Bollman Continues Family’s 60-Year Ozarks Legacy

To call Halle Bollman a University of the Ozarks legacy student might be an all-time understatement.

Bollman, who will graduate from Ozarks with honors on May 11, is no less than the 12th member of her extended family to attend Ozarks dating back to 1964. Even more remarkable is the fact that there has been someone from her family either attending or working at the University for a total of more than 50 years.

Both of Bollman's parents - Anneke '03 and Michael '04 - are Ozarks graduates, and her younger brother, Braden, will keep the streak alive when he enrolls at Ozarks as a freshman in the fall.

"Being a legacy graduate is so meaningful to me because not only have I continued the legacy of attending University of the Ozarks, but I feel as though all of my family members have made their own mark at this University in their own way, including myself," said Bollman, a psychology major from Greenwood, Ark. "I am tremendously proud of Braden for all the amazing things he's already done. He has found his passion in teaching and intends to partake in the University's education program. I have no doubt he will make not only our family proud, but he will make Ozarks proud to have him as a student here as well."

Among Bollman's family members who attended Ozarks are:

• Robert Owens Jr., great uncle, who graduated in 1972 after his time at Ozarks was interrupted by service in the Vietnam War. He also served as assistant to the president and in public relations at Ozarks from 1972-79.
• Judith VandenNieuwenhof-Owens, great aunt, who attended from 1965-1967 and 1970-72.
• Greg Simmons, great uncle, who attended from 1964-1968.
• Louise VandenNieuwenhof-Simmons, great aunt, who attended from 1967-1968.
• Jon Binkley, great uncle, who attended in 1976.
• Paulette VandenNieuwenhof-Freeman, grandmother, who graduated in 1980.
• Drew Binkley, grandfather, who graduated in 1982.
• Anneke Binkley-Bollman, mother, who graduated in 2003.
• Michael Bollman, father, who graduated in 2004.
• Megan Binkley-Toland, aunt, who attended from 2002-2003.
• Gabby Stringer, cousin and granddaughter of Judith and Robert Owens, who is currently attending.

Bollman was nearly a year old when her mother graduated from Ozarks, and was a month away from turning two when her father earned his Ozarks diploma.

"Though I don't remember much from that time as I was so young, I've seen the numerous photos in the 2003 edition of the yearbook cheering on my dad during his basketball games, and photos of me with my mom at her graduation," she said. "I believe this campus, from the very beginning, was where I was meant to be."

Another thing that Bollman believes is meant to be is a career in helping others, which she plans to do through her psychology degree.

"I chose my major because I have a thriving passion for aiding and advocating for those who are not able to advocate for themselves," Bollman said. "I have such a passion for advocacy, mental well-being, and aiding anyone and everyone when they reach a low point or may just simply need help in their mental health. My end career goal is to be a licensed professional counselor. One day, I would like to obtain a doctorate's degree in some related field."

Following her Ozarks graduation, Bollman plans to pursue an online master's degree in clinical and mental health counseling through Southern Arkansas University while working full-time as a qualified behavioral health provider for second and third-graders in the Springdale (Ark.) School District. She received the job offer from Springdale schools just a few weeks ago.

"I received the phone call and was offered the job while I was out eating lunch with my friend, Ciara," Bollman aid. "I was absolutely thrilled and relieved all at the same time. I couldn't believe it at first, but in the end I was over the moon about having a job ready for me when I make the move to Northwest Arkansas following my graduation. It's almost impossible to describe in words the excitement I feel knowing I am getting my foot in the door in such an amazing field of work. I feel extremely fortunate to be involved in young childrens' journeys towards their mental well-being and providing them the compassion every child deserves."

Bollman credits her professors for igniting her passion for psychology.

"Dr. Joel Hagaman and Dr. Isaac Hunter have had the greatest influence on me as I feel they care for not only our learning, but also us as individuals," she said. "Outside of the classroom, they make themselves available for conversation about coursework and provide their students with that extra layer of support. I have also come to appreciate their enthusiasm in their respective specialties and making learning fun for all students. As a graduating senior, I have no doubt they will impact future students as they have me."

As she looks back at the last four years, Bollman is amazed about how much she has grown.

"Since coming onto campus as a freshman in 2020, I feel I have grown in not only maturity but I feel I have grown intellectually and emotionally as well," she said. "I've grown to understand the importance of different cultures, different backgrounds, different religious beliefs, and how all of these different lifestyles can come together as a community such as the one we share at Ozarks."

Topics: Psychology