College of the Ozarks history

In 1933, the (then) Raymond Munger Memorial Chapel was completed with the help of 50 students.

In 1934 the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen opened to offer work for students.

In 1957, Ozarks is the first traditionally white college in Arkansas to admit African American students.

In 1963, Sylvester Benson becomes the first African-American to play intercollegiate sports at a traditionally white college.

The program, which began as Arkansas Cumberland, was eventually discontinued following the 1965 season.

In 1971, two years before the Federal Rehabilitation Act was passed, Ozarks establishes the first program in the country designed specifically to help students with learning disabilities at the college level – The Jones Learning Center.

Sam and Helen Walton establish the Walton International Scholarship Program in 1985 to promote free enterprise and democracy.

In 1994 it was renamed the College of the Ozarks when regional accreditation was conferred.

In 1996, campus sees major changes through the $19 million Bridging the Centuries Campaign: enclosed quad, new fountain, Robson Library, and Boreham Business Building.

Walton also helped to kick off the Pride & Promise Campaign with a $39.5 million gift in 1997.

In 2011, $40 million Promise of Excellence Campaign secured the Rogers Conference Center, Mabee Fitness Center and Trustee Residence Hall.

In 2012, College of the Ozarks reopened School of the Ozarks, a classical laboratory high school.