POINT LOOKOUT – On Thursday, April 10, the Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheon was held on the College of the Ozarks campus. Women from across the region who exemplify leadership gathered to network and recognize outstanding leadership among female students and community leaders.
Dr. Karla Eslinger, an honored guest, returned to her alma mater to deliver the keynote address at this event. Eslinger is currently the Missouri Commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
She has held various educational positions, including teacher, principal, district-level administrator, and superintendent, as well as Assistant Commissioner in DESE’s Office of Educator Quality. She has also served as a State Representative in the Missouri General Assembly for District 155 and, most recently, as the Missouri State Senator for District 33.
Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, delivers the keynote address at the 2025 spring OWL Luncheon.
Eslinger’s dedication to education stemmed from the impact of school on her childhood.
“My passion for education is a result of my own childhood,” Eslinger told me. “My family was impoverished and moved frequently, and school was the only constant in my life. I am sure my future would be very different if I had not attended public school.”
Eslinger shared an inspiring story about how her childhood and college experience prepared her for her current position. Her words motivated the C of O students, faculty, and community members who attended the event.
“Our time hearing from Dr. Karla Eslinger was encouraging,” said Emily Winters, a sophomore elementary education major. “Her incredible story of perseverance, service, and growth inspired every female student in the room.
I am encouraged to approach each new role and opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence. Her career and the path she has taken to get to where she is today demonstrate the empowering role of faith and commitment.
Regional female leaders, community members, and College of the Ozarks students came together to celebrate and discuss leadership, legacy, and service.
Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement, kicked off the event. She discussed the history of the group’s formation and expressed the group’s desire to promote women in leadership. Taylor Galioto, a senior allied health major, began the event with prayer.
During the event, each attendee received tulips from the Petals for Patriots campaign as a symbol of the students’ personal growth.
Students from the School of the Ozarks grew the tulips in raised beds at the Chick-fil-A Branson Pavilion. Kevin and Jessica Hutcheson, the local Chick-fil-A owners, generously funded the pavilion and raised beds.
The Ozarks Women in Leadership awarded the OWL Scholarship to a deserving female student for her academic excellence and leadership, demonstrating the College’s dedication to developing the next generation of successful female leaders.
Abigail Buschman, director of development, made supportive remarks and introduced the following scholarship recipients: Zoe Johnson, a senior nursing major.
Zoe Johnson, a senior nursing major, is awarded the OWL Scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership.
For more information on the Ozarks Women in Leadership Award, scholarship, or upcoming events, please contact Abigail Buschman, director of development, at (417) 690-2209.