College of the Ozarks will welcome Shannon Bream, anchor of “FOX News Sunday” and New York Times bestselling author, as the featured speaker for the College’s annual Leonard B. and Edith Gittinger Convocation on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex. (Photo by Nick Welsh Photography)

College of the Ozarks will welcome Shannon Bream, anchor of “FOX News Sunday” and New York Times bestselling author, as the featured speaker for the College’s annual Leonard B. and Edith Gittinger Convocation on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex.

This year’s convocation will take the form of a fireside chat, offering guests a warm and engaging conversation rather than a traditional keynote. Shannon Bream will be joined on stage by Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of the College, who will serve as interviewer. Their dialogue will provide a unique opportunity for students, alumni, and community members to hear from Bream in a conversational setting that highlights both her professional journey and personal insights.

The event will take place on the College campus in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are required for admission. A limited number of tickets are available to the public at no charge (limit – four per household) on Tuesday, Sept. 16. They are available only through the College of the Ozarks website at www.cofo.edu

Bream, who also serves as FOX News Channel’s chief legal correspondent and hosts the “Livin’ the Bream” podcast, will deliver a message drawn from her inspiring book, Finding the Bright Side. Known for her warmth, practical wisdom, and engaging presence, Bream will encourage guests to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith.

In addition to Bream’s fireside chat, the College will present special awards honoring national leaders in Christian media and ministry:

• Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, will be recognized for his groundbreaking leadership in creating family-friendly entertainment platforms, including Great American Family, GFAM+, Great American Faith & Living, and Great American Pure Flix. Abbott, a veteran of more than 30 years in cable television, previously led Hallmark Media Family Networks and developed franchises such as Countdown to Christmas and When Calls the Heart.
• Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), will be honored for his service in advancing Christian communications worldwide. Under his leadership, NRB continues to equip and advocate for broadcasters who faithfully share biblical truth through media.
• Jennifer Rothschild, nationally known Bible teacher, author, and speaker, will also be recognized for her contributions to Christian ministry and encouragement. Blind since age 15, Rothschild has inspired countless individuals with her testimony of faith and perseverance.

The Fall Convocation is a highlight of the College’s annual calendar. Each year, it brings nationally recognized leaders to campus to encourage students and the broader community.

“The Fall Convocation is an opportunity to unite the College family — students, faculty, alumni, and friends — for a time of reflection and inspiration,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “We are grateful to welcome Shannon Bream and to recognize individuals whose lives and leadership embody the values we hold dear: faith, family, and country.”

Requirements for admission

Tickets are required for admission. A limited number of tickets are available to the public at no charge (limit – four per household) and are available only through the College of the Ozarks website. Tickets will be made available on the C of O website beginning at 8 a.m. (CST), Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. For tickets, visit the College of the Ozarks website at www.cofo.edu

More about Shannon Bream

Shannon Bream currently serves as anchor of “FOX News Sunday with Shannon Bream” on the FOX Broadcast Network. She joined FOX News Channel in 2007 as a Washington D.C.-based correspondent covering the Supreme Court.

In addition to her role as anchor, Bream is chief legal correspondent for FNC and host of “Livin’ the Bream,” a podcast on FOX News Radio where she shares inspirational stories, personal anecdotes and an insider's perspective on actions and rulings from the high court. She is also a founding author for FOX News Books, the publishing imprint of FOX News Media. Notably, her debut title, The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today, was the 13^th bestselling book in adult nonfiction in 2021, according to Bookscan, and spent 15 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, five of which at number one. In March 2022, she published the second book in the franchise, Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak, which also rose to number one on the New York Times bestseller list, moving 200,000 copies within the first five weeks. The third book of the trilogy, Love Stories of the Bible Speak, was released in March of 2023, and spent multiple weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Prior to joining FNC, Bream worked as a weekend anchor for WRC-TV (NBC-4) in Washington, D.C., anchored the evening and late-night news for WBTV (CBS-3) in Charlotte, North Carolina, and held writing and reporting positions at WFTS-TV (ABC-28) in Tampa, Florida.

Before entering the world of media, Shannon practiced law, specializing in race discrimination and sexual harassment cases. She is an Honors graduate of the Florida State University College of Law and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Management magna cum laude from Liberty University.

More About Laura Lacey Johnson

Laura Lacey Johnson serves as the First Lady of College of the Ozarks, where she actively supports the College’s mission to develop citizens of Christlike character. A former television newscaster, she is also a published author. Her recent book, Steadfast: A Guided Prayer Journal, was printed on campus by the College Print Shop, with all proceeds dedicated to scholarships for female students at College of the Ozarks. Mrs. Johnson’s writing and speaking ministry focuses on encouraging others to live with faith and perseverance. More information about her work can be found at www.cofo.edu.