Dr. Helen McElree '47

Dr. Helen McElree

Dr. Helen McElree

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." Wanting to give back to her alma mater while also assisting Ozarks faculty members, she established in 2014 the Dr. Helen McElree Faculty Enrichment Endowment to provide financial support for special faculty scholarly and creative activities. "For a professor to be unable to pursue his or her passion kills creativity," McElree said. "My gift is intended to provide Ozarks' faculty members with the time and resources to continue their growth and productivity as scholars, artists and most certainly teachers."