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COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS RECEIVES SBJ’S 2025 ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS, 75+ YEARS IN BUSINESS, TOP HONORS

November 19, 2025
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Last summer, The Springfield Business Journal announced College of the Ozarks as the recipient of the 2025 Economic Impact Award, 75+ Years in Business, Top Honors. This honor recognizes businesses that have been involved in the community for 75 years or more and that make a strong impact in the local economy. By providing jobs for over 400 people, College of the Ozarks impacts the local economy.

“Our winning strategy is being consistent: empowering regional students to work, grow their faith and graduate debt free,” said Weston Wiebe, College of the Ozarks vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer. “It gives students and supporters alike a clear picture of why the College exists and how we live out our purpose every day.”

The Springfield Business Journal highlighted the consistency of College of the Ozarks in bringing economic impact to the local economy.

“The 119-year-old College of the Ozarks is a perennial honoree in the Economic Impact Awards,” said Karen Craigo, SBJ reporter. “Over the years, the College has added programs to meet workforce demands.”

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Dallas DeWeese, a College of the Ozarks alumnus Dallas DeWeese, a College of the Ozarks alumnus and now the Hollister Middle School early childhood center assistant principal, shows excellence in education and impacts the local community through his work.

Our Direct Impact on the Regional Economy

C of O graduates have impacted the regional economy by working in various places in the community. After their time at College of the Ozarks, graduates have continued on to be Hollister Middle School teachers, nurses in Springfield, and mechanical design engineers in the local community, among other impactful roles.

Dallas DeWeese, a College of the Ozarks alumnus and now the Hollister Middle School early childhood center assistant principal, shows excellence in education and impacts the local community through his work. In 2024, DeWeese was Missouri's sole recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award, known as the "Oscar of Education." This national accolade recognizes top educators in their early careers, and DeWeese's dynamic teaching style reflects why he earned it.

Joshua Smith, a 2020 graduate of College of the Ozarks and first engineering cohort, is making an impact in the community as a mechanical design engineer at Multi-Craft Contractors in Springfield, Missouri. Joshua developed technical and soft skills through his diverse campus jobs at C of O. Additionally, he impacts his community by serving at his local church, leading a men's Bible study, and working on the production team. Joshua exemplifies not only vocational success, but also Christ-centered leadership in his community.

 "C of O gave me a biblical foundation I now share with others," Joshua said.

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Work Education Program Sets Us Apart

Graduates from College of the Ozarks are uniquely prepared to join the workforce because of the College’s Work Education Program. Every full-time student at College of the Ozarks is required to work 15 hours a week on campus with two additional 40-hour work weeks. With over 100 different workstations available, students have the opportunity to work in a job that will provide them with valuable work experience before they graduate college. Students also are greatly impacted by the College’s excellent educational and character development programs. With a retention rate of 90% and a graduation rate of 63%, students are continuously growing and learning, becoming citizens who will impact their communities for the better.

"The Work Education Program helps to equip students with a strong work ethic, hands-on experience, and leadership skills that will set them apart from their peers at other institutions,” said Dr. Jim Anderson, dean of work education at

College of the Ozarks. “Graduates leave not only well-educated, but also with practical skills and a sense of confidence that will propel them into their future."

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Brandon Bliss, director of residential life and Kelce Hall residential director Brandon Bliss, director of residential life and Kelce Hall residential director, highlighted the blessing that has come into his life through his time working at C of O.

A Great Place to Work

While at C of O, students and faculty alike have enriching experiences. College of the Ozarks has been recognized numerous times as one of the Great College’s to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The College was highlighted for its excellence in various areas, including Job Satisfaction & Support, Mission & Pride, and Compensation & Benefits.

Brandon Bliss, director of residential life and Kelce Hall residential director, highlighted the blessing that has come into his life through his time working at C of O.

“The Administration reached out and encouraged me to consider joining the C of O staff,” Bliss said. "I think this was God-directed. When the College offered me the position, my wife, April, and I thought we would stay three to five years. Now, 28 years later, we are still serving and raising our family on this incredible campus.”

SBJ Economic Impact Award Article