Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Ouachita Voice Students Place In District Competition Feb. 25-26, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Four Ouachita Baptist University voice students earned honors at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Arkansas District Conference, held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, at Harding University in Searcy, Ark.

AnnaMarie Cobb, a freshman choral music education major from Arkadelphia, Ark., was a semifinalist in lower college musical theatre, treble division; Bella Owen, a junior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., earned third place in upper college musical theatre, treble division; Erin Bagley, a junior musical theatre major from White Oak, Texas, was a semifinalist in upper college musical theatre, treble division; and Kieran Malmer, a freshman choral …

Ouachita Junior Izzy Baughn Wins Award At Midwest United Nations Conference, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University student Izzy Baughn, a junior communications & media/strategic communications and political science double major from Jonesboro, Ark., earned an award for Best Position Paper in the United Nations Environmental Assembly during the Midwest Model United Nations, held Feb. 23–26 in St. Louis, Mo. Ouachita’s team also earned an honorable mention award for Best Delegation.

In addition to Baughn, Ouachita’s student delegation to the Model UN included Maddie Bailey, a senior political science major from Bauxite, Ark.; Caroline Derby, a junior communications & media/multimedia journalism and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark.; and Anna Roussel, a senior …

Ouachita To Host Faculty Recital Featuring Drs. Chung And Feller On March 4, Lydia Dean, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host Dr. Mary Chung, pianist, and Dr. Carlos Feller, flutist, in concert on Monday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

Ouachita Chemistry Students Clower, Mccoy Named Arkansas Academy Of Science Grant Recipients, Claire Phillips, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University chemistry students Cori Clower and Aiiryel McCoy, both of Little Rock, have been chosen as two of the four students statewide to receive undergraduate student research grants from the Arkansas Academy of Science (AAS). AAS funds grants of up to $1,000 each spring to assist students with purchasing supplies for their research projects.

Both Clower and McCoy authored their own grant proposals, which were approved for funding and announced at the AAS in April 2021. Clower, a junior biomedical sciences major, and McCoy, a senior chemistry major, are conducting their respective research projects over the course of …

Ouachita's All Night Theatre Festival To Be Held March 12, Abigail Blankenship, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present its 22nd annual All-Night Theatre: A 10-Minute Play Festival on Saturday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Verser Theatre. The festival, hosted by Ouachita’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society, is run entirely by students. Performances are free and open to the public.

The festival showcases what students can achieve through a unique, collaborative process. First, student playwrights may submit original works no more than 10 minutes in length to be considered for the festival. A panel of anonymous faculty, staff and students judge the submissions, and those …

Payton Mixon, Sammy Campione Win Shambarger Competition At Ouachita, Abigail Gaddis, Ouachita News Bureau

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Payton Mixon, a junior musical theatre major from New Caney, Texas, and Sammy Campione, a senior musical theatre major from Waxahachie, Texas, tied for first place in Ouachita Baptist University’s 24^th Annual Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers held Tuesday, Feb. 22, in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall.

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. The Shambarger Competition provides students the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain experiences in performing and …

Ouachita's Dr. Natilan Crutcher Releases Album Of Original Compositions, Mackenzie Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Natilan Crutcher, visiting assistant professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University, released an album of original instrumental compositions in November titled “Awakening.” The album was composed, recorded and edited by Crutcher.

“’Awakening’ was inspired by my relationship with Jesus Christ,” Crutcher said. “Composing music is a gift from the Lord that I did not ask for or expect but that I now cherish and honor. I knew that if the Lord wanted me to produce this album, then it was going to be a blessing to someone.”

Ouachita's Division Of Music Presents The Symphonic Band In Concert March 10, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Division of Music at Ouachita Baptist University will present the Symphonic Band in concert Thursday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center, 409 Ouachita Street. The performance is free and open to the public.

“We will present music that spans nearly 300 years,” said Conductor Jim Lloyd, instructor of music and athletic band director at Ouachita. “From the Scottish folk song ‘Loch Lomond,’ composed in 1746, to ‘Lightning Field,’ which depicts a modern-day natural art exhibit, the Ouachita Symphonic Band will take the audience on a musical journey through time and world cultures.”

Ouachita's Division Of Music Presents The Wind Ensemble In Concert March 7, Angela Webb, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music presents the Wind Ensemble in concert Monday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center, 409 Ouachita Street. The concert is free and open to the public.

“We have prepared a varied program of great music for the audience to enjoy,” said Dr. Craig Hamilton, the Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music and director of bands at Ouachita. Hamilton will conduct the Wind Ensemble. “Our featured soloist is Craig Crawford playing Fantasia for Alto Saxophone by Claude T. Smith. Craig is the winner of the 2021 W. Francis and Mary McBeth …

Ouachita Saxophone Quartet Earns Second Prize In International Competition, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Saxophone Quartet has earned second prize in the Eighth Annual ENKOR International Chamber Music Competition based on video submissions of their performances of “Histoire du Tango” by Astor Piazzolla and “Volcanic Ash” by Chris Evan Haas.

“I could not be more proud of the progress these four students have made,” said Dr. Caroline Taylor, professor of music at Ouachita, “their dedication to pushing one another to perform challenging literature and the way they have represented Ouachita to audiences far beyond our campus.”

Craig Crawford Wins Mcbeth Concerto Competition At Ouachita, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University senior Craig Crawford won the 2021 W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition held in December in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall. Crawford took first place performing Fantasia by Claude T. Smith on saxophone.

Crawford is an instrumental music performance major from Texarkana, Texas. He received an award of $500 for his performance and will perform as a featured soloist with the Ouachita Wind Ensemble in March.

When A Part-Time Job Feeds A Passion And Prepares For A Career, Mackenzie Hall, Ouachita News Bureau

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Hannah Martin, a senior psychology and business administration/management double major from Conway, Ark., always knew she wanted to serve the special needs community. Becoming a registered behavior technician (RBT) as a part-time job while pursuing her undergraduate degree provided her the opportunity to do just this.

Ouachita Recognizes Faculty, Staff For Combined 720 Years Of Service To The University, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Faculty and staff marking from 10 to 40 years of service to Ouachita Baptist University were recognized during a January 18 meeting on campus. Service awards were presented by Jason Tolbert, chief financial officer; Sherri Phelps, director of human resources; and Kathy Green, payroll & fringe benefits specialist.

“Our institutional commitments and our highly personalized approach to students’ academic progress, personal development and spiritual growth distinguish Ouachita from all public universities and most private colleges,” said Dr. Ben R. Sells, Ouachita president. “Our faculty and staff help set us apart by making time to know, encourage, challenge and support our …

Ouachita Reports Highest Total Spring Enrollment In More Than 25 Years, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has reported record spring enrollment for the second consecutive year, with a total Spring 2022 headcount of 1,663. This represents a 2.7% increase over Spring 2021 and the highest spring enrollment in more than 25 years.

In Fall 2021, Ouachita celebrated a number of historic school records including its highest enrollment in 55 years and largest, most diverse freshman class in its history. The two semesters of back-to-back records are part of the university’s multi-year enrollment growth and are indicators of Ouachita’s momentum in recruiting and retaining students, even while total university enrollment in the state and …

Ouachita To Host Exhibits By Guest Artists Sanders And Pinckley Feb. 28-April 1, Lydia Dean, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will host photography exhibits “Be Here to Love Me” by Liz Sanders and “Sticks and Stones” by Donna Pinckley from Feb. 28-April 1 in the Adams Galleries of Moses-Provine Hall, 401 Ouachita Street. The exhibits are free and open to the public; they are part of the School of Fine Arts’ guest artist series.

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

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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 …

Ouachita Guest Artist Series To Host Rachel Breen In Concert Feb. 21, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host pianist Rachel Breen in concert Monday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. Breen’s performance is part of Ouachita’s guest artist series and the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist (NFMC) program. The concert is free and open to the public.

Breen was a self-taught pianist until the age of 10, when she began to study with Dr. Sharon Mann at the San Francisco Conservatory. Breen earned her bachelor’s degree with academic honors from the Juilliard School and is pursuing dual master’s degrees at the …

Ouachita Theatre Department Presents Musical By Senior Sammy Campione From Feb. 16-21, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Department of Theatre Arts at Ouachita Baptist University will present “Tanglewood,” a musical written and directed by senior Sammy Campione, from Feb. 16-21 in Verser Theatre, 409 Ouachita Street. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 16-17; Saturday, Feb. 19; and Monday, Feb. 21. A matinee is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m.

“Tanglewood” was selected for the department’s annual Muse Project, which allows students majoring in theatre, musical theatre or theatre education to create works based on what most inspires them and then bring those works to the stage.

Dr. Rickey Rogers Named Ouachita's Vice President For Student Development, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Rickey Rogers has been named vice president for student development at Ouachita Baptist University, effective June 1.

Rogers has served as dean of students and director of residence life at Ouachita since 2017. When he takes on his new role, he will succeed Dr. Wesley Kluck. Although Kluck is stepping down as vice president for student development, he will continue to serve Ouachita as university physician.

Ouachita Singers Selected To Perform During All-State Conference On Feb. 18, Abigail Blankenship, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Singers from Ouachita Baptist University was selected to perform in Hot Springs, Ark., at the Arkansas All-State Conference on Friday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 p.m. in Hot Springs Convention Center Hall A.

The annual Arkansas All-State Conference recognizes the accomplishments of Arkansas high school students who are selected for an All-State Choir or Band and brings them together to perform.

“The Ouachita Singers were the only college choir selected in the state of Arkansas to perform at this conference,” said Dr. Joshua Brown, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at Ouachita. “It is a tremendous …

Ouachita Chapter Of Sai To Host American Musicale Honors Recital On Feb. 18, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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The Ouachita Baptist University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) music fraternity will host its annual American Musicale Honors Recital on Friday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall, 455 Campus Drive. The recital is free and open to the public.

“This is our third American Musicale Honors Recital; it is becoming an annual event,” said faculty sponsor Dr. Margaret Garrett, professor of music at Ouachita, adding that the recital gives students a place to promote and present music by American composers only. “Past performances have included spirituals, classical art songs, opera arias, …

Ouachita To Host Ceramics Exhibit By Logan Hunter And Hannah May, 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 an exhibit of ceramics works by Arkansas artists Logan Hunter and Hannah May through Feb. 18 in the Adams Gallery of Moses-Provine Hall. The exhibit is part of Ouachita’s 2021-22 Guest Artist Series; it is free and open to the public.

Hunter and May met and began collaborating as studio art students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Since 2012, they have taught ceramics and helped establish community ceramics classes and spaces around the state. They work out of …

Ouachita's Dr. Jerusa Carvajal Gives Presentation At The Park School Of Baltimore, Julie Shands, Ouachita News Bureau

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Dr. Jerusa Carvajal, assistant professor of Spanish at Ouachita Baptist University, was a guest speaker during The Park School of Baltimore’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in October. Hosted by the Spanish section of the school’s modern language department, Carvajal gave a cultural presentation on Ecuador, her homeland, and lectured on Latin American literature written by women.

Located in the Baltimore suburb of Brooklandville, Md., The Park School is a private day school for students in pre-K through grade 12. Carvajal’s background well-prepared her to play an important role in the school’s celebration, which was held to highlight and emphasize the …

Ouachita Announces Students Named To Fall 2021 Dean's List, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University has named 416 students to its Fall 2021 Dean’s List.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must compile a 3.5-3.9 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.

A Degree Of Difference: Haylee Cook Among Ouachita's First Master's Cohort In Aba, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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A couple years out of college, Haylee Cook knew her calling. She just didn’t know what it was called. After Cook earned a degree in psychology from Henderson State University, she and her husband, Matthew, a 2014 Ouachita graduate, left Arkadelphia so that he could pursue family ministry at a church in Alabama. When the couple’s daughter, Leland, was born, “I had zero motivation for graduate school,” Cook said. “I wanted to be the best mom I could be, and support Matthew in his ministry.”

Ouachita Receives Initial Approval For 4-Year Bsn Program In Arkadelphia, Felley Lawson, Ouachita News Bureau

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Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Nursing has been initially approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) to begin recruiting and admitting students to its 4-year, residential Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-licensure program option. The first cohort will start the program at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester.

Prior to earning initial approval on Jan. 6, 2022, Ouachita’s program was granted pre-requisite approval by the ASBN on Sept. 9, 2021.

“Ouachita’s experienced faculty is well prepared to offer a high-quality, student-centered nursing education to help meet the demand for nurses,” said Dr. Brenda Trigg, director of nursing …