Ozarka College - Mountain View's Site Director Retires

After more than 15 years with Ozarka College, Gin Brown, director of off-campus operations at Mountain View, will retire on June 27. A reception was held Thursday evening, June 20, in the Amphitheatre at the Mountain View campus. Friends, family and colleagues all gathered to show appreciation for Brown’s work and congratulate her on her retirement.“Gin Brown is one of the most caring and committed academic leaders I have ever known, and she will be deeply missed by everyone at Ozarka College,” said Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president. “During her tenure she has touched so many students' lives by encouraging, advising and generally helping them to stay on track and achieve their goals. Although we are happy for Gin and Stanley in their planned retirement adventures, we are thankful that she has agreed to join the Ozarka College Foundation Board.” Brown, a life-long resident of Mountain View, joined Ozarka College as the academic support services manager in September 1997. She also worked as a counselor and as director of counseling and registrar before becoming the first director of the Mountain View campus in 2007. “For me, working at Ozarka College has always been an honor,” said Brown. “I have been able to experience how Ozarka can change someone’s life because of the training and education they have received. Being on a campus our size, you get to know not only the faculty and staff, but the students, as well. They all become family and it’s a wonderful family. Leaving this family is the hardest thing about my retiring. They are all great.” A counselor at heart, Brown has always worked tirelessly to ensure Ozarka College students are set on a path for success. A staple in the Mountain View community, she has been a champion for higher education in Stone County and has played a key role in the Ozarka College Foundation’s mission to raise funds to further support students. Today, 12 Stone County students receive Foundation scholarships each semester thanks to Brown’s dedication.“I cannot imagine Ozarka College – Mountain View without Gin Brown,” said Director of Advancement Suellen Davidson. “Thankfully, we won’t have to imagine that. She will be a tremendous addition to the fellow Stone County representatives on our Foundation Board with whom she has worked so closely in the past.” She earned a Bachelor of Science in vocational home economics from Ouachita Baptist University, a Master of Science in education in home economics from the University of Central Arkansas and a Graduate Certification in secondary and elementary guidance counseling from UCA. Brown is a member of the Arkansas Counseling Association, Arkansas School Counseling Association – Northeast Region, a charter member of the North Arkansas Twin Lakes Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Lyon College chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, and Mountain View Business and Professional Women. She is also active with the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce. Brown and her husband Stanley plan to stay in Mountain View but travel extensively while remaining committed to the many community organizations of which they are members.