MELBOURNE, Arkansas (October 2026) — Ozarka College is proud to announce that three members of the Ozarka College community were recognized at the 2026 Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Conference in Hot Springs. Kim Lovelace, Dean of the Mountain View Campus, was honored as Staff of the Year; Caroline Smith, Allied Health faculty member, was recognized as Outstanding Faculty of the Year; and Ozarka College student Clayton Fulbright was recognized as Academic All-Star.
Lovelace was recognized for her outstanding dedication, leadership and service to Ozarka College. As Dean of the Mountain View Campus, she plays an important role in supporting students, faculty and staff while promoting educational opportunities throughout the community. Her commitment to student success and the college’s mission has made a lasting impact on the Mountain View Campus and beyond.
Smith was honored as the 2026 Outstanding Faculty of the Year for her dedication to teaching, student success and excellence in education. As a member of Ozarka College’s Allied Health faculty, Smith plays an important role in preparing students for careers in the healthcare field. Her passion for education, commitment to student achievement and dedication to providing quality instruction reflect the high standards of Ozarka College’s academic programs.
Fulbright, a student in Ozarka College’s Associate of Applied Science in Aviation – Commercial Pilot program, was selected as the College’s 2026 Academic All-Star in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. A President’s List student and member of Phi Theta Kappa, Fulbright has demonstrated a strong commitment to his education while also serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. As an Academic All-Star, he received a $500 scholarship to assist with completing his final semester at Ozarka College, along with full-tuition scholarship opportunities at Arkansas universities to continue his education.
“Having three outstanding individuals represent Ozarka College at the statewide level is a tremendous source of pride for our institution,” said Dr. Josh Wilson, President of Ozarka College. “Kim, Caroline and Clayton each exemplify the dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence that make Ozarka such a special place. Their accomplishments reflect the quality of our students, faculty and staff, and we are proud to see them recognized among the best in Arkansas higher education.”
The annual ACC Conference brings together community college leaders, faculty, staff and students from across Arkansas to celebrate achievements, share ideas and recognize individuals who make significant contributions to higher education.
Ozarka College congratulates Lovelace, Smith and Fulbright on these outstanding accomplishments and celebrates their continued commitment to excellence, leadership and service.
For more information about Ozarka College, visitwww.ozarka.edu.
