University of the Ozarks. originally called Cane Hill School, was established in 1834 by the Cumberland Presbyterians In 1891. Cane Hill College ceased operations and its successor, Arkansas Cumberland College, was founded in Clarksville, Arkansas. In 1920, the name was altered to The College of the Ozarks, and in 1987 the institution achieved full university recognition and was renamed University of the Ozarks.

The University of the Ozarks has always had a relationship with the Presbyterian Church. At one time, the college was owned by the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In 1960, the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) took over the ownership and control responsibility for the school. When the board of National Missions relinquished its relationship to its mission colleges in 1973, an elected Board of Trustees the assumed administrative responsibility and ownership of the University. This Board receives continued financial and spiritual and support from the Synod of the Sun, which is comprised of churches in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.