Exhibit 23


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration  Statement
No.  33-55832 on Form S-8 dated  December 16, 1992, of our report dated February
7, 2002, on the consolidated  financial statements and schedules included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of GREAT  SOUTHERN  BANCORP,  INC. for the year ended
December 31, 2001.


                                                      /s/ BKD, LLP




March 27, 2002
Springfield, Missouri