Norma Champion

Dr. Norma Champion has lived many lives during her 91 years: From professor Champion to councilwoman Champion, representative Champion and senator Champion. But she is perhaps most well-known to longtime Ozarks residents as “Aunt Norma” on “The Children’s Hour.”  

From 1957-86, Champion was the writer, producer and host of the top-rated television program on KY3. Champion became a household name as she entertained and mentored thousands of children, performing the show live, five-days a week. 

Later in life, Champion returned to college where she earned her Master of Arts in communication from Missouri State University and her doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. She then pursued post-graduate work at the University of London in England. Champion was a professor of broadcasting and communication theory at Evangel University from 1978 until 2010. 

When “The Children’s Hour” was canceled, Champion found other ways to serve the public. She began her career in politics as a Springfield City councilwoman from 1987-92.  She ran for a Republican seat in the Missouri House, where she served for 10 years and finally served as a Missouri State Senator from 2003-10. She was chair of the senate committee which addressed legislation relating to public and mental health, senior citizens, families and children and also served as vice-chair of the Education Committee.  

One of her proudest accomplishments involved the name change of Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University, which involved overcoming 19 years of vocal opposition and an all-night filibuster on the Senate floor. 

Champion has a long list of honors and awards including a lifetime membership award from the Missouri State Parent/Teachers Association, the general superintendent’s medal of honor from the Assemblies of God, and she was presented the keys to the city on Aunt Norma Day in Springfield in 1976.

Champion resides in Springfield. She has two children, Jeffrey and Brooke. She is the widow of the Reverend Richard Champion. She retired in 2010 and was remarried in 2012 to Michael Gollub.