President’s Leadership Forum

9:00-9:20 a.m. – Check-in, Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)

Welcome to the President’s Leadership Forum! When you arrive at JPAC, enter the lobby to check-in and receive program materials that will give you a look at the sessions we’ve planned to help you grow as a leader.

9:30 a.m. – Welcome & Worship, Berry Chapel

Gather in historic Berry Chapel to learn what PLF is all about. Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita’s 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.

We will also share a time of worship and hear a message on spiritual leadership from Dr. Justin Hardin, Ouachita’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. A 1997 Ouachita graduate, Dr. Hardin is a biblical scholar who brings a deep love for teaching and mentoring students, shaped by advanced study at the University of Cambridge and teaching experience at both Cambridge and Oxford in the United Kingdom.

10:45 a.m. – Leaders & Leadership Styles, Walker Conference Center

Each participant will receive a personalized leadership profile called DISC, a self-assessment designed to foster self-awareness and enhance communication and teamwork skills. Ahead of the event, you'll be encouraged to complete the DISC online and receive a digital report. During this session, we'll dive into DISC: participants will review and reflect on their personalized report, and we'll discuss practical leadership insights.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch, Walker Conference Center

More than 25 young Ouachita alumni who are advancing as leaders in a variety of careers and graduate studies will act as hosts for lunch. They will help guide informal conversations that invite PLF students to ask questions, explore pathways, and consider how their gifts and calling might shape their leadership in college and in the years beyond.

1:00 p.m. – Breakout Sessions with Young Alumni, Faculty, and Student Hosts, various locations around campus

In your breakout squad, hear Ouachita alumni reveal their top takeaways from college days, as well as advice for starting strong in your career. Ouachita faculty and current students will be on hand with perspectives on leadership gained through life at Ouachita – in the classrooms, residence halls, athletic venues, and more. Have your questions ready for a Q&A session.

2:15 p.m. – Last Leader Standing Preparation

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.

3:15 p.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.

4:15 p.m. – Awards & Reflections, JPAC

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.

4:30 p.m. – Adjourn

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 and prepare to seek out and embrace life-changing leadership opportunities in the years to come!

Sam Bennett is a 2025 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and media, now working as a Premium Subscription Content Producer for alumni owned Arkansas Business Publishing Group. While in school, Sam was part of Ouachita Worship, The Signal newspaper staff and was co-host and producer for the OBU-FM podcast. For the past 11 years, he has been part of a band called Bad Habit that plays across the South and was named best local band by AY Magazine and the Arkansas Times for the last several years. He now lives in Little Rock where he attends Fellowship Bible Church and leaders a small group for high school students.

Taryn Bewley graduated summa cum laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and psychology and earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2024. While a student, 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 now 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 chair of her social club’s endowed scholarship committee and serves on the board of the Miss Greater Little Rock/Miss Metro scholarship pageant.

Hanna Black graduated cum laude in 2024 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Community & Family Services. Now pursuing a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at John Brown University, Hanna lives in Springdale with her husband, Luke. At Ouachita, she served on the WOW Freshman Orientation steering committee, was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and worked in the Office of Student Life. She was named to the 2023 homecoming court and 2024 list of Who’s Who, and was also an officer in her social club and a sweetheart for a men’s social club. She and Luke met at Ouachita and now serve on the leadership team for their life group at First Baptist Church Rogers. In her free time, Hanna enjoys baking, crafting, walking, and spending time with her friends.

Luke Black is a 2024 magna cum laude Bachelor of Arts graduate with a double major in accounting and finance, currently serving as an Audit Staff at HoganTaylor in Fayetteville. While a student, Luke was an Ary Fund analyst, Taxserve volunteer, WOW orientation leader, vice president of his social club and an avid intramurals participant. He and his wife, Hanna, live in Springdale where he enjoys baseball, reading and watching movies and TV. They are members of First Baptist Church Rogers.

Kayla Brown is a 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts double major in kinesiology and Spanish, and is now pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education from Arkansas State University. During college, Kayla served as a Campus Ministries Leader and was a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program and her social club. Now living in Northwest Arkansas, Kayla is a first-grade teacher at LifeWay Christian School and serves in the student ministry at First Baptist Church Bentonville. In her free time, she enjoys running, pickleball, reading and hanging out with friends.

Zach Cloud is a 2025 cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance, now serving as a financial analyst for First Western Bank. As a student, Zach served on the Campus Ministries Leadership Team, senior chapel panel, and tutored with American Reads/American Counts. He also served through ElderServe, Tiger Serve Day, Thanksgiving Baskets and Operation Christmas Child, along with acting as a WOW leader, co-host of the Roar Rundown podcast and as an intramural referee. Zach now lives in Rogers where he attends Cross Church and enjoys fishing, hiking and hunting. In his free time, he serves on the FORE Ouachita NWA Committee and volunteers with his church’s children and young adults ministries.

Caroline Derby was a 2023 summa cum laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications & media and political science with a minor in English and writing. During her student years, 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 both 2020 and 2021 and was named Senior Woman of the Year. The daughter of Coach Jay Derby, she proudly identifies as Tiger Football’s number one fan. She now works as a TV News Anchor for KARK4 News in Little Rock where she attends Covenant Presbyterian Church. Caroline is a member of the Philanthropic Educations Organization, volunteers for the Miss Arkansas Organization and enjoys going on walks, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends and family.

Sierra Douglas is a 2025 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Christian studies with an emphasis in missions. As a student, she was part of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, History Club and a member of a social club. Sierra was also awarded the Best History Research Paper for Phi Alpha Theta and studied abroad in Lithuania along with other mission trips and academic trips through the honors program. After graduating, Sierra served in English Camps in Poland. She is now Resident Director for Frances Crawford Hall at Ouachita and holds a position on the MSP Advisory Committee. In her free time, she loves to read, do puzzles, and spend time with friends. Sierra attends Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia.

Cole Edrington is a 2022 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology. He was a defensive back for Tiger football, an officer for his social club and was part of Pi Sigma Alpha. Cole earned his juris doctorate from the William H. Bowen School of Law and now works in the Little Rock offices of Hall Booth Smith. Cole lives in Little Rock with his wife, Grace, who he met at Ouachita.

Kendal Givens is a 2024 cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and media and a Master of Education from Ouachita in curriculum and instruction. Kendel was part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was an All-American running back on the Tiger football team. He was named Ouachita’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2023-24 and was also part of the Ouachita Sports Digital Network. Kendel now lives in Little Rock where he teaches and coaches football at Little Rock Christian and serves as Director of 4^th and 5^th grade ministry at The Church at Rock Creek.

Katelyn Hartsell is a 2025 summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, now pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Ouachita. Katelyn was a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, an officer for her social club and sweetheart for a men’s social club. As a senior, she performed as a Tiger Tunes Host and was awarded the Shelby Seabaugh Spirit of Tunes award, and was also the first recipient of the Kathy Collins Spirit of Teaching scholarship award. Katelyn now teaching kindergarten at Peake Elementary in Arkadelphia and attends Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking and training for her next marathon.

Caity Hatchett is a 2021 cum laude Bachelor of Arts graduate with a double major in history and communications & media with an emphasis in sports media and now serves as a PR Account Executive at Sells Agency in Little Rock. While at Ouachita, she was vice president of Campus Activities Board, a founding member of the Ouachita Sports Digital Network, editor-in-chief of The Signal newspaper and a director and producer for multiple student broadcast productions. Caity was also part of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Tiger Network, served as a WOW leader and competed in intramurals. When she’s not working, Caity spends weekends as a photographer for Ouachita’s baseball team and for a summer baseball league in Hot Springs. She also enjoys baking, writing, reading and playing pickleball in her free time and served as a judge for National History Day in 2025.

Aubree Seibert-Jeffrey is a 2022 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude graduate with a triple major in chemistry, biology and applied physics. She is now attending UAMS, dually enrolled in pharmacy school for her PharmD and grad school to earn her PhD in Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy. As a student here, she was secretary for the American Chemical Society, was a researcher for the chemistry department and presented at multiple conferences and events on their research. Aubree was also an officer in her social club and worked in the Speer Writing Center. She is now supported by a research focused fellowship through the National Institute on Drug Abuse as she completes her graduate degrees and researches under Dr. Brad Martin. She is a member of the Rho Chi Honors Society and serves as the pharmacy student liaison for the International Society for Pharmacoeconomic and Outcomes Research. Aubree and her husband, Harry, met as students at Ouachita and married during their senior year. They attend Trinity Presbyterian Church and live in Maumelle with their dog, Truman. When not studying, Aubree enjoys quilting, hosting parties and seeing Broadway musicals with Harry.

Harry Jeffrey, a 2022 Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology magna cum laude graduate, graduated in 2024 from Physician Assistant School at UAMS. During his Ouachita years, he served in many roles in his social club, including head Tiger Tunes director, during which he was awarded the Shelby Seabaugh Spirit of Tunes award. He was president of American Chemical Society, a member of the WOW steering committee and was named Outstanding Graduate in Chemistry. After finishing PA school, Harry began working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as an inpatient pediatric physician assistant and now serves on numerous education committees at work, as well as volunteering with the Arkansas Association of PAs. He and his wife, Aubree, enjoy playing piano and video games, reading and playing with their puppy, Truman. They attend Trinity Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.

Emily McMaster graduated in 2022 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication sciences and disorders and minors in biology and Christian studies, and finished her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at John Brown University. Emily directed a winning Tiger Tunes show for her social club, served on leadership for Campus Ministries and was part of the Ouachita Student Foundation. She was a member of NSSHLA through her department and graduated as part of the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Emily is currently serving as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and is pursuing her doctorate in Psychology and Biblical Counseling at Regent University. She lives in Little Rock and attends Fellowship Bible Church where she leads a discipleship group in addition to being an active member of the American Counseling Association. Emily loves anything community centered and much of her time is spent making memories with her friends.

Allie Parsons is a 2021 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in communications sciences and disorders and a Master of Science in Communications Sciences and Disorders from UCA. As a student, she was a member of the cheerleading squad, the Ouachita Student Foundation and her social club. Allie now works as a speech language pathologist at the development preschool at Easterseals Arkansas and attends New Life Church Salem County with her husband, Jonathan, where they serve on various teams and lead a young adults life group. Allie spends her free time reading, baking, playing with their dog, Lady, and spending time with family and friends – but her favorite activity is visiting Disney World!

Seth Poindexter is a 2025 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and finance, now serving as Tax Staff at HoganTaylor. As a student, he served on the HSB Student Advisory Board, on the Ary Fund team and was a member of his social club. He was a several time intramural champion, and in 2025, was named the Margaret Wright Outstanding Senior in Accounting. Now living in Little Rock, Seth attends Fellowship Bible Church and enjoys golfing, working out and spending time with friends.

Vivian Pryor, a third generation Ouachitonian, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and political science in 2024 and is currently a second-year law student at the University of Arkansas. While at Ouachita, she served as class president, member engagement chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation and was an officer in her social club. Vivian was also involved with the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Student Senate, Pre-Law Society, Alpha Chi Honors Society, President’s Leadership Circle, Student Life Committee, Campus Ministries, WOW freshman orientation, intramurals and as a sweetheart for a men’s social club. Vivian attends First Baptist Church Rogers.

James Renshaw graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and minor in Christian studies, followed by earning his Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2025. James served on campus as a ministry leader for the Monticello Children’s Home and as Refuge speaker his senior year, while also working on staff at Second Baptist Church Arkadelphia. He was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and held positions as chaplain and historian in his social club. In graduate school, James worked in Midwestern’s office of admissions and on staff at Fellowship Kansas City. James is now serving as Minister to Youth and Young Adults at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He has a passion for discipleship and missions, and enjoys spending his free time with family and friends.

Georgia Richards is a 2025 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media. While at Ouachita, Georgia was president of the Ouachita Student Foundation, producer of the Ouachita News Show and served on the leadership team for Campus Ministries and the CM Tiger Tunes show. She lives in Arkadelphia where she serves as Marketing Manager for Sodexo at Ouachita and attends Cedar Grove Baptist Church. She enjoys running marathons, being outside, spending time with friends and curating events. She recently got engaged to her fiancé, Caleb Miller, and will get married this upcoming May.

Alex Savage graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and minor in psychology. While a student, he served as co-chair of the Ouachita Student Foundation’s philanthropy committee, on Student Senate and was a presenter at Scholars Day. Alex was secretary, president and Tunes director for his social club, winning the Shelby Seabaugh Spirit of Tunes award in 2022. He now works at Allen Tillery Auto Chevrolet Buick GMC as a Finance Assistant with plans to attend grad school in the future. He and his college sweetheart, Kara, live in Hot Springs and are expecting their first child in August.

Rylie Slone is a 2021 summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in political science and Christian studies. As a student, Rylie was a leader in Campus Ministries and her social club, as well as competing and winning Outstanding Delegate through Model United Nations. She was in various honor societies for her respective degrees, as well as being active in the Pre Law Society, Pruet Sisterhood and completing the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Rylie was named the Pruet School of Christian Studies Outstanding Student in Christian Missions and given the Pruet School Andrew & Harriet Grant Hall Sophomore Ministerial Award. She graduated magna cum laude with her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law and now works at Hall Booth Smith, P.C. as an associate attorney in Rogers, Ark. where she attends First Baptist Church of Bentonville. Rylie loves to go on walks with her dog, Baker, going to concerts, reading and finding new music. In her free time, she also leads in her church’s youth ministry and is active in the Arkansas Bar Association, Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce and the Ouachita Young Alumni Board.

Erin Smith graduated magna cum laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, leading her to UAMS College of Medicine where she is currently applying for residency programs in pediatrics. Erin served on campus as a Campus Ministries leader for Backyard Bible Club and was an active member of her social club. As a medical student, she is a leader in the Christian Medical and Dental Association, volunteers at 12^th Street Health and Wellness Clinic and works with the kids ministry at Fellowship Bible Church Midtown where she attends with her husband Kyle and three-month-old son, Daniel.

Camryn Stroupe is a 2025 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Science and Disorders. She was part of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Pruett Sisterhood, was a sweetheart for a men’s social club and served as an officer for her own social club. Camryn met her husband, Joey, at Ouachita and they now attend First Baptist Church in Searcy. She is currently pursuing her master's from Harding University.

Kate Vernon graduated magna cum laude in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, also earning her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Ouachita in 2024. As a student, she was an officer in her social club and a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Chi and the Ouachita Student Foundation. Kate is now a kindergarten teacher at Parkers Chapel Elementary School and lives in El Dorado, where she attends First Baptist Church. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and teaching art classes, antiquing, playing mahjong, and attending workout classes.

Josh Wallace is a 2023 cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics and minors in mathematics and Christian studies. 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, nurse emeritus Molly Wallace. Josh now lives in Little Rock where he works as a manufacturing engineer at Phillips-Medisize and serves as a project leader, team supervisor and international engineering support leader. He attends Fellowship Bible Church and was part of the Downline Emerging Leaders 2024-25 class, and likes to golf, hunt, travel, study the Bible and spend time with his friends and his dog, Riggins.

Izzy Wood is a 2022 summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in communications & media and strategic communications and political science with a business administration minor. She completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program. During her student years, Izzy was special events director for the Ouachita Student Foundation, internal vice president of Student Senate and hosted the Roar Rundown, Ouachita News Show and Ouachita Weekly podcast. She ran for the cross country and track teams, served in leadership for her social club, won award for top position paper in Model United Nations and was active in several honor societies. Izzy competed in the Miss America Organization, earning a spot in the top 10 at Miss Arkansas, and was named to Ouachita’s homecoming court. Izzy is now self-employed as owner of IzzyB Drilling Company, LLC and is a juris doctor candidate at the UALR Bowen School of Law. She and her husband, Jacob, were married in 2023 and live in Conway where they attend Summit Church. Izzy is a member of the St. Jude Justin Moore Golf Classic Auction Committee, Miss UCA Board and enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs, Kota and Stella. Her PLF claim to fame is competing in Last Leader Standing in 2019.

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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