College of the Ozarks launches “Convo Team” to elevate convocation experience

College of the Ozarks has launched “The Convo Team,” a dynamic, student-led initiative aimed at enriching the convocation experience. Under the leadership of Residence Directors Janna Goodwin and Beverly Jackson, this team of 17 students is dedicated to elevating campus-wide convocations by ensuring engaging, high-quality events that resonate with the student body.

As part of the College’s five-fold mission, students are required to attend convocations, events designed to showcase speakers who share about topics related to one of the five pillars of the College – academic, Christian, cultural, patriotic, and vocational. The College hosts these convocations to enhance student’s awareness of current issues and deliver discussions on leadership. The goal of convocations is to encourage student growth and provide insightful direction to students as they prepare for life after graduation. 

“This was the first year we had a Convo Team, and with over 15 students jumping into this new leadership role, they brought so much creativity and fresh energy,” said Janna Goodwin, residence director. “They really helped change the atmosphere of convocations in the best way. We’re excited to keep building on this and keep making these events the best they can be for our students.”

Each team member plays a crucial role in executing impactful convocations such as: event planning, media production, and leadership while simultaneously improving the convocation experience. The initiative emphasizes student involvement in various aspects of convocation production, from technical support to audience engagement.

The team is divided into seven specialized groups, each playing a crucial role in executing impactful convocations:

• Music & Praise & Worship – Setting the tone with uplifting music and leading worship
• Audio/Visual – Managing sound, lighting, and video elements to ensure a professional and seamless experience
• Social Media Management – Developing a robust online presence to promote convocations and engage students in meaningful discussions
• Graphic Design – Crafting visually compelling stage setups, promotional materials, and digital assets to enhance the event’s aesthetic appeal
• Hospitality – Ensuring guest speakers and attendees feel welcomed, coordinating logistics such as accommodations and meals
• Content Creation – Producing multimedia content, including promotional videos and event recaps, to highlight the impact of each convocation

“The Convocation Team has given me the opportunity to serve the student body by promoting convocations on social media, cultivating an engaging environment, and connecting my peers with topics and speakers that interest them,” said Madelyn Sestak, senior marketing and speech communications major. “I’m thankful to see the positive impact on campus our teamwork and efforts have made.”

The initiative strengthens campus culture by fostering memorable and impactful convocation experiences that align with the College’s mission and values.

The Convo Team will present its progress to the Student Life Leadership Team in the summer, sharing insights on their contributions and the overall impact of their efforts. Additionally, the initiative will be featured in the College of the Ozarks student newspaper, further showcasing the dedication and creativity of student participants.

The Convo Team represents a significant step toward revitalizing convocations at College of the Ozarks, integrating student talent and leadership to create engaging and meaningful experiences. As this initiative continues to grow, it will leave a lasting impact on both the students involved and the broader campus community.

For more information, contact the College of the Ozarks Public Relations Office at (417) 690-2212.