University of the Ozarks, USA

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

University of the Ozarks (U of O) was founded in 1834 as Cane Hill School in Cane Hill, Arkansas in Washington County, later becoming Cane Hill College. Its successor, Arkansas Cumberland College, opened in Clarksville in September 1891 and finally renamed as College of the Ozarks in 1920. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of the Ozarks has consistently been ranked as Best Value Schools & Best Colleges(Regional) by US News, Times Higher Education and The Princeton Review, while also scoring high in the categories of Most Diverse Colleges & College with Best Professors.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The proud owner of a modest 30-acre campus, sitting at the top of College Hill on the north edge of Clarksville, Arkansas; the University of the Ozarks has a long history at its current location, tracing its roots back as far as 1891. There are now more than 20 buildings on campus, where students may select from a wide variety of Majors like Accounting, Business, Management, Economics, Environmental Studies, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology Strategic Communication, and Theater. 

Accomplishments & Alumni

Ozarks was the first University in the state to admit women, the first predominantly white University in the state to confer a degree on an African-American, the first University in the state to integrate athletics racially, and the first University in the nation to create a program specifically designed for students with learning disabilities. University of the Ozarks continues to push boundaries, even today, whether culturally (more than 20 percent of the students are from outside of the United States), inaccessibility ($9 million+ in institutional scholarships), in curriculum innovation (LENS program - create a customized and diverse plan of study), in leadership (Ozarks Outdoors offers students the opportunity to obtain leadership skills and personal confidence while experiencing the picturesque nature of Northwest Arkansas), or athletically (more than 40 percent of the student body competes in intercollegiate athletics). All of this has led to Ozarks being one of the fastest-growing universities in the region.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

The University has an enrollment average of around 900 students, representing 25 countries; further broken down into 52% Female and 48% Male Students with a Student-Faculty Ratio of 15:1. The Career Services Office presents an annual career fair and numerous other opportunities throughout the academic year to assist students in securing postgraduate positions as well as placement into graduate and professional schools. There are also opportunities inside and outside of the classroom for students to meet and hear from U of O alumni who are successful in a wide variety of careers. In addition, the University hosts business, industry and government leaders in an assortment of events and programs throughout the year.