BRTC Signs MOU with Ozarka College

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On Monday, September 22, Black River Technical College (BRTC) and Ozarka College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will give students the option to simultaneously enroll in Ozarka’s Precision Machining program and BRTC’s Gunsmithing program.

The MOU allows for the sharing, transfer, and articulation of credits between the programs, and will further student progress towards certification and employment in the skilled trades.

“BRTC is grateful to have a strong partnership with Ozarka,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Brad Baine said. “We truly feel that this agreement will benefit both colleges and the students we serve.”

Baine also noted that both colleges have high quality machine tool technology programs on their campuses and a significant portion of the curriculum for the machine tool programs overlap with the gunsmithing curriculum. Those factors allow students to efficiently complete their desired certifications and degree in gunsmithing in a timely manner.

BRTC’s Gunsmithing program is 1 out of 11 gunsmithing programs in the United States, and is the only one in the state of Arkansas. It is also the only one in the nation to be associated with a law enforcement training academy. The program offers 3 emphases: Riflesmithing, Shotgunsmithing, and Pistolsmithing. BRTC’s Gunsmithing Technology courses are safety-based and versatile depending on the needs and future aspirations of the student.

For more information about BRTC’s Gunsmithing program contact Chuck Coe, Gunsmithing Instructor, at (870) 248-4188, or contact Phillip Dickson, Dean of Business and Technical Education, at (870) 248-4125.

2025 9 24 -- BRTC Signs MOU with Ozarka College
Left to Right: Stephen Wright, Phillip Dickson, Chuck Coe, Jason Smith, Brad Baine, Graycen Bigger, Chris Lorch, Marcus Orf, Michael Smith, and James Spurlock. Seated, Left to Right: Martin Eggensperger and Joshua Wilson.