Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Six Things Freshmen Should Know Before Starting College, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

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Hello friends! I thought I would shed some light on what I’ve learned since being a freshman in college ...

Ouachita Sophomore Sydney Motl Wins Alpha Chi Scholarship, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Sydney Motl, a sophomore English major from Arkadelphia, Ark., won the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Alfred H. Nolle scholarship at the 2022 National Scholarship Competition, held in March in Austin, Texas.

Upon being nominated for the scholarship by Ouachita’s Alpha Chi sponsor, Dr. Myra Houser, associate professor of history, Motl submitted her winning essay titled “Women among the Ruins: Sexuality in the Female Gothic.” She chose the topic of her paper in an English literature course taught by Dr. Amy Sonheim, professor emerita of English.

Ouachita's Kaneil Purifoy Joins Panel Of Speakers During Ncaa Convention, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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KaNeil Purifoy, university counselor and resident director at Ouachita Baptist University, was a panelist at the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. in January. Purifoy was one of four speakers during a panel discussion titled, “Coping With Pandemics: The Effects of Racism and COVID-19 on Student-Athlete Mental Health.” The conversation was hosted by Dr. Brian Hainline, the NCAA’s chief medical officer.

Purifoy spoke to the mental wellness needs of student-athletes as a representative of Division II colleges and universities. His fellow panelists were moderator Dr. Stephany Coakley, senior associate athletics director for mental health, wellness and performance at Temple University; …

What Not To Buy: A Common-Sense Guide To Dorm-Room Purchases, Katie Kemp, Ouachita News Bureau

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When I was about to move in as a freshman at Ouachita, I was over-prepared and overwhelmed. I got sucked into buying all the things I thought I would need and wound up with more clutter than space.

Ouachita's Hickingbotham School Of Business Extends Global Aacsb Accreditation, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Hickingbotham School of Business at Ouachita Baptist University has extended its global accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The accreditation was ratified by the AACSB international board of directors in February after a peer-review process that took place during the fall semester.

The Hickingbotham School was originally accredited by AACSB in 2002. The program requires accredited universities to undergo a continuous improvement review every five years.

Ouachita's Dr. Jason Doroga Gives Presentation At University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Jason Doroga, assistant professor of Spanish at Ouachita Baptist University, presented his paper “Negative Analogy: A New Direction for Analogical Change” as part of the Linguistics Friday Seminar Series at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in April. The paper analyzes the cycles of analogy and changing patterns of language use in the speech community, exploring the role of analogy in explaining changes in the form of Spanish-language past participles.

Dr. Kevin C. "Casey" Motl Named Dean Of Ouachita's Sutton School Of Social Sciences, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Kevin C. “Casey” Motl has been named dean of the William H. Sutton School of Social Sciences at Ouachita Baptist University. The Sutton School houses Ouachita’s departments of History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.

Ouachita Announces Students Named To Spring 2022 President's List, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has named more than 375 students to its Spring 2022 President’s List.

To be named to the President’s List, a student must compile a 4.0 grade point average and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and have no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Ouachita Announces Students Named To Spring 2022 Dean's List, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has named more than 350 students to its Spring 2022 Dean's List.

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must compile a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.9 and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and have no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Thirty Students At Ouachita Named Who's Who, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Thirty students at Ouachita Baptist University have been named to the latest edition of Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities.

The students were chosen by Ouachita’s faculty, staff and 2022 senior class based on their academic performance, leadership in extracurricular activities, community service and potential for success.

Grant Remembered For Dedication To Integrating Academic And Christian Excellence, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Daniel R. Grant, president emeritus of Ouachita Baptist University, died Wednesday, May 25. He was 98.

Grant was Ouachita’s 12th president and held the office longer than anyone in the university’s history apart from Dr. J.W. Conger, founding president. Grant’s service to Ouachita was distinguished by his dedication to building a thriving, financially stable learning community in the liberal arts tradition, based on a commitment to rigorous academics and Christian excellence.

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

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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.

Momentum Appreciation, Brooke Zimny, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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When I think of momentum, my first thought is the idiom “on a roll” and related examples. I think of physically rolling objects, like a ball rolling down a hill, the cheesy inspirational poster of a rollerblader that was in my childhood bedroom, the infamous Indiana Jones boulder chase. But you also can be metaphorically “on a roll” with various successes in life, big or small. Is there a better feeling than hitting every shot on the basketball court?

Two of our resident experts, Drs. Angela and Matt Douglass, helped me reach a deeper understanding of this common concept in …

New Master Of Education Degree In Curriculum And Instruction Emphasizes "Teaching As A Calling", Kiki Schleiff Cherry

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Ouachita's new Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction program launched this semester as the latest post-baccalaureate offering in the university’s growing graduate studies menu. The 12-month program, designed to help teachers enhance skills and increase earning potential, prepares educators to become curriculum specialists and instructional coordinators as well as grow their skills in the classroom.

“This program is for every teacher with a heart for students and a heart for Christ,” explained Dr. Gail Hughes, director of graduate studies in education. “In addition to designing effective curriculum for diverse students, we’ll look at current issues in culture, discuss …

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

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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

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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.

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

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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 …

Pushing Forward (Building Momentum Takes Effort), Angela Douglass, Matt Douglass, Office Of Communications & Marketing

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Around August, we (Angela and Matt) decided that we should start running every day. We had always talked about doing it, but it was always easy to think of excuses. Eventually, though, we decided that if we just woke up 15 minutes earlier each day, we could roll out of bed, run a mile and be back home by our usual wake-up time.

Honestly, it was miserable at first. Every slight incline feels like a mountain when you’re out of shape. And, lately, it has been dark and cold. Even so, running has become easier over time. It is now …

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

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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.

Construction In Progress For 144-Bed Student Apartment Complex, Brooke Zimny

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Ouachita broke ground on a 144-bed, $12.6 million student apartment complex in August, with plans for it to be open for the Fall 2022 semester.

The apartments are phase two of Project Foresight, an initiative the university launched three years ago. Project Foresight encompasses eight acres and 30 properties on the southwest edge of campus, including many that were vacant or seriously deteriorated.

Miss Obu Kaelin Clay To Represent Ouachita In The Miss Arkansas Pageant, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Miss Ouachita Baptist University Kaelin Clay, 19, will compete for the title of Miss Arkansas 2022 from June 11-18 during the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Competition at Robinson Center in Little Rock.

Clay, a sophomore communications & media/strategic communications and music industry double major from Idabel, Okla., was crowned Miss OBU during the 54^th Annual Miss Ouachita Baptist University Scholarship Competition on Saturday, Feb. 12. Reflecting on her win, she said that when she toured Ouachita as a prospective student two years ago, “I instantly knew that by choosing this university I would choose a world of opportunities. I had …

Ouachita Confers Degrees On 360 Students During May 14 Commencement, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University conferred degrees on 360 graduates during its 135^th Spring Commencement held Saturday, May 14, on the front lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall. Graduates received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificates for those completing a Dietetic Internship.

Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, led Commencement exercises and delivered the Commencement address, in keeping with Ouachita tradition. He recalled the preparation involved in ensuring that Ouachita would be one of the few universities …

Getting To Where You Want To Go: 2022 Commencement Address, Ben R. Sells, Ouachita News Bureau

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Last academic year, Ouachita was one of the few universities to provide a fully in-person education. As we prepared for this year, we challenged ourselves to provide all the benefits of a traditional campus experience.In this effort to provide the typical in the least typical of times, we called on our seniors—the only class who remembered a year without COVID—to restore and revive the traditions that make Ouachita, Ouachita. You, our seniors, rose to the occasion, and I will forever be grateful for you, for the leadership you demonstrated and the example you set.

Rigsby Chosen To Lead Ouachita's New Criminal Justice Degree Program, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Malcolm L. Rigsby has been named professor of criminology and criminal justice and coordinator of the criminal justice program at Ouachita Baptist University. He brings more than 20 years’ teaching and research experience in higher education to the post, as well as a background in banking, private law practice and private-owned business.

Ouachita Student Achievers Honored During May 5 Ceremony, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University students were honored for scholastic achievement Thursday, May 5, in Jones Performing Arts Center during an academic awards ceremony sponsored by Ouachita’s Student Senate.

Ouachita Student Media Earn Top National, State Awards, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University student media have earned three national awards and a Gold Medalist rating from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the Ouachitonian yearbook and 64 state awards for the Ouachitonian, Signalnewspaper and Ouachita Digital Sports Network, as well as online and television coverage, from the Arkansas College Media Association (ACMA).

Ouachita To Honor More Than 350 Graduates During May 14 Commencement, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University will hold its 135^th Spring Commencement Saturday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. on the front lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall. The ceremony honors more than 350 graduates who have earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science degrees, as well as those who have earned post-baccalaureate certificates for Dietetic Internship. The nursing graduates, a cohort of 19, are the university’s first-ever B.S.N. degree recipients.

Ouachita To Host Called To Teach Conference On July 22, Kiki Schleiff Cherry, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Huckabee School of Education will host its first Called to Teach conference Friday, July 22, in Walker Conference Center, 485 Campus Drive. The event is open to the public; registration costs $35 and includes lunch. Attendees can receive six hours of professional development credit through the Arkansas Department of Education.

Ouachita Wins National First Prize At Baptist Communicators Association Awards, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Office of Communications and Marketing won a national first prize for “A Ouachita Christmas Special 2021” at the Baptist Communicators Association’s (BCA) 2022 W.C. Fields Awards.

Ouachita's Elrod Center Hosts Annual Volunteer Awards Banquet, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community at Ouachita Baptist University held its annual University Community Service Awards banquet on Tuesday, April 12, in Walker Conference Center. The banquet honors volunteers and their service through programs organized by the Elrod Center.