Ouachita Stories

Thirty-seven Ouachita Baptist University students have been selected for inclusion in the latest edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

These students were chosen for Who’s Who by OBU’s faculty, staff and the 2015 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:

Bridget Bloxom, 22, is a Christian studies major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, Bloxom has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She has participated in Tiger Tunes and served on the Tiger Serve Day leadership team, Campus Ministries leadership team and as a Noonday leader. She has served as an intern for First Baptist Church of Benton. Upon graduation in May, Bloxom plans to pursue a career in international missions.

Molly Bowman, 23, is a mass communications and Christian studies major from Greenbrier, Ark. A graduate of Conway Christian High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and been recognized as a Ben Elrod Scholar and J. R. Grant Outstanding Freshman Female of the Year. She has been a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program and the Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. She has served as “The Ouachita Show” co-anchor, Tri Chi women’s social club philanthrophy chair and historian, Art Club social media chair, Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club sweetheart, New Student Retreat leader and Welcome to Ouachita’s World leader. Bowman has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, the Pruet Sisterhood and Tiger Serve Day. She has worked as a producer intern at KNWA News, project design intern at ZDL Media in China and interned at 501 Advertising and Publishing. She has volunteered at Bethel China Orphanage for the Blind, Starfish Project, Elder Serve, Special Olympics and OBU’s Grant Center as an ESL tutor. Upon graduation in May, Bowman plans to pursue an MBA in international business as a Soderquist Fellow at John Brown University.

Ashley Bullington, 22, is a sociology and Spanish major from Woodstock, Ga. A graduate of Fellowship Christian School, Bullington has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She has served as a resident assistant in Ouachita’s residence halls, on the worship team at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, as a tutor and research assistant for the sociology department and as a member of Ouachita’s International Food Festival Committee. She has volunteered in the Backyard Bible Club program and participated in four mission trips during her time at Ouachita. Upon graduation in May, Bullington plans to follow her passions for ministry and the world, becoming an overseas missionary.

Megan Clay, 22, is a biology major from El Dorado, Ark. A graduate of El Dorado High School, Clay has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and earned Academic All-Conference honors as a member of the OBU soccer team. Clay has been a member of EEE women’s social club and served as treasurer for the Gridiron Girls and on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. She has volunteered with America Counts, the Boys and Girls Club, Hope Landing Inc., soccer camps hosted by OBU, the Special Olympics, Tiger Serve Day and Vacation Bible School through First Baptist Church of El Dorado. She also has worked as a lifeguard and as a youth intern at First Baptist Church. Upon graduation in May, Clay plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Stephen Curry, 22, is a choral music education major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, Curry has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has been the recipient of the James Harrison Music Scholarship. Curry has served as pledge chair of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club, director and host of Tiger Tunes, director of OBU Safety Band, president of Ouachita Singers and beau of Tri Chi women’s social club. He has been a leader with Men’s Discipleship, Welcome to Ouachita’s World and New Student Retreat. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, as a youth worship leader at First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and has been the worship director at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation in December, Curry plans to pursue a career in music education while serving on a church worship staff.

Beau Daggett, 22, is a business major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, Daggett has served as a member of Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee and as a student leader for Refuge. Daggett has been involved on Ouachita’s campus with Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club, Student Senate, Campus Activities Board, Campus Ministries and as a beau of EEE women’s social club. He has volunteered with Backyard Bible Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tiger Serve Day and through Fellowship Church. Daggett is a May Ouachita graduate.

Sophie DeMuth, 22, is a Christian studies and speech communication double major from Rockwall, Texas. A graduate of Rockwall High School, DeMuth has served as a Campus Ministries prayer leader, Veritas small group leader and Refuge speaker. She has been a member of the Pruet Sisterhood, Alpha Chi national college honor society, Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology, the Carl Goodson Honors Program and received the sophomore ministerial award. She has served as an Academic Success Center tutor, a Tiger Serve Day volunteer, a children’s ministry volunteer and K-Group member at her church. Upon graduation in May, DeMuth plans to attend Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala.

Hannah Diaz, 21, is a history and Christian studies double major from West Monroe, La. A graduate of West Monroe High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and has been the recipient of the Fran Coulter Award for Outstanding Junior History Major. She has served as chaplain of Tri Chi women’s social club, vice president of Phi Alpha Theta national history honors society and president of OBU’s History Club. She also has been a member of the Women’s Cross Country Team. Diaz has participated in Tiger Serve Day and the “Hands-On” semester missions program in Wales. Upon graduation in May, Diaz plans to attend graduate school prior to becoming a history professor.

Jeremy Dixon, 22, is a Christian studies and mass communications double major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School and the son of Dr. Jerry and Janet Dixon, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been a member of Theta Alpha Kappa theological honors society. He has been involved on campus as Student Senate vice president, Ouachita Student Foundation student recruitment ambassador, Student Life Committee representative and on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. He has served as secretary, social chair, athletic director and song leader of Beta Beta men’s social club. Dixon has worked as a counselor at Kanakuk Kamps and as a youth intern at Long Hollow Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Benton. Upon graduation in May, Dixon plans to pursue a career in ministry.

John Doss, 22, is a music major from Rogers, Ark. A graduate of Rogers High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and been a National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinalist. He has been a member of Ouachita Singers and Ouachita Sounds as well as a host and director of Tiger Tunes. Doss has worked at First Baptist Church of Rogers and First Baptist Church of Benton and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Upon graduation in May, Doss plans to pursue a career in church music conducting.

Aaryn Elliott, 21, is an early childhood education major from Bentonville, Ark. A graduate of Bentonville High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the Shelby Seabaugh Spirit of Tiger Tunes Award. She has served as president, vice president, song leader and pledge class vice president of EEE women’s social club. Elliott has been chair of student recruitment with Ouachita Student Foundation, a member of Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and a Tiger Tunes hostess. She has volunteered at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Arkadelphia and worked as a women’s ministry and student ministry intern at Cross Church at Pinnacle Hills. Upon graduation in May, Elliott plans to pursue a career as an elementary teacher and obtain a master’s degree in administration.

Drew Farris, 21, is a Christian studies major from Hot Springs, Ark. A graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, he has served as vice president of the sophomore class and on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. Farris has been involved on Ouachita’s campus through Tiger Tunes and as a Freshman Family Group leader and Noonday leader as well as a beau of EEE women’s social club. He has worked for OBU Student Financial Services and as a youth intern with First Baptist Church of Benton. Upon graduation in May, Farris plans to pursue a career in church planting or discipleship.

Abbey Fowler, 21, is a mass communications, graphic design and French triple major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and had four pieces of artwork accepted in Ouachita’s student juried show. She has served as secretary and social media chair of Ouachita’s Art Club, project leader for Enactus and as freshman treasurer of Student Senate. Fowler has been involved on campus through Freshman Family Group, Gridiron Girls, Tiger Tunes, Campus Activities Board, International Association of Business Communicators, Dietetics Club and Tri Chi women’s social club. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Arkansas Mission of Mercy and Arkadelphia Promise Tutoring Program. She has worked as a dental assistant, freelance photographer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, social media consultant at Mary and Martha’s Florist & Gifts and as advertising manager for The Signal. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May 2016, Fowler plans to study fashion design at Arkansas Fashion School prior to attending graduate school.

Connor Goad, 21, is a Christian studies major from Hot Springs, Ark. A graduate of Lake Hamilton High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. He has been involved in Campus Ministries, Student Senate and Beta Beta men’s social club, where he served as social chair, chaplain and Tiger Tunes director. He has been a Tiger Tunes host, Refuge speaker and chair of Christian Focus Week. He has worked as a worship leader at Grace Bible Church, worship intern at Fellowship Bible Church of Cabot and a counselor and unit coordinator at Kanakuk Kamps. Upon graduation in May, Goad plans to pursue a career in photography and the music business.

McCall Guttridge, 22, is an early childhood education major from Denison, Texas. A graduate of Denton Calvary Academy, Guttridge has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She has been president, chaplain and sisterhood chair of Tri Chi women’s social club. She has been treasurer of Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education, a member of Ouachita Student Foundation and a leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World. She also has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Upon graduation in May, Guttridge plans to begin a career as an elementary teacher.

Jayson Harris, 22, is a business administration/finance major from Maumelle, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, Harris has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. He has been a member of Beta Beta men’s social club and the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board as well as served as a project leader for Enactus and an equity analyst for the Eddy Ary Investment Fund. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and the Elrod Center’s disaster relief efforts. Harris has worked as general manager of Dr. Jack’s Coffee and as an office assistant for Campus Ministries. Upon graduation in May, Harris plans to pursue a career in the coffee industry.

Bradley Hunter Heird, 22, is a dietetics and nutrition major from Pine Bluff, Ark. A graduate of Watson Chapel High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was honored for his undergraduate research in the medical field. He has served as Student Senate secretary, Ouachita Student Foundation fundraising and finance chair, Kappa Chi men’s social club vice president and OBU Ducks Unlimited vice president. Heird has also served as president of the Dietetics and Nutrition Club, social media chair for College Republicans and on the steering committee for Tri Beta biological honor society. He has volunteered with Head Start, Meals on Wheels, First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Baptist Medical Center and Arkadelphia Human Development Center. Upon graduation in May, Heird plans to attend nursing school at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Spencer Knight, 22, is a business administration/management major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. Knight has been a member of the OBU football team, serving as captain and earning two Great American Conference championships, three-time GAC All-Conference and three-time Academic All-Conference honors as well as being named to the 2014 AFCA AllState Good Works Team. He has been involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team and as a Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board member. He has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the Clark County Foster Child Christmas Project, FCA Arkansas Summer Camp and First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation in May, Knight plans to attend graduate school and obtain a coaching graduate assistantship.

Logan Kuhn, 22, is a biology major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and is a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society. He has been involved in Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club as president and secretary, Tri Beta biological honor society as president and secretary as well as Student Senate. Kuhn has volunteered with Second Baptist Church youth group, Tiger Serve Day and Backyard Bible Club. Upon graduation in May, Kuhn plans to attend dental school at the University of Tennessee.

Kyle Lamothe, 21, is a theology major from New Iberia, La. A graduate of New Iberia Senior High School, Lamothe has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. He has been a member of the OBU football team, earning Academic All-American honors. He has been a Cliff Harris Award nominee and recipient of the Antwoyne Edwards Award. He also has worked as a resident assistant during his time at Ouachita. He has volunteered with Backyard Bible Club, Tiger Serve Day and Thanksgiving basket program. Lamothe is a May Ouachita graduate.

Coleson Lechner, 22, is a mass communications major from Minden, La. A graduate of Christian Academy in Mozambique, Lechner has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. He has been a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee. He has been involved on campus through intramurals and as a host of The Tonight Show at Ouachita. He has worked as a Student Financial Services office assistant, apartment manager, Sodexo caterer and an employee of Pine Cove Camps. Upon graduation in May, Lechner plans to pursue a career in communications, public relations, writing or entrepreneurship.

Abby Lindsey, 22, is a business administration/management major from Van Buren, Ark. A graduate of Van Buren High School, Lindsey has been named Miss Ouachita Baptist University and been a two-time nominee for Homecoming Court. She has served as junior class vice president, member of EEE women’s social club, sweetheart for Rho Sigma men’s social club, president and recruiting coordinator of Gridiron Girls and a member of Student Senate. Lindsey also has been a Tiger Tunes hostess. She has volunteered with MS Walk for the Cure, Tiger Serve Day, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and in local elementary schools. Upon graduation in May, Lindsey plans to pursue a career in public relations on the Mike Huckabee presidential campaign.

Gracie Lundstrum, 22, is a mass communications and speech communication double major from Springdale, Ark. A graduate of Shiloh Christian School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was awarded fourth runner-up and Miss Congeniality at the Miss OBU Pageant. Lundstrum has been a member of EEE women’s social club, serving as president, vice president, second vice president, social chair and pledge class president. She has been president and vice president of Ouachita Student Foundation and served in Student Senate as senior class vice president as well as in junior, sophomore and freshman positions. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Upon graduation in May, Lundstrum plays to pursue a master’s degree in strategic communications and working at the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

Craig Martin, 23, is a graphic design major from Harare, Zimbabwe. A graduate of St. George’s College, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was named the Outstanding Junior Artist and received the Francie Phelan Outstanding Senior in Graphic Design award. He has also received the Student Juried Art Show’s Grand Prize and Dean’s Choice Award. He has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, intramural sports, Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, Monticello Children’s Home Ministry, TranServe and the International Food Festival. Upon graduation in May, Martin plans to pursue a career in graphic design and illustration.

Madeline Martin, 22, is a biology major from Garland, Texas. A graduate of Naaman Forest High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and was a recipient of a Carl Goodson Scholar Grant. She has been a Tiger Tunes hostess and a two-time Homecoming Court nominee. Martin has served as social co-chair and community chair of the Carl Goodson Honors Program and been a member of Campus Activities Board, EEE women’s social club, Alpha Chi national college honor society and Tri Beta biological honor society. At Ouachita, she has worked as a biology tutor and research assistant. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas and as a Vacation Bible School leader. Upon graduation in May, Martin plans to attend physician assistant school.

Todd McNeel Jr., 22, is a mass communications major from Arlington, Texas. A graduate of James Bowie High School, he has been named an International Association of Business Communicators Scholar and a National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and state finalist. He has been involved in Rho Sigma men’s social club, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, Ouachita Singers, Ouachita Sounds, Ouachita Opera Theatre and as a Tiger Tunes host. McNeel has worked with Sodexo and Career Services as well as worked as a Pine Cove Camp counselor, chorister with the Cincinnati Opera and the Princeton Opera Festival and a performer at Wildwood Park. Upon graduation in May, McNeel plans to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., and then work in arts administration.

Hannah Pinkerton, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, Pinkerton has been nominated for OBU’s Homecoming Court. She has served as Panhellenic Council president, EEE women’s social club chaplain, Campus Ministries ministry leader and co-chair for Freshman Family Group. Pinkerton has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Tiger Serve Day and Elder Serve. She has worked as a Speech Clinic intern, Phonathon caller and tutor in math and literacy. Upon graduation in May, Pinkerton plans to pursue a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders and practice speech pathology.

Rebekah Raine, 22, is a Christian studies major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, she has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. She has been a member of Tri Chi women’s social club, serving as secretary and keeper of the beaus. She has been involved in Freshman Family Group, intramurals and is a sweetheart of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. She has worked at Park Hill Baptist Church and volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Elder Serve. Upon graduation May, Raine plans to work in children’s ministry.

Tyler Rosenthal, 22, is a mass communications major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, he has twice won OBU’s International Photography Award. He has served as Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club historian, EEE women’s social club beau, Photo Lab editor, New Student Recruitment leader, Welcome to Ouachita’s World leader and Tiger Tunes host. He has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, Ouachita Sounds and Tiger Network. He has worked with Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Celebrity Attractions, Arkansas Business Publishing Group and is the owner of Tyler Rosenthal Photography. Upon graduation in May, Rosenthal plans to pursue a career in media, public relations, entertainment or the arts.

Laura Grace Shaddox, 22, is a communication sciences and disorders major from North Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of North Little Rock High School, Shaddox has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has been the recipient of the Mrs. J.R. Grant Endowed Award and Tiger Network Leadership Award. She has served as secretary for EEE women’s social club and has been a member of Student Senate and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Shaddox has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Feed My Starving Children mobile packs. Upon graduation in May, Shaddox plans to attend graduate school for speech pathology.

Anna Sikes, 22, is a Christian studies major from Greenbrier, Ark. A graduate of Conway Christian High School, she has been the recipient of the Garrett Ham grant, ETS grant and the Outstanding Female Sophomore for Character and Academics award. She has been named Homecoming Queen and a sweetheart of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. She has served as ministry leader for Women’s Discipleship, president of Theta Alpha Kappa and as a Freshman Family Group mom. Sikes has been involved with the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, Tri Chi women’s social club, Pruet Sisterhood and Ouachita Student Foundation. Upon graduation in May, Sikes plans to teach Bible courses and equip believers in their personal faith.

Paul Spann, 22, is a history major from Enid, Okla. A graduate of the American School of Antananarivo, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and is a member of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society. He is a founding member of Ouachita’s History Club and a member of Epsilon Delta. He has worked for the History Department and volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Upon graduation in May, Spann plans to attend physical therapy school at the University of Oklahoma.

Blaine Surber, 22, is a musical theatre and mass communications double major from Sulphur Springs, Texas. A graduate of Sulphur Springs High School, he has received the Friends of Fine Arts Theatre Award. He has served as historian, special events director and Tiger Tunes co-director for Kappa Chi men’s social club, beau of EEE women’s social club as well as historian and treasurer of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society. He has also been involved in Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee and Tiger Serve Day. Surber will graduate from Ouachita in December.

Rebekah Taylor, 22, is a history and secondary education double major from Hot Springs, Ark. A graduate of Lakeside High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. She has served as president of OBU’s history honor society, vice president of OBU’s History Club and sweetheart for Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. She is a member of the International Club, International Justice Mission and the TRIO program and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Upon graduation in May, Taylor plans to teach for OES in Yantai, China.

Katie Theriot, 22, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Alexandria, La. A graduate of Alexandria Senior High School, she has been the recipient of the Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Award. She has been in involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Alpha Chi national college honor society and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. She has worked as a resident assistant, apartment manager and dance instructor at Dance Praize. She has been a ministry leader for Tiger Tunes and volunteered with Second Baptist Church, Backyard Bible Club and Big Brother Big Sister. Upon graduation in May, Theriot plans to pursue a career in speech pathology.

Jalin Wesley, 21, is a musical theatre major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, he has been recognized as a National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinalist. He has served as chaplain and president of Theta Alpha Phi national honor fraternity for theatre arts, president of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society and been a member of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. He has worked as a theatre teacher at Arkansas Arts Center and an OBU theatre intern and volunteered at theatre workshops for children. Upon graduation in May, Wesley plans to share the gospel through the world of entertainment.

David Winkler, 22, is an accounting major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. He has been a member of Tau Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology, Alpha Chi national college honor society and the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board. He has been involved in Ouachita Student Foundation, Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and Men’s Discipleship. He has been Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes director, Tri Chi women’s social club beau and host of The Tonight Show at Ouachita. He owns his own wedding videography business, Winkler Weddings. Upon graduation in May, Winkler plans to pursue a career in college ministry.

 

By Chelsea Whelpley // Photos by Tyler Rosenthal