President’s Leadership Forum

Sunday, February 2

4:30-5:00 p.m. – Check in, Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)

Welcome to the President’s Leadership Forum! When you arrive at Jones Performing Arts Center, enter the lobby to pick up program materials that will give you a look at the sessions we’ve planned to help you grow as a leader. Meet your student host, too. If you're staying on campus, use this time to take your things to your residence hall before the first session begins.

5:30 p.m. – Dinner & Understanding Leadership, Walker Conference Center (WCC)

Learn what PLF is all about from the president himself. Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, shares how PLF focuses on developing you as a leader and offers insights based on his 40 years of leadership experience – including eight years as director of a global leadership program where he worked with more than 1,000 leaders. Dinner will be held in Walker Conference Center.

7:00 p.m. – Learning from Young Alumni Leaders, Various Locations

In your breakout squad, meet Ouachita alumni from the Class of 2017 who are advancing as leaders in a variety of careers and graduate studies. Hear their top takeaways from undergraduate days, as well as advice for starting strong in your career, and have your questions ready for a Q&A session. Ouachita faculty will be on hand with perspectives on leadership gained in the classroom.

8:30 p.m. – Personalized Leadership Profile Activity, Walker Conference Center

9:30 p.m. – Spiritual Leadership, Berry Chapel

Gather in historic Berry Chapel for worship and hear a message on spiritual leadership from Dr. Justin Hardin, Ouachita’s vice president for academic affairs. After graduating from Ouachita and earning a Master of Divinity from Samford University, Dr. Hardin earned a Master of Philosophy in theology and a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from Cambridge University in England. He taught at Oxford University before returning to his alma mater in Summer 2022.

10:30 p.m. – Late-Night Snacks & Convos, Residence Halls

Wrap up your first day of PLF recapping over snacks before returning by midnight to your host’s room.

 

Monday, February 3

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Interview with Secretary Jester, WCC

Dr. Sells will interview 2019 Ouachita graduate and Secretary of State Cole Jester, who at age 27 is the youngest secretary of state in the nation. Secretary Jester will join us remotely from the Arkansas State Capitol, where he was recently sworn in. They’ll talk about Secretary Jester’s experiences as a student leader on Ouachita’s campus, and he’ll offer tips about developing your own leadership in college.

9:15 a.m. – Leadership Case Study, WCC

A PLF highlight every year! Engage in a leadership case study produced by Harvard Business School. Dr. Sells participated in this intriguing case study when he attended a seminar at Harvard; he believes you’ll benefit from the leadership insights it offers. The case study is based on the movie Everest. You may watch the movie ahead of time if you'd like (it's available on most streaming platforms), but that's not a requirement to participate. 

10:30 a.m. – Prepare for Last Leader Standing, Various Locations

Guided by Ouachita faculty and staff, your squad will prep for Last Leader Standing. Research leadership topics, practice framing your responses to the coming questions and select someone to represent your squad (choose carefully!) before reconvening in Jones Performing Arts Center.

11:30 a.m. – Last Leader Standing, JPAC

In a PLF tradition, one representative from each squad will take to the stage at JPAC to ultimately discover the Last Leader Standing. Facing rapid-fired questions from faculty/staff interrogators, squad reps will showcase their grasp of leadership concepts, knowledge of current and emerging leadership topics, and capacity for thinking and speaking in a pressure-filled setting. Acknowledging that every great leader is backed by a network of supporters, the Last Leader Standing and each member of their squad will receive gift cards from Ouachita’s Campus Store.

12:45 p.m. – Lunch & Final Leadership Reflections, WCC

You’ll have completed your PLF journey; engaged with fellow student leaders; learned from young college alumni, faculty, and staff; and considered how to develop your leadership in college and beyond. Use your newly developed insights to finish your high school career as a better-equipped and more aware student leader; prepare to seek out and embrace life-changing leadership opportunities in the years to come!

1:15 p.m. – Adjourn & Optional Campus Tours

Cabb Batson ’24 is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He was president of the Ouachita Student Foundation and served on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, Student Judicial Council and as a volunteer fire fighter. Cabb was a beau for a women’s social club and a member of the American Chemical Society. He participated in summer research with the Patterson School of Natural Sciences and completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Cabb lives in Arkadelphia and works in the emergency department at Baptist Health Medical Center.

Taryn Bewley ’21 graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and psychology and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2024. At Ouachita, Taryn was named the Sutton School of Social Science's Academic Achiever and Outstanding Political Science Graduate. She was a refounding member of a women’s social club, ran for Ouachita’s cross country team, competed in Model United Nations and was active in the Miss America Organization. Taryn is an attorney at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP in Little Rock, where she attends Fellowship Bible Church and sits on the Arkansas Heart Association Advocacy Day planning committee. She is also a member of her social club’s endowed scholarship committee.

Brock Bivens ’24 is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied mathematics and is earning his Master of Arts in teaching from the University of Central Arkansas. Brock served as Ouachita’s student body president in addition to being active in the Ouachita Student Foundation, Carl Goodson Honors Program and his social club. He was also a tutor in the Academic Success Center and a TRIO mentor with the Prescott School District. He is an algebra 1 and geometry teacher at Little Rock Christian Academy. Brock enjoys attending his students’ sporting events, biking and coaching swim and track. He is active in the student ministry at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, where he lives with his wife, Emily ’24.

Emily Bivens ’24 graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and psychology. At Ouachita, Emily was president of her social club, volunteered at the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas, served on the Biology Student Advisory Board and completed a thesis and directed study through the Carl Goodson Honors Program. She was also a member of Student Senate and Honors Committee while serving as a freshman orientation leader, Academic Success Center tutor, Bridge Program mentor and campus bookstore employee. She is a first-year medical student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Emily and her husband Brock ’24 live in Little Rock and attend Fellowship Bible Church, where she is a small group leader for middle school girls. She loves to cook, travel and take walks.

Abigail Blankenship ’22 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media/strategic communications and communications studies. Abigail was active in rec sports and was on the photo lab staff, serving as co-editor for two years. She was a member of a social club and was on the Tiger Serve Day leadership team. Abigail received the Matt Turner Outstanding Junior Communications Major Award and the William D. Downs Outstanding Communications Graduate Award. She is social media coordinator for CJRW, an advertising, marketing and public relations agency in Little Rock. She attends Immanuel Baptist Church and loves going on walks with friends, running half-marathons with her brother and spending time with her fiancé, Ben, as well as photography, golf and travel.

Samantha Boyd ’20 earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications. Samantha was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and Ouachita Student Media and was active in her social club. During her student years, she also interned in Sen. Tom Cotton’s Washington, D.C., office. After serving as communications director for Sen. John Boozman’s 2022 campaign and as a journalist/reporter for KNWA/FOX24 and KARK/FOX16, Samantha is communications director for the Arkansas Secretary of State, a fellow Ouachita alumnus. She lives in Little Rock, where she attends Fellowship Bible Church and enjoys spending time with friends.

Brooks Brown ’24 earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in accounting. Brooks was the equity analyst on the Ary Student Investment Fund, president of his social club and an Eiseman Pre-Law Scholar. He also joined the Hickingbotham School of Business on their mission trip to Honduras. Brooks is a tax accountant at HoganTaylor CPAs & Advisors in Little Rock, where he attends Geyer Springs First Baptist Church and serves in the youth ministry. He enjoys hunting, fishing, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Lawrence Davis ’24 is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Lawrence was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, served on the freshman orientation steering committee, was active in his social club and was a beau for a women’s social club. He participated in the Patterson Research Program with Dr. Jim Taylor and presented at UAMS, U of A and Ouachita’s Scholars’ Day. He is a physical therapy technician at Harris & Renshaw Physical Therapy with plans to go to school for physical therapy. Lawrence lives in Little Rock, where he attends Agape Church. He likes to bowl, play basketball and have good conversations with friends.

Caroline Derby ’23 is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media and political science. Caroline was president of the Ouachita Student Foundation, vice president of Student Senate and anchor and producer of the Ouachita News Show. She was also a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, wrote for “The Signal” newspaper, participated in the Ouachita Sports Digital Network and competed in Model United Nations. Caroline represented Ouachita as Miss OBU in 2020 and 2021 and was named Senior Woman of the Year. The daughter of Coach Jay Derby, she proudly identifies as Tiger Football’s No. 1 fan. She is a news reporter for KARK4 and FOX16 News in Little Rock, where she attends Immanuel Baptist Church. Caroline is a member of the Philanthropic Educations Organization, volunteers for the Miss Arkansas Organization and enjoys playing pickleball, tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Anna Lee Drennan ’21 earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and went on to complete nursing school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2023. At Ouachita, she was treasurer for her social club, secretary for the Ouachita Student Foundation and was named to “Who’s Who Among American Colleges & Universities” for the Class of 2021. Anna Lee lives in Conway, where she is a registered nurse in the women’s and infants’ unit at Conway Regional Hospital. She attends First Baptist Church of Conway, where she leads a 9^th grade girls and college small group. Anna Lee coaches for a local volleyball club and enjoys playing pickleball and going on walks.

Luke Falco ’24 is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media/strategic communications. Luke was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, an officer for his social club and was on staff for the Ouachitonian yearbook. He is a recreation specialist at the Little Rock Job Corporation and attends Indian Springs Baptist Church. Luke enjoys volunteering through his church and working out when he's not at work.

Will Guerra ’21 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and political science. Will served in leadership for his social club and was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. He was portfolio manager for the Ary Student Investment Fund and was named Outstanding Senior in Finance. Will also tutored through the Academic Success Center, was active in intramural sports and names his summer studying in Madrid, Spain, as one of the most formative experiences of his college years. He is director of vendor experience at the corporate headquarters of Painted Tree Boutiques, an Arkansas-based company founded by fellow Ouachita alumni and plans to begin law school in the fall. Will coaches a competitive travel soccer team and enjoys hiking and running.

MacKenzie Hall '22 is a magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media and is earning her Master of Science in integrated marketing communications from the University of Mississippi. At Ouachita, MacKenzie was editor of “The Signal” newspaper, on the leadership team for Tiger Serve Day and Campus Ministries and was a member of a social club. She resides in Little Rock, where she is the marketing and recruitment specialist for Baptist Health College in Little Rock and attends Fellowship Bible Church. She gives back to her community through her church’s special needs ministry by serving on the committee for the Bolo Bash luncheon and was the Arkansas chair of the grassroots coalition Women for Nikki Haley. She enjoys running, hosting friends, traveling and taking fitness classes.

Bennett Hasley '22 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, served on Student Senate as both vice president and president for his class and was a member of the Student Life and Student Senate constitution revision committees, concert band and the Tiger Steel Drum ensemble. Bennett served in leadership for his social club and was part of the President’s Leadership Circle. He is earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science and holds multiple leadership roles within the school. He and his wife, Katie ’23, live in Bryant, where they attend Geyer Springs Baptist Church. Bennett and Katie enjoy playing golf and spending time with his classmates.

John Michael McCollett '22 earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and business administration/entrepreneurship. John Michael was a member of a social club, was active in the Ouachita Student Foundation and was an integral part of the Alumni and Career & Calling office team. He has served internships in financial planning and commercial banking and is Carrier sales specialist for ArcBest, a multibillion-dollar logistics company. He lives in Little Rock with his wife, Selby ’20, and cat, Gator. He enjoys working out and spending time with fellow Ouachita alumni.

Selby McCollett '20 is a magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and political science. A graduate of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Selby was named to “Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities.” She was active in a social club, was a Tigers cheerleader and served as Student Senate internal vice president and Ouachita Student Foundation president.  Selby began her career as a trust solutions associate, and later senior associate, for PwC in Fayetteville, Ark. In 2023, she became legislative liaison for budget, economic development and tax in the administration of Gov. Sarah Sanders ’04. She now serves as budget director for Gov. Sanders and is a part-time law student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. Selby and her husband, John Michael ’22, live in Little Rock and love their cat, Gator.

Emily McMaster '22 is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication sciences & disorders. A Carl Goodson Honors Program graduate, Emily directed a winning Tiger Tunes show for her social club, served on leadership for Campus Ministries, was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and was a member of NSSHLA through her department. She is earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Brown University and is an active member of the American Counseling Association. Emily lives in Little Rock and attends Fellowship Bible Church, where she leads a discipleship group. She loves anything community-centered, and much of her time is spent making memories with her friends.

João Rodrigues '21 came to Ouachita as an international student from Brazil and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance. He completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program, was on the Tiger Sharks swim team and was a member of the Business Student Advisory Board, the Ary Student Investment Fund and the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. He was also active in Enactus and was a Campus Ministries Life Group Leader. João was named to “Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities” and was chosen Outstanding Senior Man. After graduating, he was selected for the highly competitive Arkansas Fellowship program, where he worked with Dillard's Inc. as a merchandise financial planner. João earned an MBA with an information management concentration from the University of Central Arkansas and is pursuing a second master's degree in applied data analytics while working as a graduate research assistant in the UCA College of Business. He is also completing a second internship with Moses Tucker Partners in brokerage, project management and development.

Emma Kathleen Sanders '24 is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition & dietetics and is earning a Master of Science in Nutrition + Dietetic Internship from Ouachita. As an undergrad, Emma Kathleen completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program, was part of the Student Dietetic Association, served on leadership for her social club and was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation. Emma Kathleen loves getting coffee with friends, going on walks with her husband, Noah Sanders ’23, and catching up on their favorite shows. She and Noah live in Little Rock, where they attend Fellowship Bible Church. When she isn’t studying, Emma Kathleen can be found volunteering at health fairs and local food banks, packing care packages for Arkansas prisons and leading worship at her church.

Noah Sanders '23 is a magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian studies and political science. Noah was a member of Theta Alpha Kappa Religious Studies Honors Society, the Pre-Law Society, College Republicans, the Tiger Serve Day leadership team and the WOW steering executive team. He was a member of a social club, active in Campus Ministries and elected to Student Senate. A graduate of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Noah was Ouachita’s representative at the Arkansas Student Leadership Forum. He is an analyst at Impact Management Group and was in Class 10 of the Arkansas Fellowship. Noah listens to every podcast known to man and enjoys working out, reading and writing. He attends Fellowship Bible Church’s midtown campus, is in the Downline Emerging Leaders 2023-24 class and is a small group leader for junior high boys. Noah and wife, Emma Kathleen ’24, live in Little Rock.

Rylie Slone '21 is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and Christian studies. A leader in Campus Ministries and her social club, Rylie competed in and won Outstanding Delegate through Model United Nations. She was in various honor societies for her respective degrees, was active in the Pre-Law Society and Pruet Sisterhood and completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Rylie was named the Pruet School of Christian Studies Outstanding Student in Christian Missions and received the Pruet School Andrew & Harriet Grant Hall Sophomore Ministerial Award. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas School of Law and is an associate attorney at Hall Booth Smith, P.C. in Rogers, Ark. She attends First Baptist Church of Bentonville, where she leads in the youth ministry, and is an active member of the Arkansas Bar Association, Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce and Ouachita Young Alumni Board. Rylie loves going to concerts, reading, finding new music and going on walks with her dog, Baker.

Rebekah Van Namen '23 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Rebekah was president of Kappa Delta Pi, served in leadership for her social club and worked in Resident Life. She was a WOW leader, served through Elderserve and was named to the Homecoming Court. She lives in Little Rock, where she is a kindergarten teacher at Little Rock Christian Academy. Rebekah attends Summit Church and volunteers in the preschool ministry; she is also in the Downline Emerging Leaders 2024-25 class. She enjoys baking, getting coffee with friends and playing board games and card games.

Josh Wallace '23 is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics. Josh played for the Ouachita Tigers football team and was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and his social club. He was awarded Academic All-Conference in football and given the Award for Academic Excellence in Physics. A third-generation Ouachitonian, Josh has deep roots at Ouachita through his grandfather, Coach Bill Vining, and his mother, campus nurse Molly Wallace. He lives in Little Rock, where he is a manufacturing engineer and serves as a project leader at Phillips-Medisize. Josh attends Fellowship Bible Church and is in the Downline Emerging Leaders 2024-25 class. He likes to golf, play softball, hunt and spend time with his friends.

Marly Welborn '22 graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Marly was active in the Ouachita Student Foundation, Tri Beta and her social club. She earned a dental hygiene degree in 2024 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she was vice president of her class, and is a dental hygienist at Dental Solutions of Little Rock. At Fellowship Bible Church, she leads in the student ministry and her fiancé, Shawn, is in the resident program. Marly enjoys playing pickleball and is in the Downline Emerging Leaders 2024-25 class.

Izzy Wood '22 is a summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media/ strategic communications and political science. She completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program; was special events director for the Ouachita Student Foundation and internal vice president of Student Senate; and hosted the Roar Rundown, Ouachita News Show and Ouachita Weekly podcast. Izzy competed for the cross country and track teams, served in leadership for her social club, won the award for top position paper in Model United Nations and was active in several honor societies. She competed in the Miss America Organization, earning a spot in the Top 5 at Miss Arkansas, and was named to the Homecoming Court. Izzy owns the IzzyB Drilling Company, LLC and is a juris doctor candidate at the UALR Bowen School of Law. She and her husband, Jacob, live in Conway, where they attend Summit Church. Izzy is a member of the St. Jude Justin Moore Golf Classic Auction Committee and Miss UCA Board of Directors. She enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, Kota and Stella. Her PLF claim to fame is competing in Last Leader Standing in 2019.

Madison Worth '22 graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with emphases in management and marketing. Madison was a member of a social club and was heavily involved in social club and other campus events. She is an account executive at MHP/Team SI, a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Little Rock. Madison and her husband, Spencer ’21, have two dogs, Archie and Annie. Madison and Spencer serve at Fellowship Bible Church Midtown, where Madison leads a DGroup. She also is active in Rotaract Little Rock. Madison enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports and cooking.

Spencer Worth '21 is a magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Spencer was a Model UN delegate, active in Campus Ministries and selected for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. He is a legislative analyst for the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research. Spencer and his wife, Madison ’22 —  pawrents of two rescue dogs — are active in the Midtown Campus of Fellowship Bible Church, where Spencer serves on the production team and in student ministry. He’s also a member of the Little Rock Rugby Club, where he served as rookie coordinator and is the men’s club secretary.

If you need assistance during the event, contact campus safety at 870.260.5691. In case of emergency, call 911 and contact university police at 870.245.4000.

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