For senior public relations major Madie Lewis, graduation represents far more than the completion of a degree — it is the realization of a dream once thought unattainable.

A Story of Opportunity: Madie Lewis

For senior public relations major Madie Lewis, graduation represents far more than the completion of a degree — it is the realization of a dream once thought unattainable.

Lewis grew up facing significant challenges at home, including seasons of instability that led her family through difficult circumstances. Along the way, her journey included time in the foster care system, where she remained through high school graduation and later stepped into independence during college. Through it all, her faith remained steady, and her determination never wavered.

At College of the Ozarks, Lewis found not only an education, but an opportunity — to work, to grow, and to build a future free from financial burden.

“College once felt out of reach,” Lewis reflected. “But here, I was given the chance to work for my education and build something better.”

Lewis will graduate debt free with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and has already secured a position in marketing with Silver Dollar City properties. She plans to remain in the Branson area, investing in the community that helped shape her journey, and will soon marry her fiancé, whom she met during her freshman year.

Her story reflects the mission of the College: providing students with the tools to break cycles of poverty and step into lives of purpose, stability, and hope.

Sheffield’s life story mirrors many of the themes embodied by the graduating class. Having overcome extreme poverty and personal hardship, she has become a national voice on resilience, faith, and economic opportunity.

Keynote Speaker: Carrie Sheffield

Delivering the Commencement address will be bestselling author, broadcaster, and policy leader Carrie Sheffield. Sheffield’s life story mirrors many of the themes embodied by the graduating class. Having overcome extreme poverty and personal hardship, she has become a national voice on resilience, faith, and economic opportunity.

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Sheffield is the author of the bestselling memoir Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness. She serves as Board Vice Chair of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and has held leadership roles at organizations including America First Policy Institute and Independent Women.

A former White House correspondent and financial professional at Goldman Sachs and Moody’s, Sheffield has contributed to major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and Newsweek, and regularly appears on national television networks including Fox News, CNN, CNBC, and the BBC.

Her message — rooted in personal experience — centers on overcoming adversity, embracing faith, and pursuing meaningful work. Once an agnostic, Sheffield found lasting hope in Christ, a transformation that continues to shape her voice and influence.

A Shared Message for a Pivotal Moment

In a time marked by uncertainty and cultural strain, the stories of both Madie Lewis and Carrie Sheffield offer a compelling reminder: Through faith, hard work, and opportunity, lives can be transformed. As graduates of College of the Ozarks step forward — debt-free and prepared — they carry with them not only degrees, but testimonies of perseverance and purpose.