Ouachita Stories

Forty-four 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 2016 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:

Nick Archer, 22, is a biology major from Fordyce, Ark. A graduate of Fordyce High School, he has been a recipient of the Tiger Network Leadership Award and the Coleman Pre-med Scholarship. Archer has been a member of Tri Beta biological honor society and the American Chemical Society. He has served as Ouachita Student Foundation president, Student Senate vice president for the senior class and as a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes Leadership Team. Archer has volunteered with the ElderServe Valentine’s Banquet and First Baptist Church Fordyce’s choir and youth ministries. He has attended Third Street Baptist Church of Arkadelphia where he has been active in the college ministry. He has worked as a pharmacy technician at Watson Pharmacy in Fordyce. Archer will graduate in May.

Jessica Ashcraft, 21, is a biology major from White Hall, Ark. A graduate of White Hall High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the W.P. Sturgis Scholarship and Edna Linn Scholarship. Ashcraft has served as induction chair of EEE women’s social club, Student Senate internal vice president and junior class secretary and as a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation Student Recruitment Committee. She also has served as a leader for Freshman Family Groups, Freshman Outdoor Orientation Trip (FOOT), New Student Retreat and Welcome to Ouachita’s World orientation. She has been involved in the J.D. Patterson Research Program, intramurals and Veritas women’s Bible study. Ashcraft has participated in Tiger Serve Day, volunteered with the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas and worked as a staffer for Super Summer Arkansas. She has attended Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation in May, Ashcraft plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Sam Beary, 22, is a Christian studies/ministry major from Batesville, Ark. A graduate of Batesville High School, he has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. Beary was a founding member of International Justice Mission Ouachita, which he also served as president. Beary has served with Campus Ministries as sound technician for Refuge and participated in Tiger Serve Day. He has worked as a telecounselor for Ouachita’s Office of Admissions Counseling; as an audio technician, Bible study leader and video producer for FUGE Camps; as a media technician for Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia; and as a youth and media intern for Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville. Beary has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where he has been an active member of a small group and served on the media team. Upon graduation in May, Beary plans to pursue a career in Christian ministry.

Joseph Breckenridge, 22, is a Christian studies major from Oak Grove, Mo. A graduate of Oak Grove High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Breckenridge has been involved as an America Reads tutor and as a men’s discipleship ministry leader through Campus Ministries. He also has worked as a resident assistant and participated in Tiger Serve Day. He has attended Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia where he has served on the children’s and missions teams, as a college Sunday school leader, home group leader and pastoral apprentice. Upon graduation in May, Breckenridge plans to become a pastor.

 

Claudia Brizuela, 22, is a business administration/finance and management major from Honduras. A graduate of Educación Cristiana Sampedrana, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and was a recipient of the TranServe Award. She has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for business and the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board. Brizuela has been involved in OBU’s chapter of Enactus, where she has served as president, as a member of the presentation team and as a project leader and has served as an equity analyst on the Eddie and Phyllis Ary Investment Fund Team. She also has served on the recruiting committee for the International Food Festival, worked as a tutor for the Academic Success Center and participated in Tiger Serve Day. Brizuela has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where she has been a member of the choir and an active member of a small group. Upon graduation in May, Brizuela plans to pursue her MBA while working alongside her parents in their family business.

Morgan Brothers, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Collierville, Tenn. A graduate of Collierville High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the Edna Linn Scholarship and OSF Scholarship. Brothers has been involved as a leader and steering committee member for both WOW and New Student Retreat. She has served as assistant and head induction chair of Tri Chi women’s social club, Student Senate executive secretary and vice president of the junior class, and chapter co-president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She also has been a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation Student Recruitment Committee and has worked for both OBU’s Office of Alumni and Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Brothers has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and attended Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation, Brothers plans to become a speech language pathologist.

Richard Burke, 21, is a history and political science major from Hot Springs, Ark. A graduate of Lakeside High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been a member of Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society. Burke has been involved with the men’s soccer team, Ouachita Student Foundation, College Republicans, History Club and Pre-Law Society. He has served as president, historian and athletic director of Kappa Chi men’s social club, as a beau of EEE women’s social club and as junior class officer and executive position 2 of Student Senate. Burke has volunteered with Special Olympics and participated in Tiger Serve Day. He has been an intramural referee and worked for the Cabinet Door Shop. Burke has attended First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. Upon graduation, Burke plans to attend law school and become a lawyer.

Ellen Butler, 21, is an accounting major from Waco, Texas. A graduate of Midway High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Butler has served as president of Panhellenic Council and vice president of College Republicans and as a small group leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation and Freshman Family Group. She also has been involved with EEE women’s social club, Backyard Bible Club and Campus Ministries’ California mission trip. Butler has worked as Enactus manager for the Ouachita bookstore, bookkeeper for the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas and camp counselor for Pine Cove Camps. She has attended Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where she has served as a nursery worker. Upon graduation, Butler plans to work for Pine Cove Camps before beginning assurance work at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.

Michael Butler, 22, is a Christian studies/missions and Biblical studies major from Russellville, Ark. A graduate of Russellville High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List. Butler has served on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and as a leader for men’s discipleship. He has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where he has been active in a small group. Butler enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, travelling and playing soccer. Upon graduation, Butler plans to pursue missions work.

 



Layne Castleman, 21, is an elementary education and Spanish double major from Allen, Texas. A graduate of Allen High School, Castleman has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was the recipient of the Most Hardworking Student award while studying abroad in Costa Rica. She also earned OBU’s Charles Chambliss Distinguished Educator Award. She has served as president and vice president of Ouachita’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education, social chair and pledge class treasurer of Tri Chi women’s social club and as both an America Reads and America Counts tutor. Castleman also has been involved in various service opportunities through Kappa Delta Pi and participated in Tiger Serve Day. She has attended Third Street Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where she has been active in the college ministry and served as an Awana Cubbies leader and children’s church volunteer. Upon graduation, Castleman plans to teach elementary students in the Dallas area and eventually earn a master’s degree in education.

Erin Cheshire, 22, is a choral music education major from Colorado Springs, Colo. A graduate of The Classical Academy, she has been the recipient of the Rachel Fuller Memorial Scholarship, Fine Arts Scholarship, Ouachita Scholars Academic Scholarship and Tiger Network Scholarship. She has been a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and Student National Association of Teachers of Singing. Cheshire also has served as secretary and student conductor of the Ouachita Singers, vice president of Panhellenic Council, Panhellenic representative for Tri Chi women’s social club, president and corresponding secretary of OBU’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota international music fraternity for women and secretary of OBU’s chapter of Collegiate National Association for Music Education. She has volunteered as an America Reads tutor, participated in Tiger Serve Day and worked as a camp counselor for Camp Fern. Cheshire has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation, Cheshire plans to become a teacher.

Roxanne Easter, 22, is a history major from Sheridan, Ark. A graduate of Sheridan High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and was a recipient of the Tiger Network Leadership Award and the 2015 Phi Alpha Theta Outstanding Research Paper. Easter has served as vice president of OBU’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, special events co-chair of the Campus Activities Board, sergeant at arms and spirit chair of Tri Chi women’s social club and as leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation and New Student Retreat. She has participated in Tiger Serve Day and worked as a resident assistant and assistant resident director, Office of Admissions Counseling telecounselor, Annual Fund caller, Sodexo caterer and Cracker Barrel cashier. Easter has attended Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where she has served as a college ministry leader, Awana leader and nursery worker. Upon graduation, Easter plans to be a culture consultant or country specialist for the government or an international company.

Grace Finley, 21, is a business administration/management major from Alexander, Ark. A graduate of Bryant High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the Laura Turner Endowed Scholarship, the Ouachita Student Foundation Scholarship and the Tiger Network Leadership Scholarship. Finley has been involved in EEE women’s social club, a member of the cross country team, ResLife and Veritas women’s Bible study. She has served as student editor of OBU’s Photo Lab and as a leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation. Finley was a Tiger Traks champion and has participated in Tiger Serve Day. Finley has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where she has been an active member of a small group. Upon graduation, she plans to attend the Kanakuk Institute in Branson and eventually pursue a master’s degree.

Rachel Gaddis, 22, is a mass communications major from Cabot, Ark. A graduate of Hopkins County Central High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Gaddis has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society, the International Association of Business Communicators, Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society and Theta Alpha Kappa theological honors society. She has been involved in ElderServe and Tri Chi women’s social club, served as associate editor of Scope student literary magazine and participated in Tiger Serve Day. Gaddis has worked as a corporate and public relations intern for Easter Seals Headquarters in Chicago, as a student writer for Ouachita’s News Bureau, as a consultant for the Speer Writing Center and as an Annual Fund caller. She has attended Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Upon graduation, she plans to work for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as a writer and social media coordinator.

Suzie Gresham, 22, is a business administration/management and marketing major from Hope, Ark. A graduate of Spring Hill High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Gresham was named Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2016, Great American Conference All-Academic Team 2013-14, National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American Scholar Athlete 2012-13 and to the 2016 Ouachita All-Athletic Team. She has served on the Student Athlete Advisory Council, Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board and as captain of the softball team. Gresham has worked for Pafford Medical Services and volunteered with the Arkadelphia Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Passport to a Cure Gala. She has been the leader of the Arkadelphia Human Development Center’s volunteer team and the leader of children’s ministry for three international missions trips with her church. Upon graduation, Gresham plans to compete for Miss Arkansas, continue working for Pafford Medical Services and pursue a juris doctorate.

Emily Harris, 21, is a biology major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and has been a recipient of the Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Award. She has been a member the Ouachita Student Foundation and Alpha Chi national college honor society. Harris has served as vice president, chaplain, social co-chair and pledge class president of Tri Chi women’s social club; as Christian Focus Week ministry leader for Campus Ministries; and as a group co-leader for Veritas. Harris also has volunteered as a Peake Partnership math and reading tutor and participated in Tiger Serve Day. She has worked as a science intern for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a receptionist for Everett Buick GMC and a counselor for Family Farm Day Camp. Harris has attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where she has been an active member of a small group. Upon graduation, Harris plans to work in a hospital or clinic before attending physician assistant school.

Scott Hartley, 22, is a Christian studies/missions and Biblical studies major from Ennis, Texas. A graduate of Palmer High School, he has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. Hartley has been a Noonday leader through Campus Ministries, served as a resident assistant and participated in Tiger Serve Day. He has attended Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where he has served as a college leader and Awana leader. Upon graduation, Hartley plans to become an international church planter.

 

David Headrick, 22, is a mathematics major from Farmington, Ark. A graduate of Haas Hall Academy, he has participated in Tiger Serve Day. Headrick has worked as a substitute teacher for Arkadelphia School District, as worship pastor for CrossPointe Church of Bryant, and as youth worship leader for Calvary Baptist Church of Hope. Headrick enjoys playing guitar and ultimate Frisbee, singing and carpentry. He is married to Jenna Headrick, a Christian studies major from Farmington, Ark. Upon graduation, Headrick plans to become a high school mathematics teacher.

 

Allie Hegi, 21, is a biology and chemistry double major from El Dorado, Ark. A graduate of El Dorado High School, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Hegi has been a member of Ouachita’s chapters of Alpha Chi national college honor society and the American Chemical Society, where she has served as campus outreach coordinator. She also has served on the Student Recruitment and Scholarship Selection committees for the Ouachita Student Foundation and as photography chair, recording secretary and social chair for Tri Chi women’s social club. Hegi has participated in Tiger Serve Day and volunteered with Girls in Science Days. She has worked for Ouachita’s chemistry department as a student researcher, First Baptist Church of El Dorado as a girls’ youth intern and Medic Discount Pharmacy in El Dorado. She is a member of First Baptist Church in El Dorado. Upon graduation, Hegi plans to attend pharmacy school at UAMS.

Anna Kumpuris, 21, is a Christian studies/missions, mass communications and Spanish triple major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, she has been named top Academic Achiever for OBU’s School of Humanities, Outstanding Junior Mass Communications Major of the Year, Sophomore Spanish Major of the Year and named to Ouachita’s President’s List. Kumpuris has been a member of the Pruet Sisterhood and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. She has served as online editor, copy editor, news editor and staff writer for The Signal campus newspaper; student ministry leader for Campus Ministries’ annual spring break mission trip; small group Bible study leader for Veritas women’s Bible study; and general officer and founding member of International Justice Mission Ouachita. Kumpuris also has volunteered with the Campus Activities Board, International Food Festival and Tiger Serve Day. She has worked as a tutor for Ouachita’s Academic Success Center, office assistant for Clark County Prosecutor’s Office and senior counselor for Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp. Kumpuris attended Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia, where she has been an active member of a small group and served as children’s K-Group director and Sunday school volunteer. Upon graduation, Kumpuris plans to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Beeson Divinity School.

Dixon Land, 21, is a mass communications major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Pulaski Academy, he has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has been the recipient of 13 Arkansas Collegiate Media Association Awards and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Circle Award. Land has been editor-in-chief and sports editor of The Signal student newspaper, president of the OBU Rowing Club and radio commentator for Ouachita’s baseball and basketball teams. Land has served as a leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation and New Student Retreat and as D.J., special events director, webmaster, secretary and parliamentarian of Kappa Chi men’s social club. He also has volunteered with Campus Ministries’ Christian Focus Week and participated in Tiger Serve Day. Land has worked as a counselor for Camp Tanako and as an intern for the Nashville Leader and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Upon graduation, Land plans to pursue a career with a newspaper or magazine, sports reporting, social media or public relations.

Ben Lange-Smith, 23, is a psychology 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 the recipient of the International Service Award. Lange-Smith has been involved in International Club, where he has served as president and media manager. Lange-Smith has participated in Tiger Serve Day and has worked as an OBU facilities intern and as a waiter, student manager and unit marketing manager for Sodexo Catering. He has been involved in a local church with its media team and childcare team. Upon graduation, Lange-Smith has a number of aspirations in his home country of Zimbabwe, including championing urban beautification, becoming postmaster general, restructuring the Zimbabwean Department of Motor Vehicles and owning a water park.

Bonnie Magee, 21, is an accounting major from Conway, Ark. A graduate of Conway High School, Magee has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Award. She has been a member of Tri Chi women’s social club, serving as president, treasurer, web mistress and intramural director. Magee has been chair of the fundraising and finance committee with Ouachita Student Foundation and volunteered as a tutor through America Counts. She was a little sister for Kappa Chi men’s social club, a member of the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board and Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for business and has been named Homecoming Queen. Upon graduation in May, Magee plans to begin her career as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Jacob Moreno, 21, is a dietetics and nutrition/pre-nursing major from Mexico City. A graduate of Instituto Metropolitano Estrella (I.M.E.), Moreno has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List. He has been involved in Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, Student Life Committee, Ouachita Student Foundation, OBU’s Judicial Council and the International Food Festival Committee. Moreno has served on Student Senate as senior class president and junior class president. He also has served as Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club social chair, president and historian and as a beau for Tri Chi women’s social club. He has been a member of the International Club, served as secretary of the Dietetics Club and played intramurals. Moreno has worked in the Grant Center for International Education and volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the International Food Festival, Elder Serve, highway cleanup efforts, Christian Focus Week, the Clark Country Fair, Meals on Wheels, First Baptist Church, the Human Development Center and the OBU Donor Banquet. He has also been involved at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia in the worship band and as a kid’s K-Group leader. Upon graduation in May, Moreno plans to become a nurse practitioner and do overseas medical missions.

Brent Northington, 21, is a mass communications and Spanish double major from Fort Smith, Ark. A graduate of Southside High School, Northington was a Trustee Scholarship recipient and served as a men’s discipleship leader. He has held work-study jobs as an intramural referee and in OBU’s Office of Admissions. Northington volunteered with Backyard Bible Club and was on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. He has been a leader in Campus Ministries, where he served as Tiger Tunes director and has also served on the leadership team for New Student Retreat and Welcome to Ouachita’s World new student orientation. He has been a beau of Tri Chi women’s social club, a staff writer for The Signal and a photographer for the OBU newsroom. Upon graduation in May, Northington plans to work with a company to create or continue international relationships through mass communications.

Hannah Osborne, 22, is a sociology major from Mineola, Texas. A graduate of Alba-Golden High School, Osborne has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and declared an Outstanding Sociology Research Assistant, Sociology Senior of the Year and Sociology Junior of the Year. She has been a member of the Flute Choir, Alpha Chi national college honor society, Pi Gamma Mu international honor society in social sciences and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. Osborne was a founding member and vice president of International Justice Mission Ouachita. She has volunteered with Elder Serve, Tiger Serve Day, Stand for Freedom and other IJM Ouachita functions. She was a member of Third Street Baptist Church, where she has been involved in the college ministry. She also has spoken to multiple youth groups, churches and civic organizations about modern-day slavery and human trafficking. She has interned with For the Silent and was a research and social media volunteer for Thrive Rescue. Osborne was employed part-time at Arkadelphia Physical Therapy and interned through First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia for church services at Twin Rivers and The Plaza nursing homes. Upon graduation in May, Osborne plans to begin a career in social justice.

Reagan Parsons, 22, is a biology major and psychology minor from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Parsons has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and was a Lion’s Club Service Award recipient. She has been a member of Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, served as EEE women’s social club president and Tri Beta biological honor society president, volunteered as a Diamond Doll and has been a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. She also participated in TranServe and volunteered at the Pregnancy Resource Center for Southwest Arkansas. Parsons has worked as a head competitive gymnastics coach at Gymnastics Plus and enjoys coaching her competitive gymnasts, being involved around campus and spending time with her friends. Upon graduation in May, Parsons plans to attend occupational therapy graduate school at the University of Central Arkansas.

Griffin Peeples, 22, is an accounting and business administration/finance double major from North Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Central Arkansas Christian, Peeples has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was named the top Academic Achiever both for the university and the Hickingbotham School of Business. He has been member of the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board, Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for business and Alpha Chi national college honor society. He has served as a Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack project leader and presentation team member for Enactus, was the portfolio manager for the Eddie and Phyllis Ary Investment Fund Team and was Beta Beta men’s social club treasurer and social chair. Peeples also has served as district coordinator for College Republicans and Student Senate treasurer and has been on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team. He has been employed as a Shelter Insurance licensed agent and Flake & Kelley Commercial analytics intern. Upon graduation in May, Peeples plans to pass the CPA exam, attend law school and become an expert in taxation law.

Elizabeth Peevy, 21, is a Christian studies major from Bryant, Ark. A graduate of Bryant High School, she has received an Honors Council Grant and the Sophomore Ministerial Award. Peevy has been active on campus as president of Pruet Sisterhood, chaplain of the Carl Goodson Honors Program and a member of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology and Alpha Chi national college honor society. She has volunteered with Big Brother Big Sister, Elder Serve and Tiger Serve Day. Peevy has been a Sunday school teacher at Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where she has also worked in the nursery. Upon graduation in May, Peevy and her husband, Will, plan to prepare for ministry in East Asia, where they feel called to serve.

Ryan Perkins, 22, is a Christian studies/ministry major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Arkansas Baptist High School, Perkins has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and earned football Academic All-Conference honors. Perkins has been a member of the OBU football team, lettering for three years and serving as captain. He has attended Geyer Springs First Baptist Church of Little Rock and Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Perkins has served as an intern for the Wynne Baptist Church youth group and was the pastoral intern at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. While at OBU, he has also volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and the football team’s annual Christmas project of purchasing toys for local foster children and served as a leader at several Disciple Now events. He enjoys playing sports, spending time outdoors and reading. Upon graduation in May, Perkins plans to be a pastor.

Abby Root, 20, is a speech communication and theatre education double major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Root has been the recipient of the Shelby Seabaugh Spirit of Tunes Award and first runner-up for Homecoming Queen. While at Ouachita, she has served on the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee and as a Campus Activities Board Tiger Tunes director. She has been a member the Ouachita Student Foundation and Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society, is a sweetheart of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club and is active in OBU’s theatre department. Root has been involved in a home group through First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and volunteered in the church’s nursery. Upon graduation in May 2017, Root hopes to teach drama and speech communications.

Elva Rosas, 22, is a business administration/finance major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Rosas has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has been a recipient of the TranServe 100+ Hours Award, Enactus First Runner-Up Award and the Peter & Helen Hearls Australia Study Abroad Scholarship Award. Rosas has served as Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack project leader and presentation team member for Enactus. She also has participated in Tiger Tunes, Tiger Traks, intramural sports and several OBU instrumental ensembles, including Marching Band, Symphonic Band, drumline, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. She has been an Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce student ambassador, a Veritas small group member and prayer partner leader and a member of the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board. Rosas has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Elder Serve, TranServe and Arkadelphia High School tutoring. She has been involved at Centro Cristiano Hispano Asambleas de Dios as a worship leader and a guest member of the Trinity Temple Assembly of God worship band. She has been employed as a manager for Rosas Mexican Kitchen and a childcare provider for Trinity Temple Assembly of God. Upon graduation in May, the Rosas family will begin a new chapter by moving to Florida. “We have a strong calling toward missions and are excited to see what God has in store,” Rosas said.

Joshua Rubin, 22, is a biology major from Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Ovilla Christian School, Rubin has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has volunteered for Tiger Serve Day and Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club highway cleanup project. Rubin has been involved in Student Senate, serving as freshman and sophomore class president and two-time Student Senate president. He also has served as Ouachita Student Foundation secretary and as Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club secretary, social chair and vice president. He has been a member of Tri Beta biological honor society and worked as a telecounselor for the Ouachita Office of Admissions. Rubin enjoys supporting Ouachita athletics, walking dogs from the Humane Society and hanging out with friends. Upon graduation in May, Rubin plans to attend physician’s assistant school.

Sadie Sasser, 21, is a Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Crossett, Ark. A graduate of Crossett High School, Sasser has been a recipient of the Andrew & Harriet Grant Hall Sophomore Ministerial Award and the Mrs. Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Award. While at OBU, she has served in Christian Ministries as a Refuge speaker and Veritas leader, served on the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, served as president of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology and has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society. She also has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and participated in TranServe through OBU’s Elrod Center for Family and Community. Sasser attended Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, was involved in community group and led fourth grade Bible study. She worked at CentriKid Camps as a Bible study leader and production leader and was a middle school girls intern at First Baptist Church of Benton. Upon graduation in May, Sasser plans to attend seminary with intentions to pursue a PhD in Biblical Studies.

Jordan Sharp, 22, is a business administration/finance and sports management major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Sharp has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been on the Great American Conference Honor Roll. Sharp has been a member of the OBU football team, served as Beta Beta men’s social club president and served as co-chair of OBU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team. He was chair of OBU’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board, a member of the Eddie and Phyllis Ary Student Investment Fund team and a beau of EEE women’s social club. Sharp has been involved in Crossroads Bible Study and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. He also has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Student Athlete Advisory Committee fundraisers and community service events and for the OBU football Christmas project. Upon graduation in May, Sharp plans to become a Certified Financial Planner and work towards earning an MBA in finance.

Treslyn Shipley, 22, is a studio art major from Arlington, Texas. Shipley was a recipient of the Russell Shad Memorial Art Award for Outstanding Junior and won first prize and honorary mention at OBU’s 2014 Student Juried Show Art Contest. She has served on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and volunteered with Elder Serve and Big Brother Big Sister. Shipley also has been involved with Campus Ministries as special events leader and Tiger Tunes “fun-bringer.” She has been active in a community group through Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduation in May, Shipley hopes to pursue painting professionally.

 

Lauren Snow, 22, is a mass communications major from Wylie, Texas. A graduate of Wylie East High School, Snow has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists, is a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society and is a Ouachita Student Foundation scholarship recipient. She is a member of Sachse First Baptist Church and has volunteered with Elder Serve and Tiger Serve Day through OBU’s Elrod Center for Family and Community. Snow has been a tutor through America Counts and a member of the New Student Retreat Steering Team. She also has been a little sister of Kappa Chi men’s social club and chair of special events for Ouachita Student Foundation, coordinating OSF’s annual Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks fundraising events. She has worked as a special events assistant in OBU’s Office of Career Services, an Annual Fund caller, a telecounselor for Ouachita’s Office of Admissions, a Pre-K worker for Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, a Sky Ranch Family Camp counselor and a student intern for Sachse First Baptist Church. Upon graduation in May, Snow hopes to become an event coordinator.

Mollie Taylor, 22, is an elementary education major from Russellville, Ark. A graduate of Dover High School, Taylor has been a member of Ouachita Singers and Concert Choir. She has served as sisterhood chair, Tiger Tunes director and philanthropy chair for Tri Chi women’s social club; as a little sis for Kappa Chi men’s social club; and as photographer for OBU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education. She has volunteered as part of Tiger Serve Day and Tri Chi philanthropy week and has served as an America Reads and America Counts tutor. Taylor has been involved at First Baptist Church of Benton as a children’s ministry intern, elementary Bible study leader, 2-year-old Sunday school teacher and nursery worker. Upon graduation in May, Taylor plans to be an elementary classroom teacher and eventually pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership to become an administrator.

Emily Tual, 21, is a dietetics and nutrition major from Plano, Texas. A graduate of Liberty High School, Tual has been involved in the OBU Dietetics Club, Wind Ensemble and Sodexo Food Committee. As a part of OBU’s ResLife team, she has worked as a resident assistant and apartment manger. She has been a member at Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and was a participant in the J.D. Patterson Summer Research Program. She enjoys running, reading, spending time with friends and hiking. Upon graduation in May, Tual plans to become a registered dietitian and work with families to build foundational nutrition.

 

Will Wallace, 22, is a business administration/management major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Wallace is a member of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, where he served as a youth intern and led a high school boys Bible Study. He also has worked as a counselor at Kanakuk Camps. As a member of the OBU baseball team, he has been named GAC All Conference, GAC Academic All Conference, served as team captain and served on the Student Athletic Advisory Board. He also has been a representative on Student Senate, been on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team and has been a beau of EEE women’s social club. Wallace has volunteered for Tiger Serve Day and Special Olympics as well as with a Peake Elementary School reading program with the baseball team. Upon graduation in May, Wallace plans to attend graduate school to get a degree in sports administration and be a baseball graduate assistant while pursuing a career in coaching.

Rachel Wicker, 22, is a mass communications and Christian studies double major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, Wicker has been named to Ouachita’s President’s List and has been a member of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology and Alpha Chi national college honor society. While at Ouachita, she has served as outreach leader for Campus Ministries, projects chair on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, Tiger Tunes “fun-bringer” for Campus Ministries and has been an active member of the International Club. She also has been a community group member at Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Wicker will graduate in May.

David Willhite, 22, is a Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Rowlett, Texas. A graduate of Sachse High School, Willhite has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s and President’s Lists and received the Cargill Leadership Award. While at OBU, he has served as a Freshman Family Group leader and Student Senate vice president. He also has served as a Refuge speaker for Campus Ministries, logistics chair on the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and Student Senate senior class treasurer. He volunteered in the children’s ministry at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and interned at Redeemer Church Royse City and Lake Pointe Church. He has done student work for Dr. Scott Jackson in OBU’s Pruet School of Christian Studies, was a resident assistant in Flippen-Perrin Residence Hall and has volunteered with TranServe and Big Brother Big Sister. Upon graduation in May, Willhite hopes to attend graduate school and eventually teach at the university level.

Sara Cat Williams, 22, is a biology and psychology double major from Roland, Ark. While at OBU, she was named a 2015 Ben Elrod Scholar and was a recipient of the Psychology Faculty Award. She has been employed as a medical scribe and a ballet instructor and has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Arkadelphia. As a member of the Carl Goodson Honors Program, Williams served as social co-chair. She also has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society and Tri Beta biological honor society and has served as a member of OBU Student Senate. She enjoys reading, ceramics and acting. Upon graduation in May, Williams plans to become a neuroscientist.

 

Karen Wray, 22, is a Christian studies/Biblical studies and Biblical languages major from Eads, Tenn. A graduate of Home Life Academy, she has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. While at OBU, she has been a member of the swim team, Pruet Sisterhood and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. She also has served as a Sunday school teacher and has worked for J. Scott Duvall in OBU’s Pruet School of Christian Studies and the OBU swim team. She enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and running. Wray will graduate in May.

 

By Rachel Gaddis and Anna Hurst // Photos by Grace Finley. Click photos above for full images.