Education Commons^™

Ouachita Students Honored For Their Work Published In "Assayers 31", Kaitlyn Stoddard, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Department of Language & Literature in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Humanities honored nine students for their academic and creative writing featured in “Assayers 31,” the department’s annual academic journal used for instruction in all Composition I classes. The students were recognized during a fall awards ceremony at the Elrod Center for Family & Community.

Ouachita Baptist University's Elrod Center Hosts 52nd Tiger Serve Day, Coleman Callan, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family & Community at Ouachita Baptist University held its 52^nd Tiger Serve Day on Saturday, April 1. More than 600 Ouachita students, faculty and staff divided into 87 teams to complete 89 service projects at homes, non-profit organizations and churches in the Arkadelphia area.

“Tiger Serve Day is a particularly humbling experience for those who serve. It is a huge part of the Ouachita tradition, and I am so glad to be a part of the team that puts the day together,” said Allie Graves, a junior community and family services major from …

Reflections On The X Factor (Ouachita Fosters Deep Bonds, Complex Community), Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

When Ouachita turned 100, the marketing around the 1986 centennial celebration promised that the university offers The Best of Life – an audacious claim, if you think about it. As a student, though, I wouldn’t have pushed back on it. Life on campus was the best I could imagine right then, or ever.

The singular experience of attending Ouachita shaped me at my core. It afforded me an outstanding liberal arts education provided by accomplished, accessible professors who were preternaturally genius at striking the delicate balance between nurturing and challenging their students. They cared if I showed up, helped me …

Sara (Wheeler) Mcdaniel '98 (Renovation Takes Root), Jon Merryman

Press Releases

If you’ve ever wondered why Minden, La., is called “the friendliest city in the South,” one visit with Sara McDaniel ’98 explains it all. She is genuine, friendly, humble and kind – much like others you’ll meet in this sweet, Southern town.

After teaching elementary students in Texas for 10 years, McDaniel shifted to a career that supported teachers through educational sales and consulting. During this time, she went through a difficult divorce, struggling with what was next.

After feeling the Lord leading her to return home to Louisiana in 2014, McDaniel set her sights on restoring a cottage built …

Why We Engage, Ben Sells

Press Releases

Contemporary higher education narratives can be negative, often deservedly so. Alternatively, Ouachita’s story is positive – in large part because of our determination to engage.

We engage students. I tell prospective students, “If you don’t want us to know your name, don’t come to Ouachita.” We intend to be a campus where students are known, cultivating a tightly-knit community, believing the personal investment of our lives in students’ lives matters. This ethos helps explain why our four-year graduation rate is almost double the state’s average. Similarly, it explains why our career outcomes rate – the percentage of our grads …

Ann (Owen) Chami '83 (Caring Builds Connection), Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

It’s often been said that you can’t kid a kidder. Ann Chami ’83 would say that you can’t kid a kid.

“Children have the unique ability to discern how adults feel about them,” said Chami, a veteran educator who serves as head of lower school at Little Rock Christian Academy. “If they know you genuinely care for them and love them, they will do anything for you.”

Chami earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in early childhood education from Ouachita in 1983 and spent the next 20 years teaching first, second or third grade before becoming an …

Chris Babb '99 (Instructor Of Communications And Director Of Sports Media Productions), Anna Roussel, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

As a senior communications major at Ouachita, Chris Babb ’99 sat across the desk from his advisor, Dr. Bill Downs, and told him he might want to teach. He was not sure what was pulling him in that direction but knew his future job also would involve sports.

“Dr. Downs told me, ‘Don’t do that. Go out in the world and get some experience, and then in 20 years if something comes available, you’ll have experience and you can teach,’” Babb said. “That was in the spring of 1999. In the spring of 2019, exactly 20 years later, was when …

Courage To Engage, Brooke Zimny, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ouachita prides itself in its personal approach to higher education, from the thoughtful attention prospective students receive during their college search, to the ways faculty and staff invest in students’ lives, to our commitment to tight-knit Christian community, which is built in dozens of ways for students whether they live on campus or attend classes online. During the pandemic, this level of engagement was challenged. Physical distance separated us; events, classes and residence life took new approaches.

While life over the last year slowly began to look more like the pre-pandemic world, things came into focus on campus even more …

Honoring Firsts (Green-Blevins Rotunda Dedication To Ouachita's First African American Graduates), Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Carolyn Jean Green and the late Gustine Blevins, who in 1966 became the first African American graduates in Ouachita’s history, were celebrated Nov. 12 when the Green-Blevins Rotunda was dedicated in their honor.

The community-wide service and reception brought a standing-room-only crowd of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the refurbished rotunda in McClellan Hall at 10 a.m. for a program featuring guest speakers Green and Dr. LaJuan Martin, Blevins’ son.

“I have felt like I’m truly coming home,” said Green, the first Black student to live in a Ouachita dorm and pledge a social club, options she didn’t have …

Quantel Williams (Director Of Residence Life), Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Hang out in Evans Student Center awhile with Quantel Williams, and it soon becomes obvious why this is his favorite place on campus.

Williams was named Ouachita’s director of residence life in June; he’s also a member of the campus police force, an adjunct professor in Christian studies and a bi-vocational pastor. Engaging with students is an important part of his work.

Before becoming Res Life director, Williams served as resident director at Tollett Hall and then O.C. Bailey Hall. He’s a student favorite among Ouachita staff. Even in a frenetic lunchtime crowd in “the stu,” they seek him out …

Building Before: Community Resiliency As Emergency Management, Alexandria Rinne

Honors Theses

This project seeks to address gaps in emergency preparedness education related to tornado response. Through an examination of current research about best practices for tornado emergency management response and an examination of the needs of FEMA Regions 7 and 8, the author has identified key strategies and stakeholders to increase positive outcome through building community engagement and resiliency. Three presentations were created for delivery to key community stakeholders—local government officials; non-governmental organizations, social networks, and associations; and individual private citizens. The project offers an overview of background research and provides presentation slide decks, scripts, and discussion guides, all created with …

Ouachita To House One Of The First Two University-Based Locations Of Tacos 4 Life, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University will be one of the first two colleges to welcome Tacos 4 Life to its campus when the Arkansas-based restaurant chain launches an outlet in Ouachita’s Evans Student Center in Fall 2023.

The addition of a Tacos 4 Life venue reflects the university’s momentum in enhancing the student experience at Ouachita, where 98% of undergraduates live in one of nine residence halls or six apartment complexes and source most of their meals on campus. A remodel of Evans Food Court in the student center will make space for Tacos 4 Life to be located next to Chick-fil-A; …

Tips To Make The Most Of Early Registration, Anna Roussel, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Early Registration (ER) is a key step in becoming a Ouachita Tiger. If you’re new to Ouachita ­­– or just new to this experience – here are some helpful tips to make the most of ER.

Destiny Diaz To Perform Senior Flute Recital At Ouachita On April 14, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Destiny Diaz for her senior flute recital on Friday, April 14, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Diaz’s principal applied instructor is Dr. Carlos Feller, assistant professor of music at Ouachita.

Ouachita Tiger Steel Flag Flown In Trinidad And Tobago, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Tiger Steel, Ouachita Baptist University’s advanced steel drum ensemble, was chosen to have its emblem flag flown in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), in the fall as part of the country’s recognition of Steelpan Month. Ouachita was one of the first two universities chosen for inclusion in the third annual Barry Mannette Steelpan Flying High Global Flag Exhibition, part of the Steelpan One World Initiative.

“It’s wonderful to have our steel band recognized and honored this way in the country where steel drums originated! It’s kind of similar to our flags in the plaza on campus,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, …

Ouachita Earns Gold Status In Exercise Is Medicine Program, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University recently achieved Gold Status from the American College of Sports Medicine for its participation and excellence in the organization’s Exercise is Medicine^® program. Ouachita is the only university in Arkansas to earn this recognition and is one of 149 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by EIM for efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.

Ouachita Students Earn State Nats Recognition, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Thirteen students from the Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts placed as finalists or semifinalists at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Arkansas Spring Conference held Feb. 24-25 at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark.

With 13 of 15 participants earning recognition, “Ouachita had one of the highest ratios of attendees to finalists in a wide variety of categories,” said Dr. Candice Aipperspach, associate professor of music. “This showcases the excellence sought in the vocal area at Ouachita and the hard work of the students.”

Kyleigh Stevens To Perform Senior Voice Recital April 6, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Kyleigh Stevens for her senior vocal recital on Thursday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Stevens is a vocal performance major from Hot Springs, Ark. Her principal applied instructor is Dr. Natilan Crutcher, visiting assistant professor of music at Ouachita.

Pierce Wins Ouachita's Virginia Queen Piano Competition, Second Year In A Row, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Andrew Pierce, a sophomore music and biology double major from Benton, Ark., at Ouachita Baptist University, was awarded first place in the 2023 Virginia Queen Piano Competition. Held Friday, Feb. 3, in McBeth Recital Hall, the competition was hosted by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts.

Following his first-place win in the 2022 competition, Pierce won a $500 cash prize this year for his performance of Franz Liszt’s “Liebestraum in A-flat Major, S. 541, No. 3” and “Virtuoso Etude No. 4,” based on George Gershwin’s “Embraceable You,” arranged by Earl Wild. Pierce is a student of …

Ouachita's Department Of Theatre Arts Presents The Musical "Mary Poppins" From April 20-23, Emma Dennis, Shelby Tripcony, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its spring musical, “Mary Poppins,” from Thursday-Sunday, April 20-23 in Jones Performing Arts Center. Performances will begin Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice.

Based on the book series “Mary Poppins” by P.L. Travers, the story follows the Banks family as they employ a new nanny, Mary Poppins, who magically shows up at their door and changes the environment of their household.

Hardin And Holloway To Perform Sophomore Recitals March 31, Anna Roussel, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present Amaya Hardin and Brandon Holloway in their sophomore voice recitals Friday, March 31, at 2 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall.

Ouachita Alumni Further Technology In Schools With Apptegy, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University has sustained momentum in equipping students for postgraduate success, consistently reporting career outcomes rates that far exceed the national average. Graduates are pursuing opportunities in a variety of fields, including technology. For example, five alumni working at Apptegy, an education software company in Little Rock, Ark., are developing software for K-12 school marketing. Their contributions include software engineering, designing user-friendly interfaces and ensuring client success with Apptegy products.

Chamber Winds To Feature Student Compositions During March 28 Concert At Ouachita, Emma Dennis, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its Chamber Winds spring concert Tuesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

“I love hearing our students have the opportunity to perform in smaller chamber ensembles,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, dean of the School of Fine Arts and professor of music at Ouachita. “It gives them wonderful experience working independently and playing music written specifically for their groups.”

Ouachita Students Win Multiple Awards At Midwest Model United Nations Conference, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

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Seven students from Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Political Science participated in the Midwest Model United Nations, held Feb. 22-25 in St. Louis, Mo. Each received recognition for excellence.

Ouachita’s delegates were Caroline Derby, a senior communications & media/multimedia and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark.; Katie Henry, a junior political science and history double major from Little Rock, Ark.; Elise Hicks, a senior political science major from Benton, Ark.; Noah Sanders, a senior Christian studies/biblical studies & theology and political science double major from Little Rock, Ark.; Sarah Spakes, a senior political science and public history double major …

Dr. Jack's Business Growing With A Focus On Missions, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Since school began in August, students in Ouachita Baptist University’s Hickingbotham School of Business and Rogers Department of Communications have met on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. to relaunch the student-led Dr. Jack’s Coffee.

Dr. Jack’s was established in 2013, but the business struggled through the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath. The new student leadership team is finalizing a business plan, working with a partner to create a website, and establishing a mission, all while keeping the business’ focus on service and students.

Isabella Owen Wins 25th Shambarger Competition At Ouachita, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

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Isabella Owen, a senior music major from Jonesboro, Ark., won the 25th Annual Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers held Tuesday, Feb. 21, in McBeth Recital Hall at Ouachita Baptist University. Hosted by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, the competition is named for the late Mary Shambarger, professor emerita of music at Ouachita. Shambarger served on the music faculty for 32 years, teaching voice and directing student choral groups until her retirement in 1998.

Return To Sundance, Emma Dennis, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Every other spring, Dr. Rebecca Jones, professor of communications at Ouachita, takes a group of students from the OBU at Sundance class to Park City, Utah, to experience the Sundance Film Festival. This was the first year for the trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jones and 12 students – some of whom experienced Sundance virtually in 2021 – spent Jan. 22-27 in Utah participating in the festival.

Some of the year’s favorite movies are shown for the first time at Sundance; many are later picked up by larger companies for widespread release. Getting to see any of these films is …

Courtney Ragsdell Receives Bsn Young Leadership Award, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Courtney Myers Ragsdell, a senior nursing major at Ouachita Baptist University, received the 2022 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Young Leadership Award as a part of the “40 Nurse Leaders Under 40” leadership program from the Arkansas Center for Nursing, Inc.

The ACN presents this award to the top five BSN students in the state, recognizing recipients for their commitment to service, dedication and leadership for the advancement of nursing in Arkansas.

Ragsdell, from Kansas City, Mo., received her award in the fall during a ceremony held at the Benton Event Center.

Ouachita's Adams Department Of Art & Design To Host Guest Exhibits Through March, Kelsey Bester, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Two exhibits featuring a variety of media are on display through March 31 in Ouachita Baptist University’s Adams Gallery of Moses-Provine Hall. The exhibits feature work by guest artists Dean Dablow and Anne Greenwood and are hosted by the Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design. The exhibits are free and open to the public.

Mixed media pieces included in “Anne Greenwood: Nature is a Haunted House” can be found in Gallery 1, on the first floor of Moses-Provine. “Dean Dablow: Everything is Abstract,” a collection of sculpture, photography and paintings, is located in Gallery 2 on the second …

Ouachitonian Yearbook Honored For Excellence By Jostens, Addie Woods, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s student yearbook the Ouachitonian received a 2022 National Yearbook Program of Excellence award from Jostens Company.

Based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens produces college yearbooks nationwide, including the Ouachitonian. The company’s National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body. Gold-, silver- or bronze-level distinction is awarded to publications based on criteria achieved in one to three of the following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement and successfully managing the yearbook creation process.

Awards are presented in spring and fall of each year. Winners of the Fall …