Ouachita Stories

Dr. Craig Hamilton, Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music at Ouachita Baptist University, recently received the Association of Concert Bands’ (ACB) Herbert L. and Jean Schultz Mentor Ideal Award.

“Dr. Craig Hamilton is a well-deserving professor of this award,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts. “He has been a leader and mentor to several students and faculty during his tenure at Ouachita.”

The Herbert L. and Jean Scultz Mentor Ideal Award is an annual award that recognizes excellent instructors who have served as inspirational figures to their students, playing a large role in student success and achievement as concert band musicians. Nominees for the award are closely evaluated based on their resume, recommendations from former students and colleagues and overall capacity as an instructor.

Hamilton is a member of ACB and recently finished a three-year term on its board of directors. He was not aware that he had been nominated for the award, saying he felt “surprised, honored, humbled and grateful for all the wonderful people I get to work with – students and colleagues.”

“Teaching and making music is what I love to do and it is very gratifying to be recognized as making a difference,” he added.

Hamilton began his Ouachita career in 1983. He currently serves as coordinator of instrumental studies and director of bands at OBU. Under his leadership, the Ouachita bands have toured through the United States and Europe, recorded several CDs and performed at conferences and meetings on state, regional and national levels.

“Ouachita is a special place,” Hamilton said. “I have been able to invest my life in students and music. I am a very fortunate man; I get to make my living doing things I truly love. I am grateful for all of the students that I have worked with over the past 32 years. God has blessed me in my time at OBU.”

For more information contact Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts at (870) 245-5129.

 

By Anna Hurst