Ouachita Stories

Hope grows in a nourished imagination

I like Chapel and seldom miss attending. I like being with students in Chapel. There are probably fewer than 100 universities in the country where essentially the entire student body can all be together. In my first six years, I’ve appreciated how students respect and engage in Chapel. I believe it’s an important part of what makes Ouachita, Ouachita.

Casting a vision for a race run well

Each year we select a theme to help us focus on Ouachita’s essential purpose. That theme is based on our university’s vision, mission and value statements. This year’s theme is: “Vision, Integrity, Service.” Each year, my convocation remarks introduce the theme. This morning, I want to spend a few moments to offer one perspective on the idea of “vision.”

Ouachita Worship releases first original song, "Holy Fire"

After releasing more than half a dozen cover songs on YouTube, Ouachita Worship has recorded its first original song, “Holy Fire,” which is now available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Convocation Chapel 2020: Reasoned engagement with the world

By the end of this academic year, and certainly by the time students graduate, Ouachita intends to prepare them to be better – to be more skilled – in their reasoned engagement with the world. Dr. Sells addressed, "What is reasoned engagement with the world?" in Convocation Chapel on August 25.

All the wiser: Making good choices in our search for happiness

As we begin a new semester, I want to share a brief reflection on this year’s theme, taken from our mission statement, “intellectual and spiritual growth.” Here's what I've been reflecting on: How do we make choices that will help us become the person God intends us to be?

The beauty of light: Christmas chapel 2019

I remember when I was a kid looking forward to something we did once almost every year. We would get in the car and drive around the city to the blocks or houses that were known to have the best light displays. There’s something special about getting in a warm car on a cold night and admiring beautiful, creative displays of light. If you’ve had that experience, you know that it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe: comfort, safety and a sense of wonder – all at the same time.

Intellectual and spiritual growth

At Ouachita, we have fun and don’t take ourselves too seriously. But we’re serious about intellectual and spiritual growth, and I want to spend a few moments introducing this year’s theme.

What does attending a "Christian college" even mean? #askingforafriend

We know you have questions, some that you might be afraid to ask, about what to expect if you attend a Baptist university. We know that every Christian college is different, but we want you to know exactly what makes Ouachita, Ouachita. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear all the time, so there’s no need to ask “for your friends!”