College of the Ozarks was is in the national spotlight with Fox & Friends airing live from the campus.
During the broadcast, Fox News contributor and co-host Pete Hegseth visited with students, Board Chairman General Terrence R. Dake, and college President Jerry Davis.
The television news program came after the College’s recent decision to forego using Nike uniforms for its athletic teams a couple of weeks ago.
Information provided by College of the Ozarks:
College of the Ozarks was in the national spotlight today, as the television program Fox & Friends aired live from the campus from 5 to 8 a.m., CST. Pete Hegseth, Fox News contributor and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, visited with students, Board Chairman General Terrence R. Dake, and College President Jerry C. Davis during the broadcast.
“This is Hard Work U., where students really do work hard,” Hegseth said. “They love our country. They love faith. They love values. That’s why they’re here.”
The offer to be a part of the highly rated Fox News Channel television show came after the College’s recent decision to forego using Nike uniforms for its athletic teams a couple of weeks ago. Hegseth spent time with Davis during the last featured segment discussing the College’s decision and the patriotic goal of the College.
“Since the Vietnam War, higher education has drifted further and further to the left,” Davis said during the broadcast. “I think that we all owe this country something, if we live here, and we certainly owe it our respect. We especially owe honor and respect to those who have worn the nation’s uniform and have fought for our freedoms.”
The College emphasizes patriotism through its patriotic goal: to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.
“Pete asked me what it’s like to be under the leadership of someone like President Davis, who is always focused on our mission and never backs down when it’s time to take a stand,” said Racheal Carlyon, senior public relations major and cheerleader for the Bobcat Cheer Team. “My response was that it’s an honor and a blessing. President Davis’ leadership has impacted all of our lives for the better. I value people who take a stand, even if they are standing alone.”
Davis was not alone today, as a group of more than 200 students crowded around for segments at the top and bottom of every hour of Fox & Friends. Although the event began at 4 a.m., energy was high as the C of O Concert Band, Bobcat Cheer Team, and students from all areas of campus held handmade signs, cheered, and voiced their opinions on a myriad of current events.
At C of O, students work rather than pay for their tuition. Hegseth visited student workstations on Tuesday and got a small taste of what those jobs are like – jarring apple butter in the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen, picking green beans in the campus gardens, and cleaning stalls in the dairy barn.
“This was an incredible opportunity for the College. It was a blessing from God,” Carlyon said. “We were on the set this morning all three hours. They told us to go out there and represent the College. It came easy. I love this place.”
More about Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth currently serves as a co-host of FOX News Channel’s (FNC) FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends 6-10AM/ET). He joined the network as a contributor in 2014. While at FNC, Hegseth has provided analysis and commentary across the network’s daytime and primetime programming.
In September 2017, he held an interview with President Donald Trump. Prior to joining FNC, Hegseth held the position of CEO for Concerned Veterans for America. Previously, he was an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. He holds two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was recently promoted to the rank of major and is currently in the Individual Ready Reserve.
Hegseth has a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
To view video clips from today’s broadcast, visit the College of the Ozarks website: www.cofo.edu
