College of the Ozarks will welcome Award-winning International Singer/Actress and Cultural Ambassador Mary Millben to campus March 9–11 as the inaugural participant in the College’s new Visiting Scholars Program. The initiative will bring accomplished practitioners and thought leaders to campus to engage with students, share professional insight, and encourage the next generation as they pursue their vocations.
Millben, widely known as America’s “National Anthem Singer,” first visited campus during the College’s 2024 Fall Convocation featuring Jenna Bush Hager. Her meaningful connection with students during that visit helped inspire the launch of the Visiting Scholars Program. Millben performed The Star-Spangled Banner during the Convocation and later concluded the program with a rendition of God Bless America. This year, Millben celebrates 20 years of serving and singing for the American Presidency, performing America’s National Anthem and patriotic music for five consecutive U.S. presidents (43 through 47), international royalty, and world leaders.
“Mary’s presence on campus will be engaging, inspiring, and memorable for our students,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “She represents the type of practitioner we hope to welcome through the Visiting Scholars Program — individuals whose work reflects excellence, faith, and a deep love for country. We anticipate that our students will be encouraged by her story and her message.”
During her time on campus, Millben will meet with students and faculty, sharing insight from her professional career while encouraging students to pursue their callings with conviction and purpose. She will be formally given the title, Visiting Scholar of Music Performance and Ministry, as part of the recognition of her contribution through this program.
“I love God, and I love this country,” Millben said. “And I really believe in the necessity of developing new talent. I want to showcase College of the Ozarks as a breeding ground for new talent — for young leaders who are devoted to the Lord, who are serious about bringing spiritual conversations, spiritual values, and biblical truths into the public sphere across an array of professions in our country and around the world.”
Millben’s career began as a White House Presidential Appointee to President George W. Bush. She is formally recognized as a U.S. State Department cultural envoy and ambassador for effective leadership in cultural diplomacy, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for global inclusion. Having performed the American National Anthem for five consecutive U. S. Presidents and world leaders, Millben’s message goes beyond music. As a noted speaker, she shares how patriotism – rooted in unity, pride, and shared values – can inspire innovation, strengthen organizations, and inspire collegiate academic instruction. Drawing from her work as a global cultural ambassador and former college student body president at The University of Oklahoma, Mary shows how fostering national pride can lead to greater creativity, resilience, and global impact when developing student leaders. Harnessing the spirit of patriotism, through art and ministry, can drive higher performance and impactful international relations.
“My desire is to highlight the rarity of this College and why it’s important that parents send their children to environments like College of the Ozarks,” Millben said. “The culture there is thriving. The beauty of the students and their stories — many overcoming adversity to get there — and then learning and growing in such a nurturing environment. Safe collegiate environments for personal discovery, spiritual growth, and academic freedom are desperately needed in America today. College of the Ozarks students are becoming the leaders who will build and guide our country into the future because the College infrastructure is built from a Godly and patriotic-inspired foundation.”
More about The Visiting Scholars Program
The Visiting Scholars Program at College of the Ozarks is designed with a three-part structure to bring diverse forms of expertise and mentorship to campus. The program includes Visiting Scholar of Academics, recognizing distinguished scholars whose work contributes to academic fields of study; Visiting Scholar of Practice, honoring practitioners and professionals who bring real-world experience and insight to students preparing for careers; and Honorary Scholar, an honorific designation recognizing individuals whose influence and character align with the mission and values of the College. Millben will serve as the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Practice, reflecting her career as a professional artist and cultural ambassador whose work bridges music, patriotism, faith, and public service.
Through the Visiting Scholars Program, College of the Ozarks seeks to create opportunities for students to learn from individuals whose professional achievements and personal convictions exemplify leadership, service, and excellence.