Congressman Rick Crawford, First Congressional District of Arkansas, will address Ozarka College graduates during the 2015 Commencement Ceremony. Commencement will  take place on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m., in the auditorium of the John E. Miller Education Complex in Melbourne, Arkansas.
 

Upon graduation from high school, Crawford enlisted in the United States Army where he served as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. He completed four years of service, advanced to the rank of Sergeant in under three years, and earned numerous medals for service at home and in Southwest Asia. During his term of service, he also had the privilege of serving on numerous U.S. Secret Service security details supporting presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, among other U.S. and foreign dignitaries.

After completing his military service, Crawford attended Arkansas State University and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Agriculture Business and Economics. Currently, Congressman Crawford serves on the House Agriculture Committee where he is the Subcommittee Chairman on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management and a member of the Nutrition Subcommittee. Crawford is also honored to serve on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee where he is a member of the subcommittees on Highway and Transit, Water Resources and Environment, and Economic Development.

Crawford and his wife Stacy, also an ASU graduate, live in Jonesboro with their two children.

"We at Ozarka are honored to have Congressman Crawford speak to our graduates as we honor their accomplishments, " said Dr. Richard Dawe, President of Ozarka College. "The Congressman is passionate about higher education and is a dedicated friend of Ozarka College."

More than 400 students are expected to receive credentials from 32 Ozarka College degree programs.  Most of these students have overcome the challenge of balancing school with work, home, and family life.  The administration, faculty, and staff are proud of the hard work that Ozarka College graduates have dedicated to achieve their goals. Families, friends, and interested community members are invited to attend the 2015 commencement ceremony.