University of the Ozarks Alumni Board Names Grant in Honor of Joe Hoing

The University of the Ozarks Alumni Association Board of Directors has decided to name one of its most prestigious student grants in memory of Joe Hoing, the University’s beloved long-time dean of students.

Photograph of college teacher

At its annual winter meeting on Feb.22, the board voted to establish the Joe Hoing Student Involvement Grant. Formerly known as the Alumni Connections Student Involvement Grant, it is awarded for projects and initiatives that enrich connections between alumni and current students.

Hoing, who died in August at the age of 71, served as dean of students at Ozarks for 29 years, until his retirement in 2014. The former college All-American football player also taught fitness and weight training classes at Ozarks for many years.

“The Alumni Board members wanted a way to recognize Joe Hoing and the positive impact he left on so many students at Ozarks,” said Justin McCormick, associate director of alumni engagement. “In his honor, the board felt that by renaming a pre-existing grant serving student involvement would capture this dedication and allow students for generations to continue to work toward the legacy he left at Ozarks.”