Ozarka College hosted a donor appreciation reception at their recently opened Welding Center in Mountain View on September 16.   College and Foundation staff invited members of the Stone County community who had played a significant role in the startup of the new facility to view the Center. Ozarka welcomed supporters with public acknowledgement of their vital contributions followed by the dedication of donor recognition signage.

Ozarka officials began laying the groundwork for a welding training center expansion in Mountain View in summer 2021. Recognizing the crucial need for skilled trades preparation in the area, County Judge Stacey Avey was quick to coordinate and marshal local support to the cause. Immediately following his call to action, the Stone County Area Industrial Development Corporation (SCAIDC) invited Ozarka to present their plans, which resulted in their unanimous support and recommendation for the lead contribution for the welding center.

Additional key supporters were Stone County Community Resource Council, Centennial Bank, First National Bank of Izard County, FutureFuel Chemical Company, Re/Max Edge Realty (Lee Ann Thomas and Brandy Corter), Vic and Pam Setser, and Kenneth and Janice Sutton. In addition, many in kind contributions were provided by the City of Mountain View, the County, and Excel Boats.

"The College is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the Mountain View community, " said Dr. Josh Wilson, Ozarka's vice president of advancement. "This powerful commitment from our friends was the shot in the arm the College needed to accelerate the Center's opening in January 2022. Ozarka Welding in Mountain View will provide the local and affordable training pipeline our students need to go to work in Stone County and beyond. "

For more information about the Welding Center, Ozarka programs, or additional opportunities to support Ozarka College students, please contact Ozarka Advancement at 870.368.2059 or at advancement@ozarka.edu.