Michael Dickinson- "If you enjoy the people and time God has given you, then you will find success."

Those who have had the pleasure of knowing College of the Ozarks graduating senior Michael Dickinson would agree that Michael is a remarkably special musician, student, and leader. Some would consider his masterful songwriting skills and soothing singing voice to be his tickets to stardom. But it is his loving spirit and genuine heart that could be considered his true claim to fame.    

Michael grew up in New Jersey until 2003 when his family moved to Lebanon, Missouri. The transition proved to be challenging but positive.

“I am not a naturally outgoing person, but as I look back on my life so far, it seems like each stage has brought out a little more of my extroverted side. The move was a big part of that. I was just an awkward homeschooler from Jersey, but my parents really encouraged me to get involved in the community and with other kids. They wanted me to have a well-rounded childhood.”

Michael says that his parents were influential in modeling positive leadership skills in daily life.

“My parents each had their own styles of leadership, so I got to see two different perspectives in action. My mom believed in the importance of hard work and pressing towards goals. She is one of the most determined women that I know, and I think I got those skills from her. My dad really focused on listening and caring for people. He always told me to try to understand that everyone has their own problems and struggles. I still remind myself of that now and then.”

At the age of 6, Michael began playing the piano. After he began playing regularly in church, he started to consider other musical opportunities.

“Once we made the move to Lebanon, I started exploring different instruments and styles of music. I jumped at the chance to record with other musicians, and I started playing music whenever I could. It was definitely an influential part of my life growing up.”

Michael’s faith was also important while growing up. He specifically remembers a young couple in church that answered their personal calling and starting a small group for youth.

“They started a study for people who really wanted to learn the Bible. So many studies focus on reading through it, which is very important as well. But they really wanted to teach it and everything involved in it. Even though we only had a very small group of students, our leaders invested in our Christian character development at a time when we most needed it.”

With his natural musical abilities, a performing arts school would have been an easy transition for Michael. But because of encouragement from his parents, he looked into College of the Ozarks. He was extremely hesitant at first, and even after being accepted, never imagined that he would be at C of O for more than a couple of semesters. Then, something changed.

“Honestly, it was my Character Camp experience that really started to change my mind and open my heart to C of O. I had a great first semester roommate and I realized what a blessing it was to be a smaller Christian school where people genuinely seemed to care about me and my success.”

Although he originally began as a music major, the Lord called him down a variety of paths before he finally selected a double major in Video and Audio production.

“As I went through my time at C of O unsure of my major, I kept coming back to the Mass Comm classes that I had taken in my first semesters. They were truly influential in a powerful way. For one of the first times of my life, I was thrilled to write papers and I could not wait to get to class and discuss the topics. Video and Audio are both fun but they are also so educational and can be impactful.”

Looking back on his college career, Michael says that the activities and accomplishments fade into the background. It is the people that he will always remember. Michael is quick to credit each of them with having a hand in developing his skills as a leader.

“God has been so faithful to put people in my life that have blessed me. I think that He has given me a heart that wants to better people and their situations, and I have drawn inspiration from those around me at C of O. Both my peers and leaders here have been influential, and it just makes me realize that people are really what matter most in life.”

When asked about his future, Michael has a straightforward answer.

“As of now, I have no clear plans in mind, but I know what I like to do. I know what God is calling me to do. Wherever He wants to take me, I will go.”

Michael’s talent and personality has touched the lives of numerous people at C of O and beyond. His humble style of servant leadership speaks volumes to those who understand his care for those around him. But it is a simple anecdote that Michael left us with that reminds us of his mature leadership skills.

“Learn from the experiences of life, whether good or bad and keep what is most important in perspective. If you enjoy the people and time God has given you, then you will find success.”  

Ashley Bench- "The ability to lead comes out of God's goodness alone."

Few people on the College of the Ozarks campus are as widely known as Ashley Bench. Now in her senior year of school, Ashley is recognized by students and faculty alike because of her contagious laughter, remarkable talents, and love for people.

Ashley grew up in Springfield, Missouri, as the daughter of a local church pastor. Even at a young age, she was involved in her parents’ church in a variety of ways. She cites her strong Christian upbringing as being influential during her childhood.

“In our house, you could not go for more than an hour without the Word of God being spoken. It was not about preaching the law, but about discussing Jesus and the kind of leader He is. He wants us to progress in love and our ability to love others. My parents helped lead me to that truth.”

With her excitable and energetic personality, school was challenging for Ashley at times. Even still, she was able to learn a few valuable lessons from it all.

“I enjoy learning and school, but I found myself sometimes disagreeing with my teachers. By the time I got to high school, I started to realize that even if you do not always agree with your leaders, you should respect them. I have tried to always remember that.”

Both of Ashley’s parents were influential in her leadership development.

“My dad is one of the most patient people I have ever known. He has never let a good or bad thing said about him discourage how he treats people. My mom shares his love for people, and she would go out of her way to help others. They taught me that good leaders show mercy and forgiveness, even when people are not responsive.”

Ashley considered College of the Ozarks after she took a campus tour during her senior year of high school. Since starting at C of O, she has been given many opportunities to lead and says that the character development she has experienced has forever changed her.

“In my time at C of O, I have learned to be confident in trusting God’s plan for my life. I see what He has done for me and what He is calling me to do. Knowing this allows me to take risks and go for what I want in life without damaging others self worth.”

In spite of all that she has accomplished at C of O, Ashley is determined to give credit where it is due rather than take the praise herself.

“Without Jesus, the motives of leadership are self-gaining. You have to be humble enough to admit when you are wrong and allow for correction. Otherwise, the focus of what you are trying to do will be completely off base.”

As a Public Relations major, Ashley has been able to learn even more about something she is already passionate about: communication. She says that the skills she gains in her classes and work have helped her become a better leader.

“I have always felt comfortable talking to people, but not always communicating my thoughts and ideas to them. With my PR classes, I have learned all about communication interactions with people and they really have helped me get past that. Now I am able to better show people what I am thinking.”

In the future, Ashley is hoping to combine her loves of music and youth ministry into a full time career. Though she is not certain where the future is taking her, she is keeping faith that God is in control of it all.

“I believe that it is good to have a vision but not confine yourself to a plan. Be open to what God has in store for you and stay true to your values in whatever you do. When you trust in Him, you cannot go wrong.”

Ashley truly is an amazing young leader full of hope about the future. God has been able to use her willingness to serve and love others to do remarkable work on the C of O campus and beyond. According to Ashley, she hopes it is just the beginning.

“Right now, I am just along for the ride. I am so excited to see where He takes me next. Yes, there have been struggles and there always will be. But I have to keep it all in perspective.”

As for advice she would give to other, younger leaders, Ashley has a few simple words.

“Leadership is not about you. Nothing that you can do will make yourself worthy of leadership opportunities. The ability to lead comes out of God’s goodness alone.”

Matt Fender- "If you are a leader that genuinely cares, it will not go unnoticed."

As leaders, we will always be in training. Skills and attributes associated with leadership are not learned overnight, and to be a truly excellent leader, one must be constantly willing to develop themselves even further.

Matt Fender understands this concept, and he is seeing it play out in his own life. With each new opportunity on the College of the Ozarks campus, he is developing his own unique approach to leadership. Now, in the midst of his sophomore year, Matt is stepping into roles once filled by the older student leaders who inspired him.

“One of my favorite things about C of O is the fact that the upperclassmen work so closely with the newer students. They never lord over you or remind you of their status, but instead they really take students under their wings and invest in them. I have been so encouraged by that.”

Growing up in Fair Grove, Missouri, Matt was an energetic young person who excelled academically but enjoyed fun above studies. He was heavily involved in athletics, ranging from baseball to basketball and football. Matt acknowledges the formational influence that sports had in his life. 

“Most of what I know about leadership I learned in the context of sports. My coaches, the older players on the team: they really modeled what it looked like to be an excellent leader.”

Matt remembers one football coach in particular as being especially motivational for his team. Although he was in a position of power, the coach always tried to understand where each person was coming from before criticizing them or their work.

“He had so much passion for his job, and he shared that passion with both the players and his staff. I learned from him that people are motivated in different ways, so if possible, it is always effective to tailor the motivation to who you are working with.”

Matt also credits his older brother Ben as being an inspirational leader. Although they are a few years apart, Matt says that they are still close.

“A lot of younger siblings focus on distinguishing themselves as individuals apart from their older siblings. But for me, I always saw being recognized as Ben’s brother as a complement. I got to see him balance school and leadership opportunities and I think his example really paved the way for me.”

Strong family connections led Matt to College of the Ozarks, but it was his own personal values that connected him to the school.

“My parents both went to C of O, as did my brother, so it seemed like a natural choice. I had heard great things from them and the financial aspect was a plus as well. More than anything though, I felt led there because it was a place that really aligned with my goals, morals, and values.”

With his International Business degree, Matt is hoping to gain knowledge about his future field as well as the world around us.

“Growing up, I loved National Geographic and anything that had to do with international travel. It fascinated me. God has made such an interesting world, and I want to know all that I can about it. That is why my major is so much more than just a major for me. It is a passion.”

A position with the state department would be Matt’s ideal job after graduation, with the hopes of eventually becoming more involved in politics. As for now, he is looking forward to marrying his fiancée Katie.   

“Katie is one of the most forgiving and loving people I have ever known. Everyone messes up and I know that I will never be a flawless leader, but she demonstrates so much grace with me. It really is inspiring.”

Matt is a leader we will certainly be seeing more of in the future. His determination, work ethic, and genuine care for the people in his life make him mature beyond his years. But Matt, with his humble attitude, will be the first to admit that he does not have it all figured out quite yet.

“I am learning new things about myself and the way that I lead all of the time. Where there is an opportunity to lead, there is an opportunity to fail. But how you fail determines how you lead in times of success. I want to be known as a leader who cares for those that I work with; someone who develops people like others have developed me. If you are a leader that genuinely cares, it will not go unnoticed.”

Ramsey-Michelle Pruitt- "Only love can break the barriers of pride and arrogance."

“I am a people person.” This phrase is often overused as an attempt to prove our interpersonal skills. But how many of us can say that we truly, unconditionally LOVE people?

Ramsey-Michelle Pruitt has a heart for people that is easily recognizable. Now in her junior year at College of the Ozarks, Ramsey brightens the world around her with a cheerful smile, positive attitude, and genuine kindness.

We found Ramsey behind the desk at the Dean of Work office, where she works as a part of the C of O work program. As she began to open up about her views on leadership, she shared about learning from life mistakes and her faith in God’s influence in her life.

“God has been guiding me since I was small. There is nothing more amazing than looking back throughout my life and seeing His hand in everything that I have experienced.”

As a child, Ramsey was anything but the sweet, demure young woman that people know her as today. Her frequent tantrums and fits would cause distress within her family and even earned her a very special nickname.

“When my moods would come on, my sister would always refer to me as VCR, which meant ‘violent child Ramsey’. We laugh about it now, but at the time, it was all too true. I was the youngest of six children, which was an adventure in itself.”

Ramsey accepted the Lord at age six and things began to change. The next stage of her life proved to be memorable, but unfortunately, it was for all of the wrong reasons.

“Things really started to fall apart after I got saved. My family was in turmoil and unimaginable things just kept happening to us. When I tell about all that we went through, most people think that my faith would have waivered. Honestly though, it only strengthened my relationship with God because I knew that I had Him to lean on through it all.”

After being homeschooled for her entire life, Ramsey began public school for her freshman year of high school. Her Christian faith was still something she loudly professed, but she soon realized that others were not as welcoming of her personal beliefs.

“When I started high school, I wanted be bold and strong in my faith. I remember looking at my situation from the perspective of Peter and thinking ‘I can do that.’ As it turns out, people do not really respond to the boldness of Peter in a 21^st century American high school.”

Challenged by the opinions of her peers, Ramsey began to reconsider her approach to leadership. After prayer and consideration, she refocused her goals to better reach the hurting and lost people of today’s society.

“I started to see a leader as a person who loves above all else. Leadership is not about forcing your convictions on others. It is not about right or wrong choices, but about following Jesus and displaying his love to everyone we come in contact with.”

This new perspective changed Ramsey and the remainder of her time in high school. As graduation was approaching, she began to consider C of O as an option for college.

“I loved the idea of a college where you could work and graduate debt free. We decided to make a visit, and although I really liked the campus, I still was unsure about being there. Honestly, it was the 

Patriotic Travel Program that sealed the deal for me. As I researched it more, I started to realize what an amazing place C of O was that they would support a program like that. It as completely a God thing!”

Once coming to College of the Ozarks, Ramsey set three goals for herself: become a Character Camp Mom, be a camp counselor at Camp Lookout, and participate in the Patriotic Travel Program. Since then, she has accomplished all three goals on her list, but she does not take the credit for herself.

Ramsey has especially fond memories from the Patriotic trip she took to England in May of this year. She says she will always remember the Veterans and what they taught her about war, sacrifice, and life.

“In America, we are encouraged to have this love for country, and although America is wonderful, it really is the people that make it great. We have all that we have because of those who served. I went on the trip expecting a swell of American pride, but instead I developed an intense love for these men and who they are. The best way to thank them is to love them like Christ loves us.”

In the future, Ramsey is keeping her options open to whatever God may be calling her to do. Her major in Biblical and Theological Studies with a Christian Ministries emphasis will prove to be helpful in many different career opportunities.

“I had always felt very passionate about working with women who are enslaved, specifically overseas. But lately, I have felt God really calling me to broaden my goals. Now I am looking for any opportunity to help hurting people. It is all about bringing the hope of Christ to those who have none.”

As she continues to develop her leadership skills, Ramsey is determined to stay down to earth and true to herself.     

“I will always try to be upfront about my flaws, even in leadership. I mess up all of the time, but it is okay because of the love and grace of God. Honestly, remembering that helps to keep me humble. Only love can break the barriers of pride and arrogance.”    

Brian Poulsen- "Even when you make mistakes, you have to trust that God is guiding your steps."

College is a unique time of life. Through freshman, sophomore, and junior years, students are constantly growing, developing their leadership skills. By the time students make it to their senior year, many can become protective of their status as upperclassmen.  

However, some seniors see the value in sharing their advice and leadership lessons with younger students. Brian Poulsen is a College of the Ozarks senior that is choosing to invest in the next generation of student leaders.

Through his leadership roles as a Character Camp Pop, Resident’s Assistant., and Men’s Worship Night coordinator, Brian has gained knowledge and grown as a leader. Now, he wants to share that with others.

“I have always been taught about the importance of discipleship. When I first started school here, I wanted to surround myself with a solid core group of guys. The older students were influential in guiding us as freshmen and sophomores, and now that I am an upperclassman, I think that investing in the next students is the best way to give back.”

That concept of discipleship was something that Brian grew up around, even as a small child, thanks to the views of his dad. Brian still regards his dad as one of the most influential leaders in his life.

“He preached leadership, but never in an overbearing way. During my childhood, I remember how he would always share his heart for discipleship. Training and building others up: that is still what he is all about.”

Brian was able to see his parents’ leadership in action thanks on many occasions during their time as missionaries in New Guinea. Growing up in the midst of the missions field gave Brian a unique childhood; one that he has never regretted.

“As a kid, the international mission field is one of the coolest things. I mean, I grew up running through the jungles surrounded by a strong, Christ-centered family unit. It really does not get much better than that.”

While many of his peers were busy applying to colleges around the country, Brian was focused on finishing high school and getting back to the missions field. He graduated a year early with no interest in college. After taking that year off, he decided to apply to College of the Ozarks on a whim.

“I distinctly remember being nonchalant about the whole thing, even after I had applied. I was so sure that college was my roadblock to doing missions; so much so that I almost missed the opportunity right in front of me.”

It was a moment he shared with his dad, however, that put things changed his perspective.

“My dad called me into the room and told me that I had a letter from College of the Ozarks. After I opened it and saw that I had been accepted, he said that we should stop and thank God for this amazing blessing. I will always remember that. He saw then what I now understand; C of O really is an amazing blessing.”

Since his time in college, Brian has been able to grow in his leadership skills through a variety of opportunities. Now in his fifth semester as an R.A. for Youngman Dorm, Brian is daily reminded of the responsibility that comes along with his job.

“When I first applied, I did not realize the importance of the R.A. position. R.A.’s are some of the first people that new students meet, and it is our job to make them feel comfortable. It is about reaching out and opening the channels for dialogue. The residents do look up to us, so it is important to show an interest in their lives and be willing to talk with them.”

Working in Youngman has been beneficial for Brian’s growth as well.

“Honestly, I have experienced a ton of self-realization through it all. Working with the guys has challenged me on a lot of things, especially when it comes to confrontation. In leadership, confrontation is bound to happen, so we have to learn how to handle it appropriately. Often, when I confront, I do it out of love but not always in a loving way. I am working on improving, but it is definitely an area that I am still learning in.”

Brian’s passion for men’s ministry has extended past his R.A. position. This semester, he was one of the driving forces behind starting a worship night for the men of the C of O campus.

“The men’s worship night started with a group of us questioning why nothing like that was already in place. College is a pivotal time of life for men because these years can define who you are. We saw the need at C of O, and so we started it in hopes that guys would respond. The turnout has been encouraging and God has really blessed our worship times together.”

Looking towards the future, Brian is hoping to find more chances to lead alongside his soon-to-be wife, Lily.

“In the real world, leadership opportunities are not just handed out. They have to be sought after. One way that I am excited to do that is within a church community. When you are in college, it is hard to settle down with a home church, so Lily and I would love to find one once I graduate. We are both passionate about helping with youth activities, and I enjoy leading worship, so who knows where God will lead us.”

God is undeniably continuing His work in Brian’s life, and each step, no matter how difficult, is developing his leadership skills even further. For Brian, the work is not only about the end result, but the process of getting there as well.

“Leadership is such a tricky thing because it can get you hated in one moment and loved the next. To me, it is all about stepping out in faith that you are doing the best you can. Even when you make mistakes, you have to trust that God is guiding your steps."

Nichole Russell- "When you lead with humility, everything else will fall into place."

In our technology driven society, media has power. The individuals behind the media are arguably some of the most influential in the world.

Now more than ever, Christian leaders are needed in the fields of video production, audio technology, public relations, and journalism. Nichole Russell is a young person who recognizes the need and she is determined to do her part in changing the current media landscape.

We found Nichole at a local coffee shop, enjoying a latte and editing the College of the Ozarks Student Outlook. Her job as Editor of the paper is both a practical application of her English and Journalism majors and a chance to develop leadership skills.

Nichole adopted her intense focus and work ethic early in her childhood. She recalls her dedication to academics through all stages of her schooling and recognizes how it influenced her study habits.

“You could definitely say that I was an overachiever. I think that I still am to a certain extent. I have always held myself to a very high standard, which meant that even at a young age, I was concerned about homework and grades more than any of the other kids.”

Her strong support from home, however, kept her grounded in life outside of her textbooks.

“I had a very close family unit when I was growing up. My mom was incredibly influential as I watched her overcome so much. In the moment, I never realized how remarkable it was that she balanced business and motherhood almost effortlessly. That is a task that deserves immense respect.”

Outside of her family, Nichole also remembers the guidance that her teachers provided. In a school that valued athletics and extroverts, one teacher in particular went against the grain and reached out to Nichole.

“He told me how important academics really are and he really encouraged me to strengthen my study habits. Responsibility within schoolwork and leadership were important to him, and after he became the principal of our school, I got to see how he tried to emphasize those on a daily basis.”

Nichole’s road to College of the Ozarks was different than that many other students. After graduating a year early, she applied but was waitlisted. In order to continue her studies during the waiting time, she took classes at Ozarks Technical Community College. The results surprised her.

“Looking back, I see that I needed to grow as a student and a person before starting at C of O, but at the time I had apprehensions about OTC. But once I started there, I was blown away. The teachers were so influential for me, especially in my English and literature classes. Needless to say, I am glad I had the time there.”

Once she finally began school at C of O, Nichole says she felt overwhelmed by the many opportunities available for student involvement. Looking for her niche, she enrolled in a journalism class and developed passion for the journalistic writing.

As the Editor of the Student Outlook, Nichole daily has opportunities to develop and grow in her leadership skills. While producing a quality paper is important to her, she also sees the importance in developing the personal skills of her staff writers.
“During their time writing the stories and interviewing campus leaders, Outlook staff writers naturally feel a deeper connection to the community at C of O. But it is honestly  about so much more than that. The Outlook can build confidence with interpersonal relationship skills and teach about working with different personality types. Not only do writing skills improve, but the writers also learn valuable leadership lessons as well.”

In the future, Nichole hopes to further her education in either of her majors. After eventually earning her PhD, she is open to teaching at the university level. Regardless of where she teaches, however, Nichole is determined to follow where God leads her.

As someone called to a life and career in the media, Nichole is sure to face adversaries that disagree with her opinions and viewpoints. However, Nichole’s maturity and leadership qualities will allow her to handle the situation with grace, patience, and humility.

“Honestly, as I see it, staying humble even in the face of success is crucial as a leader. Humbleness allows people respect you and you to better understand others. When you lead with humility, everything else will fall into place.”

Duncan Tillack- "If your purpose is to show Christ's love, you will be a leader wherever you are."

Healthcare is a nationwide, hot button topic that consistently can make even the most docile Americans argue passionately. So often, however, we miss the larger point. Clouded by the debates and deliberation, Americans can forget how blessed they are to have doctors and medicine available at all. With the atrocities of hospitals and doctor’s offices in other regions of the world, the U.S. is more privileged than most.

College of the Ozarks Junior Duncan Tillack has seen firsthand the poor medical conditions available to other parts of the world. Through multiple mission trips to Haiti, Duncan has developed a passion for helping those who are less fortunate and he is focused on taking action to do so.  

Duncan’s compassion for others is not a new development in his life. In fact, he told us that he recognizes how his love for people effected his childhood.

“I remember as a kid having hundreds of friends. Honestly! I never thought of anyone as a stranger, so I would just talk to anyone I saw. Even then, I just loved all kinds of people.”

Especially in his youth, this determination to befriend many led him to new hobbies and interests.

“I went through these phases growing up where I would try out random, new things. My family still jokes about it; how I could not make up my mind about what I enjoyed. But honestly, I look back at that time as being positive for me. I learned a ton about the stuff I was involved with, but I learned a lot about myself as well.”

That developed sense of self would be challenged during junior high and high school, a time when many students are faced with adversity and identity issues.

“I think that junior high and high school is the first place where student’s leadership skills are not only tested and developed, but openly challenged by those who disagree. Trying to be an example in the classroom, with friends, with teammates: it can be difficult to balance leadership roles in those situations.”

Duncan says that his Dad’s advice and support was crucial to his leadership development.

“My Dad was probably my biggest influencer in regards to leadership and, honestly, life in general. He remains selfless and serves others with a genuinely happy heart. It never seems forced or strained. He really has inspired me to serve others.”

Through his involvement at C of O, Duncan has had many opportunities to put his Dad’s servant leadership styles to use, all the while developing his own unique way of leading.

“At first, I did not recognize the opportunities we have as C of O students. I came here knowing that paying for college anywhere else would be too difficult. It is the only place I ended up applying, but what an amazing experience it has been. Through doing Character Camp and working on the Council for Student Programs, I have really developed my leadership skills and a strong sense of self.”

As a Human Biology major with a Pre-Med emphasis, Duncan is learning to balance the challenging time constraints associated with his difficult classes. But when looking towards the end result of his work, Duncan is willing to make the sacrifice.

“I have been through a lot of majors since I started college, and each has come out of this desire to help people. Now, more than ever, I know I am studying what I should be to accomplish that goal. I have a passion for what I am learning and even though each class is challenging, that passion has just grown. I now see that medicine is an awesome vehicle to help and serve people, and I cannot wait to get out there and start.”

In the future, Duncan is considering medical school at Kansas University with the end goal being to become a surgeon. Although his interest is currently in orthopedics, he says he is open to whatever the Lord may have for him.

Whatever the coming years hold, Duncan knows that he has a strong support system, including that of his fiancé Alex.

“Through all of the changes I have experienced in life, Alex has been one of my constants. She is spiritually solid in her faith, and her focus and dedication really help to pull me back in if I ever get too overwhelmed with life. She shares my passion for people, and with her studying nursing, we are excited to eventually open some sort of clinic in a smaller country. We have discussed living there for a portion of each year, which gives us a chance to use the talents that God has given us and also help those who are in need.”

Duncan’s life has been filled with difficulties, but also moments of perseverance and triumph. As many before him, he chooses to learn from each moment life gives him, bettering himself as a leader, son, brother, and future husband. In spite of his accomplishments, however, Duncan recognizes the importance of humility in leadership.     

“I think, as leaders, it is crucial for us to find the balance between confidence and humility. It is so easy in leadership to become confident in what you know or have done, but leaders must be humble enough to work and serve out of love. If your purpose is to show Christ’s love, you will be a leader wherever you are.” 

For more information about a student leader in the medical field, check out our feature on Nursing student Alex Tecle!

http://futureleaders417.blogspot.com/2013/09/alex-techle-everyone-is-child-of-god.html

Veronica Coleman- "If you want to be a good leader, be a follower of the BEST leader."

Few students brighten the College of the Ozarks campus like Veronica Coleman. With her bright smile, contagious laughter, and positive demeanor, students and faculty alike know who she is. Although people may initially be drawn to her outward charm, it is her compassion and selfless love for those around her that make Veronica an exemplary leader.

We found Veronica in the Christian Ministries building, where she spends much of her time studying and volunteering. Whether she is stacking boxes for Operation Christmas Child, preparing a message for small groups, or discussing details of an upcoming community service project, Veronica has a clear passion for serving others. She says that all she has been involved in is an example of C of O’s ability to empower student leaders.

“I have been so blessed by the opportunities here at the college. We hear about service and helping people all the time, but at C of O the students are challenged to practice and live out servant hood. It has truly influenced me as a leader.”

It would be easy to assume that Veronica was a docile during her childhood years. In actuality, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

“I guess you could say that I went through a very long, childhood rebellion stage. The best way to describe it was that I was just extremely strong willed, but that manifested itself in some very negative ways. I eventually learned and grew through it, which I thank God for.”

Veronica’s passion for missions is evident in the way she lives her life. She says that an influential youth pastor first drew her focus to the service mentality she now lives out.

“He always emphasized the importance of being missional, telling us to be aware of people beyond our immediate groups. ‘Bring them in’. That is what he would always encourage us to do. It really made me aware of how many people groups are overlooked in our world.”

For Veronica, there has always been an obvious connection between leadership and faith. However, she admits that living it out can be complicated.

“The connection between leadership and my relationship with God is so obvious in my mind, but daily walking it out can be such a challenge. Even still, it is always in those challenging moments when He shows me the importance of resting in the truth of who He is. I have learned that being vulnerable in the midst of my struggles is not a weakness. It is being the kind of leader that God has called me to be.”

As a senior studying Sociology, Veronica has had many opportunities to practice the leadership teachings she has learned at College of the Ozarks.

“People will surprise you. That is one of the biggest things I have learned during my time here at C of O. Do not just sum people up before you first give them a chance. If God gives us a chance, then who are we to withhold that from others?”

Looking to the future, Veronica is trusting the Lord to lead her path, excited about the direction for her life.

“I could see myself working with a ministry, maybe teaching, grad school even, but I am just not sure quite yet on the next step. For some, that could be a scary thought and it is kind of intimidating. But I have faith that things will work out!”

With her zest for life and commitment to servant leadership, Veronica Coleman is a 417 Leader we will surely see more of in the future. But in spite of the impressive leadership opportunities she has already received, she is careful to not take credit herself.

“The foundational truths that we hold about leadership are exhibited by the God we serve. It makes sense to look to Him for guidance! After all, if you want to be a good leader, be a follower of the BEST leader.”

For more information about Veronica's work with Operation Christmas Child and their organization, check out their official website.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/