Ouachita Stories

Commencement 2020: A year of circumstance ends in celebration

Only days after typically bitter December weather, 213 Ouachita graduates walked under a beautiful cloudless blue sky on Benson-Williams Field at Cliff Harris Stadium to receive their diplomas. Saturday, Dec. 5, marked nearly seven months since the class of 2020’s original May commencement date, which was canceled due to COVID-19 last spring.

Pandemic Profiles: Kristi Seals and Kristin Kesterson, Ouachita's COVID-19 Testing Center

For many Ouachita students, the slightest sign of COVID-19 symptoms or the realization that they have been exposed to a positive case causes anxiety, naturally. But since students returned to campus for residential learning in August 2020, they have had two on-campus “mommas” to call for guidance: Kristin Kesterson and Kristi Seals.

Ouachita reports 97% career outcomes rate for graduates in the midst of the pandemic

Ouachita Baptist University announced a 97% career outcomes rate for its 2020 graduating class, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage exceeds this year’s national average of 86% reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Ouachita reports highest total spring enrollment in 25 years

Ouachita Baptist University has reported a total spring 2021 enrollment of 1,619, a 3% increase since spring 2020 and the highest spring headcount for the university in 25 years. The increase reflects strong retention of traditional undergraduate students and new programs for non-traditional students.

Ouachita announces students named to Fall 2020 President's List

Ouachita Baptist University has named 343 students to its Fall 2020 President’s List. To be named to the President’s List, a student must compile a 4.0 grade point average and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and have no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Ouachita announces students named to Fall 2020 Dean's List

Ouachita Baptist University has named 396 students to its Fall 2020 Dean’s List.To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must compile at least a 3.5 grade point average and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and have no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Pandemic Profiles: Kari Ledford, Sodexo Retail and Marketing Manager

Consider providing three meals a day to Ouachita’s residential campus of roughly 1,500 students, physically distanced, observing the Arkansas Department of Health and CDC’s vigilant cleaning guidelines and all while keeping lines of hungry students moving. For Kari Ledford, Sodexo’s retail and marketing manager, and her team, their focus was always Ouachita students and their safety.

Ouachita honors 309 graduates during 133rd commencement

Ouachita Baptist University celebrated 309 graduates from the classes of 2019 and 2020 during its 133nd commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5. The ceremony, which was rescheduled from its original date in May due to COVID-19, was held outdoors at Cliff Harris Stadium on Ouachita’s campus.

Cross Brandon named winner of Ouachita's 2020 McBeth Concerto Competition

Ouachita Baptist University’s Cross Brandon was named the winner of the 2020 W. Francis and Mary McBeth Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition on Nov. 20. Brandon is a junior music industry major from Little Rock, Ark.

Ouachita to honor class of 2020 in 133rd commencement ceremony on Dec. 5

Ouachita Baptist University will hold its 133rd commencement honoring the class of 2020 on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. in Cliff Harris Stadium on Ouachita’s campus. The ceremony, which was rescheduled from its original date in May due to COVID-19, will honor 309 graduates.