A lasting legacy of inspiration, mentorship, and a love of learning is taking shape at University of the Ozarks, thanks to a recent gift from alumnus Nicolas Dunsworth ’22 honoring one of the professors who shaped his journey.
Dunsworth (pictured, right) has established the Dr. Buddy Smith Outstanding Student in Mathematics Award, a new annual honor that will recognize exceptional mathematics students during the University’s Honors Day ceremony each spring.
The award pays tribute to Dr. Buddy Smith, who retired from full-time teaching in May 2021 after an extraordinary 41-year teaching career at Ozarks. Joining the faculty in 1980, Smith became known not only for his mastery of mathematics, but for his enthusiasm in the classroom and his deep commitment to students.
“Buddy’s passion and exuberance in teaching fundamentals is a large part of the reason I originally became a math major,” Dunsworth said. “Even now, I find myself referencing ‘animal arithmetic’ when trying to convey complex topics. Buddy’s kindness, his openness, his mentorship, and his lifetime of service have shaped not just how I approach math, but how I approach life—always with a smile on my face. I hope this award will allow his legacy to grow even further, beyond the generations of Ozarks alumni he has taught, and that future graduates will benefit from those lessons.”
A standout student himself, Dunsworth graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ozarks in 2022 with both a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in English. That same year, he was named the University’s Outstanding Student in Mathematics. He went on to earn a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and now works as a data scientist in Hampton, Virginia.
Throughout his decades on campus, Smith’s influence extended well beyond the classroom. He served as chair of the University’s science and mathematics division from 1991 to 1997 and was the faculty athletics representative for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he even stepped in as acting commissioner of the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference following the sudden passing of its commissioner. In addition to mathematics, Smith has also taught classes at Ozarks that focused on some of his favorite hobbies, including beekeeping and crappie fishing.
Smith also became a beloved figure in both the campus and Clarksville communities for his generosity and spirit. He was known for sharing fruits and vegetables from his garden, along with honey from his beehives, and for bringing joy to others by dressing as Santa Claus at University Christmas celebrations, community events, and parades.
The newly established award ensures that Smith’s impact will continue to be felt by future generations of Ozarks students—recognizing not only academic excellence, but the kind of passion and character he exemplified throughout his career.
For those interested in creating a lasting tribute through a named Honors Day award, please contact the Office of Advancement at 479-979-1234 or advancement@ozarks.edu.
Topics: Giving