The King Family, which has been associated with and supported University of the Ozarks for more than 125 years, will be the recipients of the University’s 2026 Pay it Forward Award at Homecoming 2026.
The King Family will be represented by (pictured) Kathryn King Kish, Alice King Kutz and her husband, Kurt. The award will be presented at the Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, Oct. 16.
The Pay if Forward Award is given annually to a “generous individual or a family who has made a difference in the lives of others through leadership, unselfish giving and direct financial support of the mission of University of the Ozarks.”
The King family’s relationship with the University first began in the 1890s when James and Angie King, who were Alice and Kathryn’s great-grandparents, agreed to make a sizable donation to the college that had just moved from Cane Hill, Ark., to its present location in Clarksville, in 1891. James King made the donation with the understanding that this would also pay the tuition for his children to receive a degree from the college.
All 12 James’ and Angie’s children would attend Ozarks, as well as many other relatives, and the family would establish numerous student scholarships over the years.
Throughout the years the King Family continued to support the U of O with William Ernest King, Sr. and Robert L. King spearheading the effort for the 12 kids. William Ernest, Jr. and Maribeth King and Roger and Kathryn (King) Bost continued to support the U of O. Ernest and Kathryn carried on this honor for their father, as well as being alumni of the University.
Most recently the great-great grandsons of James and Angie King, Kyle Bost and Adam King, graduated from the U of O.
“The King Family is very pleased to have played a small part in helping to change the lives of many students through education,” said Kathryn King Kish. “Many thanks from the King Family, who have been blessed for many decades. We feel honored and grateful to be receiving the Pay It Forward Award.”
Topics: Alumni