Education Commons^™

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

From The "Ouachitonian": Mary Madison Tolbert, Caroline Johnson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Mary Madison Tolbert, a junior Christian studies and social justice studies major from Rockwall, Texas, spent her summer interning in San Francisco, Calif. She was located in the middle of the Tenderloin district with San Francisco City Impact, a nonprofit organization. Tolbert was connected to this organization through a longstanding relationship with her home church in Texas and a past mission trip where she worked with City Impact. Tolbert described the Tenderloin district as an area concentrated with homelessness and poverty.

From The "Ouachitonian": Wyatt House, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

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Leaving all other sports behind, Wyatt House decided to pursue powerlifting. House, a freshman biomedical sciences major from Little Rock, Ark., achieved first place in the 90kg USPA for his junior class in April 2021. He held the state record deadlift of 507 lbs. His current personal records include 430 pounds in squats, 245 pounds in bench press and 585 pounds in deadlifts.

Ouachita Hosts Photography Exhibit By Margo Duvall Through Nov. 16, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design is hosting photographer Margo Duvall’s exhibit “All She Needed to Do” through Nov. 16 in Rosemary Adams Gallery 1 in Moses-Provine Hall. Duvall will speak about her work on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. in Moses-Provine 206, with a reception immediately following.

The exhibit, presentation and reception are free and open to the public.

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

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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.”

Finding Inspiration, Opportunity And Friendship In The Hickingbotham School Of Business, Michaelyn Ferrell, Ouachita News Bureau

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Attending Ouachita after high school graduation was my dream for as long as I can remember. I have grown up listening to my mom talk about her Ouachita college days, and I watched as my brother, Chandler, fell in love with the school too.

Ouachita To Host Faculty Vocal Recital By Dr. Natilan Crutcher On Oct. 11, Abigail Gaddis, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Division of Music in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Dr. Natilan Crutcher in concert on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

Crutcher, visiting assistant professor of music at Ouachita, said she will perform a selection of sacred and spiritual songs – some obscure, some familiar – by some of the country’s most influential African American composers and arrangers.

From The "Ouachitonian": Valeria Gomez, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

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One thing that high school does not teach in classes is what happens when your dreams do not work out. Valeria Gomez, a junior communications & media/multimedia journalism major from Alajuela, Costa Rica, has a testimony that encompasses this challenging path she had to navigate.

More Than 760 Ouachita Volunteers Mobilize For 51st Tiger Serve Day, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community at Ouachita Baptist University held its 51st Tiger Serve Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, with 763 Ouachita students, faculty and staff completing 74 projects at area homes, non-profit organizations and designated trash pickup sites across Arkadelphia. Volunteers represented this semester’s theme, “PurposeTSD.”

“This theme encompasses so much of the day and all that goes into it,” said Judy Duvall, Elrod Center director. “There is purpose in the practical work that is done throughout our community, in the community that is formed as teams serve together and in the relationships that are …

Ouachita's Department Of Art & Design Hosting Two Exhibits Through Sept. 30, Abigail Gaddis, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts is hosting exhibits featuring paper-mache and screen prints through Sept. 30 in the Adams Gallery of Moses-Provine Hall. Admission is free and open to the public, and after-hours access is available by appointment.

“Germinal,” a sculptural installation exhibit by Kara Gunter, is found on the first floor, while “Estamos Aqui,” an exhibit of prints by Latino artists curated by Brad Cushman, is located in the second-floor gallery.

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

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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.”

Ouachita's Division Of Music To Host Seraph Brass In Concert Sept. 20, Kaelin Clay, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host the all-female Seraph Brass ensemble in concert Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Seraph Brass features Mary Elizabeth Bowden and Raquel Samayoa on trumpet, Rachel Velvikis on horn, Victoria Garcia on trombone and Cristina Cutts Dougherty on tuba. Winners of the Silver Medal Global Music Award for their 2018 debut album “Asteria,” The group performs a broad range of music and has toured throughout the United States, China, Mexico and Europe. They are in residency …

Ouachita's Fall 2022 Enrollment Growth Reflects University Momentum, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Enrollment continues to grow at Ouachita Baptist University, where a Fall 2022 headcount of 1,784 is the university’s highest in 56 years.

Total enrollment, up 17.6% since 2016, includes a cohort of 445 first-time freshmen that has distinguished itself academically. Half earned a high school grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher, 23 graduated first in their high school class and 36 are Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholars.

Ouachita Student-Athlete Clark Yarbrough Remembered As A Humble Leader, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University senior Clark Yarbrough, 21, of Rowlett, Texas, died Sept. 4. A business administration/sport management major and starting defensive lineman for the Tiger football team, Yarbrough was the son of Mattie Yarbrough of Rowlett. He is remembered on campus for the example he set as a leader, a scholar-athlete, a friend and a man of faith.

“Clark was an exemplary student – academically, athletically and spiritually,” said Dr. Rickey Rogers, vice president for student development at Ouachita. “He held strongly to his Christian faith, and it was evident in the way he lived his life and led his …

Dreamy Apartment Life (Or Not): A Student's Tale Of Catastrophic Cooking, Mandy Halbert, Ouachita News Bureau

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Warning: Everything you are about to read is completely true. Lovers of cooking should keep scrolling. Gordon Ramsey, please forgive me. When I was a kid, I used to help my mom cook. Or at least I thought I did. She must have been really good at hiding her help, because I grew up thinking I was a cooking genius. I thought I was the next Wolfgang Puck, but it turns out I’m a fraud.

Hope Grows In A Nourished Imagination: 2022 Convocation Address, Ben R. Sells, Ouachita News Bureau

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I like Chapel and seldom miss attending. I like being with students in Chapel. There are probably fewer than 100 universities in the country where essentially the entire student body can all be together. In my first six years, I’ve appreciated how students respect and engage in Chapel. I believe it’s an important part of what makes Ouachita, Ouachita. Each academic year, we choose a theme. This year, it’s “Love God and Love Learning” from our vision statement. We also develop a commemorative patch. You’ll find all the patches on my backpack. And it makes me happy when others display …

Parsons Wins First Place In Student Juried Art Show At Ouachita, Abigail Blankenship, Ouachita News Bureau

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Jill Parsons was named winner of the 2022 Student Juried Art Show sponsored by the Art Club at Ouachita Baptist University. An exhibit featuring works created by students and entered in the juried competition is on display in the Hammons Art Gallery in Mabee Fine Arts Center on Ouachita’s campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public through Oct. 8.

Parsons is a junior graphic design and communications & media/strategic communications double major from Celina, Texas. She earned first-place honors in the competition for her ceramics piece “Hercules and Hydra,” which features an octopus encompassing a coil pot, …

Living The Dream, Johan Eriksson, Ouachita News Bureau

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What a year it has been! As I reflect on my first year at Ouachita and the opportunity to co-create learning, engage with students and do life in Arkadelphia, having the opportunity to “build a better you” personally, spiritually, professionally and academically in a vibrant and caring environment has been good – and a lot of fun!

Destiny Diaz Named Winner Of Ouachita's David Glaze Music Competition, Abigail Blankenship, Ouachita News Bureau

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Destiny Diaz won the first David Glaze Music Competition, held Thursday, April 28, at Ouachita Baptist University. Sponsored by the Division of Music in Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, the competition featured performances from outstanding students in vocal and instrumental music performance programs at Ouachita.

Diaz is a senior instrumental music education major from Malvern, Ark. She received a $1,000 award for her winning performance on flute of “Allegretto Malincolico” by Francis Poulenc and “Fantasie, Op. 79” by Gabriel Fauré.