Clarksville, Ark. ---The University of the Ozarks is one of six private colleges featured in a cover story in the August 1 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, a national weekly newspaper that is widely considered one of the top academic publications in the world.
In an article titled, "Back From the Brink: How six private colleges, once in steep decline, found ways to survive --- and even prosper --- in tough economic times," The Chronicle reported that Ozarks had "created a vibrant on-campus life for students" to boost enrollment and increase retention rates. The article also pointed out that Ozarks has no long-term debt, has operated with a balanced budget for the past six years, and has doubled its endowment since 1997. A picture of Ozarks students scaling a climbing wall on campus was used as the publication’s primary cover photograph. "When The Chronicle contacted us several weeks ago about featuring Ozarks as one of the nation’s outstanding success stories, I was elated," said Ozarks President Dr. Rick Niece. "Then when the issue was published and Ozarks was on the cover, I was ecstatic. All of us at Ozarks have worked tremendously hard the past six years for recognition of this nature. To have the leading publication in the world of academe highlight our campus in this manner is an honor beyond description." The other private colleges featured in the publication included, Rocky Mountain College in Montana, Bellevue University in Nebraska, Muskingum College in Ohio, University of Hartford in Connecticut, and Chatham College in Pennsylvania.
Topics: About