University of the Ozarks is expected to confer degrees on approximately 140 graduates during its 2025 Spring Commencement ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, May 17.
The graduation ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on the campus mall in front of Robson Library. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Mabee Gymnasium. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the University’s YouTube page.
The Commencement keynote speaker will be Susan Pinson from Edmond, Oklahoma. Pinson is the chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and leads Oklahoma’s accreditation process for all state universities with educator preparation programs. Her expertise extends to the national level, serving on accreditation review teams that ensure teacher candidates receive high-quality preparation aligned with rigorous national standards.
Pinson began her journey as an elementary classroom teacher, where she quickly recognized the impact of innovative teaching strategies. With the rise of educational technology in the 1980s, she transitioned into a role as a district technology integration specialist, helping pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators and students seamlessly incorporate technology into the curriculum to enhance learning.
Expanding her influence beyond the classroom, Pinson spent a decade at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where she led statewide teacher induction initiatives. She played a key role in designing a comprehensive support system for early-career teachers, site-based mentors, and virtual instructional coaches. Additionally, she worked to streamline and clarify teacher licensure processes, making pathways to certification more accessible and transparent.
Beyond accreditation, Susan is an active leader in professional learning. She organizes national conferences and webinars for the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), fostering collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and education leaders. Through her work, she remains committed to ensuring that every classroom is led by a well-prepared, highly skilled teacher, shaping the future of education for generations to come.
Pinson earned her bachelor of art degree from Principia College in Illinois and a master’s of arts in teaching from Webster University in St. Louis.
Graduation Week will also include a Senior Dinner for graduates and faculty members at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. A Baccalaureate service will be held in Munger-Wilson Chapel at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, followed by the Brick Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on the campus mall. Both of the events on May 16 are open to families of the graduates
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