Ozark superintendent takes job at SBU

Photo provided by Ozark R-6 School District

Kevin Patterson

Ozark R-6 School District Superintendent Kevin Patterson accepted a job at Southwest Baptist University.

He plans to step down June 30 in preparation for his new position as director of graduate education at the Bolivar university, according to a news release.

“My heart has been and will always be with Ozark, and my priority is doing what is best for the staff and students in Ozark schools,” Patterson said in the release. “This decision did not come lightly or with haste.”

The district’s superintendent since 2012, Patterson is credited with overseeing:
    •    the renovation and construction of West Elementary, Tiger Stadium and the Ozark Career Center;
    •    the implementation of career and technical educational programs, such as construction trades, automotive technology and marketing; and
    •    discussions with the local chamber, specifically related to its Ozark Leads program, and the city of Ozark to strengthen community partnerships, among other initiatives.

“It has been great to work beside him in so many endeavors that have made significant impacts on our district,” Ozark Board of Education President Patty Quessenberry said in the release.

Starting in July at SBU, Patterson will be responsible for eight graduate-level degree programs in education.

For Ozark, the transition is familiar.

Patterson’s predecessor, Gordon Pace, also left the school district for a higher education role. Pace in 2013 exited to become coordinator of Evangel University’s educational leadership master's program, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Patterson previously worked as associate superintendent for the Ozark district.