The Ozarka College Foundation received a generous charitable contribution from Kenneth and Janice Sutton, a lead gift to support the new Mountain View Technical Center.  

This contribution serves as the signature gift toward the new Mountain View Technical Center which will house a new Skilled Trades program and expand Ozarka's Welding program in Stone County.   The funds will be used to renovate, furnish, and equip advanced laboratories and classroom space in the new Center. The technical center will offer cutting edge learning laboratories and provide access to the latest digital classroom technologies.  

 "This commitment to technical education provided by Mr. and Mrs. Sutton will have a powerful impact on future generations of Ozarka students right here in Stone County, " said Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement. "We are grateful for their generosity and proud of the Suttons' continued commitment to our College and the communities we serve. "

In a recent statement from the Suttons, the couple extend their gratitude to Ozarka for the technical center coming to their community. "We appreciate Ozarka choosing Mountain View as the site for the new technical center. Having Skilled Trades programs locally will make a big difference for many Stone County students. We look forward to the opening in 2024. "

The Mountain View Technical Center will open for the Fall 2024 semester and will offer technical certificates in Skilled Trades and Welding Technology. Driven by community and local industry needs, the new Skilled Trades certificate will focus on electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction training in preparation for high demand careers and seamless transition to apprenticeship and journeyman opportunities.

The Center will also offer expansion to Ozarka's already growing Welding program. The Welding certificate offers industry-tailored training, including pipe structural, and advanced offerings. The Center will house advanced technical education for college students in preparation for today's workforce as well as enable area high school students an accelerated pathway into high-demand career fields.   Registration for Ozarka programs will open in April 2024 for fall classes.

The lead gift comes after Ozarka's recent acquisition of the new building to house the technical center. The Suttons' support serves as the latest investment in Ozarka College technical programs, a part of their ongoing effort to uplift Stone County families through education.

The technical center commitment is a contribution toward the Ozarka College Foundation's fundraising campaign, an effort to raise capital to advance programs as well as furnish and equip state-of-the-art facilities.   If you are interested in supporting these new technical education opportunities, please contact Dr. Wilson at (870) 368-2060.