President’s Leadership Forum
President Sells wondered what it might be like to invite a select group of exceptional high school seniors to campus to explore opportunities for leadership development and to engage with former, current and future Ouachita Tigers. PLF is that event. We are excited for you to be a part of it!
Event Details
Sunday, February 4
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 and 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 on 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 perspective on leadership gained in the classroom.
8:30 p.m. – “Helping Hands” & Servant Leadership, WCC
Practice servant leadership with your squad: Build a prosthetic hand together that will be sent across the world to meet a critical need. The session will be led by Johan Eriksson, visiting instructor of business administration and director of entrepreneurship programs at Ouachita. Prof. Eriksson is a Ouachita alum and former Walmart corporate executive.
10:00 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 later taught at Oxford University before returning to his alma mater in Summer 2022.
11:00 p.m. – Late-Night Snacks & Convos
Wrap up your first day of PLF recapping over snacks before returning by midnight to your host’s room.
Monday, February 5
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Student Leadership Panel, WCC
Dr. Sells interviews current Ouachita student leaders who attended PLF as high school seniors. They’ll talk about their experiences, share what they’ve learned and offer tips about developing your leadership in college.
8:45 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.
10:00 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.
11:00 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.
12:15 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!
1:00 p.m. – Adjourn & Optional Campus Tours
Download Event Waiver, sign and email signed form to [email protected] before attending PLF. If you have questions email [email protected] or call 870.245.5110.
Abigail Blankenship graduated magna cum laude in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and media and emphases in strategic communications and communications studies. At Ouachita, 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 the women of EEE 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 Immanual Baptist Church and Young Adults at Fellowship Midtown. Abigail has a cat named Samantha and loves going on walks with friends, running half-marathons with her brother, as well as photography, golf, and travel.
Kristen Boatman was a 2020 summa cum laude graduate, earning the Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in accounting and finance. Kristen was a member of the women of EEE, where she served as treasurer. She was also active in the Ouachita Student Foundation and was an analyst on the Ary Student Investment Fund. Kristen attained her Certified Public Accountant license after graduating from Ouachita and she works as a Senior Tax Accountant at HCJ CPAs & Advisors PLLC in Little Rock. She enjoys trying new restaurants around the city, playing weekly trivia, and going on walks with friends. Kristen attends Fellowship Bible Church in West Little Rock, where she volunteers in preschool ministry and leads a weekly discipleship group for young adult women.
Emme Bowman graduated summa cum laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a chemistry minor. Emme was a Carl Goodson Honors Program graduate and was selected as overall academic achiever in the Patterson School of Natural Sciences. She was in the women of EEE, Campus Ministries’ Big Brother/Big Sister program, Tiger Serve Day, a WOW leader, and named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. She is a third-year medical student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, pursuing a pediatric specialty. She and her husband, Hayden (’20), are pawrents to a standard black poodle named Ranger, and love all things outdoors like sports, hiking, and running. They attend Fellowship Bible Church Midtown where Emme volunteers in kids’ ministry. She also serves as a respite night volunteer, Under the Stars special needs prom volunteer, and is vice president of the UAMS Pediatric group.
Hayden Bowman was a 2020 summa cum laude Bachelor of Science graduate with a major in biomedical sciences and minor in chemistry. He was a Carl Goodson Honors Program graduate. During his Ouachita years, Hayden was a member of the Beta Beta men’s social club, which he served as president in 2020, the Tiger Serve Day leadership team, and the Ouachita Student Foundation. He currently is in his fourth and final year of medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, pursuing a residency in internal medicine. Hayden and his wife, Emme (’21), married in June 2022, and attend Fellowship Bible Church Midtown, where Hayden is a Kids Ministry volunteer. They are raising Ranger, their standard black poodle, and Hayden enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing, as well as all sports including golf and pickleball. He serves as an Under the Stars Special Needs Prom volunteer. At UAMS, he’s class chair, academic house committee for academic and professional development and serves on the UAMS College of Medicine Interview Committee.
Caleb Byrd graduated magna cum laude in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and triple majors in communications and media, political science, and Spanish. In his student days, Caleb was on the staff of the Signal newspaper, a member of Kappa Chi men’s social club, and active in Campus Ministries. He was elected to Student Senate and also served on the Ouachita Student Foundation. Caleb was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, and he was selected by faculty and peers as Outstanding Senior Man for the Class of 2020. Caleb serves as an SEO and web analytics specialist for MHP/Team SI in Little Rock and is working toward completing his Master of Arts degree in apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He’s a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and enjoys watching soccer and playing board games.
Cameron Conner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music industry in 2021. During his college years, Cam was a part of Ouachita Worship, Refuge leadership, the Ouachita Singers, and Ouachita Sounds. He was active in Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club, was a 2019 Tiger Tunes host, and was selected for Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. After graduating, Cam was a fulltime next gen worship leader for three years. For the past year, he’s travelled and led worship at camps, conferences, and retreats with a team called Simple Worship. In his free time, he enjoys songwriting, reading, hiking, and spending time in nature.
Abby Dean graduated in 2021 magna cum laude, majoring in communications and media/strategic communications with minors in legal studies and business administration. She was a member of EEE, the Tiger Cheer Squad, and the Pre-Law Society. Abby was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Currently, she is assistant property manager with Kelley Commercial Partners in Little Rock. Abby likes supporting her younger brother and sister at their events like Ouachita football games and high school cheerleading events. She also enjoys getting together with Ouachita friends and spending time at the lake with her husband, Joey (’19). She and Joey attend NLC West Little Rock.
Joey Dean was a 2019 magna cum laude graduate with a biology major and chemistry minor. He was in Beta Beta men’s social club, TriBeta, the American Chemical Society, and a finalist in the Arkansas Governor’s Cup. Joey was selected for Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. During medical school at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Joey was on the Student Activities Board. He and his wife, Abby (’21), were married last June and are pawrents of a dog, Roman. After graduating with his MD from UAMS, Dr. Dean enjoys hunting, fishing, and lake time when he’s not serving in his medical/pediatrics residency with UAMS.
Bethany Duncan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a vocal music major and Christian studies minor in 2020. While at Ouachita, Bethany was in the Tri Chi women’s social club and was selected as an Eta Alpha Omega Sweetheart. She was in Ouachita Sounds and the OBU Court of Honor. Bethany was a women’s DGroup ministry leader in Campus Ministries and a Refuge worship leader. She currently serves as Business Development Project Coordinator with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in the Arkansas Department of Commerce. She and her husband, Tyler (’20), have a dog named Eleanor Rigby (El for short). Bethany loves to travel, read, and eat good food with friends. They attend a home church in Little Rock associated with the ministry Dwellings and continue to be active in leading worship together.
Tyler Duncan was a 2020 Bachelor of Arts graduate with a major in graphic design and minor in communications. At Ouachita, Tyler was a member of the men of Eta Alpha Omega, where he served as social chair, design chair, pledge master, and Tigers Tunes director. He was also a member of Ouachita Worship and played in the Refuge band for Campus Ministries. Tyler has pursued a career as a fulltime freelance media producer, a business where he travels across the United States doing videography with various companies and partners. Tyler and his wife, Bethany (’20), love their sweet dog El. His hobbies are music production, videography, photography, and making bread. He attends a home church with Bethany and together they love leading in worship.
Cole Jester earned a BA with majors in Christian studies and political science while minoring in philosophy, graduating summa cum laude in 2019. Cole was chaplain of Beta Beta men’s social club, chair of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, and recognized in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, being voted most likely to succeed. Cole graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2022, where he was the managing editor of Journal of Law and Politics. He clerked for the Arkansas Solicitor General, the firm of Friday, Eldredge, & Clark, and the United States Air Force. After graduating law school, Cole served as a judicial clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (’04). Cole and his wife, Elizabeth (‘19), attend Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Cole loves being involved at his church, hunting, and fly fishing.
Elizabeth Jester graduated summa cum laude in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. A Certified Public Accountant, Elizabeth currently is Senior Accountant at HCJ CPAs and Advisors in Little Rock. In her student days at Ouachita, Elizabeth was president of the EEE women’s social club. She participated in the Carl Goodson Honors Program, was a WOW steering committee leader, and was recognized in Alpha Chi. She was selected by faculty and peers for listing in Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities. Elizabeth married Cole (’19) in 2020 and they live in Little Rock, where they are active in Immanuel Baptist Church.
Kelsey Knight is a 2017 cum laude Bachelor of Arts graduate with double majors in communication sciences and disorders and Spanish. She attended the University of Central Arkansas where she received her Master of Science in communication disorders. Kelsey was a member of the women of EEE, where she served as rush chair, served the Ouachita Student Foundation as the special events chair, and was a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She and her husband, Jake (’18), along with their one-year-old son, Jett, live in Arkadelphia where she works as a speech pathologist for Pediatrics Plus. She loves spending time with her family, watching her black Lab, Remi, retrieve ducks, and could go for a good coffee at any time of the day! Kelsey, Jake, and Jett attend First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia.
McCall Lockard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in 2019 with a business administration major and emphases in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. During college, McCall was active in the Ouachita Student Foundation, the women of EEE, and worked as a telecounselor for Admissions Counseling. She is now the owner of Harlow & Poppy Boutique in Conway (Instagram @shopharlowandpoppy), which recently won Best Women’s Clothing in Faulkner County. McCall is pup parent to a goldendoodle named Ralph. She attends The Summit Church in Conway. McCall serves by organizing fundraisers for Conway’s Haven House and is involved in Conway Women in Business.
Brandon Matros was a 2020 magna cum laude Ouachita graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance. In his student years, he was on the Ouachita Tigers baseball team, a member of Beta Beta men’s social club, and an EEE Beau. Brandon was an Ary Student Investment Fund portfolio manager in the Hickingbotham School of Business. He was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. At present, Brandon is a Commercial Portfolio Manager with Simmons Bank in Little Rock. He and his wife, Emma (’19), attend Immanual Baptist Church where Brandon is a youth group volunteer. He enjoys playing golf, cooking, and pickleball in his free time, along with time with Hattie, a black Lab.
Emma Matros graduated summa cum laude in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earning double majors in accounting and finance. Emma was a member of the women of EEE and participated in the Ary Student Investment Fund and Enactus in the Hickingbotham School of Business. She was selected for Alpha Chi Honor Society and named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. A Certified Public Accountant, Emma works as a Senior Tax Accountant at HCJ CPAs and Advisors in Little Rock. She and her husband, Brandon (’20), were married in 2020 in Berry Chapel on Ouachita’s campus. They have a dog, Hattie, which Emma enjoys walking, along with pickleball and spending time with friends. They attend Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.
John Michael McCollett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in finance and business administration with an entrepreneurship emphasis. While at Ouachita, John Michael was a member of the men of Beta Beta. He was active as well in the Ouachita Student Foundation. Outside of class, John Michael was an integral part of the Alumni and Career and Calling office team. After internships in financial planning and commercial banking, he currently serves as Carrier Sales Specialist for ArcBest, a multibillion-dollar logistics company. He lives in Little Rock with his wife, Selby (’20), and cat, Gator. In his free time, he enjoys working out and spending time with fellow Ouachita alumni.
Selby McCollett is a 2020 magna cum laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in accounting and political science. She was a Carl Goodson Honors Program graduate. Selby was active in the women of EEE, was a cheerleader for the Tigers, and served as internal vice president of Student Senate. Selby was also president of the Ouachita Student Foundation and was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Following graduation, Selby began her career as a Trust Solutions Associate, and later Senior Associate, for PwC in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 2023, she joined Governor Sarah Sanders’ (’04) administration as Legislative Liaison for Budget, Economic Development, and Tax. She now serves as the Budget Director for Governor Sanders and is a part-time law student at the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law. Selby and her husband, John Michael (‘22), live in Little Rock and love their cat, Gator.
Addy Murphree graduated in 2020 magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in communications & media and political science and a minor in English. Addy was a member of the EEE women’s social club, the Carl Goodson Honors Program, and the Ouachitonian yearbook staff, where she was editor-in-chief of the 2018-19 national award-winning edition. Addy was director of special events for Ouachita Student Foundation, overseeing the production of Tiger Tunes, which raised over $100,000 for student scholarships. She was also co-anchor and producer of “This Week at Ouachita,” and was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Addy previously served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff in the Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson. She lives in Arkadelphia with her husband, Price, and is manager of Captain Henderson House, a 148-year-old historic inn and bed-and-breakfast. She and Price are expecting their first child in March and attend First Baptist Church.
Kord Offenbacker graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian studies and a minor in business administration. Kord was in the Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club, played baseball for the Ouachita Tigers, and was an EEE beau. During his years at Ouachita, he served as High School Pastor at Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia and was a Refuge speaker for Campus Ministries in his senior year. He was selected for listing in Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Kord graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2022 and is the Emerging Leaders Director at Downline Little Rock. Kord and his wife, Madison (’20), married in 2020. A soon-to-be dad, Kord enjoys playing golf and is always searching for the best coffee and tacos with Madison.
Madison Offenbacker is a 2020 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Christian studies/Christian ministries and minoring in English. Madison was active in Campus Ministries as Refuge speaker, served as chaplain of the women of EEE, and was on the cheerleading squad. She served as Young Women’s Minister at Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia while enrolled at Ouachita. Madison graduated with a Master of Divinity degree, emphasis in women's ministry, from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023. She is currently serving as Young Adult Women’s Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in West Little Rock. She and her husband, Kord (’19), live in Little Rock and are awaiting the birth of their first child this summer.
João Rodrigues came to Ouachita as an international student from Brazil. He graduated magna cum laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance. He completed the Carl Goodson Honors Program and was on the Tiger Sharks Swim Team. João was involved in 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 by the faculty of Ouachita as Outstanding Senior Man. Upon graduating, João was selected for the highly competitive Arkansas Fellowship program, where he worked with Dillard's Inc. as a Merchandise Financial Planner. He recently graduated with an MBA with an information management concentration at the University of Central Arkansas. He is now working on his second master's degree in applied data analytics while working as a graduate research assistant at the College of Business at UCA, and completing his second internship with Moses Tucker Partners in brokerage, project management, and development.
Anna Roussel completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022 with double majors in political science and communications and media. In her student years, Anna was president of the Ouachita Student Foundation, editor of the Ouachitonian yearbook (named in the top three books in the nation) and was chosen Arkansas Yearbook Editor of the Year and Designer of the Year. She was in the women of EEE, Campus Ministries, and a Model UN distinguished delegate. She currently serves as Digital Content Coordinator at Ouachita. A third generation Ouachitonian, Anna enjoys movies, scrapbooking, reading, and baking. She is a member of the Ouachita Young Alumni Advisory Board and was on the Cone-Bottoms Hall 100th Anniversary Committee last year. Anna attends First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.
Noah Sanders graduated magna cum laude in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Christian studies and political science. He was a Carl Goodson Honors Program graduate, a member of Theta Alpha Kappa Religious Studies Honors Society, and in the Pre-Law Society. He was a member of the men of Eta Alpha Omega, active in Campus Ministries, on the Tiger Serve Day leadership team, and the WOW steering executive team. Noah was in College Republicans, elected to Student Senate, and Ouachita’s representative at the Arkansas Student Leadership Forum. He currently is Sales Administrator at Apptegy and is 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 2024-25 class, and is a small group leader for junior high boys. Noah and fiancée Emma Kathleen Conner, a Ouachita senior, have set May 31 as their wedding date.
Mary Charles West was a cum laude 2023 graduate, earning the Bachelor of Arts with double majors in business administration – management and political science. She was a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, where she was co-chair of the student recruitment committee. She was elected to the Student Senate, serving as sophomore class representative, junior class vice president, and Senate treasurer. Mary Charles was a member of EEE, the President’s Leadership Circle, Pre-Law Society, and Gridiron Girls. She is currently in her first year at UA Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law, where she is a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, and the First-Generation Law Society. She enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with friends, and traveling. Mary Charles attends Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock.
Madison Worth graduated cum laude in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration, with emphases in management and marketing. At Ouachita, she was a member of the women of EEE 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), married in September and have two dogs, Archie and Annie. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and cooking. Together, they attend and serve at Fellowship Bible Church Midtown where Madison leads a DGroup. She also is involved community service through Rotaract Little Rock.
Spencer Worth is a 2021 magna cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history minor. While at Ouachita, Spencer was a Model UN delegate, active in Campus Ministries, and selected for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. He serves as a Legislative Analyst for the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research. Spencer and his wife, Madison (’22), married in September and are pawrents of two rescue dogs. They’re 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 currently the men’s club secretary.
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