An America 250 theme provides the backdrop for the annual, fall 2026 OWL Scholarship Luncheon.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO — College of the Ozarks hosted its Ozarks Women in Leadership (OWL) Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 29, bringing together women from across the region to celebrate leadership, encourage fellowship, and recognize opportunities to invest in the next generation of leaders.

The luncheon featured keynote speaker Jane Hampton Cook, presidential historian, author, and national media commentator, whose work focuses on making American history relevant to modern life. For more than 25 years, Cook has promoted patriotism through historical storytelling. She is an award-winning screenwriter and the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of 1812 Award.

In her keynote address, Cook encouraged attendees to deepen their understanding of America’s founding and to help ensure that the nation’s history continues to reach future generations. She emphasized the importance of sharing historical stories through books, films, museums, and educational opportunities, including stories that highlight the contributions of women and other lesser-known figures in American history.

“On America’s 250^th year, I encourage you to increase your knowledge about our founding, whether reading a book, watching a movie, or visiting a museum or historical site,” Cook said. “We need to invest in content about America.”

College of the Ozarks hosts its Ozarks Women in Leadership (OWL) Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 29, bringing together women from across the region to celebrate leadership, encourage fellowship, and recognize opportunities to invest in the next generation of women leaders.

Cook, the author of 20 books, discussed her efforts to make American history accessible to readers of all ages. Her newest book, A Great and Grateful Nation: From Grievance to Gratitude, is an illustrated keepsake commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Her other works explore the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the lives of historical figures, and the stories of faith and courage that shaped the nation.

Reflecting on her commitment to producing patriotic literature, Cooks said, “I don’t want another publisher to tell me patriotism doesn’t sell.”

During her time on campus, Cook also met with journalism and public relations students and sat in on the Global War on Terrorism before delivering the keynote presentation at the OWL Scholarship Luncheon. This visit to campus left a lasting impression on her. After touring Patriots Park and learning about the College’s Patriotic Education Travel Program, Cook wrote about C of O on her Substack, calling the College a leader in patriotic education and a model for other colleges to follow.

Read Jane Hampton Cook’s full article: https://janehamptoncook.substack.com/p/america-needs-patriotic-education?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Senior Alayna Royal, double major in business administration and recreation & sports management, receives the fall 2026 OWL Scholarship. (Shown here are Royal and College of the Ozarks First Lady Laura Lacey Johnson.

The Heart of the Matter – Fall 2026 Scholarship Recipient Announced

The luncheon also recognized the newest recipient of an OWL scholarship, which supports a College of the Ozarks student pursuing a meaningful internship opportunity. The scholarship reflects OWL’s commitment to encouraging leadership and helping students take steps toward their professional goals.

Senior Alayna Royal, double major in business administration and recreation & sports management, received the fall 2026 OWL Scholarship.

“I was completely shocked when my name was announced,” Royal said. “It was such a special and humbling moment, and I feel incredibly blessed. This scholarship will give me the opportunity to pursue an internship, grow my skills, and invest in my future without any financial burdens holding me back. I am so thankful to everyone who made this possible and cannot wait to see where this opportunity takes me.”

Royal serves in the office of sports information as her workstation at the College. She has represented the College by traveling with the 2025 Patriotic Education Travel Program trip to Vietnam and promoting the College’s Patriotic Pillar through multiple media interviews.

“I really enjoyed Jane Hampton Cook's message about knowing our country, loving our country, and teaching future generations to do the same,” Royal said. “That really resonated with me, especially because of my experience with the Patriotic Education Program and getting to travel to Vietnam with College of the Ozarks students and Veterans in December 2025.”

Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural programs and advancement, presents the Ozarks Women in Leadership (OWL) Scholarship to senior Alayna Royal during the Sept. 29 luncheon at College of the Ozarks. (From L-R, Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural programs and advancement; keynote speaker Jane Hampton Cook; Alayna Royal, OWL Scholarship recipient; and Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of College of the Ozarks.

The program included a welcome and invocation by Lillian Chisum, student ambassador, an introduction of the keynote speaker by Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of College of the Ozarks, and the OWL Scholarship presentation by Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural affairs and institutional advancement. Chisum also delivered the closing remarks.

Through its scholarship luncheon, Ozarks Women in Leadership brings women together to foster meaningful connections, recognize leadership, and invest in students whose education and experiences will prepare them to serve their communities.