We celebrated graduates during the commencement ceremony and reception, held recently on the Melbourne campus. Ozarka's Commencement ceremony took place on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the John E. Miller Education Complex in Melbourne, Arkansas.

During the ceremony, Representative Steven Walker, Arkansas House of Representatives, delivered the commencement address congratulating the graduates on their achievement and inspired them to dream big, be kind, work hard, and surround themselves with people of good character. He then wished them well in their careers. Justin Ward was announced as Faculty of the Year and will be honored at the upcoming Arkansas Community Colleges conference.

"We are so very proud of our 2024 graduates! We had an outstanding Commencement ceremony highlighted by our speaker, Representative Steven Walker who provided an inspiring address to students, " said Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president.   "I want to thank all the families and friends who joined us to celebrate their graduates' achievements. "

The 2023-2024 academic year recognized 117 associate degrees, 110 technical certificates, and 148 certificates of proficiency. The class included 9 students honored as Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, 19 students honored as Magna Cum Laude with a 3.5 - 3.99 GPA, and 25 students honored as Cum Laude with a 3.5 - 3.74 GPA.

Congratulations to all 2024 graduates! For additional information on these accomplishments or about Ozarka College, please call 870.368.2300.