For Grace Price, finding the right college wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a place that felt like home.
After a difficult first semester at a large public university, Price knew something was missing. What she found at University of the Ozarks wasn’t just a better fit—it was a community that would shape her future, fuel her ambitions, and ultimately change the course of her life.
It didn’t take long for her to realize she belonged.
“My first semester of college was difficult for me; I learned quickly that I needed to be in a school that felt like a community,” Price said. “My older brother, Isaac, was attending Ozarks at that point and I got to witness first-hand the great culture of the University. Interestingly enough, he was the ambassador on my tour and watching him interact with people encouraged me to apply. Not long after, I was accepted and began my journey here. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the welcoming that I received, and I am grateful and proud to be graduating from the University.”
A native of Siloam Springs, Ark., Price will graduate in May with a major in political science and minors in environmental studies and English. In just three years, she has carved out a path defined by academic excellence, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.
That purpose is already taking shape.
Price plans to attend law school this fall—having already earned acceptance into one of her top choices, UA-Little Rock, along with being offered one of the school’s most prestigious scholarships. Her long-term goal is to work in agricultural and environmental law, advocating for the communities and landscapes that shaped her upbringing.
“I grew up in rural Oklahoma and Arkansas and, ultimately, this experience inspired me and encouraged me to serve the communities that helped raise me,” Price said. “Farmers are some of the hardest workers I know, so I want to do my best to help protect them and guide them in legal settings. The other aspect of this is the land. Assisting farmers in taking care of their land is beneficial in more ways than one. Conservation practices not only help the environment, but also the farmer and the success of their yield. At the end of the day, I don’t just want to be their lawyer, I want to be someone who understands and supports their way of life.”
Price is also a member of the softball team this year—something that surprises even her.
Diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a rare bone condition in her knees, Price has undergone 10 knee surgeries since high school, including a bone and cartilage transplant. Prior to this season, she hadn’t played softball since she was 15.
Now, she’s not just back—she’s thriving.
Price has started every game this season and ranks second on the team in hitting (.370), helping lead the Eagles to one of their best seasons in program history.
“It’s pretty amazing that here I am playing my senior year of college,” she said. “I’ve had to overcome a lot, and it hasn’t been perfect, but this season is a testament to God’s presence in my life. Doors have opened and doors have closed, but thanks to the opportunity that Coach [David] Kuhn has given me this year, I’ve been able to fulfill a big dream of mine—stepping out on that field again. Our softball season has been great. There have been many challenges, but we’ve worked hard through it all. Joining this team has been one of my greatest experiences here at Ozarks, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Kuhn said Price’s perseverance has made a lasting impact on the team. Affectionately nicknamed “The Senator,” and “Counselor,” she has earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Her walk-up song in softball is “Born in the U.S.A.”
“She loves her country and her team,” Kuhn said. “Grace is an amazing person, great teammate, tremendous leader—who leads by example. She wasn’t even officially on the team at first, but she showed up for all the team meetings and participated in all the practices. She is a great example of perseverance and positivity. She has overcome so many challenges on and off the field—10 knee surgeries, gave up softball in high school, was a manager last season. She really has exceeded the expectations of the staff. She works hard every day and is a consummate professional in her approach. She is an outstanding student-athlete and has a huge caring heart.”
Off the field, Price has been equally driven in the classroom. She credits the University’s LENS program with pushing her to step outside her comfort zone and explore new academic interests.
“The LENS program was challenging for me at first, because it pushed me to search for minors outside of the social sciences,” she said. “I knew I loved science and I needed to be a good writer to get into law school, and that is why I chose environmental studies and English. This system has been one of the most helpful tools that Ozarks has offered as it has guided me toward the career that I am now working to build.”
Her experience within the political science program further solidified her path.
“I believe I’ve had Dr. Chris Sarver every semester of college, and his classes and his own personal story have inspired me a lot,” she said. “I was also fortunate enough to be placed with an amazing advisor, Dr. Daniel Fudge, who guided me throughout my experience here at the University. Most notably, he was able to place me in an internship program in Washington, D.C., called The Washington Center. This program gave me the opportunity to work for an agricultural non-profit, where I further developed professional interests, connections, and experiences. I even did a little lobbying on Capitol Hill.”
During her internship in Washington D.C. in the summer of 2025, Price served as a research and policy associate for the agricultural non-profit RIPE (Rural Investment to Protect our Environment). She analyzed legislation, supported lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, worked directly with farmers and agricultural stakeholders, and authored a blog on Simmons Foods CEO Todd Simmons.
“The experience that I gained reinforced my interest in this field as I got to witness the balance that must exist between the government, the farmer, and the land,” she said.
Price is graduating with honors in just three years—a reflection of her discipline, focus, and unwavering commitment to her goals.
“My academics have always been at the heart of my collegiate experience,” she said. “Education is a privilege and I always prioritized classes so that I could work toward my dream of becoming a judge. Softball was an unforeseen blessing. Joining our school’s team was an unexpected experience in my life, considering I hadn’t played since middle school until this year. However, my brother and family encouraged me, and I hope to live up to the legacy that Isaac left behind, both in academics and in baseball/softball.”
Looking back, Price said transferring to Ozarks proved to be one of the most defining decisions of her life.
“I’d say that my time at Ozarks has given me a new perspective and hope for my future,” she said. “I’ve always felt supported in everything I’ve done here, both as a student and a person.”
And as she prepares for law school and a future advocating for rural communities, farmers, and the land she holds dear, Price leaves Ozarks not only with a degree—but with a clear purpose and the confidence to pursue it.
Topics: Political Science