Ozarka College Names Courtney Selph 2026 Alumni of the Year

Published on May 8, 2026

Ozarka College proudly announces Courtney Selph as its 2026 Alumni of the Year, honoring her exceptional leadership in education and dedication to rural student success.

"Courtney represents the very best of Ozarka--dedicated, driven, and committed to serving others," said Dr. Josh Wilson, Ozarka president. "Her success in K–12 education is a testament not only to her talent, but to her passion for making a difference in the lives of students right here in our communities." 

A graduate of Ozarka College, Selph earned her Associate of Science in Education degree before completing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Arkansas Tech University. She now serves as the District STEM Coordinator for Izard County STEM School, where she is in her fifteenth year.

Selph began her career in the classroom, teaching third grade and later upper elementary science, before moving into district-wide STEM leadership. She earned National Board Certification early in her career and, in 2022, received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in Elementary Science--one of the nation's highest honors for K–12 educators.

In her current role, Selph leads STEM programming across all district campuses, working with teachers from preschool through twelfth grade to create hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Under her leadership, ICCSD became the first district in Arkansas to earn the STEM Model School designation across all campuses.

Selph also collaborates with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and serves in statewide leadership roles to expand conservation and outdoor education opportunities for students.

She and her husband, Colton Selph--also an Ozarka graduate and instructor at the College--are deeply committed to strengthening education in their community. They are the proud parents of three children: Case, Carleigh, and Casper.

Ozarka College is proud to recognize Courtney Selph as Alumni of the Year for her impact on education and her continued commitment to the region she calls home.