The Empty Cross” TM composition uniquely communicates the Resurrection, that Jesus is alive, not dead. Its “hollow” or “empty” design allows light to pass through, symbolizing the “Light of the World” (John 8: 12) that comes to us through the cross. The openness of the design communicates that all people are welcome at the foot of the cross. This is the “Open Door” all must pass through to find eternal life in Heaven (Matthew 7: 7 & 8). Finally, the cross also represents the price Jesus paid for everyone at His Crucifixion.

In Honorarium – The Rex Cowherd Plaza

The Rex Cowherd Plaza is named in honor of Gary Rex Cowherd, longtime College of the Ozarks Board of Trustee member for nearly three decades. A student athlete and graduate of The School of the Ozarks in 1962, Cowherd was a true success story. A man of deep faith, he was known for his love of God, family, and friends. His story – from humble beginnings to corporate executive at Walmart – is a reminder to all Hard Work U. students, staff, faculty, and friends, that determination, faith, and hard work are the recipe for a life guided by his favorite phrase – Jesus paid it all. 

Rex Cowherd passed away in December 2022 and left behind a noble legacy. Prior to his passing, Cowherd was aptly named Board Member Emeritus for College of the Ozarks – a high honor bestowed upon a man of great faith and service.