Donor Stories

Kenneth R. McFerran

Kenneth R. McFerran

After graduating from Ozarks in 1963 with a business degree, Kenneth McFerran went on to proudly serve his home state of Arkansas and his country. He spent more than 30 years in law enforcement as a sheriff, state trooper and U.S. Marshal. More

Corey Snyder '14

Corey Snyder '14

After struggling at his previous University, Corey Snyder transferred to Ozarks to pursue his love of radio and television. With the assistant of scholarships and with help from the Jones Learning Center, Snyder thrived at Ozarks, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the RTV program and earning a degree with honors in 2014. More

Doris Bird

Doris Bird

Clarksville business owner Doris Bird and her late husband of 54 years, Huie, have been long-time and loyal supporters of their hometown University. Owners of several hotel franchises in the River Valley, the Birds have supported Ozarks for more than 30 years, watching the campus expand and seeing enrollment grow from several hundred students to more than 750. More

Kari Jo (Pridgin) Tedford '05

Kari Jo (Pridgin) Tedford '05

As a student at Ozarks, Kari Jo (Pridgin) Tedford worked in the University’s Advancement Office, where she saw first-hand the importance that financial support from friends and alumni had on current students. Now, as a media specialist for the Ozark (Ark.) School District, she makes it a point to support her alma mater. More

Dr. Helen McElree '47

Dr. Helen McElree '47

After graduating from Ozarks with a degree in biology, Dr. Helen McElree went on to a long and distinguished career as a university professor. In 1997, she received from Emporia State University the Ruth Schillinger Award, which is presented to an individual who has made "extraordinary contributions to the women of Emporia State over a period of time." More

The Rev. Rita Wilson Perry '70

The Rev. Rita Wilson Perry '70

The Rev. Rita Wilson Perry ’70 recently came out of retirement to serve as the transitional pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, Ark. Perry, who earned her masters of divinity degree from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa in 1991, pastored various churches in Arkansas and Oklahoma before being honorably retired in the Presbytery of Arkansas in June 2015 following 37 years of active service to the church. More