Ouachita Stories

From freshman beanies to mortarboards, every student who is admitted to or graduates from Ouachita passes through the registrar’s office. From high school test scores, GPAs and concurrent credit to semester grades, degree plan requirements and graduation day, Susan Atkinson oversees the detail involved in moving students through their Ouachita careers. But it’s more than a revolving door for Atkinson.

“The part I really like about my job: it puts me in touch with so many alumni, incoming students, parents and current students – as well as the faculty,” said Atkinson, who has served as registrar and director of admissions for four years.

Atkinson takes her many responsibilities in stride, often working behind-the-scenes, one task at a time. She finds meaning in the opportunity to work personally with Ouachita students and faculty, enjoying the seemingly routine moments of transcript requests and graduation checks.

“I don’t look at this as a job as much as serving and helping others get where they need to be,” she said.

A Ouachita graduate herself, Atkinson said she appreciates that Ouachita is a place to be known personally, even in those detail-oriented moments.

Atkinson earned Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees from Ouachita in 1983 and 1986. After marrying her husband, Chuck (’79), Susan taught piano lessons and was a stay-at-home mom for several years with her children, Richard (’10) and Rebecca (’13).

Atkinson then began working at Ouachita as a piano accompanist and later served 11 years as administrative assistant to the dean of humanities, Dr. Jeff Root.

“I feel like most of my life has been a supporting role,” Atkinson said. “I supported my husband, I supported my kids. When I reported to Jeff, I was a supporting role. And even in this position, I’m still supporting the university and our students.”

Reflecting on her current and past experiences, Atkinson thinks they are meaningful first and foremost because God knows her and sees her work.

“God gives meaning to my life, so my life matters to Him,” she said. “What I do matters to Him, whether I’m being a mom and a wife, or whether I’m serving to help others.”

“Susan models the qualities of servant leadership Ouachita seeks to cultivate in our students,” said Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs. “Many people who benefit from her good work may never realize it. But for Susan, the reward is in her service – to God, to others, to Ouachita.”

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Photo by Andy Henderson

• Tags:
• Academics
• Alumni
• Circle
• Faculty/Staff
• Music Education
• Piano
• School of Fine Arts