Ouachita Stories

Quoting founding President John W. Conger’s words, President Rex M. Horne, Jr., told Ouachita Baptist University’s 2012 graduating class that “knowledge is no blessing unless it is used well and wisely.”

Marking Ouachita’s 125^th annual spring commencement, a copy of President Conger’s inaugural commencement address from 1888 was carried in the academic processional along with the university mace.

“We’re in a world that has great challenge and great opportunity, and we believe that the hope for change rests in you,” Dr. Horne told the graduates. “All of us are most impressed with you and your generation and the commitment that you have.”

University officials conferred a total of 325 degrees on 318 graduates, including 259 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 46 Bachelor of Science degrees, 13 Bachelor of Music Education degrees and seven Bachelor of Music degrees. The Saturday morning service was held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall. Constructed in 1923, Cone-Bottoms is the oldest current facility on the university campus.

Ouachita’s 2012 graduating class featured 120 honor graduates, including 24 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 37 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 59 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 17 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 18 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society.

Three ROTC graduates commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army also were recognized: Jedidiah Allen of Mineola, Texas; Clinton DeWitt of Arkadelphia, Ark.; and David Nixon of Celeste, Texas.

Dr. Deborah Root, professor and chair of the Rogers Department of Communications, served as the commencement marshal. Several retiring faculty members served as honorary marshals: Nona Anderson, professor emerita of modern languages; Shirley Dumais, assistant professor emerita and circulation/reference librarian; Rosemary Flora, lecturer in English; Dr. Sim Flora, professor emeritus of music; Dr. Stephen Garner, assistant professor emeritus of music; Glenn Good, professor emeritus of physics; Dr. Richard Mills, professor emeritus of sociology; Lindsay Van Sicklen, assistant professor and periodicals librarian; and Tona Wright, professor emerita of kinesiology and leisure studies.

“Friends, thank you for your service. You have made us a better university,” President Horne told the retiring faculty members. “We will not forget your sacrifice and toil at Ouachita across the years. You have done well.”

During the ceremony, Senior Class President Nolan West, a biology major from Bolivar, Mo., led the invocation and Jesse Pruett, a Christian studies and Biblical languages major from Harrison, Ark., read Scripture. Gene Whisenhunt, chair of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, led the closing prayer of dedication.

Dr. Horne presented a special Purple & Gold Heart Award to Faye Connell, whose grandson, T.J. Connell, received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Biblical studies and Christian ministries. As Mrs. Connell pushed her grandson’s wheelchair across the stage to receive his degree, Dr. Horne noted that she had assisted T.J. throughout his studies at Ouachita, driving him to campus each day from Hope, sitting with him in class and helping him with his notes and studies.

“The military has what’s called a Purple Heart that’s such an inspirational recognition and medal,” Dr. Horne said. “Ouachita has what’s called the Purple and Gold Heart Award that’s given occasionally for certain meritorious service and sacrifice.” The commencement crowd responded with a standing ovation as he concluded, “Certainly there’s no more fitting recipient today than Faye Connell.”

In his commencement address, President Horne noted that Dr. Conger emphasized that “character begets character” and that “our life should confirm the belief of our hearts.”

“We pray that just as God blessed President Conger and those who shared the vision of Ouachita College … that God would bless the faculty, the staff, the administration and particularly the students of Ouachita with the same kind of zeal and passion as we now are well into the 21^st century,” Dr. Horne added.

He suggested that when the 2012 graduating class gathers for its 50^th anniversary Gold Tiger reunion in 2062, service will be a hallmark of their lives. “There is no word that would better serve this Alma Mater nor is there a word that would please more our Savior than the word service,” he said. “In service, it’s always about people,” both at home and around the world.

Ouachita Baptist University, a leading liberal arts university, is ranked nationally among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Founded in Arkadelphia in 1886, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a 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 participated in commencement and are listed in order of hometown:

Altheimer, Ark.—Paschall Leus, Bachelor of Arts, computer science

Anaheim, Calif.—Rachel Dunnahoe, Bachelor of Arts, English

Arkadelphia, Ark.—Whitley Berry, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Aaren Crews, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education; Clinton DeWitt, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management; Lauren DeWitt, Bachelor of Arts, biology; Max Ford, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology and chemistry; Andrés Hernandez-Jacinto, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology and leisure studies/recreation; Lydia Horton, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and French; Austin King, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Ashley Knight, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, biology; Zachary Nottingham, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications; Ruth Rosas, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and marketing; Ashlee Sharp, Bachelor of Arts, speech communication; Mallory Turner, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders

Ashdown, Ark.—Elizabeth Davis, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Aubrey, Texas—Brent Harris, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies

Azle, Texas—Joseph Watson, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Baytown, Texas—Hanna Rose, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and Spanish

Beaverton, Ore.—Josh Pounders, Bachelor of Music Education, choral

Bedford, Texas—Nathan Peace, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical languages and Christian studies/Biblical studies and philosophy and mass communications

Bella Vista, Ark.—Alissa Hill, Bachelor of Music Education, instrumental

Belleville, Ill.—Vinh Nguyen, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian ministries

Benton, Ark.—Cara Deetz, Bachelor of Arts, art and secondary education; Tyler Hawkins, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history and political science; Michael Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and computer science; Chelsy Lewis, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Bryce Nalley, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries and Christian missions; Alyson Walker, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian missions and psychology

Bentonville, Ark.—Aubrey Elliott, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, instrumental

Bismarck, Ark.—Morgan, Thornton, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Bolivar, Mo.—Leigha Hill, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Tyler Kemp, cum laude, Bachelor of Music, theory/composition; Nolan West, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Booneville, Ark.—Jessie Sanders, Bachelor of Music Education, choral

Bossier City, La.—Matt Sawyer, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Boulder, Colo.—Taylor Henry, Bachelor of Arts, history

Bourbon, Ind.—Chelsie Kauffman, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, biology

Bowling Green, Ky.—Kate Strom, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology and secondary education

Bryan, Texas—Megan Young, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Bryant, Ark.—Dexter Barksdale, Bachelor of Science, biology; Philip Reeves, Bachelor of Arts, history

Buckner, Ark.—Cory Godbolt, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Cabot, Ark.—Rachel Glover, Bachelor of Arts, accounting; Mason Hayes, Bachelor of Arts, accounting; Andrew Shotts, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; Allison Sweatman, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Carbondale, Ill.—Caitlin Boren, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Carlyle, Ill.—Kurt Peppenhorst, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Carrollton, Texas—Brooke Basinger, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education; Alex Rijken, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Austin Teague, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance; Harrison Tomlinson, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management

Celeste, Texas—David Nixon, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/marketing

Celina, Texas—Townsend Keller, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Cherokee Village, Ark.—David Street, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Clinton, Miss.—Charissa Fortenberry, Bachelor of Arts, speech communication

Clyde, Texas—Blake Watts, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

Collins, Ark.—Dustyn Barnette, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Colonia, Uruguay—Elizabeth Quick, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and sociology

Colorado Springs, Colo.—Leah Garavelli, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Conroe, Texas—Kyle Bartlett, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition

Conway, Ark.—Jennifer Callaway, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Conway, Ark.—John Gomez, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, English; Libby Harrington, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Madison Lewis, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Corey Morrow, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management and marketing; Laura Sikes, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Wendy Vick, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Coppell, Texas—Nick Bass, Bachelor of Arts, history and political science

Cordova, Tenn.—Rebecca Wright, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, mathematics and secondary education

Corning, Ark.—Emily Vinson, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management

Crenshaw, Miss.—Nicholas Bobo, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Crossett, Ark.—David White, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Dallas, Texas—Sarah Anderson, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, sociology; Sarah Wood, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, theory/composition

Denison, Texas—Melissa Butters, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Denton, Texas—Tanner Simon, Bachelor of Science, chemistry; Tyler Simon, Bachelor of Science, chemistry

DeWitt, Ark.—Jeremy Prine, Bachelor of Music, church music/vocal

Dumfries, Va.—Robert Steed, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

Edmond, Okla.—Nathan Bercaw, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/marketing

Edna, Texas—Kelli Wilson, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English and history

El Dorado, Ark.—Heather Ederington, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Adam Fitzgerald, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, social studies and secondary education

Enid, Okla.—Ruth Megli, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Fayette, Ala.—Jonathan Stockman, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and English

Floresville, Texas—Josh Stewart, Bachelor of Science, computer science

Forrest City, Ark.—Hillary Hill, Bachelor of Arts, sociology

Fort Smith, Ark.—Landon Riley, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries; Britta Stamps, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, political science and business administration/management and marketing; Brandon Stokes, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; Andrew Sweatman, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English

Fort Worth, Texas—Sarah Baker, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management and marketing; Emmanuel Engulu, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblicals and Christian theology; Lexie Hegi, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Andrew Myer, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management

Fredericksburg, Va.—Kyle Smith, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

Frisco, Texas—Denszell Brown, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management; Brittany Green, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and Spanish

Fruita, Colo.—Cass Via, Jr., cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Garland, Texas—Megan Beal, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and sociology; Lauren Casteel, Bachelor of Arts, musical theatre; Angela Davidson, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and sociology; Amanda Seeley, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; Lindi VanSlyke, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Germantown, Tenn.—Gerald Martin, IV, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history and political science

Gilmer, Texas—Nathan Wade, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Glenwood, Ark.—Adam Hansen, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical languages and Christian studies/Biblical studies

Gosnell, Ark.—Tyler George, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Grand Prairie, Texas—Alexis Johns, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Grapevine, Texas—Dayton Lavender, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, middle school education; Amy Vaughan, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions

Greenbrier, Ark.—Jordan Henry, Bachelor of Music Education, instrumental

Greenville, Texas—Jed Allen, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Harare, Zimbabwe—Natalie Carroll, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, choral; Theo Hone; cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, biology; Jason Kirk, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, Christian studies/Biblical studies

Harrisburg, Mo.—Bethany Kohl, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English

Harrison, Ark.—Kelly Boggus, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions; Angela Colliver, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Hannah Hilburn, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions and Spanish; Jesse Pruett, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical languages and Christian studies/Biblical studies

Heber Springs, Ark.—Bradley Stark, Bachelor of Arts, psychology

Heflin, La.—Adam Cooper, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions

Henderson, Texas—Paul Nichols, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian missions; Alyssa Wylie, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders

Hensley, Ark.—Kristen Bowman, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Highland, Ark.—Natasha May, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions; Wesley May, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies

Highlands Ranch, Colo.—Scott Day, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

Hooks, Texas—Jacob Lively, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Hope, Ark.—Meredith Butler, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; T.J. Connell, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian ministries; Andrea Fuentez, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education; Mikki Gaines, Bachelor of Science, biology

Hot Springs, Ark.—Joseph Anderson, Bachelor of Arts, music; Elizabeth Burke, Bachelor of Arts, biology; Lydia Fincher, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/teaching and secondary education; Cole Fisher, II, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance; Brock Green, Bachelor of Arts, accounting; Leah Harrington, Bachelor of Arts, biology; Brittany Hughes-Rynders, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Danny Jackson, Bachelor of Arts, accounting; Kathryn Kelly, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications and speech communication; Josh Lee, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and marketing; J.K.Slyby, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, computer science and software engineering; Mary Smethers cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; Michael Sutton, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history; Zac Treece, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology and leisure studies/recreation; Jeffery Wacaster, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

Houston, Texas—Jordan Campbell, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications; Devon Melear, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies

Hughes Springs, Texas—Cara McKinney, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Irving, Texas—Chris Gilliland, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/leisure studies

Italy, Texas—Samantha Spradling, Bachelor of Arts, theatre arts

Jacksonville, Ark.—Josiah Wheeler, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, choral

Jakarta, Indonesia—Elyse Knobloch, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration/finance; Kezia Nanda, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and speech communication

Johannesburg, South Africa—Kimberly Carlton, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, psychology

Jones, Okla.—Sarah Barteaux, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history

Jonesboro, Ark.—Vikki Bennett, Bachelor of Arts, biology; Ben Harrington, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Kansas City, Mo.—Nick Holtgrieve, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Katy, Texas—Cyrus Morris, Bachelor of Arts, music

Kaufman, Texas—Sarah Pugh, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Keller, Texas—Lauren Bacon, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Kigali, Rwanda—Elisée Habimana, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, computer science and software engineering

Landstuhl, Germany—Steven Harvell, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian missions

Lewisville, Texas—Katelyn Mustain, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition

Lithia, Fla.—Waylon Slabach, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Little Rock, Ark.—Brooke Ault, Bachelor of Arts, musical theatre; Chris Chandler, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology; EmilyDavis, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English; Melissa Elliott, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Taylor Geurin, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries and Greek; Brittney Kiefer, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance; Joseph Levy, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology and chemistry; Jacob Raine, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management and marketing; Kristen Vaughan, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian missions and Spanish; Tyler Weddle, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Haley Whisenhunt, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders

Longview, Texas—Shannon Hunt, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, choral; Katelyn Smith, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Christina Wood, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, performance/piano and theory/composition

Louisville, Ky.—Kelsi Ferguson, Bachelor of Arts, psychology

Lucas, Texas—Taylor Bartel, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, biology and psychology

Mabelvale, Ark.—Tamara Robinson, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/marketing

Magnet Cove, Ark.—Jason Rynders, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Magnolia, Ark.—Will Wood, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Manila, Ark.—Jessica Barksdale, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology; Kendra Lesley, Bachelor of Science, biology

Mansfield, Texas—Kendall Calvert, Bachelor of Arts, church media/production arts; Xavier Lagunas, Bachelor of Music, musical theatre

Marshall, Texas—Erin Woodfin, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions

McKinney, Texas—Jenelle Kaske, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management, Miranda Lytle, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Katie Steele, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications and speech communication

Memphis, Tenn.—Lauren Carr, Bachelor of Science, biology and professional chemistry

Mesquite, Texas—Grady Howell, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions and Christian theology; Russell Shaw, Bachelor of Music, church music/instrumental; Taylor Tarlton, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, physics; Katy Thompson, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions and Christian ministries

Mineola, Texas—Whitney Hays, Bachelor of Arts, English

Missouri City, Texas—Cassandra McKinley, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies

Monroe, La.—John Ashburn, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, instrumental; Quint Ashburn, V, Bachelor of Arts, history and secondary education

Montgomery Village, Md.—Brian Keen, Bachelor of Arts, history

Montgomery, Texas—Whitley Hoppe, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Monticello, Ark.—Cheyenne Flemister, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration/finance; K.C. Knobloch, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration/finance

Morrilton, Ark.—Nicole Fillinger, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and mass communications; Chelsea Holsted, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Morristown, Tenn.—Anthony Ridgway, Bachelor of Arts, graphic design

Mountain Home, Ark.—Dominque Miller, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training; Emily Morgan, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration/finance

Nashville, Ark.—Hope Freel, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Evan Hall, Bachelor of Arts, accounting

Natchez, Miss.—Desmond Smoot, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

New Boston, Texas—Tanner Treadway, Bachelor of Arts, history

North Little Rock, Ark.—Gabby Coleman, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Hoyt Denton, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions; Stefani Perry, Bachelor of Science, chemistry; Alex Ray, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Sarah Waymire, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, art and secondary education

Ozark, Ark.—Jessica Hardy, Bachelor of Music, education, choral

Paragould, Ark.—Casa Cooper, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology and professional chemistry; Abby Williams, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian missions

Parker, Colo.—Kelly Johnson, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Parker, Texas—William Caudle, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian theology

Pasadena, Texas—Jessica Bowling, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications and studio art

Pine Bluff, Ark.—Kelsey Kearney, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications; Emily Peek, Bachelor of Music Education, choral; Caitlyn Wamble, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions

Plano, Texas—Trevor Huxham, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history and Spanish; Beth Wendl, Bachelor of Arts, biology and secondary education

Ponder, Texas—Jessica Hill, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and sociology

Prattsville, Ark.—Shannon Bennings, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Amy Harrington, Bachelor of Arts, English

Redwater, Texas—Katelyn Nixon, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Richardson, Texas—Natalie Holmes, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education

Richmond, Texas—Tucker Gilbert, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management and marketing

Rockwall, Texas—Audrey Craven, Bachelor of Arts, mathematics and secondary education; Emily Easton, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders; Katy Krikorian, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management; Rachel Spencer, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian missions and speech communication; Hannah West, Bachelor of Arts, French

Rogers, Ark.—Haley Prowell, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management; James Simpson, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Rowlett, Texas—Kristyn Howk, Bachelor of Arts, chemistry; Holly Williams, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, psychology and Spanish

Royal, Ark.—Kayla Kagel, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies; Kyle Smith, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management and marketing

Russellville, Ark.—Maggie Taylor, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, choral

Sachse, Texas—Abigail Dekle, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology; Amanda Like, Bachelor of Arts, English and mass communications

Saginaw, Texas—Steven Lawrence, Bachelor of Arts, history and political science

San Antonio, Texas—Dielle Short, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English

Scurry, Texas—Stoney Patton, Bachelor of Arts, history

Searcy, Ark.—Natalie Polston, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and psychology

Sheridan, Ark.—Alice Wheetley, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English; Jessica Winston, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Sherwood, Ark.—Joanna Persson, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English; T.C. Squires, Bachelor of Arts, mathematics and secondary education and Spanish

Shreveport, La.—Matthew Pope, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, biology

Sibiu, Romania—Razvan Goga, Bachelor of Arts, history and psychology

South Korea—David Jeon, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies and Christian ministries

Sparkman, Ark.—Tyler Posey, Bachelor of Arts, mathematics and secondary education

Spring, Texas—Stephanie Warren, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries and Christian missions

Springfield, Tenn.—Reuben Cash, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, accounting and business administration/finance and management

St. George, Barbados—James Ingrahm, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management

St. Louis, Mo.—Sarah Fox, Bachelor of Arts, biology

Stamps, Ark.—Clay Fitzhugh, Bachelor of Science, biology; Roy Richard, Jr., Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management and marketing

Stuttgart, Ark.—Nico Hobbs, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Charlene Leus, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/finance and management

Sugar Land, Texas—Beulah Osueke, Bachelor of Arts, psychology

Termez, Uzbekistan—Humoyiddin Ravshanov, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history and political science

Texarkana, Ark.—Addison McCarver, Bachelor of Science, biology; Andrew Simmons, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries

Texarkana, Texas—Nikki Bain, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, early childhood education; Patrick Dukes, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Lindsey Hackett, Bachelor of Science, biology; Marshall Pope, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, graphic design

The Colony, Texas—Tiffani Hall, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, history

Tomball, Texas—Tony Malfer, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness

Trnava, Slovakia—Kristian Krc, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, physics

Troy, Ill.—Ashlee DeVore, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Russian

Tulsa, Okla.—Grace Janzen, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, graphic design and history

Turrell, Ark.—Taurus Williams, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Tyler, Texas—Chad Emmons, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness; Grace Johnson, cum laude, Bachelor of Music, vocal performance; Megan Rishel, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition; Lauren Whaley, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, Spanish

Tyronza, Ark.—Megan Coffman, Bachelor of Science, biology

Universal City, Texas—Kimberly Matthews, Bachelor of Arts. sociology

Van Alstyne, Texas—Dustin O'Brien, Bachelor of Arts. kinesiology/fitness

Van Buren, Ark.—Jennifer Carney, Bachelor of Music Education, choral; Jenna Nissen, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/teaching and secondary education

Virginia Beach, Va.—Elizabeth Crecink, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Christian ministries and Christian missions

Wake Village, Texas—Rod Arnold, Bachelor of Arts, history

Warren, Ark.—Bryan Church, Bachelor of Science, dietetics and nutrition

Warren, Ark.—Zach Killian, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications

Waxahachie, Texas—Joy Kelly, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, communication sciences and disorders

West Monroe, La.—Kyle Sullivan, Bachelor of Arts, Christian studies/Biblical studies

White Hall, Ark.—Becky Casey, Bachelor of Science, chemistry; Kyle Garner, Bachelor of Arts, business administration/management; Ashley Turner, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, art and secondary education

Whitewright, Texas—Cassie Wheeler, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, athletic training

Wills Point, Texas—Justin Hall, Bachelor of Arts, kinesiology/fitness 

Wynne, Ark.—Terrence Garrett, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications; Tanner Huffman, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, mass communications and graphic design; Jacob Watson, Bachelor of Arts, musical theatre

By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications