Ana Gentry grew up about two hours away from the University of the Ozarks campus, attending Fellowship Baptist Academy in Stillwell, Oklahoma. She graduated from Ozarks with the class of 2004 earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology of human behavior. “I like psychology because I like to see how people work together,” says Gentry.

The third year admission counselor is responsible for recruiting new Ozarks students from northern Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. “I think I drove close to 9,000 miles my first three months here!” Gentry says.

Before joining the admission staff, Gentry spent a year with the Arkansas Department of Human Services as a family services worker, dealing with at-risk children and families. “I found I was able to make people calm down,” Gentry says. “I don’t know if it’s because I smile so much or something else!” She is grateful to be in a less stressful environment at Ozarks, where she can continue to pursue her passion of working with people and helping them succeed and do better in life.

Being back on campus has given Gentry the opportunity to renew friendships with the many Ozarks faculty and staff she came to know as a student. “I was over-involved,” Gentry jokes. “I think at some point I was in just about every club at Ozarks!” During her time as undergraduate student, Gentry served as president of Methodist Campus Ministries and Rotaract. She was also an officer in Baptist Campus Ministries. As a staff member, Gentry is still involved by serving as an advisor for the Student Foundation Board and attending various campus events.

Gentry encourages students to take advantage of all the university has to offer. “Don’t just do the bare minimum,” Gentry says. “If you want to take a class outside your major, go ahead! I started out in psychology, but then I became interested in marketing, and I ended up taking enough classes to graduate with a minor in business administration.”

Gentry still keeps in touch with many of the friends she made while a student -- “I became much closer with one of my friends from Ozarks after graduation. Now, we talk almost every day.” She also still enjoys attending as many Eagles sporting events as she can fit into her busy schedule.

Gentry lived in both Oklahoma and Brazil before attending U of O. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, watching movies, playing video games, and being creative.

Gentry currently resides in Clarksville, but loves to travel and visit with friends and family.

Ana's Advice to Prospective Students: Make the most of the moment. Learn everything about the colleges that you are interested in.

Why Ozarks?: At Ozarks, you have the ability to be involved in a variety of programs and activities. People at U of O really do care and want to help you succeed academically, spiritually and socially.

Favorite Place on Campus: The campus mall, which runs through the middle of many of the buildings on campus and includes the fountain at the center of campus. This is a great place to watch people and see the different personalities come together.

Impressions of Clarksville: I like going to Horsehead Lake, which is located in the Ozark National Forest. This is a great place to relax, hike, swim and have fun with friends.

Ana's Territory: Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and the following counties in Arkansas: Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Randolph, Searcy, Sebastian, Sharp, Stone and Woodruff.