Ouachita Stories

Nicholas Herrington wins 2021 Juried Student Art Show at Ouachita

Ouachita Baptist University’s Art Club announced the winners of the 2021 Juried Student Art Show on Scholars Day, April 28, with Nicholas Herrington named the first place winner. Herrington is a junior studio art and history double major from Benton, Ark. The annual competition allows students of all majors the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on campus; the 2021 exhibit will be on display in Hammons Gallery in Mabee Fine Arts Center through October 2.

Tiger for Life Podcast: Keisha McKinney ('04) Celebrating 1 Year of the Tiger For Life Podcast

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, blogger and chair of the Ouachita Alumni Advisory Board, Keisha (Pittman) McKinney ('04), "flips the seat" and interviews the host of the podcast, Jon Merryman ('00), Ouachita's director of Alumni Relations. Keisha and Jon share memories and moments from the first year of the podcast, talk about what's new on campus, discuss how alumni can stay connected to their alma mater, and Jon shares his own "Fast Fave Fives."

Tara Pritchard named Ouachita's Support Staff Member of the Year

Ouachita Baptist University named Tara Pritchard, assistant to the dean in the Sutton School of Social Sciences, as the 2020-2021 Support Staff Member of the Year. Pritchard, who has worked at Ouachita for 16 years, was recognized on April 29 by Ouachita’s Staff Development Committee and President Dr. Ben Sells.

From the "Ouachitonian": Jomari Bailey

Serving his school, multicultural students and his country, Jomari Bailey has dedicated his time at OBU to working hard to make a difference. A freshman art and graphic design major from Prescott, Ark., Bailey was once known as the shy kid but has flourished through his first year in college.

Founded on friendship: And how the Ouachita community overflows beyond campus

The Ouachita community truly is something special. While on campus, I was surrounded by faculty and peers alike who uniquely challenged me and pushed me to grow in my relationship with Christ. While Ouachita opened the door for me to gain wisdom from faculty, it also brought me some seriously great friends. Whether through class, clubs or other avenues, the friendships I made were each unique and welcomed new perspectives into my life.

Ouachita honors 364 graduates during 134th Commencement

Ouachita Baptist University celebrated 364 graduates from the class of 2021 during its 134th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 8. University officials conferred Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Associate of Arts degrees, with seven students receiving Ouachita’s first ever post-baccalaureate certificates for dietetic internship.

Progress is more about direction than speed: 2021 Commencement address

I feel a special relationship with this graduating class. Many of you began in the fall of 2017, but we first met during your senior year in high school – my first year as president. We’ve been on this journey for five years. Our kinship runs especially deep because of our shared struggles and shared responsibilities. The persistence of COVID-19 marked your entire senior year. We asked you to help us manage that threat, and you rose to the occasion.

From the "Ouachitonian": Mattie Motl

For many students, college was a time when an abundance of new opportunities were in their grasp. Mattie Mae Motl, a senior English major from Arkadelphia, took advantage of one such opportunity when she applied for a travel grant through Ouachita's Honors Program.

Ouachita's annual Elrod Center service awards ceremony honors Ian Cosh and student volunteers

Ouachita Baptist University’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community held its annual community service awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 13, recognizing the service efforts of university students, faculty and staff during the 2020-2021 academic year. Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement, also was honored for his more than 33 years of service to Ouachita and the Elrod Center.

Attending a college that loves you back: A Ouachita senior's reflections

“Why did you want to go to college at Ouachita? Didn’t you want to get out of your hometown?” I have been asked these questions frequently since I stepped on to campus as a freshman in 2017. To me, not going to Ouachita had never been an option. For as long as I can remember, Ouachita was the next step, and it couldn’t get here soon enough.