Ozarka College has hired John Catlett to serve as the Director of Aviation. Catlett comes to Ozarka with a great deal of aviation experience, but has also served Arkansas in a variety of ways. After retiring from the Arkansas State Police after 30 years of service, he served District 73 in the Arkansas Legislature helping direct the future for Arkansas.  

"Thanks to outgoing aviation director, Nick Lenczycki, we have an exceptional program for John to take to greater heights as we seek to improve the aviation program for our students, " said Ozarka Provost and Executive Vice President of Learning, Dr. Keith McClanahan. "John has much to offer our students and our region and we are excited to see the enhancements that he will bring to the aviation program and to our College. "  

Catlett has many years as a certified flight instructor and holds a Commercial Certificate for Single, Multi and Instrument Planes. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Arkansas Tech University. Catlett is from Yell county, where he and his wife, Cheri own a cattle and poultry farm. They have two grown children, two grandchildren and a third grandchild on the way.  

Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president commented, "John is passionate about flight instructing and brings great leadership experience to our Flight program at Ozarka. I look forward to working closely with him to help advance the program. " For more information about Ozarka College's Aviation program, please contact John Catlett, Ozarka College director of aviation, at 870.368.7926. Registration is currently open for summer and fall classes.