Bank of the Ozarks Included in Russell 2000 Index.

Business Editors

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ:OZRK) announced today that it has been included in the Russell 2000 Index effective June 30, 2002.

"We are very pleased to report that our Company's total capitalization of approximately $174 million at market close Wednesday, July 10, 2002, has reached a level to be included in this index," said George Gleason, Chairman and CEO of Bank of the Ozarks. "Over the last year we have achieved good growth in earnings by growing core deposit customers and loans. We are proud that the market has recognized this growth and shown an interest in our company," concluded Gleason.

The Russell Index includes the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization and is updated annually. The Russell 2000 Index includes the companies ranked from 1,001 to 3,000 in their index.

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. is a bank holding company with $867 million in total assets as of March 31, 2002 and trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "OZRK." The Company owns a state-chartered subsidiary bank that conducts banking operations through 31 offices in 21 communities throughout northern, western and central Arkansas and a loan production office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Company may be contacted at 501/978-2265 or P.O. Box 8811, Little Rock, AR 72231-8811. The Company's website is www.bankozarks.com.