Hot Springs, Arkansas – 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.  

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National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College enrolls over 7,000 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.