Governor Asa Hutchinson recently announced the appointment of Mr. Gayle Cooper  to the Ozarka College Board of Trustees. His seven-year term will expire in 2028. Trustee Cooper is a native of Melbourne and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Lyon College; a master's degree in vocational technical administration from Arkansas State University; and a specialist degree in community college teaching from ASU. 

"It is an honor to have Governor Hutchinson appoint me to serve on the Board of Trustees, " said Cooper. "Ozarka represents a significant part of my life and I hope I can make a difference with my time on the board. I am excited to get started. "

Cooper became a licensed abstractor while working for Rep. John E. Miller at his title abstract office in Melbourne; however, in July 1975, Cooper embarked on a lifetime career in higher education. He began working as a bookkeeper at Ozarka College and was later promoted to vice president of finance. In this role, Cooper provided oversight for the College's maintenance, auxiliary, human resources, and purchasing responsibilities. In 2008, Cooper joined University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, where he worked as vice chancellor of finance and administration until his retirement in December 2020.  

"We are very fortunate to have someone with such a rich history at Ozarka and so committed to the mission of Ozarka College join the Board of Trustees," commented Dr. Richard Dawe, president of Ozarka College. 

Trustee Cooper continues his entrepreneurial pursuits with Cooper Antiques located in Melbourne and Calico Rock; as well as, enjoys time with his family: wife Carol, son and daughter-in-law, Micah and Candi; daughter, Amy; and four grandchildren, Jaden Cooper, Dawson Cooper, Avery Cooper, and Darby Johnson.