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.”