Ouachita Stories

Thirty-nine Ouachita Baptist University students were recently selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

The students were chosen for Who’s Who by OBU’s faculty, staff and senior class based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.

The following Ouachita students will be included in Who’s Who:

Allie Baldwin, 21, is a dietetics major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, she has served as treasurer and president of Ouachita’s Dietetics Club, as a Freshman Family Group leader and as a member of Campus Ministries’ 2010 South Africa Mission Team and EEE Women’s Social Club. Baldwin has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Relay for Life, Spotlight on Arkadelphia and nutrition fairs at Ouachita, Scroll and Head Start. She has worked at Southern Bancorp and in Ouachita’s Health Services Office and completed summer research in dietetics. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Baldwin plans to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Caitlin Chapman, 21, is a Biblical studies major from Van Buren, Ark. A graduate of Van Buren High School, Chapman has worked in Ouachita’s School of Christian Studies, Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults and Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Big Brothers Big Sisters and has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List. Chapman enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family and plans to pursue a career in international missions or other ministry upon graduation from Ouachita in May.

Stephen Chapman, 21, is a Biblical studies major from Van Buren, Ark. A graduate of Van Buren High School, Chapman has been a member of Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club, Pruet Brotherhood and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. He has served on the Tiger Serve Day leadership team and as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters and has worked as youth minister at Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church and as a Ouachita resident assistant and apartment manager. Chapman has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. He enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and mountain biking as well as drawing and playing piano, and he plans to pursue a career in international missions or other ministry upon graduation from Ouachita in May.

Allison Cornell, 22, is a mass communications major from Allen, Texas. A graduate of Allen High School, she has served as a worship leader at Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia and as a staff writer for Ouachita’s student newspaper, The Signal. Cornell was named Ouachita’s 2010 Homecoming Queen and is involved in the ElderServe program. She enjoys songwriting, reading and writing, and upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Cornell plans to attend seminary and pursue a career as a worship leader.

Cortnie DeVore, 21, is a musical theatre major from Beebe, Ark. A graduate of Beebe High School, she has been a Tiger Tunes hostess and a member of the Miss OBU Court of Honor, Women’s Chorus and Theta Alpha Phi national honor fraternity for theatre arts. DeVore has participated in many OBU theatre productions, serving as director for the Theta Alpha Phi Children’s Theatre Workshop and student representative for the OBU theatre auditions. She has also provided the entertainment for the Ouachita Donor Appreciation Banquet and been a dancer in Ouachita’s annual Festival of Christmas. DeVore has been a semi-finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions and also earned vocal and academic scholarships. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and worked at White House Black Market. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career in vocal performance and “educate young musicians through vocal lessons.”

Emmanuel Engulu, 21, is a theology and Biblical studies major from Fort Worth, Texas. A graduate of Bethesda Christian School, Engulu has been named a Ouachita University Scholar and has been named to the Dean’s and President’s Lists. He is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a member of the men’s basketball team and the International Club and serves as a Noonday leader and a resident assistant. Engulu has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and plans to pursue a career in ministry, teaching or coaching upon graduation from Ouachita in May 2012.

Kristen Glover, 21, is a chemistry major from Stuttgart, Ark. A graduate of Stuttgart High School, she has served as Tiger Tunes director for Tri Chi Women’s Social Club and student recruitment co-chair of Ouachita Student Foundation and has also been involved in the American Chemical Society and intramural sports. A Ouachita Scholar, she has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s List and is a recipient of the Mondy-Provine Chemistry Scholarship. Glover is a member of First Baptist Church in Stuttgart and has volunteered with the Promise House, the Courage House and Big Brothers Big Sisters; she is also involved in K-Groups at Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church. She was third-runner up and preliminary talent winner in the 2010 Miss Arkansas Pageant. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy and a career in community pharmacy.

Meg Gosser, 22, is a mass communications and speech communication major from Coppell, Texas. A graduate of Coppell High School, she has served as vice president of Panhellenic Council, president of Ouachita’s chapter of International Association of Business Communicators, reporter for the Billy Elmore Show and co-host for the Ouachita show. She has been involved with EEE Women’s Social Club and intramural sports. Gosser has been a Homecoming Queen nominee, a recipient of the Tiger Network Leadership Award and was named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. She has worked in Ouachita’s video production department, the Ouachita News Bureau and the Ouachita Alumni Office and completed an internship with Fox Sports Southwest. Gosser attends Arkadelphia’s Second Baptist Church and participates in Crossroads Bible Study; she has volunteered with Relay for Life, Tiger Serve Day, Big Brother Big Sister and the Clark County Humane Society. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue career in broadcast journalism as an anchorperson.

Sarah Greeson, 21, is an English and Russian major from Hot Springs, Ark. A graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, she has served as secretary for Ouachita Student Foundation, as a Freshman Family Group leader and as a member of Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society, the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Ouachita Wind Ensemble and the OBU Marching Band. Greeson has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s Lists and earned the Outstanding Sophomore English Major Award. She has also had her creative writing published in Scope and Assayers at Ouachita. She has been involved in Community Groups at Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia and has served as a Disciple Now leader and TranServe volunteer. Greeson has worked as a tutor for America Reads. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career in Christian publishing.

Natalie Gregory, 21, is an early childhood education major from Jonesboro, Ark. A graduate of Jonesboro High School, she has served as vice president of EEE Women’s Social Club and has been a member of College Republicans, Student Senate, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and Alpha Chi national college honor society. Gregory has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tiger Serve Day, Relay for Life, United Way and Second Baptist Church Youth Group and is involved in Crossroads Bible Study. She has worked as a resident assistant, an America Reads tutor and a Camp War Eagle counselor. Gregory has been a recipient of Ouachita’s Alice Searcy Education Award. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary teacher.

Rachel Griffith, 22, is a software engineering major from Greenwood, Ark. A graduate of Greenwood High School, she has served as president, vice president and treasurer of EEE Women’s Social Club, completed Ouachita’s Student Leadership Conference and has been a member of College Republicans, Inter-Social Club Council and Student Organization and Social Club Council. Griffith has been the recipient of the Sidney Rowland Scholarship, Edna Linn Scholarship, Class of 1955 Scholarship and Ouachita’s Legacy Award. She has worked in Ouachita’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and has volunteered as a group leader with the Arkansas Women’s Foundation’s Girls of Promise, as a youth small group leader with Arkadelphia’s Second Baptist Church and as online design chair for Clark County Cancer Society Committee. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to work in central Arkansas.

Drew Harper, 21, is a biology major from Sherwood, Ark. A graduate of White Hall High School, Harper has served as president and vice president for Beta Beta Men’s Social Club and has been a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World steering committee, the Tiger Serve Day leadership team and the Homecoming steering committee. He has been named to the Dean’s List, has received the Tiger Network Leadership Award and has been recognized for the number of service hours he has completed in a semester. A member of Home Groups at Arkadelphia’s First Baptist Church, Harper has been involved in intramural sports, Campus Ministries and the Elrod Center, participating in mission trips to New Orleans and assisting with production of Refuge, Ouachita’s student-led worship service. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a medical degree and a career as a physician.

Keaton Harper, 21, is a church music major from Hope, Ark. A graduate of Hope High School, Harper has served as president and Tiger Tunes director for Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club and as a Student Senate representative. He has been a member of Ouachita Singers and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology and has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. He has worked as music minister at Walnut Road Baptist Church in Springhill, La., as press operator at Ouachita’s Print Shop and as a summer hand for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. Harper has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Ouachita’s Elrod Center and Arkadelphia’s Second Baptist Church. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a career in music and youth ministry.

Lori Hilburn, 21, is a mass communications and business administration/marketing and management major from Monticello, Ark. A graduate of Monticello High School, she has served as external vice president, junior class secretary and sophomore class representative in Student Senate as well as social chair and pledge mistress for Tri Chi Women’s Social Club. Hilburn has been a member of International Association of Business Communicators, Campus Activities Board, Ouachita Student Foundation, Women’s Chorus and Crossroads Bible Study. She has been a Disciple Now retreat leader, Wrestling Team Mat Maid, a Freshman Family Group leader, a writer for Ouachita’s News Bureau and a tutor for America Counts. Hilburn has been involved in Tiger Tunes and intramural sports and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the Elrod Center for Family and Community’s Thanksgiving Baskets program and Tri Chi’s Easter Baskets program for the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes. She has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and plans to pursue a master of business administration degree and a career in event planning upon graduation from Ouachita in May.

Elisabeth Hipp, 21, is a vocal performance major from Memphis, Tenn. A graduate of Memphis Home Education, she has been named a Friends of Fines Arts Scholar, a two-time first place winner in the Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers, a Trinity Presents Collegiate Competition finalist and a state and regional finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions. Hipp has performed with many of Ouachita’s musical and opera productions, as a part of Ouachita’s Scholars’ Day and in a Robert Edwin Masterclass. She has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s List and is a member of Ouachita Sounds, Concert Choir and the School of Fine Arts Student Advisory Board; she has also served as vice president of Ouachita Singers. Hipp attends Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church, where she participates in K-Groups. She has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, participated in a mission trip to China and served as section leader for the Association of Christian Schools International in Kandern, Germany. She has worked at International Opera Theatre in Citta della Pieve, Italy; Flowers and Gifts by Regis and Pine Cove Christian Camps. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Hipp plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance and perform opera nationally and internationally.

Hannah Hurn, 21, is a Spanish and secondary education major from Hensley, Ark. A home school graduate, Hurn has served as a Freshman Family Group leader and a resident assistant. She has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has been a member of Campus Activities Board. She has volunteered with Backyard Bible Clubs, Camp Wamp and Tiger Serve Day and is a member of K-Groups at Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church. Hurn has worked as a tutor for America Reads and a counselor for Pine Cove Christian Camps. She enjoys the arts, the outdoors and spending time with friends. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Hurn plans to teach middle school Spanish and pursue a degree in Biblical counseling to be a middle school counselor.

Wes Hymer, 22, is a business administration/marketing and management major from El Dorado, Ark. A graduate of El Dorado High School, he has served on the Welcome to Ouachita’s World steering committee, the worship team at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock and as director of the Tiger Tunes show for the Men of Fourth Floor. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, worked in Ouachita’s Campus Activities Office and competed in intramural sports. Hymer has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and plans to pursue a career in music upon graduation from Ouachita in December.

Leslyn Ichter, 23, is a choral music education major from Katy, Texas. A graduate of Conway High School in Ark., Ichter has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation, Campus Activities Board, Refuge Band, Ouachita Singers, Ouachita Sounds, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and School of Fine Arts Student-Faculty Council. She has been involved in Tiger Tunes as a hostess and as a member of Campus Ministries and has been the featured vocal soloist with the Ouachita Jazz Band. Ichter has served with Tiger Serve Day and as a leader for New Student Retreat and Welcome to Ouachita’s World and as a worship leader at New Life Church and Second Baptist Church. She has worked as a tutor in Ouachita’s Academic Enrichment Center, has been involved in Crossroads Bible Study and has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s Lists. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a doctorate in music and teach at the university level.

Greta James, 21, is a studio art major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and earned Best in Show two consecutive years in OBU’s annual juried art exhibit. James has been a K-Group member at Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church and has volunteered on the Tiger Serve Day leadership team for four years. She has also volunteered with Ouachita’s Elrod Center for Family and Community and its many programs, such as ElderServe. James swam on Ouachita’s swimming and diving team for two years and enjoys attending meets as well as musical and theatrical productions on campus. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career as a children’s book illustrator.

Ashley Knight, 22, is a psychology and biology major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, she has served as pledge mistress for Tri Chi Women’s Social Club, tutor with Ouachita’s Dixonville ministry and as a student leader Welcome to Ouachita’s World. Knight has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and is a recipient of its Zeitgeist Award for psychology. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, TranServe and Campus Ministries and is a member of Arkadelphia’s First Baptist Church. She has worked for Walgreens and Rockin’ C Ranch, and upon graduation from Ouachita, she plans to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing.

Beau Landers, 21, is a Biblical studies and speech communication major from Allen, Texas. A graduate of Allen High School, Landers has served as Student Senate internal vice president, sophomore class president, senior class president, Christian Focus Week coordinator, Camp Wamp director and Tri Chi Women’s Social Club beau as well as intramural director, chaplain and Tiger Tunes director for Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club. As a youth intern at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church (CCBC), Landers participated in mission trips to Ethiopia, Honduras, New York City, Peru and Arlington, Texas. He has also served as a maintenance worker at CCBC and as a youth intern at First Baptist Church in Benton, Ark. Landers has served as a children’s K-Group leader, a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School worker, small group leader, men’s retreat leader and Disciple Now leader, as well. A member of Ouachita’s Dean’s List, he has been a Refuge speaker and has volunteered with Backyard Bible Clubs, Little Rock Compassion Center, Arkadelphia Fellowship of Christian Athletes and disaster relief efforts in Clinton, Ark. Landers has also served as fisica director (P.E. instructor) at Atlantida Pacifico while he interned at Iglesia Biblica in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

Jordan Lentz, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Waterproof, La. A graduate of Tensas Academy, Lentz has served as chaplain and pledge class secretary of Tri Chi Women’s Social Club, secretary for Ouachita’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and leader for a Freshman Family Group. She has participated in Tiger Tunes, intramural sports, Tiger Traks, TranServe, Tiger Serve Day, Operation Christmas Child, Habitat for Humanity and Pruet School’s missions study trip to Chile. Lentz attends Park Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia and has served with the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board as a summer missionary for Nome Community Baptist Church in Nome, Alaska. She has worked in Ouachita’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s Lists. Upon graduation from from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in communication disorders to serve in the field of speech-language pathology.

John Jacob Lively, 20, is a biology major from Queen City, Texas. A graduate of Hooks High School, he has served as Student Senate president, secretary and freshman class president as well as founding member of Alpha Tau Honor Society and beau for Tri Chi Women’s Social Club. Lively has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s Lists and has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation, College Republicans, Tri Beta biological honor society, the Carl Goodson Honors Program and Ouachita’s Homecoming Steering Committee. He has been involved in Home Groups with Arkadelphia’s First Baptist Church and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May of 2012, he plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in the medical field.

Katie Luff, 21, is an early childhood education major from Colorado Springs, Colo. A graduate of Colorado Springs Christian School, she has served as social chair of Tri Chi Women’s Social Club, president of Panhellenic Council and little sis for Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club. Luff has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation and Campus Activity Board, has been involved in Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks and studied abroad in Costa Rica. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Operation Christmas Child and Camp Elim and has been a Disciple Now leader. A member of the Ouachita Dean’s and President’s Lists, Luff has worked as an America Reads tutor. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary teacher.

Kelly Magee, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Conway, Ark. A graduate of Conway High School, Magee has served as social chair of Tri Chi Women’s Social Club, senior class representative for Student Senate and president of Ouachita’s chapter of National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been a Freshman Family Group leader, a member of Ouachita Student Foundation and Wrestling Team Mat Maids and has been involved in Crossroads Bible Study and intramural sports, winning the flag football championship twice with Francie’s Faves. Magee has volunteered with TranServe and Tiger Serve Day and has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Keeson Martin, 22, is a business management and finance major from Plano, Texas. A graduate of Trinity Christian Academy, he has served as sophomore class vice president, junior class president and internal vice president of Student Senate. A member of Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club and a beau of Tri Chi Women’s Social Club, Martin attends Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. He has served as an English as a Second Language tutor at Gurdon Middle School and as an America Reads tutor and enjoys spending time outdoors. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a career in business. 

Casie Neal, 21, is an early childhood education major from Gilbert, Ariz. A home school graduate, she has served as a Freshman Family Group leader and as instructor for the OBU-HSU Swing Dance Club and with Backyard Bible Clubs and Tiger Serve Day. Neal has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, Tiger Tunes, intramural sports, the student-directed One Act Plays and K-Groups. A member of Alpha Chi national college honor society and Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program, Neal has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and has worked as a resident assistant and an America Counts math tutor. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a career in elementary education as a “singing, dancing, flower-growing, sunshine-spreading educational mentor.”

Chris Norcross, 21, is a business administration/finance and accounting major from Arlington, Texas. A home school graduate, he has served as a Campus Ministries Ministry Leader for Freshman Family Groups and as a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World steering committee, Campus Activities Board, Ouachita Student Foundation, Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board and Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for business. Norcross has volunteered with Backyard Bible Clubs, Tiger Serve Day and Camp Wamp. He is involved with Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia as a K-Group participant and as drummer with the worship band; he also plays with the Refuge band and has served as leader for Disciple Now retreats. Norcross was awarded second place in the OBU Business Plan Competition and has been named to the President’s List. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a career with a financial or CPA firm as well as international missions.

Alex Ray, 22, is a political science major from North Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Abundant Life School, he has served as Student Senate secretary, freshman class vice president and senior class representative as well as president of Ouachita Singers and teaching assistant for the OBU Experience class. Ray has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation, Tiger Network Leadership Award Selection Committee, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Tiger Blast, Students in Free Enterprise, College Republicans, Young Republicans and Arkansas Student Leadership Forum. He has participated in the International Public Debate Association’s intercollegiate debate with the OBU Debate Society and has been the recipient of the Maddox Endowed Scholarship and the Tiger Network Leadership Award and was named to the National Honor Roll. Ray has been a Tiger Tunes host and a Tiger Tunes club show director and has served as associate worship pastor for Arkadelphia’s Second Baptist Church and as a statewide supply worship pastor for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Hearts and Hooves equestrian therapeutic riding program for the disabled and has participated in mission trips to Ecuador with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Ray will work as a salesman for Johnson Controls, Inc., while pursuing a juris doctorate, a master in business administration and a PhD in economics from the University of Arkansas. He said he has plans “to become active in the Arkansas political community and serve my great state and her citizens through elected office.”

Jessica Schlieff, 21, is an English major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, she has been a member of Ouachita’s International Club and Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society and has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List. Schlieff has served as a Christian Focus Week ministry leader for Campus Ministries and as a resident assistant. She is a member of Park Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Schlieff plans to pursue a career “where they will pay me to read books and drink coffee” or in translation and/or teaching of Mandarin.

Mark Sumrall, 21, is a Biblical studies major from Tomball, Texas. A graduate of Tomball High School, he has served as historian, vice president and secretary for Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club, as a Refuge speaker and as a member of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology, Student Senate, Ouachita Student Foundation and Campus Activities Board. Sumrall has worked as a telecounselor for Ouachita’s Office of Admissions Counseling, a student grader for the Pruet School of Christian Studies and as a sales associate at Pacific Sunwear. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Kappa Chi service projects and is a member of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia. Sumrall has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a career teaching Christian studies as the university level and working in local churches as an interim pastor or in a team teaching setting.

Maggie Taylor, 21, is a choral music education major from Russellville, Ark. A graduate of Dover High School, she has served as vice president for Tri Chi Women’s Social Club and assistant conductor for Ouachita Singers. Taylor has been a member of Concert Choir, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Covenant and was a Tiger Tunes Hostess. She was a recipient of the Charles Wright Music Scholarship as well as additional vocal, band and academic scholarships. Taylor has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Tri Chi service projects. She works as a youth intern with Arkadelphia’s First Baptist Church and has been involved in activities such as their fall retreat, music ministry and trip to Mission Arlington. She also worked as a summer missionary at Barcelona Road Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, Ark. Upon graduation from Ouachita in December of 2011, Taylor plans to pursue graduate studies to teach choir at the secondary or collegiate level. She also plans to pursue international missions opportunities.

Julielle Vaught, 22, is a studio art major from Fayetteville, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, she has served as prayer ministry leader and special events leader for Ouachita’s Campus Ministries and is a sweetheart for Eta Alpha Omega Men’s Social Club. Vaught has been a member of Campus Activities Board and the worship leadership team at Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church. She has worked as a resident assistant, personal assistant, camp counselor and commissioned artist. She has also worked in Ouachita’s Campus Ministries office. Vaught has been a member of Ouachita’s Homecoming Court and has volunteered with Give a Kid a Chance. She enjoys art, music and ballet and plans to pursue a career as a studio artist upon graduation from Ouachita in December.

Jillian Vire, 22, is an early childhood education major from Burleson, Texas. A graduate of Burleson High School, Vire has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and was a Maude Wright and Alice Searcy Scholarship recipient and a Homecoming Court nominee. She is a member of EEE Women’s Social Club, Ouachita Student Foundation, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and Alpha Chi national college honor society and is a Kappa Chi Men’s Social Club little sis. Vire is involved in youth ministry at Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and has volunteered as a leader for Disciple Now retreats and Welcome to Ouachita’s World and with Tiger Serve Day and mission teams to South Africa and New Orleans. She has also worked as a tutor for America Reads. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Vire plans to pursue a career in early childhood education.

Jacob Watson, 22, is a musical theatre major from Wynne, Ark. A graduate of Wynne High School, he has performed multiple lead and supporting roles in more than 10 Ouachita theatre, music theatre and opera theatre productions from 2007-2011. Watson has also performed as a Tiger Tunes host and Refuge worship leader and in Ouachita’s annual Festival of Christmas. He has been a member of Ouachita Singers and Concert Choir and has served as a Welcome to Ouachita’s World leader; a New Student Retreat leader; a summer youth intern at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas; and as an equity performer at Tent Theatre of Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. He has also volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Watson is an 11-time finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and state auditions, earning first place honors seven times. He is a two-time finalist in the Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers and earned honorable mention in the Trinity Presents Collegiate Showcase; he has also been a Tiger Network Leadership Award recipient. Upon graduation from Ouachita in December of 2011, Watson plans to continue performing and pursue a master of fine arts degree in acting.

Grace Whitaker, 22, is a biology major from Victoria, Texas. A graduate of Victoria Memorial High School, she has been the recipient of a J.D. Patterson Summer Research Grant, the Richard Brown Scholarship and the Harvey Jones Outstanding Research Student Award. She also was awarded second place in the chemistry and biochemistry poster division at the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence conference and presented cancer research across the country from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. Whitaker has served as choreographer for Ouachita’s Tiger Tunes hosts and hostesses, Festival of Christmas, Ouachita Sounds, Miss OBU Pageant’s Court of Honor, Seussical the Musical and Bye Bye Birdie. A member of Ouachita Student Foundation, Tri Beta biological honor society and American Chemical Society, she has worked as a staff member with ShowTime International. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a PhD in cell biology, complete additional biomedical research and teach at the university level.

Bethany Whitfield, 22, is a history major from Bryant, Ark. A graduate of Bryant High School, she has served as president and Tiger Tunes director of EEE women’s social club; freshman class treasurer, sophomore class treasurer and junior class vice president in Student Senate; and member of College Republicans, Ouachita’s Student Life Committee, Ouachita Sounds, Ouachita Homecoming Steering Committee, Alpha Chi national college honor society, Southern Bancorp Student Advisory Board and Phi Alpha Theta history honor society (PAT). She has also presented at the Arkansas PAT Conference. Whitfield has been a Tiger Tunes hostess, Miss Ouachita Baptist University, Miss Spirit of Arkansas and Miss Metro and has been on the Ouachita Homecoming Court. An AP Scholar, she has been the recipient of the Executive Women’s international Society Scholarship, the Mrs. J.R. Grant Scholarship and the Ouachita Scholars Scholarship and has been named to the Ouachita President’s List. Whitfield has volunteered with Clark County Relay for Life, Miss Arkansas Organization, ElderServe and Children’s Miracle Network and has worked for Baker’s Fine Jewelry, Ashley Furniture Homestore, the John L. McClellan Collection and Ouachita’s Office of Admissions Counseling. A member of First Southern Baptist Church, Whitfield has been involved in Crossroads Bible Study and Breakaway College Ministry. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue a juris doctorate and work for a non-profit organization.

Katie Willhite, 21, is a Biblical studies and theatre arts major from Rowlett, Texas. A graduate of Sachse High School, she has served as a member of Ouachita Student Judicial Council, Rough Draft student ministry leader, chaplain and treasurer of Ouachita’s chapter of Theta Alpha Phi national honor fraternity for theatre arts, little sis of Chi Iota Sigma Men’s Social Club, mentor for the Pruet Sisterhood and theatre representative for the School of Fine Arts Student/Faculty Council. She has been involved in Ouachita’s motion picture production classes and has worked in the Jones Performing Arts Center box office and the Pruet School of Christian Studies. Willhite has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the Courage House and Theta Alpha Phi’s Children’s Theatre Workshop and is involved in Arkadelphia’s Fellowship Church as a K-Group member and a children’s care volunteer. She has been the recipient of the Outstanding Freshman Theatre Award, the Friends of Fine Arts Award for Theatre Arts and was nominated for the Excellence in Acting Award at the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Regional Auditions. Willhite also received the Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Assistant Stage Manager awards from Ouachita’s Theta Alpha Phi chapter. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she said she plans “to use the gifts God has given me to share Christ’s love in the theatre and film industry while pursuing social justice in the world.”

Rachel Willhoite, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Reelsville, Ind. A graduate of Carmel High School, she has served as president of Campus Activities Board and a leader for Disciple Now retreats. Willhoite has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation and has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. She has worked as a resident assistant and as an America Reads tutor and has volunteered with Camp Wamp, the Courage House, Tiger Serve Day and Backyard Bible Clubs. Willhoite enjoys spending time in the great outdoor as well as reading and journaling. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to work with children and adults in the field of speech pathology, either within the U.S. or internationally.

By Brooke Zimny