Melody Johnson
Financial Aid Counselor
mjohnson@ozarks.edu
175 Mabee Administration Building
(479) 979-1219

Melody Johnson began working with the Ozarks Financial Aid team in December of 2000 as a financial aid processor. She was soon promoted to Financial Aid Counselor and now works directly with students on a regular basis. She is in charge of the campus work study program, making sure students get paid for the hours they've worked each month. "What I really enjoy about my job is getting to meet the new faces and visit with the more familiar faces daily," Melody says. "We get to know each other on a 'friend' basis rather than just a casual basis."

Melody says she has learned a great deal from working at Ozarks. "Everyone here, no matter what department they are in, works together for a common goal -- the students. This is a smaller private campus with a big heart! It is hard to find someone that works here that isn't willing to stretch to great lengths for each student. That is why I love working here." Melody also recognizes the role Ozarks has played in the lives of its alumni and in the Clarksville community. "Ozarks is special because of its magnificent history! It only gets better with time. It is really like one big family of friends. Not every university has the "family" atmosphere to offer. That is special!!!"

Melody was born in Clarksville and attended the local public school through 4th grade, when her family moved to a small town in east Texas called "Daingerfield." During the ten years she lived in Texas, Melody says she developed lifelong friends that became like family to her. However, when her own family returned to Clarksville after her graduation in 1990, she says it was a move back home. "I personally feel there isn't a better place to live. I plan on raising my children in Clarksville," Melody says. She believes the most important values in her life (in no particular order) are love, honesty, and dignity. The Ozarks community provides an atmosphere for students that Melody feels are in line with her values. "There is such a diverse array of students campus wide," she notes. "Most every student on campus either knows each other or has at least heard of the others. I enjoy visiting with the international and Walton students. I like to talk about their culture and families. They have some interesting travel stories that can take you away to another place. We have students from all over Arkansas and many other states. The student body all work together for a common goal!"

Melody is active in the UOW (University of the Ozarks Women) and is a member of AASFAA (Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, working in her yard, and spending time with her family and friends.