The President's Post
  I remember my first visit to the campus. It was March in 1997, and Shereè and I were invited to Ozarks for our initial on-campus interview for the Presidency. I remember that day clearly because we were several minutes late for the interview with the Interim President. Why were we late? Because none of the buildings was identified from the perimeter of the campus, and we did not know which one was the Mabee Administration Building. I vowed then that, if I were fortunate enough to be named President, we would someday have signage to identify each building. Hurrah, that day draws near!

   You have probably noticed the small cement pedestals recently emplaced behind each building. These are the foundations for our new brick and limestone signs to be constructed this spring. All buildings will have signs visible from the streets surrounding campus. The smaller cement foundation in front of the Chapel is for a campus map to identify all of our buildings from the mall area. The signs are a welcomed and long-needed addition to the campus. We have also met with architects to design a plan for enhancing the 780-foot retaining wall along College Avenue (Highway 103). Since the completion of the impressive new entryway, the wall looks even more drab than usual. Stop by my office to see the sign and wall designs. I think you will be pleased.

   The funds required for these initiatives, as with all of our recent campus beautifications and construction projects, were gained through the generosity of numerous donors. No tuition dollars or money from the annual operating budget are being spent. And that makes the projects even more beautiful!

Dr. Rick Niece
President

Public Relations Office,
Mabee Administration Building,
Unversity of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR 72830.
Phone: (479)-979-1420