Debbie Pfeiffer spent more than 20 years working as a seamstress but when she was presented with an opportunity to return to school, she welcomed the chance to continue her education. In August of 1998 she earned her certificate of Business Technology from Arkansas Valley Technical Institute, then set about finding the career she had always dreamed of. That career was at Ozarks -- Debbie joined the Ozarks Financial Aid team in 2001. As Financial Aid Processor, Debbie now feels she is on the "helping end" of higher education and has the opportunity to help students find the funding to get a good education.

Debbie was born in Cass Lake County, Minnesota on an Indian Reservation. Her time spent in Minnesota was short, as her family soon moved to her dad’s dream place, California. After spending about 10 years in California, and dealing with the "rat race," her father decided California wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. Debbie recalls, "So not wanting to return back to Minnesota he choose to move us to some strange place called Arkansas. The one thing I remember about moving here is they had a different language than what I knew and half the time I didn’t know what people were saying, like 'ya’all' and 'fixin to!!!' After about another 10 years my parents finally did go back to their roots, but I had planted my roots here in Arkansas by that point."

As you talk with Debbie, you probably won't be suprised to hear what she feels to be the most valuable lesson she has learned thus far in life. "Never say never," Debbie cautions. "'Never' is such a negative word and may either lead you to exactly where you don’t want to be, or possibly prevent you from getting where you do want to be." Debbie sees Ozarks as being that special place where students can learn to "never say never." The diverse student body, the dedicated staff, and the smaller campus provides a closeness and support for students and staff. "Everone seems comfortable with each other," she points out. "The student body here is wonderful. They seem to have a distinct direction in life and have so much ambition. They are a lot of fun to work with. I truly enjoy those whom I have been fortunate enough to meet so far!"

To Debbie, family and religion are the two very most important values in her life. She says, "My husband and our four daughters and their families are my life. My religion is also very important to me. I feel family and religion go hand in hand. Without these two things I would be nothing." To Debbie, the family values she finds at Ozarks make her work all the more enjoyable. "I enjoy the family atmosphere of all the staff, and genuine concern and caring of those with whom I work. Working with the younger generation is also a plus, as I enjoy their energy and enthusiasm."

In her spare time, Debbie enjoys walking and spending time with her family and their families (grandkids). She says, "On occasion I love to put on the old 45’s and dance or clean house listening to the oldies but goodies!" Debbie is also the president in a worldwide women's organization called the "Relief Society," where she attends monthly meetings, is involved in community service projects, and participates in many other worthwhile endeavors.