Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement at Ozarka College, has been named the institution’s next president, the Ozarka College Board of Trustees announced Monday.
Wilson, a native of Izard County, will succeed Dr. Richard Dawe, who is retiring after 15 years as president. The board cited Wilson’s extensive experience in higher education, executive leadership, student services, planning, and fundraising as key factors in the decision.
“I have known Josh for a long time and think he is the right person at the right time for Ozarka College,” said Fred Holzhauer, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “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. His strong leadership and fund-raising skills will benefit Ozarka College and its constituencies.”
Holzhauer also commended Dawe for his leadership over the past 15 years. “It’s never easy to hire a replacement, but I am confident that Josh will continue to move Ozarka forward,” he said.
Wilson expressed his gratitude for the appointment. “I am deeply honored to step into the role of President of Ozarka College,” he said. “I want to express my gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their trust and support and I hope to build on the great things the Ozarka team has accomplished as we start this new chapter together.”
Wilson has held various leadership roles at Ozarka College since 2012, including vice president of student services, associate vice president of planning and institutional research, and grant administrator. He has served as vice president of advancement since 2019.
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in finance and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas. He earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The announcement follows a search process led by a nine-member President Search Advisory Committee, which reviewed 55 applications and recommended four finalists for interviews with the board on campus.
Wilson said he looks forward to continuing Ozarka College’s mission. “Building on a rich history of exceptional teaching, service, and student success, I am excited to carry on our important legacy of providing life-changing experiences through education while working with the amazing team at Ozarka,” he said.
Dawe will formally step down at the end of the year, with Wilson assuming his new role in January.
