2019 Ouachita Commencement address: Lives of Meaningful Work
May 15, 2019Class 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.
Alumni profile: Lillian (Blackmon '59) Crenshaw, Increasing infant survival
May 15, 2019“I have a very distinct memory of the first time I saw a baby die,” reflected Lillian Blackmon (’59) Crenshaw. “There was such a sense of helplessness. I had a strong feeling there had to be a better way.” Crenshaw spent much of her renowned medical career helping improve the survival rate for premature infants.
Alumni profile: TaJuan Wilson ('07) Educator, mentor & role model
May 15, 2019A first-generation college student, Dr. TaJuan Wilson wasn’t sure where college would lead when he began. But he was determined to navigate college life successfully, and higher education soon became his specialty. Originally from Bearden, Ark., Wilson found Ouachita through TRIO programs.
Faculty profile: Barbara Pemberton - Interdisciplinary focus, religious lens
May 15, 2019If you were to play two truths and a lie with Dr. Barbara Pemberton, you would probably lose. Facts about her you would guess are untrue would turn out to be the truth – like how she once took a group of Ouachita students to Saudi Arabia, where she and her husband lived for a time. Or how she belongs to the International Society for the Study of New Religions. Or how her latest religious analysis is a book review on drone metal and spirituality.
Faculty profile: Mary Chung & Carlos Feller, Developing more than skills
May 15, 2019It has been quite a journey – spanning three continents – that has brought Drs. Mary Chung and Carlos Feller to Ouachita. Mary grew up in South Korea – the daughter of a pastor. While Mary dreamed of someday being a missionary, her father passed away when she was young, and her mother continued toward their family dream of serving as missionaries.
Alumni profile: Mitch Bettis ('90) Problem-solver, people-builder
May 15, 2019In seventh grade, Mitch Bettis discovered the world of publications as a paper boy for Arkadelphia’s newspaper, the Siftings-Herald. “I loved everything about it,” Bettis said. “I loved the fact that, a couple of hours ago, there was nothing. Now, there were words and photos; it was a tangible product.” As president and CEO of Arkansas Business Publishing Group (ABPG) in Little Rock, Bettis directs the creation and sales efforts of more than 30 of Arkansas’ top weekly, monthly, semiannual and annual publications.
Alumni profile: Lt. Col. Naomi Mercer ('94) Building empathy
May 15, 2019When Lt. Col. Naomi Mercer was a member of ROTC during her college days, she never envisioned a career that would lead her to teaching at West Point, educating women in Iraq and developing human resource strategy at the Pentagon. Mercer’s work has impacted individuals at home and abroad. She recently was awarded the Legion Merit Award after retiring from a 25-year career in the Army.
Ouachita honors 345 graduates during 132nd spring commencement
May 14, 2019Ouachita Baptist University celebrated 345 graduates during its 132nd spring commencement on Saturday, May 11, with university officials conferring Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate of Arts degrees.
Ouachita's Academic Awards Banquet honors student achievements
May 14, 2019Ouachita Baptist University recently honored students at its 2019 Academic Awards Banquet. The event recognized various academic and leadership achievements by students throughout the 2018-2019 academic year.
Melissa Lee wins Ouachita's 2019 Virginia Queen piano competition
May 13, 2019Melissa Lee, a sophomore music major from Singapore, won first place in Ouachita Baptist University’s 2019 Virginia Queen Piano Competition on May 3.