Jim Freeman

About Jim Freeman

Being raised in the mountains of Colorado, I grew up loving to hike and follow the trail to see where it would take me. That joy continues today, but now I use my passion for exploration to advance and coach people to achieve their mission while understanding their vocational pathway. I enjoy assisting others through transitions. I joined the College of the Ozarks in 2014, bringing 30 years of leadership development, job and development transitional coaching, and knowledge within the corporate, non-profit, and private sectors. I earned my undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Central Missouri and immediately stepped into a management role in the Theme Park business.My wife, Jennifer, and I have owned a resort/retreat center for over 15 years. We have two happily married boys who have blessed us with five grandchildren. We have coached college-aged students in premarital, vocational transitions, and spiritual formation for the past 25 years. I earned a master\'s degree in Organizational Leadership at Evangel University. I am active within the community, serving on several committees and executive boards that help determine social, environmental, and spiritual needs. One of the co-founders of \"Branson Believers\" was a positive, community-wide initiative created to unify the community and overcome division and conflict. I hold two professional certifications through the Career Development Network and the International Coach Federation. As a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), I assist those seeking job and career changes. I am also certified as a Job and Development Transition Coach (JDTC), focusing on working with employees inside an organization. These certifications allow me to use tools and knowledge to help students and co-workers through life transitions. Working within academics is exciting, challenging, and very rewarding. The development of a well-trained professional team is a highlight of my vocation. Watching our team ensure students understand and value their vocational purpose while working out their callings in a healthy, substantial way is a pleasure.

Experience

1. Director of the Vanek Center for Vocations and Callings

   College Of The Ozarks

   Jun 2014 — Present · Point Lookout, MO, US

   As the Director, I\'m enthusiastic about assisting C of O students to transition to the marketplace. I want to enhance the students\' understanding of what they have to offer while exploring what the market has for them. I have the privilege to direct this transition through various programs and coaching. It is my goal to ensure that our team supports the students to grasp their vocation and callings.

Education

• University of Central Missouri

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Broadcasting and Film

  1979 — 1983

• Evangel University

  Masters, Organizational Leadership

  2009 — 2011