National Park College (NPC) President, Dr. John Hogan announced his retirement Thursday
in a campus town hall meeting. Hogan submitted his request to the NPC Board of Trustees
Wednesday. Once approved, his retirement will be effective July 1, 2024.
“Together we accomplished much of what we set out to do when I arrived in Hot Springs
nearly a decade ago. I believe that this is the right time for me to pass the torch
to NPC’s next leader,” said Hogan.
Hogan serves as NPC’s fourth president. He came to NPC in July 2014 from Columbus,
Indiana, where he served as chancellor of the Columbus region in the Ivy Tech Community
College system for more than 11 years. His career with Ivy Tech spanned almost 26
years, in which he performed the roles of Executive Dean, Director of Enrollment and
Student Services, Interim Dean of Instructional Affairs, Student Services and Facilities
Manager, Enrollment Services Manager, and Registrar.
Hogan’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration,
a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Western Kentucky
University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Indiana State University.
Though he credits NPC’s faculty and staff with the accomplishments, Hogan’s decadelong
tenure at NPC began with a name change and rebranding effort that focused heavily
on listening to the voice of the students. This new era brought about a new mascot,
athletics teams and robust student life. His time at NPC includes construction of
the Student Commons building, two residence halls, a Marine Repair facility, expansion
of science labs, and numerous remodels. His leadership also supported the addition
of five bachelor’s degrees offered on the NPC campus in partnership with the University
of Arkansas at Monticello and Southern Arkansas University.
Sharing his pride in the NPC campus Hogan said, “My experience at National Park College
has by far been the best of my career. The Board, faculty, staff, and students have
teamed up to provide many new amenities to students. I am very proud of the work you
all have accomplished, and I look forward to hearing of additional successes as NPC
continues to blaze trails for community colleges. I will be forever sentimental and
grateful to be part of the National Park College history and story.”
Hogan noted his priorities have always been God, family, and NPC in that order and
that he and his wife plan to enjoy time with their grandchildren for the foreseeable
future.