CAMPUS NEWS
PASSING THE BATON: FACULTY AND STAFF DEPARTURES
Ozark has always been blessed with godly men and women in leadership. This year, several longtime leaders will retire or transition into new roles. Join us in praying for our “coworkers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9) as they begin new seasons of ministry. Pray also for those who will take their place in carrying out our mission of training men and women for Christian service.
Dr. Chad Ragsdale to Become OCC’s Sixth Academic Dean
Since 2011, Doug Aldridge has served as OCC’s executive vice president of academics and academic dean. Doug has provided outstanding leadership—guiding the college through the addition of an online program, the pursuit of regional accreditation, and the planning of a graduate program. Former Academic Dean Mark Scott once said the dean’s job is “to guard the mission like a junkyard dog,” and Doug has fiercely guarded OCC’s mission of training men and women for Christian service. At Doug’s recommendation (and with the confidence of OCC’s faculty and the unanimous support of Ozark’s trustees), Dr. Chad Ragsdale will begin this summer as OCC’s next academic dean. In 2005, Chad moved from his Illinois preaching ministry to join Ozark’s faculty as a professor of Bible, and since 2013, he has served as assistant academic dean. Chad has the biblical foundations of a theologian, the pastoral experience of a preacher, the cultural engagement of an apologist, and the scholastic bent of an academician. More importantly, he has a genuine faith in Christ, a deep commitment to his family, a demonstrated love for the church, and a firm belief in Ozark’s mission of training men and women for Christian service.
22 years of service
12
TO INFORM
Academic Dean In the fall of 2020, Chad completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. He has shadowed Doug Aldridge closely in preparation for his succession. On July 1, 2021, Chad will become the sixth academic dean in the 79-year history of Ozark Christian College. Like previous deans Seth Wilson, Lynn Gardner, and Mark Scott, Doug will step out of the dean’s office and back into the classroom to teach full time. Please join us in expressing appreciation to Doug Aldridge for his exemplary leadership, and join us in praying for Chad, his wife Tara, and their children Logan, Adeline, and Ryane as he embraces this new kingdom assignment.
Kathy Stammer Retires
After 22 years of service in Ozark’s Business Office, Kathy Stammer will retire this summer. Kathy served as accountant and payroll administrator for the college. Her diligence and attention to detail helped to further our mission of training men and women for Christian service. Thank you, Kathy!
