Education Commons^™

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 …

Outstanding Alumni Honored During Ouachita's Homecoming Festivities Oct. 8, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Five Ouachita Baptist University graduates received the university’s Alumni Milestone Award on Saturday, Oct. 8. Based on their professional achievements, community service and dedication to their alma mater, the honorees were selected by a committee of Ouachita faculty and staff and Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president.

“Exemplary graduates are nominated every year for the Alumni Milestone Award,” Sells said. “Our goal is to select inductees who, by the way they live their lives, represent our amazing alumni and demonstrate the qualities that make Ouachita, Ouachita.”

Scholarship Endowed At Ouachita To Honor David Sharp, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

An endowed athletic scholarship has been established at Ouachita Baptist University in honor of David Sharp, the university’s director of athletics, and his more than four decades of service to Ouachita.

“I’m not sure there’s a better feeling than being recognized by your teammates, peers, colleagues, fellow alumni and friends,” said Sharp. “I am so honored that all these people had a part in establishing this endowed scholarship. It’s quite humbling, and it’s good to know that we’ll be able to assist future Ouachita football players in pursuing their dream of playing college football and earning a college degree.”

Stepping Up For Ouachita 2022 Honorees Announced, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Office of Development will host its annual Stepping Up for Ouachita luncheon Friday, Nov. 4, at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Ark. Simmons Bank is presenting sponsor for the 2022 luncheon, which will honor Nancy Benton of Jonesboro, Ark.; Sheila Powell Strickland of Fort Worth, Texas; Sarah Shell Teague of Fayetteville, Ark.; and Toni Thrash of Little Rock, Ark.

“Stepping up for Ouachita began with the purpose of increasing scholarship dollars for women,” said Terry Peeples, Ouachita’s vice president for development. “The honorees always represent women who love their family and their Lord. They are all …

Tolbert Named Vice President For Finance At Ouachita, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Jason Tolbert, formerly the chief financial officer at Ouachita Baptist University, has been named the university’s vice president for finance effective June 1.

“Jason has been a key partner in our university-wide journey to make Ouachita’s mission more viable financially,” said Dr. Ben R. Sells, Ouachita’s president. “Ouachita is financially stronger than at any time in the past two decades, and Jason’s leadership has been instrumental. His new title also reflects the additional responsibilities he’s assumed during his tenure.”

These include overseeing Ouachita’s budget and coordinating budget audits, stewarding the university’s endowment and supervising several administrative areas including business services, …

July 2022 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

The 16th Annual Athletic Auction and Dinner is August 20 at the Pioneer Cellular Events Center. This event provides vital scholarship support for Bulldog athletes. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available.

June 2022 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

SWOSU will be on the road this summer! Join us for a complimentary happy hour. We kick off in Oklahoma City June 23 and Tulsa on July 21. We can’t wait to see you!

Dr. Jeremy Greer Returns To Ouachita As The Next Dean Of The Pruet School Of Christian Studies, Brooke Zimny, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Dr. Jeremy Greer, a 1998 Ouachita graduate and second generation pastor, has completed his first semester as the new dean of Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies. Greer has long ties to the university as well as Arkansas Baptists in addition to higher education experience through teaching and administrative roles.

“My overarching feeling is gratitude,” Greer said. “I am grateful to once again be an Arkansas Baptist. I am grateful to serve an institution for which I have such deep affections and appreciation. I am grateful to serve alongside faithful men and women whom God has used to transform me …

Jason Tolbert ('97) (Chief Financial Officer), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

As soon as Jason Tolbert started his college search as a high school student in Wynne, Ark., he knew if he could afford to go to Ouachita, he would. It’s not hard to believe that, even then, making the numbers work was a top priority for Tolbert, who now serves as Ouachita’s chief financial officer (CFO).

Tolbert grew up visiting Ouachita each summer for Arkansas Baptist camps like Super Summer and Music Arkansas (now Praise Works). He’d continue visiting campus more as his sister, Jennifer (Tolbert ’97) Byrd became a student; soon, Ouachita felt like home.

Robert S. Moore Jr. Given Distinguished Alumni Award, Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Robert S. Moore Jr. received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service to the State of Arkansas from Ouachita during an August luncheon held on campus in his honor.

The award was presented to Moore by Dr. Ben R. Sells, Ouachita president, and Taylor King, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees.

Terry Dewitt ('88) (Chair, Department Of Kinesiology, And Professor Of Kinesiology), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

As a high school senior in Gravette, Ark., Dr. Terry DeWitt didn’t have college on his radar until just before graduation. A first-generation college student, DeWitt enrolled as a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas. But he transferred after just one semester when his aunt, Nancy Hardman, encouraged him to consider Ouachita and Coach Buddy Benson offered him a work-study job as an athletic trainer.

“I knew I needed to make a change, and Ouachita was the place for me,” DeWitt said. “I also knew I needed to grow in my Christian faith and my walk, which at the …

John Barber ('99) & Becky Ellis ('08) (Helping Those Impacted By Disability), Kiki Schleiff Cherry, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Alumni John Barber and Becky Ellis will tell you that life can lead to unexpected places.

They both work for Joni and Friends, an international ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, seeking to communicate the gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple and serve people living with disabilities.

Augustana Seniors Fall 1885: Joel L. Haff, Donovan Garro, Ethan Keung, Joseph Ayala

Augustana Seniors Fall 1885 (Class of 1886)

Joel L. Haff was a senior at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, in the fall of 1885. His name appears in the college catalog of 1885-1886, along with his birthplace, the year of his birth, and a few other facts. From this start, we researched the genealogy and family history of Joel L. Haff. This paper contains a short biography of Joel, a report on his ancestors, a report on his descendants, and some open questions for further research.

Ouachita Dedicates Newly-Renovated Tatman Corner Apartments, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University welcomed community leaders to the newly-updated Tatman Corner student apartments April 15 for a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event honored the Tatman family’s gift to the university and celebrated additional improvements to student housing.

May 2022 Bulldog Alumni & Friends News, Kari Jones, Garrett King

Bulldog Alumni & Friends News

On April 29, Dr. Diane Lovell was inaugurated as the 18th President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Black Women Students In The Ivory Tower: A Case Study Of The College Of The Holy Cross, Meah S. Austin

Psychology Department Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Dr. Justin K. Hardin Named Ouachita's Vice President For Academic Affairs, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Dr. Justin K. Hardin has been named Ouachita Baptist University’s vice president for academic affairs, effective in summer 2022. He brings a strong background in teaching, scholarship and administration to his new role as the university’s chief academic officer.

Hardin succeeds Dr. Stan Poole, who is returning to the classroom as full-time professor of English after serving for 19 years as Ouachita’s VPAA.

Hardin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Biblical studies from Ouachita in 1998, a Master of Divinity degree from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School in 2001 and two degrees from the University of Cambridge: …

Five Things You Should Know This Week, Georgia Southern University

A Few Things You Should Know This Week

• An Update on Additional Pay Coming for Eligible Full Time, Benefited State Employees
• Deadline is This Week to Nominate Alumni for 40 Under 40 Honor
• Volunteers Needed for Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies
• Vaccine Shots and Boosters are Available on Campus
• COVID-19 Testing Also Still Available on Campus

The Dark Side Of Giftedness, Philip Miller

Alumni Publications

No abstract provided.

Ouachita's School Of Fine Arts Hosts Alumna Caitlin Secrest In Concert Feb. 22, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host vocalist Caitlin Secrest in concert Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. Secrest’s performance is part of the university’s guest artist series. The concert is free and open to the public.

A native of Arkadelphia, Secrest graduated from Ouachita in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. She is in her sixth season performing in shows in Branson, Mo., including Thank You For The Music: A Modern Tribute to ABBA, Beach Boys’ California Dreamin’, Comedy Jamboree, Broadway’s Greatest Hits, Anthems of Rock and Sinatra …

Depauw University School Of Nursing Alumni Presentation, Bethany Fiechter

Library Faculty publications

No abstract provided.

Education For Citizenship: A Study Of The Effects Of Cocurricular Student Philanthropy Education On Prosocial Behavior, Félix José Alonso

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this concurrent mixed-methods study is to explore the use of student engagement and cocurricular student philanthropy education as an approach to awareness raising and as a mechanism for creating a culture of philanthropy among college students. This dissertation is a synthesis of the review with a consensus that student engagement and cocurricular student philanthropy education create greater awareness, learning, and intentions around philanthropy and prosocial behavior, as well as increased instances of making charitable contributions and civic engagement. The study concludes that student engagement and cocurricular philanthropy education are effective mechanisms for creating a culture of giving. …

The Johnson Family (A Ouachita Legacy From A Parent's Perspective), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

When you think of Tigers for Life, the Johnson family may have set a record – six Ouachita graduates in eight years, and one more headed for the stage in 2023. The Johnson family legacy began with Sally (Sullivan) Johnson, a 1954 graduate, and the Ouachita connections continued in the next generation. Sally’s son, Jerry G. Johnson, didn’t attend Ouachita but came to know the institution through his work and friendship with Ouachita alumnus and benefactor Frank Hickingbotham. Neither Sally nor Jerry could have guessed that all seven of Jerry’s children would one day call Ouachita home.

Jerry and his …

Rachel (Waggener) Pool ('07) (Associate Professor Of Education), Jon Merryman, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

When Dr. Rachel Pool stepped onto Ouachita’s campus for Super Summer in high school, she fell in love. Not with a boy from another Arkansas town – she was in love with Ouachita.

“I was looking for a small, Christ-centered university where I could make quality Christian friendships, and I found that at Ouachita,” Pool said.

After graduation, Pool moved back to her hometown of West Memphis to teach high school algebra and later taught at McNair Middle School in Fayetteville, Ark., and Benton Junior High School in Benton, Ark. Since graduating from Ouachita, she earned her National Board Certification, …

Rickey Rogers ('02), Dean Of Students And Director Of Residence Life (Lydia (Gutierrez) Rogers ('02), Senior Woman Administrator And Director Of Athletic Compliance), Jon Merryman

Press Releases

Rickey and Lydia Rogers have developed more than 20 years of history at Ouachita, in part due to simple geography. With Rickey recruited to play football from six hours away in Mississippi and Lydia coming from six hours away in Texas, Ouachita and Arkadelphia were right in the middle – which made attending college and settling after graduation here between their families a perfect fit.

They’ve made their mark on campus in a variety of ways over the years, but always making a direct impact on students. Lydia previously taught Spanish and served as a resident director and now is …

Ouachita Honors Outstanding Alumni During Homecoming Festivities, Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ten Ouachita alumni received the university’s Alumni Milestone Award in conjunction with Ouachita’s Homecoming celebration Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Based on their professional achievements, community service and dedication to their alma mater, they were chosen by a committee of Ouachita faculty and staff and Ouachita President Ben Sells.

“Every year, several exemplary graduates are nominated for the Alumni Milestone Award,” Sells said. “They’re all worthy recipients, so we aspire to select a group of inductees that each year and over time live lives of service and best represent the generations of extraordinary students who are the heart of Ouachita.”

The 2021 …

Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships: Alumni Survey 2021, Australia Awards Global Tracer Facility

Australia Awards Global Tracer Facility

To improve understanding of alumni outcomes and experiences, the Australia Awards Global Tracer Facility (GTF) is running a survey of Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship and Australian Regional Development Scholarship alumni in July 2021. The survey will provide insight into the long-term outcomes of the AAPS and ARDS, with findings to be provided in a region-level and country-level reports. This project will help fill a gap in the knowledge of DFAT and Posts about this particular group of alumni.

History Alumni Profile: Kevin Jackson (’15), Mandy Halbert, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

What can you do with a history major? Kevin Jackson, a 2015 Ouachita graduate, currently works as an immigration lawyer to advocate for asylum seekers and trafficking victims, among others.

Founded On Friendship: And How The Ouachita Community Overflows Beyond Campus, Erin Calhoon, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

The Ouachita community truly is something special. While on campus, I was surrounded by faculty and peers alike who uniquely challenged me and pushed me to grow in my relationship with Christ.

Alumni Stories: Jim, Darrell And Rob Potts During A Year Of Uncertainty, Ouachita Alumni Work To Ensure Their Business Stays On Top, Donna Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

Press Releases

Find a way. It’s a Potts family motto. And one they certainly needed for keeping retail stores open in a worldwide pandemic