Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Carl Goodson Honors Program recently held its Black and White Reception, celebrating the achievements of the members and the club. At this second annual reception for the program, travel grants were awarded to several members. These grants provide the scholars with funds to cover the costs associated with their individual research.

“It is the chance at the beginning of the new year to induct the new members of the program, announce the new officers and to award the recipients of the scholarships,” said Mary Smethers, a senior Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Hot Springs, Ark.

“The grant winners will be traveling all over the world, advancing their independent research,” said Abby Dekle, a senior biology and chemistry major from Sachse, Texas, and chair of the program.

The recipients selected for the travel grants include Jason Curlin, a junior Russian and English major from Arkadelphia, Ark. Curlin received the Carl Goodson Scholarship to study Russian abroad. He will travel to Russia to immerse himself in the culture and language.

Another student chosen was Rachel Harris, a senior musical theatre and vocal performance major from Springdale, Ark. Harris was awarded the Ben Elrod Scholarship and will travel to Urbania, Italy, to study music — both operatic and art song literature — in the Musica Nelle Marche Program.

Anthony Emerson, a junior Christian studies/Biblical studies and history major from Fresno, Texas, received the Garrett Hamm Scholarship to attend Biblical studies conferences.

“I’m studying the people of God this semester in my directed study with Dr. Dodson — who they are, what the implications of being a part of God’s people are, what their responsibilities are to each other and to the rest of the world,” Emerson said. “Hopefully this will help prepare me as I look to go into Biblical studies or ministry as a profession.”

The Honors Council Scholarship was awarded to Stacy Beck, a junior political science, history and French major from Sheridan, Ark. With the scholarship, she will seek a political internship.

Valerie Nickel, a junior chemistry and biology major from Richardson, Texas, received funds to travel for biology research this summer.

The Honors Program has aided many scholars’ undertakings. They also have rewarded students for their diligence in studies and hard work inside and outside the classroom.

Officers for the 2012-2013 school year were also announced at the reception. Dani Moses, a sophomore history major from Texarkana, Ark., and Alex Nelson, a sophomore business administration and marketing major from Frisco, Texas, will serve as co-chairs. Ally Lemos, a sophomore early childhood education major from Hanford, Calif., will serve as secretary. The treasurer position will be filled by John Butler, a sophomore biology major from Texarkana, Texas. Hunter Wolf, a sophomore business administration/management, finance and marketing major from Waco, Texas, will serve as chaplain.

“It is such a joy working with the honors students,” said Dr. Barbara Pemberton, associate professor of Christian missions and director of the Honors Program. “They are bright, creative and incredibly hard-working.”

“It was a real pleasure getting to spend time honoring the seniors who have been working so hard to complete their research and theses,” said newly elected co-chair Alex Nelson. “It was also a great picture of the academic atmosphere here at Ouachita and to see growth in the program and a remarkable class graduating.”

For more information, visit www.obu.edu/honors or contact Dr. Barbara Pemberton at [email protected] or (870) 245-5541.

By Chelsea Byers and Nicci Fillinger