POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will host the annual Spring Forum, with a discussion on Israel by Dr. Jim Denison and moderated by Mike Huckabee, on April 4. The following day, on April 5, the College will open a rare exhibit of biblical artifacts, INSPIRED Exhibit, that will showcase the history of the Bible and enhance the Forum’s emphasis on Israel.

This forum is open to the public, with tickets available on the website: www.cofo.edu. The event will take place on the College campus in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. The prelude begins at 6:30 p.m., with doors closing at 6:45 p.m. The Spring Forum begins promptly at 7 p.m.

Tickets are required for admission. A limited number of tickets are available to the public at no charge (limit – two per household) and are available only through the College of the Ozarks website.

“We look forward to this opportunity to dive deeper into the history of Israel, the dynamics that have shaped Israel’s political standing in the Middle East, and the factors that weigh so heavily on them now,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president. “The talk given by Dr. Denison, which will be moderated by Mike Huckabee, will be the perfect launch to a 15-day exhibit of exceptional quality. The INSPIRED Exhibit travels across the globe, with more appearances internationally than domestically. We are honored to host these events for the public.”

Denison is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content. Denison speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at DenisonForum.org. He is the author of over 30 books, including: “The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous – and How We Can Turn the Tide,” “Respectfully, I Disagree: How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time,” and “Biblical Insight to Tough Questions,” a twelve-volume set.

Mike Huckabee is the host of the TV show “Huckabee” on TBN each weekend and appears frequently on Fox News and Newsmax, is NY Times best-selling author of 14 books, and a frequent speaker for corporate, civic, and non-profit groups all over the world. He is also the father of the current Governor of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. This the first time in American history that a father and daughter have both served the same state as Governor. Huckabee is a frequent visitor to Israel since 1973 and since 1981 has been taking groups to the Bible Lands through his travel company Blue Diamond Travel.

“During this discussion, we are looking forward to learning more about Israel and the current crisis in light of its history,” said Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural affairs and dean of character education.

“Once tickets are set aside for students, faculty, staff, and special guests, we are happy to share remaining tickets with the community at no charge,” Head said. “Through The Keeter Center for Character Education, the annual Spring Forum provides an opportunity for the College to bring nationally recognized leaders to our campus to share their life stories with our students as a way to emphasize the importance of good character.”

For more information, visit the College of the Ozarks website at www.cofo.edu

Mike Huckabee was the 44th governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, becoming one of the longest serving governors in his state’s history. He left a legacy of tax cuts, job creation, the reconstruction of his state’s road system, k-16 education reform, and a nationally heralded and duplicated health initiative that focused on prevention. His administration fought long-standing corruption in the state’s political machine, resulting in numerous indictments and convictions of powerful legislators and other elected officials. He ran in 2008 and 2016 for President, finishing second in the Republican primary in 2008.

Dr. Jim Denison has taught the philosophy of religion and apologetics at several seminaries. He serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health, where he addresses issues such as genetic medicine and reproductive science. He is a Senior Fellow with:

  • CEO Forum
  • 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative
  • International Alliance of Christian Education
  • Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement

Denison holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Dallas Baptist University. Denison is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia.

Jim and his wife, Janet, have two married sons and four grandchildren.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.