Ouachita Stories

People make OBU what it is, from Randy Garner in admissions finding me my sweet freshman roomie, to Dr. Wesley Kluck’s undying support for four silly college girls with the dream of starting a singing group. From Ouachita President Ben Elrod’s faithful smile and encouragement, to Mrs. Mary Shambarger, my Ouachitones director, always pushing us for our best musically and as individuals. Today, I am so grateful for the path I chose of attending Ouachita because of what happened during those years and because of the path my life took as a result of going to school there.

I sang in a million settings from Ouachitones to Chamber Singers to talent shows, chapel, banquets, Miss OBU and others. Taking voice lessons and getting so much stage experience during my years at Ouachita as absolutely priceless for me. All of these experiences prepared me for what was to come when my three college friends—Denise, Heather and Shelley—and I would embark on a journey only God could have shaped and one we never could have dreamed up: Point of Grace.

From there we began singing all around Arkansas at any event we could schedule. The first time we did a “concert” was for Dr. Kluck’s doctors’ banquet. We were paid $25 each and you would have thought we had struck gold!

Ouachita was so good to us and even loaned us the school van and sound system for a summer. Ouachita would become the springboard from which we would always have a group of loving people to support us and welcome us back. And we did come back, singing at many Ouachita events throughout the years. One of my favorites was the concert we did in the new Jones Performing Arts Center. Of course, we never had that beautiful of a facility when we were in college there! But I’m not bitter.

From the beginning of our Point of Grace days, Ouachita blood has run through me, always grounding me and reminding me where I came from and where I was going. I am ever so grateful that this California/Oklahoma transplant found her way to an unassuming Baptist university in the middle of Arkansas, where my life’s direction began to take root, and where the greatest journeys of my life began.

I believe my life’s calling is to love God and to love people. Ouachita understands that, for it has loved me well through the years, causing me to love my God even more. Thank you, OBU, for all you have done for me!

Terry Jones, one of the founding members of Point of Grace, is a 1992 Ouachita graduate and a former Miss OBU. During her years in Point of Grace, the group produced a record 24 consecutive No. 1 hits.

 

 

 

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