Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University President Rex M. Horne, Jr. challenged OBU’s 2013 graduating class to “fulfill your promise as difference makers in the lives of those you touch in your life, but also that will carry forward into eternity” at the university’s May 11 commencement ceremony.

“I want to suggest to you graduates today that Ouachita – and her faculty – has largely met her responsibilities, and now it’s your turn,” Dr. Horne told the graduates. “Use what you have learned and what you have experienced here at Ouachita to truly make a difference.”

University officials recognized a total of 296 graduates, including 240 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 39 Bachelor of Science degrees, 10 Bachelor of Music degrees and seven Bachelor of Music Education degrees. The Saturday morning service was held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall.

“As you look around us, you see the academic buildings and you notice right beside us Berry Chapel that reminds us of two truths,” Dr. Horne noted. “That is that this is a wonderful university, a great place for academic pursuit and learning, and it is also unapologetically Christian. We are proud of Ouachita Baptist University.”

Ouachita’s 2013 graduating class featured 122 honor graduates, including 23 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 49 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 50 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized eight graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 31 members of Alpha Chi national honor society.

ROTC graduate Gabriel D. Musser, stationed in Fort Benning, Ga., was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

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, served as commencement marshals.

During the ceremony, Senior Class President Jake Edwards, a business administration and finance major from North Little Rock, Ark., led the invocation and Anthony Emerson, a Christian studies and Biblical studies major from Sugar Land, Texas, read Scripture. Gene Whisenhunt, chair of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, led the closing prayer of dedication.

Dr. Horne presented James E. “Jim Ed” Crittenden, a 1950 Ouachita graduate, with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Crittenden 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.

“They strive to make a difference today in the lives of our students who are here by the gifts, by the example, by the philanthropy toward their alma mater,” Dr. Horne said of the Crittendens. “One of the things I always think about Jim Crittenden is though he’s been generous with us in material blessings, he’s also a man who is generous in spirit; a humble man; a good man. A man who’s thankful for life, for the small blessings and pleasures of life, has never forgotten that he has been blessed, and as a result has never failed to be a blessing.”

“I never imagined that God would be so good to me or that I would be standing here before you,” Crittenden responded. “I know the university will continue to be a place that offers every student an opportunity to learn and a chance to become a part of something greater than any one of us. I will always think of my years at Ouachita as among the best years of my life.”

Dr. Horne also acknowledged the loss of L.J. Brooks, a member of Ouachita’s class of 2013 who passed away in December; the graduating class wore gold ribbons in honor of their classmate.

“He was a campus leader, a gifted preacher, a faithful witness for Christ,” Horne said. “Across the storied history of Ouachita, few young adults have had such an impact upon this campus and upon the student body as L.J. Brooks.”

Closing the ceremony, President Horne addressed both the graduates and those in attendance, saying, “Graduates, this is your time. Friends, this is still our time. So, let’s seize it, and let’s use it, and let’s make a difference in this 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 at www.obu.edu/broadcast.

 

Graduates who were recognized at the May 11 ceremony include the following, in order of hometown:

Aledo, Texas—Austin Lindsey, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History and Biology

Alexandria, La.—Logan Distefano, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Allen, Texas—Michelle Lanza, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Amarillo, Texas—Bubby Harrell, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Andalusia, Ala.—Gillis Jones, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Athletic Training and Biology

Arkadelphia, Ark.—Rebecca Atkinson, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Rennetta Carter, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication; Adam Curlin, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Jason Curlin, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English and Russian; Brittney Dickerson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History; Reece Franklin, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Philosophy and Church Media/Production Arts; Rebecca Houlihan, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design; Lauren Jackson, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Casey Knight, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Caleb Knight, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Theology; Lida Lee, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History and Russian; John Teed, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Earl Waddell, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Arlington, Texas—Rebecca Cochrum, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, English

Atlanta, Ga.—Matt Cummings, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History

Aubrey, Texas—Rebekah Poynor, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Azle, Texas—Erica Porter, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Batesville, Ark.—Mary Castleman, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Media/Communications and Mass Communications; Amberly Green, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics and Nutrition; Whitley Martin, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Audrey Melson, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Athletic Training; Kelsie Wilson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Bearden, Ark.—David Pennington, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Bedford, Texas—Jessica Lamb, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English

Benton, Ark.—Lacey Brooks, Dec. 2012, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Tarah Elliott, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Kelly Ferguson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Ryan James, May 2013,cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Caitlin Jones, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Devan Malone, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Speech Communication; Stephanie Morse, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Brittney Reynolds, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Berryville, Ark.—Aubree Fry, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics and Nutrition; Sarah Porter, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

Bismarck, Ark.—Kelley Lester, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Speech/Theatre Arts and Secondary Education

Blantyre, Malawi—Joshua Brown, Dec. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Physics

Branson, Mo.—Callie Chancey, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Church Media/Production Arts

Bryant, Ark.—John Bacon, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies, Christian Missions and Christian Theology; Alex Goff, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental; Mallory Gross, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Cabot, Ark.—Carrie Lieblong, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Noah Mitchell, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Matt Peckat, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Cody Stroud, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Cody Webster, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Čačak, Serbia—Kurt Bannert, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Russian

Camden, Ark.—Nicholas Crump, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Stephen Raines, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Carrollton, Texas—Molli Flurry, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Cherokee Village, Ark.—Courtney Sharp, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Clarendon, Ark.—Jessica Caldwell, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design

Colleyville, Texas—Brittany Davidson, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics and Nutrition

Colorado Springs, Colo.—Bethany Swiontek, May 2013, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre

Columbia, Mo.—Karis Crosby, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication; Andrew Russell, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology and Athletic Training

Conway, Ark.—Hannah Bishop, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Speech Communication; Casey Cooper, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, History; Katelyn Dodge, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Christian Ichter, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Taylor Lamb, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages; Nicole McPhate, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Graphic Design; Austin Mitchell, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Kayleigh Ratliff, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Coppell, Texas—Rizvan Ceka, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Finance

Crossett, Ark.—Keena Dickey, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Cypress, Texas—Adam Hudson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Dallas, Texas—Trent Gardner, May 2013, Bachelor of Music, Worship Arts; Adam Wood, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Physics

De Queen, Ark.—Kirstie Tollett, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Decatur, Texas—Michelle Levy, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre

Denison, Texas—Jessica Wasmund, Aug. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Mass Communications

Des Arc, Ark.—Katelyn Bell, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

DeValls Bluff, Ark.—Jonathan King, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Physics; Colby Petty, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Dripping Springs, Texas—Will Sparks, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Dumas, Ark.—Caroline Gill, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Duncanville, Texas—Breana Dillard, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Political Science

East End, Ark.—Glenn Bolton III, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Chase Wheetley, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

El Dorado, Ark.—Breanna Bullington, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, Worship Arts; Adam Gosnell, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Theology and Biblical Languages; Raley Howard, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, English; Hope Phillips, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish; Alex Taylor, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Flower Mound, Texas—Sara Strassemeyer, Dec. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Forney, Texas—Josh Fink, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Fort Collins, Colo.—Landon Flax, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Management

Fort Smith, Ark.—Abby Faulkner, Dec. 2012, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Breanne Goodrum, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Sociology; Audra Sargent, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Spanish

Fort Worth, Texas—Andrew McCraw, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Natalie Whisenant, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Fouke, Ark.—Hollyn McCarty, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology; Zach Penny, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Frisco, Texas—Jillian Jeffcoat, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Teaching and Secondary Education; Erica Mayes, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Gainesville, Ga.—Matt McMillan, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries and Christian Theology

Garland, Texas—Martin Stevens, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Johnathon Valdez, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication and Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Gilbert, Ariz.—Connor Burke, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Accounting; Jordan Neal, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Secondary Education

Gilmer, Texas—Jeffrey Stokes, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts

Glenwood, Ark.—Chris Cook, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Kiley Wright, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Grand Saline, Texas—Chelbi Smith, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Grapevine, Texas—Shay Michael, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre and Mass Communications; Lauren Shawver, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Greenville, Texas—Sydney Phillips, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Gurdon, Ark.—Blair Kuhn, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Abbey Smith, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Hallsville, Texas—Macy Bannert, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication and Mass Communications

Harrison, Ark.—Ashley Tripp, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries and Christian Missions

Heath, Texas—Sarah McKimmey, Dec. 2012, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History; Jacob Way, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education

Heber Springs, Ark.—Paul Huenefeld III, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Music

Hector, Ark.—Carly Oetker, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Henderson, Texas—Mark Bartels, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Ryleigh Salmon, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Hope, Ark.—Karen Lyons, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Horn Lake, Miss.—Monica Williams, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Hot Springs, Ark.—Joel Coleman, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, Theory/Composition; Teddy Cross, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Meredith Reeves, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Hot Springs Village, Ark.—Bryce Skinner, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Houston, Texas—Kristen James, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Recreation; Brett Reece, Jr., May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Heather White, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre

Hughes Springs, Texas—Johnathan Stone, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Hurst, Texas—Brian Sain, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Computer Science

Jakarta, Indonesia—Adam Webb, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Jonesboro, Ark.—Nathan Huff, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science and Philosophy; Nikki Kambanis, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Stephanie Simpson, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Karnack, Texas—Michael Hirsch, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Katy, Texas—Kevin Coleman, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Philosophy

Kaufman, Texas—Jonathan Batres, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History; McCrae Jones, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Keller, Texas—Stewart Kelly, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Julian LaDay, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Ben Thomas, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Kiev, Ukraine—Svitlana Smirnova, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

Kimberley, South Africa—Mark Dewbre, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Kingwood, Texas—Catie Bennett, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Kostroma, Russia—Ksenia Gromova, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Russian and Chemistry and Biology

Laveen, Ariz.—Jana Neal, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Lincoln, Ark.—Kelsey Finney, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Sociology

Litchfield, Ill.—Rachel Shrader, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication

Little Rock, Ark.—A'Laeshia Adams, Aug. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; David Connell, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Austin Evans, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Courtney Hemeyer, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Sunhye Kim, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Alex Lomax, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Bailey Nichols, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; John “Pug” Pate, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Hannah Pilcher, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish; Courtney Puddephatt, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Chase Rackley, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Marketing; Madison Scott, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Jordan Snook, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management; Taylor Webster, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Mary Whisenhunt, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; John Williams, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management

Littleton, Colo.—Ryan Westover, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Longview, Texas—Brandi Hull, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Lara Overman, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Spanish; Amanda Thomas, Aug. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions

Lonoke, Ark.—Daniel Smith, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Theology and Philosophy

Malta, Texas—John Oakley, Aug. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Mansfield, Texas—Stephanie Batsel, Dec. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Music and Business Administration/Marketing

Mansfield, Texas—Tristan Wooster, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Church Media/Production Arts

Marianna, Ark.—Kolby Ball, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Blayne Beene, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; D.J. McMickle, Jr., May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Marion, Ark.—Kelsey Bates, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental

Maud, Texas—Lindsey Barnhart, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Marketing

McKinney, Texas—Allison Frizzell, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Secondary Education; Kiley Gamble, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Memphis, Tenn.—Kinsey Ann Carpenter, Dec. 2012, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Mena, Ark.—Whitney Bollen, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

Mesquite, Texas—Robert Bond, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Jason Fowler, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Lauren Hatch, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, English

Minot, N.D.—Nikki McNair, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Missouri City, Texas—Anthony Emerson, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Monroe, La.—Kristen Ashburn, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Monticello, Ark.—Skylar Hearron, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Kelly Knobloch, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Montrose, Colo.—Elliot O'Connor, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English

Nacogdoches, Texas—J.T. Goodrum, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Stephen Jones, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering; Jake McLain, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Naperville, Ill.—Hannah Ramsey, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English and Secondary Education

Nashville, Ark.—Daniel Aylett, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Media/Communications and Mass Communications

Needville, Texas—Chris Sumner, Dec. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental

New Boston, Texas—Corbin Owens, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, English; Emily Treadway, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

North Little Rock, Ark.—Whitney Collier, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Jake Edwards, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Elizabeth Hammons, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Nuevo, Calif.—Marcus Schlesinger, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Overland Park, Kan.—James Wood, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music and Mass Communications

Palestine, Texas—Sam Dunnam, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Paragould, Ark.—Josh Everett, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Paron, Ark.—Rebecca Gray, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and History

Pearcy, Ark.—Jon Sanders, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Music, Theory/Composition

Penza, Russia—Slava Timokhin, Aug. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Russian

Perryville, Ark.—Allan Bateman, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Music, Theory/Composition; Stephanie Hampton, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Political Science

Pine Bluff, Ark.—Shelby Cobb, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

Pinehurst, N.C.—Gabe Musser, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Plano, Texas—Justin Kirst, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Patrick Krauss, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Payam Pourjavad, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Physics; Andrew Roberts, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, English; Elyse Senteney, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental; Hunter Soper, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design and Mass Communications; Demarcus Thornton, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Justin Trewitt, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management

Prescott, Ark.—Sarah Booker, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Prosper, Texas—Brandon Briscoe, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries; Brian Griffitt II, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History

Racine, Wis.—Amanda Murray, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre

Rancho Mirage, Calif.—Cameron Johnson, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Richardson, Texas—Valerie Nickel, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology

Roanoke, Texas—Bekah Anthony, May 2013, Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance; Kelli King, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Rockwall, Texas—Erin Coleman, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Ugo Nkalari, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Rogers, Ark.—Samantha Cummins, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Daniel Hastings, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Samantha Street, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; Grace Thomas, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Sachse, Texas—Abbey Jamieson, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions

Saginaw, Texas—Lauren Keefer, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Christian Studies/Christian Ministry; Greg Lawrence, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management, Marketing and Finance

San Antonio, Texas—Molly Patterson, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

San Pedro Sula, Honduras—Judith Brizuela, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Business Administration/Management

Sanger, Texas—Alyssa Reynolds, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music

Santiago, Chile—Clayton Case, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Recreation and Spanish

Searcy, Ark.—Franklin Featherston, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Oliver Thomas, Spring 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Music

Sheridan, Ark.—Stacy Beck, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History and French; Moriah Patterson, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre and Secondary Education; Daniel Richardson, May 2013, Bachelor of Science, Physics; Joshua Tripp, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries; Lindsey Upshaw, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Psychology

Sherwood, Ark.—Daniel Johnson, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; Kathryn Kellogg, Aug. 2012, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Musical Theatre

Shreveport, La.—Travis Anderson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Alison Johnson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Musical Theatre; Christopher Mazen, May 2013, Bachelor of Music, Worship Arts; Emily Parker, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Tyler Smith, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Siloam Springs, Ark.—Shelby Briley, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Deborah Caldwell, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental; Phebe Pruett, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Athletic Training

Simla, Colo.—Danielle Wilson, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education

Simms, Texas—Jacob Stephens, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Recreation

Southaven, Miss.—Erin Edge, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Spring, Texas—Carl Johnson, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, History

Springdale, Ark.—Rachel Harris, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance

St. Louis, Mo.—Annaliese Clark, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Communication Sciences and Disorders

Stafford, Texas—Carl Thomas II, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Philosophy

Stuttgart, Ark.—Elizabeth Blankenship, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Andrea Lock, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art; Turner Roberts, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Missions

Sugar Land, Texas—Bryan Davis, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Alexis Nichols, May 2013, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music, Musical Theatre

Swansea, Ill.—Brooke Baker, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental

Texarkana, Ark.—Duncan Collins, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science; Simon Knighten, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Theology; Krystal Qualls, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Shatelia Walker-Scott, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministries

Texarkana, Texas—MyLisa Speer, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Tyler, Texas—Callie Yeager, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Science, Dietetics and Nutrition

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia—Tuya Enkhbayar, Dec. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Waco, Texas—Ashley Tanner, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Weatherford, Texas—Megan Askew, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics; James Ward, Aug. 2012, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Webb City, Mo.—Kristin Bodine, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music

Webster, N.Y.—Ben Gielow, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

West Monroe, La.—Melanie Williams, Dec. 2012, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

White Hall, Ark.—Taylor Stanford, May 2013, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

Windhoek, Namibia—Chad Bullington, May 2013, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Wolfe City, Texas—Sam Meador, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Wylie, Texas—Michael Curtis, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Mary Zucha, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Zach Zucha, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Wynne, Ark.—Cory Epps, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Music

Yoshkar-Ola, Russia—Lilia Sokolova, May 2013, Bachelor of Arts, Russian

 

By Brooke Zimny