Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University will hold its annual spring commencement exercises on Saturday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. on the front lawn of the university’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall. The ceremony will honor 296 graduates earning degrees including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees.

Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr., will preside over the annual commencement exercises. The ceremony will include an invocation by Senior Class President Jake Edwards, a business administration and finance major from North Little Rock, Ark.; scripture reading by Anthony Emerson, a Christian studies and Biblical studies major from Sugar Land, Texas; and remarks by President Horne.

James E. “Jim Ed” Crittenden will be recognized with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Crittenden, a 1950 Ouachita graduate, is retired as chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Tri-Con Inc., a petroleum distribution company. He and his wife, Joyce Noel Crittenden, also a Ouachita alum, were married for more than 60 years prior to her death in 2012.

Describing the Crittendens as “delightful, humble servant leaders who have loved Ouachita through the years,” Dr. Horne said they have established an endowed scholarship, made estate provisions and provided other gifts to Ouachita. He added that the couple has been “generous not only in giving, but generous in spirit.”

Dr. Lori Hensley, associate professor of biology and holder of the J.D. Patterson Chair of Biology, and Dr. Ray Granade, director of library services and professor of history, will serve as commencement marshals.

Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs, will introduce the graduates. Dr. Danny Hays, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies, will lead a responsive reading and Gene Whisenhunt, chairman of the Board of Trustees, will deliver the prayer of dedication.

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 will be posted on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast following the service. For more information about commencement, visit www.obu.edu/registrar/graduation-and-commencement.