Alumni
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 10, 2023As we reflect on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, it is important to remember that Dr. King was a civil rights activist who fought continuously for racial equality and social justice. Dr. King condemned discrimination and segregation because of race, and he affirmed that the American dream belonged to all citizens and that everyone should have an equal opportunity to reach that dream.
There are a few things that seem to be in Matthew Shepherd’s DNA—politics, law, Arkansas and Ouachita. He is a fifth-generation Ouachitonian, a family legacy starting with his great-great-grandfather, who attended Ouachita in the 1890s.
Growing up around Ouachita’s campus, Holly Kyzer knew Ouachita was going to be an integral part of her life, but she never guessed she would be a faculty member, much less an instrumental part of re-launching graduate programs at the university.
Actor, singer, Broadway performer and Ouachita graduate Jacob Keith Watson fell in love with the university while attending Super Summer camp on campus as a teenager. He was drawn by the discovery that the school had a musical theatre major—the only one in Arkansas at the time.
I’ve always had what can fairly be called a black thumb. Even the most resilient houseplants haven’t stood a chance in my care. I went so far as to tell my husband not to buy me flowers or plants of any kind when we were dating. I didn’t want him to read too far into the analogy of a dead love fern.
Dr. Justin K. Hardin named Ouachita's vice president for academic affairs
November 18, 2022Ouachita alumnus Dr. Justin K. Hardin has been named Ouachita’s vice president for academic affairs (VPAA), effective July 2022. He brings a strong background in teaching, scholarship and administration to his new role as the university’s chief academic officer.
What did we learn? Where do we go from here? These two questions have been at the forefront of my mind after attending a professional development conference that was equally challenging and inspiring.
Ouachita's Ian Cosh receives honorary doctorate from Liverpool Hope University
November 14, 2022Ian Cosh, vice president emeritus for community and international engagement at Ouachita Baptist University, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education degree from Liverpool (England) Hope University in July 2022 at the university’s graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom.
Ouachita presents 30th annual "A Festival of Christmas" on Dec. 2-3
November 14, 2022Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present its 30th annual holiday program, A Festival of Christmas, on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2–3, at 7:30 pm on Friday and 2:30pm on Saturday in Jones Performing Art Center.
From the "Ouachitonian": Dr. Tim and Coach Todd Knight
October 17, 2022Ouachita’s favorite set of faculty football brothers – Head Football Coach Todd Knight and Dr. Tim Knight, dean of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences – continue to make a lasting impact on campus. As Coach Knight led his team to wins on the football field year after year, Dr. Knight experienced his victories in the classroom. This purple-and-gold bleeding set of brothers truly make Ouachita a better place. Coach Knight keeps Ouachita’s successful football program on the map as his brother is the face behind the entire Jones Science Center operation. These two brothers are special assets to Ouachita, and Ouachita wouldn’t be the same without the Knight family.