Vanessa Hollowell (pictured, left) has been named the new director of the Student Success Center (SSC) and Whitleigh Wilhelmi has been promoted to assistant director of the Jones Learning Center (JLC), University of the Ozarks officials announced this week. Both promotions became effective on Aug. 1, 2023.
Hollowell, who has served as the assistant director of the JLC since July of 2021, replaces Connie High, who retired last month as director of the SSC. Hollowell has held a number of positions at Ozarks since being hired in the Business Office in 2002. She has been director of auxiliary services in the JLC as well as an academic services coordinator.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Student Success Center and continue Ozarks’ commitment to student success,” said Hollowell. “When I started at Ozarks, I told Darrell Williams, the business office manager, I was looking for a career. He told me he was offering me a job. What started as a job quickly turned into a passion for working with students. In my early days at Ozarks, I had brief interactions with students which allowed me to watch them learn, grow, and become adults. I then moved to the JLC where I was able to work individually with students and provide academic support. It was in the JLC I saw first-hand Ozarks’ commitment to her mission of preparing all students to live life fully.”
Hollowell, who completed a master’s degree in student affairs administration in 2021, said her various roles at Ozarks “pushed me to learn the needs of our diverse student population in working toward their goal of earning a degree.”
“But beyond earning a degree, we also help students develop into adults who think critically, see different viewpoints, and contribute to their communities,” she added. “At Ozarks students can find encouragement, guidance, and support in their education pursuits and the SSC has a vital role in that process. The SSC has a fantastic team who share my passion for students and are committed to student success. My goal is to build on our strong foundation and look at ways to enhance the way we support students. I’m proud to transition into this new role and am ready to work with our students, staff, and faculty.”
Hollowell was the recipient of the University’s 2021 Dr. Rick and Sheree Niece President’s Above and Beyond Award.
In addition to her new title of assistant director of the JLC, Wilhelmi will remain the coordinator of autism spectrum disorder services within the JLC program.
“Engaging, connecting, and supporting students has always been a passion of mine,” said Wilhelmi. “By being in this additional role, I am able walk alongside even more JLC students in their college journey—which is joyful work. I look forward to sharing our mission to prospective students and families who could benefit from our program, and be a supportive and compassionate resource to my colleagues.”
Wilhelmi joined Ozarks in 2018 as an academic support coordinator and moved to coordinator of autism spectrum disorder services in 2019.