Multicultural Student Programs
Shepherd returns to Ouachita with goals for belonging: A Q&A with Dr. Lewis Shepherd
March 11, 2021Dr. Lewis Shepherd returned to his alma mater in August as special assistant to the president. In an interview for the Winter 2021 Circle, Dr. Shepherd answers questions about his new role, conversations he is having with students and alumni of color and university goals for working toward a sense of belonging on campus.
Listening and leading toward biblical belonging
March 11, 2021Ouachita’s progress in recent years reflects the input and ideas from listening to responses from two questions in regard to our future: “What shouldn’t change?” and “What should change?” A part of our listening includes hearing the voices of our students and alumni of color. Until we listen, we can’t understand how to make Ouachita a place where belonging is central to an outstanding educational experience.
Four people you should get to know (and read) for Black History Month 2021
February 02, 2021This year, as you celebrate the accomplishments and contributions African Americans have made to American society, take time to learn about the Riley-Hickingbotham Library’s four featured authors from four different genres, browse the other books on display and attend one of MORE’s programmed events.
Observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021
January 17, 2021On Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, our country and university celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It marks the 53rd anniversary of King’s death and his 92nd birthday. This video features members of the Ouachita community reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. King with reference to this year’s university theme, “reasoned engagement with the world.”
Beyond Spanish and Tacos: La Fuerza celebrates Hispanic culture and combats stereotypes
October 12, 2020On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month began its national holiday that will last until Thursday, Oct. 15. Through events planned and hosted by La Fuerza, Ouachita's Latinx multicultural organization, Ouachita students, faculty and staff have had the opportunity to embrace Hispanic culture and the traditions that have shaped the lives of students like Reyna Cabrera.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
October 01, 2020Join the Riley-Hickingbotham Library and La Fuerza, Ouachita's Latinx multicultural organization, in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15 as we recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Ouachita awarded $37,000 NetVUE development grant to encourage discovery through reflective writing
October 01, 2020Earlier this year, Ouachita Baptist University was awarded a $37,000 program development grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) for its proposal “Discerning Vocation Through Writing.” The two-year grant is intended to equip faculty to better assist students in discerning their vocation through reflective writing exercises.
Ouachita hires Shepherd in full-time role to support students, faculty and staff of color
August 03, 2020Dr. Ben Sells, president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, announced today that Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Jr., will join the school’s executive leadership team as special assistant to the president.
Ouachita establishes Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award for black students, Tyrese Allen and Dayja James named first recipients
June 19, 2020Ouachita Baptist University has established the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award, a new scholarship to recognize black students. Tyrese Allen of Savannah, Ga., and Dayja James of McGehee, Ark., have been selected as the scholarship’s first recipients and each will receive $2,500. A matching gift is in place to endow the scholarship, allowing it to be awarded annually for years to come.
Beyond #blackouttuesday: Practical things you can do to take a stand against racial injustice.
June 04, 2020Some are bursting out their door to their local peaceful protest and checking in on their friends and family of color. Some are watching, realizing what they see is brutally wrong but have no clue of what to say.