Ouachita Stories

Closing thoughts: Preparing for lives of meaningful work

At the beginning of the academic year, I used my Convocation address to help us initiate a university-wide conversation on the theme, “Lives of Meaningful Work.” It’s a phrase from our mission statement that speaks to one of Ouachita’s desired outcomes for graduates: that you will be prepared for such lives and work.

2019 Ouachita Commencement address: Lives of Meaningful Work

Class of 2019 – congratulations! We are proud of you! I’m proud of you! At the beginning of the academic year, I used my Convocation address to help us initiate a university-wide conversation on our theme, “Lives of Meaningful Work.” It’s a phrase from our mission statement. It speaks to one of Ouachita’s desired outcomes for graduates: that you will be prepared for lives of meaningful work.

Focus on graduates, not speakers

I love the pomp and circumstance that marks commencement. It’s the most important, picture-perfect day in the life of a university. And as a president, it’s a great honor to present a diploma, shake hands and congratulate each graduate.

It's about outcome: Look for colleges that care

Now that spring break has come and gone, high school seniors and their parents will be finalizing a college choice for fall. They have more independent and objective information available to them to help make that choice than ever before.

New possibilities: Alliance tackles nursing shortage

Arkansas is facing a healthcare crisis. By the year 2020, the Institute of Medicine forecasts a shortage of 15,000 nurses. The impact is real: less accessible healthcare and overworked nurses, especially in rural communities.