University of the Ozarks alumnus Vernon McDaniel ’55 of Ozark, Ark., has established a scholarship endowment at his alma mater to assist students majoring in communication studies.
McDaniel (pictured, right, with University President Richard Dunsworth) graduated from then College of the Ozarks in 1955 with a degree in sociology and political science. During his senior year, he was chosen as the college’s most industrious and most school-spirited male and was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He also received the outstanding political science student award.
“I received scholarship help when I was a student and now I want to help someone else,” McDaniel said.
Following graduation, McDaniel went on to earn a master’s degree in social welfare and journalism from Florida State University. He later served Ozarks as an associate professor of journalism as well as director of public relations.
He has also taught journalism at colleges in Kansas and Missouri. In 1975, the National Council of College Publications Advisors chose McDaniel as the nation’s top college yearbook advisor.
He served as the mayor of Ozark for 12 years and was the recipient of the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
McDaniel currently heads the Salvation Army Service Unit in Ozark, volunteers at the Ozark Museum, and works part-time at the city’s newspaper, The Spectator.
The Vernon McDaniel Scholarship will be awarded to students who major in communication studies and who have a “recognized financial need.”
For information on establishing an endowed scholarship for U of O students, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at 479-979-1237.
Topics: About, Alumni, Communication Studies, Giving, Scholarship, Strategic Communication