Hard Work U. Focuses On Work In Ag Programs

2024 - Volume #48, Issue #4, Page #10

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The College of the Ozarks, or Hard Work U. as it’s become known, is a faith-based college in Point Lookout, Mo., offering many programs, including agriculture.
As Christianity is the central pillar of the school’s mission, all students must take two faith-based classes in addition to their regular studies.
The agricultural program is the second-largest major, with approximately 130 students. Most live on campus in male and female dorms, although a few commute as they’re married or live locally.
All students must study and work in a greenhouse, dairy farm, beef production unit, hog barn, feed mill, or meat processing plant. Four-year majors include agribusiness, agricultural development, animal science, agronomy, horticulture, and agricultural education, each leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.
The College strictly follows its Hard Work U. title. All students must work 15 hours a week during the academic year, plus two 40-hour weeks that pay for their tuition. During the summer break, students can work additional 40-hour weeks for various community businesses to pay for their upcoming room and board.
“Our goal is that our students work their way through and graduate debt-free,” says Associate Professor of Agriculture Tammy Holder. “Government loans are not allowed in our work college, although we do offer some scholarships.”
Acceptance prerequisites into Hard Work U. are strict. Applicants undergo a rigorous in-person interview process. Additionally, they must have three letters of reference, with one from either a youth leader or pastor. Academic requirements are also in place.
“What sets us apart is we try to look at everything through the lens of Christ,” Holder says. “But also, our farm-based work programs back up what students learn in the classroom with hands-on experience. They work the farms to ensure they know how production agriculture is done and not just the science or theory behind it. This adds true value to our program.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, College of the Ozarks (Hard Work U.), 100 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, Mo. 65726 (ph 800-222-0525; www.cofo.edu)

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Hard Work U Focuses On Work In Ag Programs SPECIALTY/SERVICES The College of the Ozarks or Hard Work U as it’s become known is a faith-based college in Point Lookout Mo offering many programs including agriculture As Christianity is the central pillar of the school’s mission all students must take two faith-based classes in addition to their regular studies The agricultural program is the second-largest major with approximately 130 students Most live on campus in male and female dorms although a few commute as they’re married or live locally All students must study and work in a greenhouse dairy farm beef production unit hog barn feed mill or meat processing plant Four-year majors include agribusiness agricultural development animal science agronomy horticulture and agricultural education each leading to a Bachelor of Science degree The College strictly follows its Hard Work U title All students must work 15 hours a week during the academic year plus two 40-hour weeks that pay for their tuition During the summer break students can work additional 40-hour weeks for various community businesses to pay for their upcoming room and board “Our goal is that our students work their way through and graduate debt-free ” says Associate Professor of Agriculture Tammy Holder “Government loans are not allowed in our work college although we do offer some scholarships ” Acceptance prerequisites into Hard Work U are strict Applicants undergo a rigorous in-person interview process Additionally they must have three letters of reference with one from either a youth leader or pastor Academic requirements are also in place “What sets us apart is we try to look at everything through the lens of Christ ” Holder says “But also our farm-based work programs back up what students learn in the classroom with hands-on experience They work the farms to ensure they know how production agriculture is done and not just the science or theory behind it This adds true value to our program ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup College of the Ozarks Hard Work U 100 Opportunity Ave Point Lookout Mo 65726 ph 800-222-0525; www cofo edu

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