University of the Ozarks was named Employer of the Year during the 102nd annual Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony, held on Oct. 14 at The Levee in downtown Clarksville.
In addition, University President Richard Dunsworth was honored with the 2023 Pillar of Progress Award and Matt Bewley, director of career services, received the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. (Dunsworth is pictured receiving the University’s award from Abby Asencio, vice president of the chamber and a 2022 U of O graduate.)
The Employer of the Year Award recognizes “a business that displays a commitment to staff and that invests in its team in order to succeed.” In introducing the award recipient, the University was praised for its efforts “to help its employees grow and succeed, not just in their professional life, but in all aspects of their lives. They truly care about the individuals they employ and want Clarksville to be more than just where their workplace resides.”
The University, which was named a “Great College to Work For” in 2022 by The Chronicle of Higher Education, was noted by the Chamber for its efforts to help employees find housing in Johnson County.
“The University appreciates the recognition of the work done to support our employees,” Dunsworth said. “When we established the employee home buying program and the housing investment buy-back guarantee, it wasn’t done to garner accolades. It was created to support our colleagues and our community. We hoped it would stimulate more employees to live and invest in Clarksville and Johnson County and by all accounts it has been an amazing success. To be recognized nationally and locally as a great employer is affirmation we are doing many things well and we strive to achieve such year after year.”
Dunsworth was honored with the Pillar of Progress Award, which is presented to a chamber member who “possesses leadership qualities and whose outstanding actions over a period of years have enhanced the quality of life of the citizens of Johnson County.”
“I find it hard to believe that Holly and I have been in Clarksville and Johnson County for nearly 11 years,” Dunsworth said. “Nicolas was nine and Matthew and Emma were only seven when we arrived. As I shared at the awards presentation, this is our home and we act and invest as though it is. Clarksville is important to us because the people, organizations and institutions invested in our children. I feel humbled and blessed to serve the University of the Ozarks. When the Board of Trustees encouraged us to think differently about our relationship with Clarksville, I was excited. Fast-forward and we have built a health clinic, Pressed Ink and Prestonrose restaurant and mercantile and the Mountaineer Tap Room. We are thankful for being welcomed into this amazing community.”
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual that is a community champion. In presenting the award, Bewley was lauded for being “intentional in being involved in the community outside of work. He has a love for Clarksville, Johnson County, and all of those that reside here.”
Bewley served as executive director of the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce from July 2022 until he took the position at Ozarks in March of 2023.
“We are privileged to be part of an extraordinary community of people who selflessly dedicate their time, resources, and efforts to assist those in need,” Bewley said. “Receiving the Volunteer of the Year award is deeply meaningful for me. Yet, I realize that I am merely one member of a compassionate collective working to uplift our community to make it truly exceptional.”
Topics: Community Service