New provost appointed at Ozarks Tech

Last edited 2:41 p.m., April 28, 2025 [Editor's note: Additional information has been included.]

A dean at Ozarks Technical Community College has been selected as the school's next provost.

Aaron Light is scheduled to start July 1, pending approval by the Ozarks Tech Board of Trustees, according to a news release. Following a national search, he'll succeed Tracy McGrady, who previously announced plans to retire from the school this summer.

The dean of Ozarks Tech's Health Sciences Division since 2021, Light is taking on the dual role of provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. He started with Ozarks Tech in 2003, two years after graduating from its respiratory care program.

Light is credited in the release with helping to lead Ozarks Tech toward the creation of Missouri's first bachelor's degree offered by a community college, as well as serving as faculty member, program director and academic leader.

“Throughout his time as dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Light has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our academic programs,” Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the release. "His visionary leadership propelled transformative growth in student enrollment, expanded our programmatic offerings and forged meaningful partnerships with leaders in health care and local industry."

Light said his history at Ozarks Tech would be beneficial as he steps into the provost role.

"From my days as a student to serving as faculty, program director and dean, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible journey of growth – from classrooms in malls to six thriving campuses and centers. It’s a privilege to help shape the next chapter of this remarkable institution," he said in the release.

Ozarks Tech spokesperson Cassie Mathes said Light was among 27 applicants for the role of provost, which has a starting salary of $185,000.