Ouachita Stories

Declaring that the members of Ouachita Baptist University’s graduating class of 2010 “are indeed difference makers,” President Rex M. Horne, Jr., presided over the university’s 123^rd spring commencement exercises May 8.

University officials conferred a total of 291 degrees on 288 graduates, including 250 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 29 Bachelor of Science degrees, seven Bachelor of Music degrees and five Bachelor of Music Education degrees. The Saturday morning service, held on the front lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall, attracted thousands of family members and friends.

Ouachita’s 2010 graduating class featured more than 120 honor graduates, including 24 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 43 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 58 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 11 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 32 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society.

The Ouachita Board of Trustees voted unanimously to confer an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree on Dr. David Uth, a member of OBU’s class of 1979, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of Christian ministry.

Introducing Dr. Uth, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando, Fla., President Horne told the commencement crowd, “There are certain things that happen in the churches where David Uth serves – they grow, they minister, they have a vision for the world, they make an impact for the cause of Christ and they are certainly world changers.”

Affirming that Dr. Uth’s “vision is for the nations,” Dr. Horne added, “His heart is grounded in a passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and his roots are deep in Arkansas and at Ouachita Baptist University.”

Dr. Uth, who holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is a former member of the Ouachita Board of Trustees and currently is a trustee of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. He previously was pastor of churches in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, including First Baptist Church of Camden, Ark., and Immanuel Baptist Church of El Dorado, Ark.

“Standing here and receiving this incredible honor is a testimony of God’s grace,” Dr. Uth said. Addressing the graduating seniors, he noted, “It’s a great honor to graduate. It’s a great thing to be able to sit here and to receive a degree. But I’ve got a question: Where are you going? That matters far more than where you are today. It’s my prayer that you will set your sights high.

“In order to end where you want to end, you’ve got to start today,” Dr. Uth emphasized. “It’s not as much about where you are as where you’re going. It’s my prayer that where you are going is to finish what God has given you to do. … May the Lord bless you as you finish, but even more importantly, may He bless you today as you start a new part of that journey.”

Dr. Horne, who has served as Ouachita’s president since 2006, also addressed the graduating class. “We started this journey together, most of us, four years ago,” he reflected. “Because of that, I will always look upon you as a very special class. … What a privilege it has been as we embarked on this wonderful journey together at Ouachita Baptist University.

“You are men and women of character, of passion, of devotion, of great ability,” President Horne said. “You are indeed difference makers and we will look forward to seeing what is going to take place in the years ahead. You will serve mankind in numerous ways in hundreds of places and we’re very proud. We congratulate you.”

Three graduates of Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies who earned 4.0 GPAs read Scripture during the commencement ceremony: Nicholas Dawson of Collierville, Tenn.; Darlene Seal of Bryant, Ark.; and Philip Williamson of Batesville, Ark. Dr. Horne also recognized three graduates of the Reserve Officer Training Corps: John Atkins of Arkadelphia; Jonathan Malcolm of Lake Charles, La..; and Leonard Goodnight of White Hall, Ark.

Ouachita Baptist University, a private Christian liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, has been ranked the No. 1 Baccalaureate College in the South for three years in a row by U.S. News & World Report. With an enrollment of almost 1,500 students from more than 30 states and 50 nations, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a vibrant, Christ-centered learning community.

A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises is available on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast.

The following students earned Bachelor of Arts degrees:

Alexander, Ark.—Megan Elaine Gentry, English and Mass Communications

Allen, Texas—Jessica Anne Bruchan, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; Erin Mechelle Carpenter Ellis, English and Secondary Education; Megan Michelle Fida, Mass Communications; Sarah Rachelle Hedges, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries and Christian Missions

Alma, Ark.—Ashley Brooke Belcher, Mathematics and Secondary Education; Korrine Elise Cook, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Katie Marie Strickland, Business Administration/Marketing

Almaty, Kazakhstan—Kristi Iraminta Lochala, Early Childhood Education

Annona, Texas—Allison Elyse Smith, Psychology

Arkadelphia, Ark.—Alana Michelle Armstrong, Early Childhood Education; John Edgar Atkins, History; Richard K. Atkinson, Mass Communications and Political Science; Derrick Barnes, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries and Biblical Studies; Matthew Ryan Bealer, Political Science; Katie Ann Crow, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Michael Andrew Ford, Political Science and Business Administration/Marketing and Finance; Haley B. Griffin, Mass Communications; Joshua Ryan Hesse, Mass Communications; Charles Neill Hunter, Athletic Training and Biology; John Wasson Morgan, Mass Communications; Cora-Fay Nykolaishen, French and English; Neal Adrian Ozmun, Mass Communications; Nimesh B. Patel, Accounting; Elizabeth Blair Phelps, Athletic Training and Biology; Austin Joseph Phillips, Mathematics; Stephen Christopher Shepard, Accounting

Arlington, Texas—Rachel Renae Steed, Political Science

Ashdown, Ark.—Celeste Ann Bird, Biology; Andrew Riddle, Music; Warren Alan Seals, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries and Psychology

Azle, Texas—Melissa A. Edwards, Graphic Design; Krysteena Dyan Koiner, Musical Theatre

Batesville, Ark.—Jeffrey Shane Green, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Philip D. Williamson, Philosophy and Christian Studies/Christian Theology and Political Science

Baton Rouge, La.—Ronald A. Franklin, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Bealeton, Va.—Thad G. J. Cardine, English and Russian

Bedford, Texas—Randi Lynn Ford, Sociology; Christa Brooke Perez, Sociology

Beebe, Ark.—Crystal Rose Robinson, Kinesiology/Fitness

Benton, Ark.—Lindsey Jordan Baker, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Kyle Ferguson, Business Administration/Management and Marketing and Finance; Kayla Marie Statton, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Megan Elyse Tucker, Accounting; Geoffrey Clark Yazza, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Biblical Studies

Bismarck, Ark.—Carlton W. Ray, Biology; James Tyler Whitley, Graphic Design

Boise, Idaho—Abby Claire Bankhead, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Bolivar, Mo.—John Leo West, Mass Communications

Bonao, Dominican Republic—Natalie Leanne McCallister, Spanish

Booneville, Ark.—Alden Lynn Ashley, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Haley Danielle Chambers, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies/Recreation

Bossier City, La.—Mallory Melissa Bussey, Early Childhood Education; Jennifer Ann Caudle, Early Childhood Education

Bowling Green, Ky.—Marc Stephen Johnson, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

Bremen, Germany—Jan-Alexander Plewinski, Graphic Design

Brinkley, Ark.—Kara Elizabeth Humble, Mass Communications

Broken Arrow, Okla.—Gabrielle Sweet Sanders, Psychology; Jarod Daniel Townsend, Speech Communication

Bryant, Ark.—J. Lauren Heasley, Music; David Owen Hollis, Accounting and Business Administration/Management and Finance; Darlene Michelle Seal, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Biblical Studies

Burleson, Texas—Cody Duke, Business Administration/Marketing

Camden, Ark.—JaVetta Lasheake Dilworth, Psychology and Sociology; Megan Lindsey, Mass Communications; Jacob Glenn Sligh, Business Administration/Marketing

Carrollton, Texas—Leah Naomi Turner, Spanish and Middle School Education

Chico, Calif.—Robert W. Ruffing, Speech Communication

Cincinnati, Ohio—Kathleen Reynolds, History

Clarksville, Ark.—Phillip Benjamin Bridges, Business Administration/Marketing and Finance

Cleburne, Texas—Heather Dawn Baker, Musical Theatre

Clyde, Texas—Grady Denson Watts, Political Science and History

Collierville, Tenn.—Nicholas C. Dawson, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Theology; Cody Armstrong Willard, Business Administration/Marketing

Conway, Ark.—Molly Summers Magee, Mass Communications and Spanish; Brittany Sturdivant Vick, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Mass Communications

Cordova, Tenn.—David Louis Spradlin, Business Administration/Management and Finance

Crane, Texas—Amanda Jill Baker, Christian Studies/Theology

Curitiba, Brazil—Sarah Elizabeth Johnson, Political Science

Dallas, Texas—Brady William King, Mass Communications

Danville, Calif.—Michael Alan Kizzar, Biology

Dardanelle, Ark.—Mallory Renae George, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Mass Communications

Dubai, United Arab Emirates—Matthew Ryan Bealer, Political Science

El Dorado, Ark.—Jeffery Ryan Harmon, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Mass Communications

England, Ark.—Breandan Caley Conyers, Mass Communications

Fayette, Ala.—Mallory Nolen Bierig, Early Childhood Education; Samantha Jo George, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Flintstone, Ga.—Sarah Elizabeth Clark, Business Administration/Management and Marketing and Finance

Flower Mound, Texas—Amanda Paige Arrington, Biology and Athletic Training; Haley Michelle Barron, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Russian

Forrest City, Ark.—William T. Baldwin, III, Political Science; Danielle Busby, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Mass Communications

Fort Smith, Ark.—Sarah Grace Casalman, Accounting; Alyse Cynthia Eady, Mass Communications and Speech Communication; Lindsay Alexis Shotzman, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Fort Worth, Texas—Mitsuko Grace Humble, Studio Art; Grant Turner, Music

Frisco, Texas—Christopher F. Johnson, Political Science

Garland, Texas—Tracey Nicole Beckett, Early Childhood Education; Allison Denece Hodges, Studio Art and Mass Communications; Holly Michelle Koder, Music; Trina Michelle Rovelli, Early Childhood Education

Glenwood, Ark.—Lindsey Kay Forga, Mass Communications and Musical Theatre

Goddard, Kan.—Brooke Olivia Vincent, Russian

Grapevine, Texas—Kyle William Huey, Musical Theatre; Natalie McHargue, Early Childhood Education

Greensboro, N.C.—Jerry Wayne McNeil, Jr., Kinesiology and Leisure Studies/Fitness

Greenbrier, Ark.—Heather R. Stock, Mathematics

Gurdon, Ark.—Jason Michael Wells, Social Studies and Secondary Education

Hamilton, Ohio—Drew M. Wurzelbacher, Kinesiology/Fitness

Hampton, Ark.—Andrea Helen Newton, Biology

Harare, Zimbabwe—Thokozile M. Zulu, Accounting

Harrison, Texas—Steven Jacob Hilburn, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Helena, Ark.—Damien Joshua Roberts, Business Administration/Management and Finance

Henderson, Texas—Jarrett Thomas Davis, Music

Highland Village, Texas—Lindsey Lee Pry, Accounting

Hillsboro, Texas—Rancen Colt Collins, Mass Communications

Hope, Ark.—Megan Michelle Antley, Biology

Hopkinsville, Ky.—Amber Hope Lee, Athletic Training and Biology and Spanish

Hot Springs, Ark.—Kimberly Ann Arledge, Business Administration/Finance; Mary Lauren English, Mass Communications; Lauren Ashley Faulkner, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; Annette Whitehead, Graphic Design

Houston, Texas—Lindsey Campbell, Business Administration/Management and Marketing; Cody Matthews, Accounting

Iwate, Japan—Takeru Kamada, Spanish and Political Science

Jakarta, Indonesia—Willy Gunawan Rasilim, Accounting and Business Administration/Management and Finance

Johannesburg, South Africa—Stanley Byron Dickard, II, Sociology

Jonesboro, Ark.—Haley Maria Broadaway, Musical Theatre; Meagan Greer, Business Administration/Marketing

Keller, Texas—Felicia Aubry Arnold, Russian and Sociology; Kathryn Elizabeth Merrill, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Kentwood, La.—Rebekah O’Zell McMillan, History and Secondary Education

Lake Charles, La.—Jonathan David Malcolm, Mass Communications

Lake Havasu City, Ariz.—Jerrad Scott Nutt, Kinesiology/Fitness

Lakeland, Fla.—Emily Beth Dennis, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Little Rock, Ark.—Sarah Elizabeth Berry, Early Childhood Education; Robert Dale Greer, Accounting; Gregg Rowan Ledbetter, Business Administration/Management and Finance; Madison Andrew Mason, Business Administration/Marketing; Jesse Logan Parker, Kinesiology/Fitness; Michael Joshua Raine, Business Administration/Management and Marketing; Matthew Charles Rose, Accounting; Emma Smith, Mass Communications; Alan Benjamin Thomas, Music; Jessica H. Waddell, Early Childhood Education; Katelind N. Wingfield, Psychology

Longview, Texas—Patricia Erin Baker, Biology; Ashley O’Sullivan Huffstutler, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Sociology; Christen Deanne Smith, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Magnolia, Texas—Dustin Taylor McCulloch, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Mahomet, Ill.—Rachel Lyn Street, Musical Theatre

Manila, Ark.—Jennifer Rhea Duffel, Political Science and History

Mansfield, Texas—Kelley Lucinda Edwards, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Camille Elizabeth Jones, Spanish and Early Childhood Education; Clayton Andrew Mills, History; Brandon Alan Rossi, Accounting

Marksville, La.—Antonio O’Kereke Benjamin, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies/Fitness

Marshall, Texas—Austin James Hall, History

Marvell, Ark.—Daniel Ryne Dubach, Accounting and Business Administration/Management

Maumelle, Ark.—Bethany Ruth Elliff, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Anna Jean Kay, Psychology and Biology

McKinney, Texas—Jordan Daniel Burnett, Business Administration/Finance; Karlee Smith, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mesquite, Texas—Hannah Lindsey Clayton, Mass Communications and French; Emily Rae Jackson, English; Laura Grace Kirby, Speech Communication

Miami, Fla.—Ryan Andrew Armstrong, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries; Robert Andrew McKee, Sociology

Midlothian, Texas—Danielle Brittany Cody, Sociology and Spanish

Missouri City, Texas—Stephen Hazel Blacklock, Accounting

Montgomery, Ala.—Rachel Hope Swayne, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries, Christian Missions and Biblical Studies

Monticello, Ark.—Brittany Nicole Luper, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Biblical Studies; Catherine C. Newman, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Kaycee Jo Rabb, Psychology; Heidi Nicole Sanders, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Mountain Home, Ark.—Tara Davidson, Mass Communications; Lindsay Kaye Hollingsworth, Accounting

Nacogdoches, Texas—Matthew David Engelking, Business Administration/Finance

Nashville, Ark.—Holland Grace Powell, Mass Communications

New Boston, Texas—Berman Jeffrey Wade, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies

Newport, Ark.—Kendra K. Pruitt, Business Administration/Finance

Norman, Ark.—Umid Khasanov, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

North Little Rock, Ark.—Jonathan Daniel Collier, Musical Theatre; Lisa Marie Harper, Sociology

O’Fallon, Ill.—Allison Faye Francis, Spanish

Ola, Ark.—Kayla Renae Hulsey, Biology and Kinesiology/Fitness

Omaha, Ark.—Hannah Jane Holmes, English and History

Owasso, Okla.—Kelsey Anne-Marie Hack, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Piggott, Ark.—Elizabeth R. Baker, Studio Art

Plano, Texas—Bethany Lynne Briscoe, Graphic Design and Mass Communications; Jordan Meredith Gaines, Early Childhood Education; Jeffrey William Garner, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Corey Michael Hiscocks, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Joshua Clark Rovelli, English and Secondary Education

Raymore, Mo.—Jared Matthew Tohlen, Graphic Design

Richardson, Texas—Daniel L. Graham, Accounting and Business Administration/Management; Patrick Lemmond, Accounting

River Ridge, La.—Ian Charles Whitlow, English

Rockwall, Texas—Sarah Lelia Horton, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Biblical Studies and Sociology; Michael Austin Krikorian, Musical Theatre; Joshua David Lord, Biology

Roland, Ark.—Eric Steven Gravitt, Business Administration/Management and Finance; Calvin Reynolds, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Russellville, Ark.—Meredith Goodson Curtis, Early Childhood Education; Audrey Anna Harrell, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Ruston, La.—Samuel Adam Wheat, Mass Communications

Sao Paulo, Brazil—Luiz Gustavo Bispo dos Santos, History and Sociology

Salem, Ore.—Jennifer Beaver, Business Administration/Management

Saratoga, Ark.—Chase M. Dillard, Business Administration/Finance

Scurry, Texas—Stephanie Elaine Carrell, Accounting

Sharia, United Arab Emirates—David Andrew Armstrong, Kinesiology and Leisure Studies/Recreation

Sherman, Texas—Kelsey Nichol Howland, Russian and Music

Sherwood, Ark.—Hayley Nicole Nolan, Psychology and Spanish

Southlake, Texas—Katelyn Elizabeth Cash, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Speech Communication

Spring, Texas—John G. Hancock, III, Russian

St. Louis, Mo.—Lauren Kiley Burnett, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish

Stuttgart, Ark.—Elizabeth Jayne Barnett, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Gregory Lee Peterson, Accounting; Anna Amir Rawles, Russian and Political Science

Sugar Land, Texas—Jacob Paden Fontenot, Mass Communications

Sulphur Springs, Texas—Seth R. Northcutt, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Sunnyvale, Texas—Samantha Michelle Frank, Business Administration/Management

Suva, Fiji Islands—Adi Mere Tavu Fa, Business Administration/Finance

Tallahassee, Fla.—Jimmy Lewis Pinkney, III, Sociology

Texarkana, Texas—Rachel Elise Lindholm, Business Administration/Marketing; Madison Nicole Pierce, Christian Studies/Christian Theology; Greg Schwartz, Theatre Arts and Mass Communications

Texas City, Texas—Stefanie D. Fisher, Philosophy and Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

The Woodlands, Texas—Kyle Barnard, Kinesiology/Fitness; Melissa E. Richardson, Graphic Design and Mass Communications

Tokyo, Japan—Satoshi Goda, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Tunica, Miss.—Charles Hawthorne Cariker, Kinesiology/Fitness

Tyler, Texas—Casey R. Brown, Accounting; Summer R. Morris, Psychology and History

Uruguay, South America—Emily Julia Quick, Early Childhood Education

Vallejo, Calif.—Maybin Franklin Espy, Speech Communication

Van Buren, Ark.—William Bryant Renfro, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Vilonia, Ark.—Emily Anne Matthews, Art and Secondary Education; Eric Michael Varner, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Waxahachie, Texas—Misty Dawn Gouge, Biology

Welch, Okla.—Blake D. Wallace, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

West Plains, Mo.—Cameron Brooks Simpkins, Biology and Secondary Education

White Hall, Ark.—Amelia Lyda Buckmaster, English; Leonard W. Goodnight, History; Hayley Elizabeth Harper, Business Administration/Marketing; Jennifer Dawson Hill, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Biblical Studies; Joseph Norton Stout, Graphic Design and Mass Communications, Amy Lynn Wentz, Mass Communications

Whitesboro, N.Y.—Clayton Colby Chapuis, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Philosophy

Woodlawn, Ark.— Rebecca Virginia Stone, Mass Communications

The following students earned Bachelor of Science degrees:

Arkadelphia, Ark.—John Christopher Hardman, Physics; Barry Jones McCaskill, Physics

Ashdown, Ark.—Celeste Ann Bird, Ashdown, Dietetics and Nutrition

Benton, Ark.—Ben Farmer, Biology and Chemistry

Cabot, Ark.—Jason Wayne Hill, Biology and Chemistry

Camden, Ark.—Dustin M. Howard, Biology

Conway, Ark.—Brandon Matthew Pearson, Biology and Chemistry

Delight, Ark.—Victoria Ann Abigail Adams, Delight, Biology

Denton, Texas—Nancy Nicole Christner, Dietetics and Nutrition

Dexter, Mo.—Dax Hamilton Demaree, Biology and Chemistry

Fayetteville, Ark.—Andrew Aaron Baker, Biology

Fort Worth, Texas—Grant Turner, Computer Science

Fulton, Ark.—Amanda Boyce, Dietetics and Nutrition

Gillett, Ark.—V.O. Johnson, IV, Biology

Hot Springs, Ark.—John Clayton Ragland, Physics

Kennett, Mo.—Katie Ranay Potts, Dietetics and Nutrition

Little Rock, Ark.—Garland Montgomery Butram, Physics

Nacogdoches, Texas—Hannah Faith Howard, Dietetics and Nutrition

O’Fallon, Ill.—Allison Faye Francis, Dietetics and Nutrition

Russellville, Ark.—Lauren Elizabeth Nelson, Biology

Texarkana, Texas—John Allen Cockerell, Biology

Titusville, Fla.—Laura Elizabeth Goode, Dietetics and Nutrition

Thornton, Ark.—Daniel Bobby Cayce, Biology

Tulsa, Okla.—Jarod Karl Hershberger, Physics

Tyler, Texas—Mark Andrew Leonard, Biology

Vilonia, Ark.—Tyler Samuelson, Biology; Timothy Michael Sowder, Biology

Weatherford, Texas—Matthew Weldon Deel, Biology and Chemistry

Wills Point, Texas—Rachel Ann Hardin, Biology

The following students earned Bachelor of Music degrees:

Benton, Ark.—Landon Carl White, Church Music

Camden, Ark.—Tyler Scott Burleson, Church Music

Forney, Texas—Hannah Chapman, Performance/Vocal; Samantha Rhea Parrish, Musical Theatre

Knoxville, Ark.—Carrie Lynn Brown, Performance/Piano

Little Rock, Ark.—Christopher B. Straw, Musical Theatre

Waynesville, Mo.—Megan Elise Williams, Church Music

The following students earned Bachelor of Music Education degrees:

Chattanooga, Tenn.—Emily Kay Adams, Choral

Forney, Texas—Matthew Gudino, Instrumental

Little Rock, Ark.—Lauren Elisabeth Hill Calhoun, Choral

Marion, Ark.—Emily Joy Duncan, Instrumental

Worland, Wyo.—Rebecca Lynn Seago, Choral

By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications