Exhibit 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-3 of our
report dated February 2, 2001, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements of GREAT SOUTHERN BANCORP, INC. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Experts."


                                                 /s/ Baird, Kurtz & Dobson

Springfield, Missouri
March 27, 2001