The Ozarka College Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Josh Wilson, currently serving as vice president of advancement at Ozarka, as the next president of the institution.
Wilson, a native of Izard County, brings extensive experience in executive leadership, higher education, student services, planning, and fundraising to the role. He will succeed Dr. Richard Dawe, who has led Ozarka College for the past 15 years.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Fred Holzhauer says, “I have known Josh for a long time and think he is the right person at the right time for Ozarka College. His combined history of work experience, developing higher education partnerships, and fundraising will serve the Ozarka region well. We are impressed with his accomplishments, his track record in higher education, and his active community involvement.”
Holzhauer also praised Dr. Dawe’s tenure, acknowledging his contributions over the last decade and a half. He said, “It’s never easy to hire a replacement, but I am confident that Josh will continue to move Ozarka forward.”
Wilson has been with Ozarka College since 2012, holding various leadership roles, including vice president of advancement, vice president of student services, associate vice president of planning and institutional research, and grant administrator.
A nine-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee, representing faculty, staff, and the community, reviewed 55 applications for the position. Four finalists were interviewed by the Board before Wilson was selected.
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas, as well as a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Wilson will officially assume his new role following Dawe’s departure.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI