College of the Ozarks has announced the appointment of S. Maria Lohmeyer as assistant vice president for marketing and strategic communication, effective Feb. 2, 2026. Lohmeyer brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience in strategic communication, public affairs, and organizational leadership at the highest levels of government, defense, and consulting.

Lohmeyer’s appointment coincides with the promotion of Dr. Natalie Rasnick to assistant vice president for institutional advancement. Both roles report to Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement.

In her new role, Lohmeyer will guide the College’s comprehensive marketing and communication strategy, aligning institutional messaging with the College’s Christian mission, vision, and Work College Model while advancing revenue generation, elevating the College’s brand and visibility in the media, and growing constituent engagement across the many channels of communication.

This position oversees marketing and communications for the College and collaborates with admissions, advancement, athletics, retail operations, student-made products, School of the Ozarks, and The Keeter Center. Lohmeyer will guide a collaborative, campus-wide approach to marketing and communication — ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact while amplifying the College’s distinctive story nationally.

“Maria brings an exceptional blend of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and values-driven communication,” Head said. “Her experience leading complex organizations and high-profile initiatives will strengthen our ability to tell the College of the Ozarks story with excellence, alignment, and purpose. Leading with influence, elevating people and programs, and uniting people around a common mission are hallmarks of Maria’s career, and I am certain she will deploy this skillset and expertise to benefit the College in significant ways.”

Lohmeyer’s civilian career includes service as chief of inaugural ceremonies for the United States Senate and Senator Roy Blunt, where she directed the constitutional execution of presidential inaugurations for both President Donald J. Trump and President Joseph R. Biden. She previously served in notable roles as deputy chief of staff for First Lady Laura Bush, press secretary for Second Lady Lynne Cheney, and public liaison for Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.

A captain (O-6) and direct commission officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Lohmeyer has served throughout the world on active duty mobilizations and deployments in senior public affairs and communication roles, including assignments in Iraq, Southeast Asia, East Africa, Guantanamo Bay, and the Pentagon. She is the commanding officer of a Navy Reserve public affairs unit, previously served as legislative affairs officer to General David Petraeus during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and deployed as chief of public affairs for General Jacqueline Van Ovost at the U.S. Transportation Command. Lohmeyer is a recipient of the distinguished Defense Superior Service Medal and a Bronze Star Medal. In addition to her government and military service, Lohmeyer founded Assuage, LLC, a woman- and Veteran-owned independent consulting practice specializing in leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational health.

At College of the Ozarks, Lohmeyer will also serve as a strategic partner in major institutional initiatives, milestone celebrations, legislative advocacy, and the continued elevation of the College’s national voice.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.