Education Commons^™

Steve Guymon (Head Coach, Men's And Women's Cross Country, Men's And Women's Track & Field And Women's Indoor Track & Field), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Some might think starting a track program would require a track. Not Steve Guymon. Sure, it would come in handy. But while plans are in the works to build one on campus, Guymon went ahead and grew Ouachita's cross country and track & field teams from seven athletes in 2019 to 90 this fall.

Guymon's road to Ouachita started with his son Austin's decision to play football here. Beginning as a consultant, he found himself in Summer 2019 on Ouachita's coaching staff, bringing 38 years of coaching experience and a string of honors including multiple Gulf South and Great American …

Holly (Burris) Kyzer ('00) (Director Of Dietetic Internship Program And Assistant Professor Of Dietetics), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Growing up around Ouachita's campus, Holly Kyzer knew Ouachita was going to be an integral part of her life, but she never guessed she would be a faculty member, much less an instrumental part of re-launching graduate programs at the university.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Ouachita in biology, with the goal of serving the community as a doctor. When she discovered the sight of blood was a problem for her, she recalibrated her career plans to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Growing Pains (Immediate Change Does Not Equal Long-Term Growth), Hannah Pilcher, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

What did we learn? Where do we go from here? These two questions have been at the forefront of my mind after attending a professional development conference that was equally challenging and inspiring. In a room full of higher education professionals, the speaker posed these questions in relation to the last two years as we have dealt with the reality of how COVID-19 affected our work life and the lives of our students.

We were challenged not to give in to the urge to skip these questions because they felt too daunting to answer. She asked the audience to reflect …

Ouachita To Present "A Service Of Lessons And Carols" On Dec. 6, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present its 24th annual “A Service of Lessons and Carols” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The service is free and open to the public.

A Service of Lessons and Carols features Advent scripture reading alternated with Christmas carols, inviting audience members to explore and celebrate Jesus’ birth and sing along to familiar songs.

The Ouachita Singers, featured choral ensemble for the evening, is directed by Dr. Joshua Brown, director of choral activities at Ouachita.

Ouachita Presents 30th Annual Festival Of Christmas On Dec. 2-3, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its 30th annual holiday program, A Festival of Christmas, on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2–3, in Jones Performing Art Center.

The Friday performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and the Saturday show starts at 2:30 p.m.

“We are so excited to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of Festival of Christmas and Jones Performing Arts Center,” said Dr. Joshua Brown, co-director of the performance and director of choral activities at Ouachita. “This year we will have cookies and hot chocolate with Santa one hour prior to each performance, as well as an alumni …

Ouachita's Ian Cosh Receives Honorary Doctorate From Liverpool Hope University, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ian Cosh, vice president emeritus for community and international engagement at Ouachita Baptist University, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education degree from Liverpool (England) Hope University in July 2022 at the university’s graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Gerald Pillay, vice chancellor and rector of Hope, notified Cosh at the end of the Spring 2021 semester that he was to receive the degree in recognition of his contributions to international education and support of Hope over many years. Cosh said he was “blown away by the honor because it was totally unexpected and one of the greatest honors …

Hartsell Awarded Mid-America Regional Emmy For Battle Of The Ravine Video Essay, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University junior Chase Hartsell was awarded a Regional EMMYⓇ for his video essay about the Ouachita-Henderson State University football rivalry Battle of the Ravine, titled “A November Morn.” The award was presented to him by the Mid-America chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) at the 46th annual Regional EMMYⓇ Gala on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch in St. Louis, Mo.

According to John Paul, chair of the NATAS Mid-America education committee, the Mid-America chapter honors high school and college students with awards called crystal pillars that …

Ouachita To Offer Masters Of Arts Degree In Applied Behavior Analysis, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University is preparing to offer Arkansas’ first Master of Arts degree program in applied behavior analysis – an additional option to the university’s existing Master of Science degree. The M.A. program will launch in Fall 2023, pending Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approvals.

Hamilton, Hubbard Use Inbre Grant To Bring New Instruments To Ouachita Chemistry Program, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University chemistry instructors Dr. Sharon Hamilton and Dr. Sara Hubbard were awarded a $14,135 small instrument grant by the Arkansas IdeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), which they used to purchase a spectrophotometer and a fluorometer for use by students in Ouachita’s Department of Chemistry. The grant was made possible by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences in the National Institutes of Health.

Hubbard, associate professor and Nell I. Mondy Chair of Chemistry, and Hamilton, associate professor of chemistry, were notified of their award in January. They collaborated with Dr. Christen Pruett and Dr. Ruth Plymale, …

Ouachita's Department Of Theatre Arts To Present "A Servant To Two Masters", Sierra Hoss

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present “A Servant to Two Masters” from Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 17-19, and Monday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Verser Theatre. A matinee performance is set for Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Written by Carlo Goldoni in 1746 and adapted by David Turner and Paul Lapworth, “A Servant to Two Masters” is a comedy that tells the story of Truffaldino, a hungry servant who, upon realizing that working for two masters could ensure him a greater supply of food, tries to do the job of two men while working desperately to conceal …

Ouachita's Division Of Music Presents "This Is My Father's World" From Nov. 3-6, Abigail Gaddis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present an opera and musical theatre experience titled “This Is My Father’s World” from Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 3-5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall.

“The show is based on a concept that I developed over the summer,” said director Dr. Kara Claybrook, visiting assistant professor of music at Ouachita. “It has different genres from different shows; the hymn ‘This is My Father’s World’ serves as the connecting device. The idea is to explore how our senses draw us closer to God or …

Ouachita's Hickingbotham School Of Business To Launch Mba Program, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Hickingbotham School of Business at Ouachita Baptist University is preparing to launch a fully-online Master of Business Administration degree program, set to begin in Fall 2023 pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The HLC is Ouachita’s accrediting agency; additionally, the Hickingbotham School of Business is also accredited by the AACSB. It is Arkansas’ only private AACSB-accredited business school.

Savannah Pierce Crowned 2022 Homecoming Queen At Ouachita, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Savannah Pierce, a senior Christian studies major from Dover, Ark., was crowned Ouachita Baptist University’s 2022 Homecoming Queen during a pregame ceremony at Cliff Harris Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8. Pierce represented the Ouachita marching band. A member of the Ouachita marching band color guard and Tri Chi women’s social club, Pierce is a resident assistant and a Kappa Chi men’s social club little sis.

From The "Ouachitonian": Meghann Bledsone, Emma Dannis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Meghann Bledsoe was one of many people in America who grew up bilingual. Her second language is not spoken, though. Bledsoe grew up fluent in American Sign Language.

From The "Ouachitonian": Allie Bailey, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Ouachita Baptist University Elrod Center has provided many opportunities for students to get involved with various programs to serve the Arkadelphia community along with students and professors alike on campus. In particular, ElderServe allowed students to be paired with an elderly couple or elder and visit them, bring them food or write them letters.

From The "Ouachitonian": Kevin Merino, Katie Moore, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Ravine Rovers began their journey during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year at Ouachita as a group of students looking for an organized league in which to play soccer. The team was initially created by Kevin Merino, a senior biology major from Wylie, Texas, and Logan Daust, a senior business administration/sport management major from Plano, Texas.

From The "Ouachitonian": Caroline Derby, Madi Darr, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Growing up in Arkadelphia and serving as Miss OBU has given Caroline Derby the opportunity of a lifetime. A junior communications & media/multimedia and political science double major, Derby has grown up dreaming about being a student at Ouachita. Derby has seen Ouachita from many different perspectives including coach’s daughter, faculty and staff daughter and student leader, as well as Miss Ouachita Baptist University.

From The "Ouachitonian": Gabe Goodman, Madi Darr, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

It was the fourth quarter with 57 seconds left. The Henderson Reddies and the Tigers were tied at 28-28. The Ouachita fans were silent as Gabe Goodman, a junior finance major from Arkadelphia, Ark., prepared for a 53-yard field goal to win the game. The Henderson Reddies’ cheers shook Cliff Harris Stadium as he approached the football.

From The "Ouachitonian": Noah Barker, Rose Robinson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Riding in ambulances, answering calls from patients in desperate need and starting his day off at the crack of dawn each morning describes a small part of Noah Barker’s fast-paced job as an EMT.

From The "Ouachitonian": Isabella Bejarano, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

After witnessing a heartbreaking experience, she wanted to make a difference. She thought about those around her and desired to take a stand so that others could look out for it as well. Isabella Bejarano, a sophomore elementary education and Spanish double major from Bogotá, Colombia, led the 2021 Walk for Freedom at Arkadelphia High School in October. This event had a total of 130 attendees and 22 volunteers raising more than $700.

From The "Ouachitonian": Brad Richardson, Caroline Johnson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Brad Richardson, a junior Christian studies/Christian ministries major from Lonoke, Ark., grew up in a family with a tradition of military service. The Richardson family can trace their military history all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Because of this rich history, Richardson had a great example of what service looked like while he was growing up, and he started his journey with the military during his freshman year of high school.

From The "Ouachitonian": Christa Neal, Hanna Williams, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Christa Neal accepted the position of program advisor for community and family services in June 2021. This major trains and equips students to pursue careers in fields of community, family and social services, as well as graduate education for counseling, social work and more. This program needed someone with a variety of experiences in these fields, and Neal was the perfect fit.

From The "Ouachitonian": Drs. Amy And Doug Sonheim, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The infectious laughter of Dr. Amy Sonheim and the careful clicking of a keyboard from Dr. Doug Sonheim would help fill the language and literature department for years before their combined retirement from Ouachita in Spring 2022. In the years that they have worked at Ouachita, the couple has made some amazing changes to the university.

From The "Ouachitonian": Harry Jeffrey, Kathryn Totty, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Years before attending Ouachita, Harry Jeffrey, a senior biology and chemistry double major from Camden, Ark., knew that he wanted to become a Tiger Tunes director.

From The "Ouachitonian": Dr. Tim And Coach Todd Knight, Rose Robinson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita’s favorite set of faculty football brothers – Head Football Coach Todd Knight and Dr. Tim Knight, dean of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences – continue to make a lasting impact on campus. As Coach Knight led his team to wins on the football field year after year, Dr. Knight experienced his victories in the classroom. This purple-and-gold bleeding set of brothers truly make Ouachita a better place. Coach Knight keeps Ouachita’s successful football program on the map as his brother is the face behind the entire Jones Science Center operation. These two brothers are special assets to …

From The "Ouachitonian": Mallorie Warner, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Many college students have struggled with time management when it comes to school, sports and other extracurricular activities. For Mallorie Warner, a freshman Christian ministries/missions and graphic design double major from Benton, Ark., this included running a full-time business. What started as a hobby in the seventh grade – calligraphy – became a full time-business for Warner. In 10th grade, she needed to fund a mission trip to Ecuador, and that is when her love for calligraphy really began to take off. She creates and sells custom wedding signage and day-of details, including acrylic and welcome signs, seating charts and …

From The "Ouachitonian": Joey Wisenhunt, Hanna Williams, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Joey Whisenhunt, a sophomore business administration/entrepreneurship and business administration/management double major from Conway, Ark., grew up engaged in the world of piloting. When he turned 15, his own journey to become a pilot began.

From The "Ouachitonian": Ryan Wheeler, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ever since he was young, Ryan Wheeler obtained a passion that would follow him the rest of his life. Wheeler, a freshman business administration/management major from Little Rock, Ark., grew up in his family-owned used auto industry called Rock City Classics. His dad was also a pilot who flew major auto dealers from throughout Little Rock. These experiences allowed Wheeler to be influenced by the auto industry.

From The "Ouachitonian": Jaymee Dotson, Breanna Watson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Many university students begin college life and choose to become involved in something that brings them joy and fulfillment, and this case is no different with soccer player Jaymee Dotson, a senior kinesiology/leisure pre-professional studies major from Princeton, Texas. At the age of six, Dotson developed a deep appreciation for the sport, a passion that continues as she reflected upon God’s plan in bringing her to Ouachita through her devotion to soccer.

From The "Ouachitonian": Kellen Church, Luci Shepard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

At the age of five, a young girl established a love for a sport that would impact her for the rest of her life. Years following, a love for another sport blossomed, leading her to play two sports throughout her life.