College of the Ozarks names Susan DeWoody as new Provost

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks has announced the appointment of Dr. Susan DeWoody as vice president for academic affairs and provost, ushering in a new chapter of academic leadership. The College honors the distinguished service of Dr. Eric Bolger, who will transition from the role after more than three decades of faithful leadership at the College. The appointment becomes effective July 1, 2026.

DeWoody brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, academic strategy, and institutional effectiveness. Most recently, she served as president of Strata Leadership, LLC, where she led operations for the firm while also serving as an executive coach and consultant. Prior to Strata, she served as an executive search professional working with nonprofit and university clients nationwide. DeWoody also previously served as provost and chief academic officer at Oklahoma Baptist University, where she provided oversight for all academic programs and student success initiatives, managing significant institutional resources and leading major strategic academic initiatives.

“Dr. DeWoody is a thoughtful and experienced leader with a strong commitment to Christ-centered education,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “Her background in academic leadership, strategic planning, and student success aligns well with our mission. We are confident she will help to safeguard the distinct mission of the College, building upon the strong foundation already in place and helping lead the College forward with clarity and purpose.”

In her new role at College of the Ozarks, DeWoody will oversee the College’s academic programs, including faculty development, curriculum, institutional assessment, student academic services, and strategic planning. She will play a key role in strengthening the College’s commitment to academic excellence within its distinctive mission — providing the advantages of a Christian education to those found worthy but without sufficient means. The College’s Work Education Program, based on a unique Work College Model, allows students to work for their education and graduate debt free, thus ensuring that students are equipped intellectually, spiritually, and professionally to lead lives of purpose and service.

“I was drawn to College of the Ozarks based on my own personal convictions about education and leadership, which align closely with the mission, vision, and pillars of the College,” DeWoody said. “The mission speaks to providing access to a Christ-centered education for students who may not otherwise have access. As a first-generation college graduate, I resonate with the population of students in need of support.”

DeWoody holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University; a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas Tech University. She has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making, and strengthening academic programs to meet the needs of students.

“The Work College Model is particularly compelling because it treats work and learning as complementary, reinforcing accountability, discipline, and character in ways that extend beyond the classroom,” DeWoody said. “I view this model as transformative, preparing students not only to graduate with head knowledge, but to enter the world equipped to contribute meaningfully toward callings in their professions and communities.”

The appointment also marks a significant transition as the College honors the legacy of Dr. Eric Bolger, who has served College of the Ozarks for 33 years, including many years as vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Bolger joined the College in 1992 as a faculty member in philosophy and religion and subsequently served as division chair of humanities before being named dean of the College in 2011 and later vice president for academic affairs and provost. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen academic programming, strategic planning, accreditation efforts, and key institutional initiatives, including the establishment of the Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing and the James P. Keeter School of Engineering.

“Dr. Bolger’s steady leadership, wise counsel, and unwavering commitment to the mission of College of the Ozarks have shaped this institution in profound and lasting ways,” Johnson said. “His influence can be seen not only in the strength of our academic programs, but also in the lives of the students, faculty, and staff he has guided over many years. We are deeply grateful for his faithful service.”

Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful leadership, Bolger has been instrumental in strengthening the College’s academic excellence while deepening its Christian mission. His work in strategic planning and accreditation has helped position the College as a nationally recognized leader among colleges, and his commitment to integrating faith and learning has left a lasting imprint on the Institution’s academic culture.

As College of the Ozarks looks to the future, this leadership transition reflects both continuity and forward momentum — building upon a strong foundation while advancing the College’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education to students of character, especially those who seek to graduate without the burden of debt.