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Ouachita honors 331 graduates, awards honorary doctorate to Larry Kircher

Ouachita honors 331 graduates, awards honorary doctorate to Larry Kircher.May 16, 2016 - Trennis Henderson

Celebrating Ouachita Baptist University’s 129th spring commencement on May 14, university officials conferred a total of 337 degrees on 331 graduates, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees as well as Ouachita’s first Associate of Arts degrees earned through the university’s Ouachita at New Life Church program.

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This year’s graduating class featured 142 honor graduates, including 21 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 54 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 67 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 14 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 32 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society. Also honored were three graduates who were commissioned with the rank of Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army: Benjamin Adcock, Joseph Hughes and Noah Myers.

Senior Class President Jacob Moreno Robles, a nutrition/dietetics major from Mexico City, led the commencement invocation. Scripture reading was led by three students from the Pruet School of Christian Studies: Haylee Garland, a Christian studies/Christian ministries and psychology double major from Ward, Ark.; Elizabeth Peevy, a Christian studies/Christian missions major from Bryant, Ark.; and Amber Williams, a Christian studies/Christian missions major from Mount Vernon, Ark.

Ouachita Interim President Charles Wright also recognized Nathan Lowman, a history major from Little Rock, who is a fourth-generation Ouachita graduate dating back 95 years to his great-grandfather’s graduation in 1921.

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Dr. Wright presented Larry Kircher, a longtime member of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree on behalf of fellow trustees. Board members voted earlier this year to honor Kircher, a 1965 OBU graduate, in recognition of his “outstanding labors in business, civic and church life, as well as his generous and loyal service to his alma mater.”

“It is with a very grateful heart that I stand in front of you today,” Kircher responded. “Ouachita has meant a great deal to me and has made the difference in my life over the years.”

Citing Jeremiah 29:11, he told the graduating class, “God does have a plan for you and His plan is to prosper you and to give you hope for a future.”

Encouraging graduates to give their alma mater “your undying support,” he said, “One of your obligations will be to always give a cheer for Ouachita, You need to speak highly of Ouachita. Who better to recruit new students to Ouachita than those who have just finished their education here?”

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Kircher, who began serving at Citizens State Bank of Bald Knob, Ark., in 1969, retired as chairman and CEO of the bank in 2014 after 45 years of service. Dedicated to serving his community, he founded the White County Community Foundation, co-founded the Bald Knob Public Education Foundation and the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund and has served nearly 50 years as a deacon and treasurer at Central Baptist Church of Bald Knob. In addition to serving eight terms on the Ouachita Board of Trustees, he has served on the boards of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities, Arkansas Bankers Association and American Bankers Association.

He and his wife, Molly, a 1964 OBU graduate, have two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Kirchers have supported numerous projects and capital campaigns at Ouachita, including funding the Kircher Endowed Scholarship, the Kircher International Student Endowed Scholarship and the Kircher Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship. He was named a 2015 OBU Alumni Milestone Award recipient.

Jay Heflin, chairman of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, introduced Dr. Ben Sells, OBU’s president-elect, who will assume office as president on June 1. “We are excited about a new era on the horizon at Ouachita,” Heflin said. Affirming Dr. Sell’s election as Ouachita’s 16th president, Heflin said Dr. Sells and his wife, Lisa, “are a wonderful fit for our university.”

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“Graduates, your Ouachita experience has been a special opportunity for you,” Dr. Sells emphasized, “and I want to suggest you have a special responsibility.

“Ouachita has prepared you exceedingly well to accept this special responsibility of contributing to God’s redemptive purposes through your family, your vocation, your church, your community, this nation, this world,” he added. “Your family and your alma mater will stand with you. We believe in you, we love you, we support you and we will pray for you.

“As you begin this transition from students to alumni, Ouachita is better because of you,” he concluded. “As we dream a larger dream for Ouachita, your university asks you to help by living out the Ouachita mission whatever you do and wherever you go.”

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Dr. Wright, who is concluding 10 months as Ouachita’s interim president, told the graduating class, “We pray God’s blessings on each one of you young women and men who today are completing a meaningful milestone in your lives.

“Not only does this day represent the completion of a significant goal but it also presents a new beginning as you enter the next phase of your life,” he noted. “I say this from our hearts: It has been an honor to know you, to serve you and, most importantly, to love you.”

Dr. Ray Granade, director of library services and professor of history, and Dr. Nancy Hardman, Edna and Freda Linn Professor of Communication Sciences and Pre-Medical Studies, served as commencement marshals. Honorary marshals were Dr. Hal Bass, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, and Dr. Charles Fuller, Professor Emeritus of Music, who also were honored during the commencement ceremony.

Dr. Bass has taught at Ouachita since 1976, including serving as a full professor since 1989. He holds degrees from Baylor University and Vanderbilt University. He also has served in several administrative roles, including chair of the Department of Political Science, director of the Maddox Public Affairs Center and founding dean of the W.H. Sutton School of Social Sciences. He and his wife, Mitzi, are active members of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia.

Dr. Fuller served at Ouachita from 1993 to 2007. He holds degrees from Baylor University, West Texas State University, Arizona State University, Truett Theological Seminary and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. He joined the Ouachita faculty as an associate professor of music and director of choral activities after serving in a similar role at East Texas Baptist University. He was promoted to full professor in 1997 and was named dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts and chair of the Division of Music in 2004.

Dr. Fuller has served since 2010 as minister for congregational life at Second Baptist Church of Little Rock. He and his wife, Cindy, continue to support Ouachita, including endowing the Rachel Fuller Memorial Scholarship named in memory of their daughter.

A video of the ceremony is available at http://livestream.com/obu/commencement2016.

 



By Trennis Henderson, OBU vice president for communications // Photos by Andy Henderson


 

Students who were recognized at the May 14 ceremony include the following, in order of hometown:

Alamogordo, N.M.—Cawley Starling, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Alexander, Ark.—Kelsey Norton, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Allen, Texas—Layne Castleman, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education and Spanish; Jace Melby, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education

Amory, Miss.—Zack Turman, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Arkadelphia, Ark.—Hayley Cooper, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Katie Brech, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Jessica Forthman, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Abbey Fowler, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design and Mass Communications and French; Nia Giles, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Lucas Huneycutt, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Reagan Parsons, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Chandler Powell, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders and Spanish; Jacob Roberson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Physics, and Bachelor of Science, Mathematics; Elva Rosas, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Jordan Sharp, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Sport Management; Brandon Smith, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Kinesiology/Fitness; Will Wallace, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Arlington, Texas—Treslyn Shipley, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Ashdown, Ark.—Jack Hunley, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Atlanta, Texas—Daniel Lee, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions

Austin, Texas—Evan Ruiz, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Sport Management; Michael Holden, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Azle, Texas—Justin Massey, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental

Bartlesville, Okla.—Chris Hogan, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental

Batesville, Ark.—Sam Beary, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry; Heather Green, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Baton Rouge, La.—Brandon Stogner, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Beebe, Ark.—Leslie Colbert, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Belgrade, Serbia—Marko Bošković, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management

Bella Vista, Ark.—Ali Robinson, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Benton, Ark.—Austin Kennedy, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Taylor Black, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Mass Communications; Emily Harris, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Aaron Hill, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English; Lindsay Johnson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management; Trevor Nix, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; R.J. Quilao, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Steven Rutherford, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing; Rachel Wicker, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Mass Communications; Brady Willis, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Bentonville, Ark.—Robert Lewis, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History

Berryville, Ark.—David Garcia, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Bismarck, Ark.—Jessica Compton, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology

Bonnerdale, Ark.—Tori Bateman, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Bossier City, La.—Rachel Ewart, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Sociology

Brasilia, Brazil—Vitor de Oliveira, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Brawley, Calif.—Sawyer Smith, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Broken Arrow, Okla.—Luke Hillman, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy

Bryant, Ark.—Grace Finley, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Nathan Hill, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics; William Lawson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biblical Languages; Angela Morgan, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Elizabeth Peevy, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Tryce Schalchlin III, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Bugscuffle, Texas—John Doss, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Theology and Christian Ministry

Cabot, Ark.—Alli Hall, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics; Beth Anne Caery, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Rachel Gaddis, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Emily Grigsby, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art and Mass Communications; Dillon Potter, May 2016, Associate of Arts, Christian Studies; Hunter Starks, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Marketing; Grant Westlake, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Camden, Ark.—Emily Crump, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Stoni Butler, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Kendall Golden, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Jessica Hargis, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology

Carlisle, Ark.—Ashley Keathley, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Christian Missions and Graphic Design

Cedarville, Ark.—Ashley Jordan, Dec 2015, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Charleston, Ark.—Mike Russell, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional; Katherine West, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Sociology

Clarksville, Ark.—Julianna Howard, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication

Collierville, Tenn.—Mitch Bledsoe, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing and Sport Management; Morgan Brothers, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Colonia, Uruguay—Ellie Quick, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Colorado Springs, Colo.—Erin Cheshire, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Conway, Ark.—Tanner Bezet, May 2016, Associate of Arts, Christian Studies; Ally Brasko, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Morgan Cummins, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Harrison Daniel, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Harrison Daniel, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry; Abby Doshier, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History; Braeden Gregg, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Hal Hoggard, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics; Ruth Kitchens, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Physics; Ruth Kitchens, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics; Maci Lewis, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Bonnie Magee, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Victoria Singleton, May 2016, Associate of Arts, Christian Studies

Crossett, Ark.—Seth Russell, May 2016, Bachelor of Music , Vocal Performance; Sadie Sasser, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Patrick Sworn, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication and Mass Communications

Daingerfield, Texas—Laken Livingston, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Dallas, Texas—Josh Rubin, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Dardanelle, Ark.—AlleaBelle Gongola, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Biology; Cory Thackston, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy

De Queen, Ark.—Alexa Knutson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Denham Springs, La.—Tyler Coleman, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Denton, Texas—Kenzie Lionberger, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History and Sociology;Travis Simon, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Des Arc, Ark.—Madison Dunbar, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education

Duncanville, Texas—Grace Hevron, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education

Eads, Tenn.—David Wray, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Psychology; Karen Wray, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages

El Dorado, Ark.—David Hill, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies; Allison Hegi, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology; L. B. Hudson, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance

Farmington, Ark.—Jenna Headrick, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Josh Cartwright, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; David Headrick, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics

Fayetteville, Ark.—Hollan Van Horn, Aug 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Carter Harlan, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental; Lauren Scarbrough, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Graphic Design

Federal Way, Wash.—Jerron Smith, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Flint, Texas—Joseph Hughes, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Christian Studies/Christian Ministry

Florissant, Mo.—Scott Bohning, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Philosophy

Flower Mound, Texas—Devin Jones, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design

Fordyce, Ark.—Nick Archer, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Adam Jones, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Theology; Rachel Tucker, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology and Chemistry

Foreman, Ark.—Hollie Chaytor, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Fort Smith, Ark.—Lauren Deckelman, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Brent Northington, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Spanish; Kaden Sosebee, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Theology and Biblical Studies

Fort Worth, Texas—Lee Celestino, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Slava Seely, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Friendship, Ark.—Taylor Fowler, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Frisco, Texas—Shannon Talley, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Cheyenne Strynadka, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Garland, Texas—Justin Jones, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Gentry, Ark.—Elijah Ramsey, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Missions

Glen Rose, Ark.—Steven Kehner, Aug 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Glenwood, Ark.—Ethan Blackmon, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Grand Prairie, Texas—Jacob Post, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History

Greenbrier, Ark.—Kailey Madden, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Greenwood, Ark.—Garrett Sayers, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Josh Williams, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions

Guatemala City, Guatemala—Zach Fricke, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Gurdon, Ark.—Hannah Kuhn, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional and Biology; Kaitlyn Ray, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Megan Trout, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Harare, Zimbabwe—Ben Lange-Smith, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Harrison, Ark.—Cassie Lynch, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Hensley, Ark.—Joseph Koon II, Aug 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Rebekah Davis, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Natalie Garner, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Higginson, Ark.—Kyla Feather, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Hooks, Texas—Kendrick Henderson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Hope, Ark.—Drake Barham, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Suzanne Gresham, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Marketing; Cyle Honeycutt, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Hot Springs Village, Ark.—Macey Burr, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; Natalie Ramsey, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Recreation and Sports Ministry; Morgan Chunn, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral; Tyler Faught, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Sport Management

Hot Springs, Ark.—Michael Goodrum, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Teylor Arndt, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry; Spencer Bryson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Missions; Richard Burke III, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Political Science; Neila Fisher, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Marketing; Heidi Hughes, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Blake Langford, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Kathleen Suit, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts

Houston, Texas—Matt Sinclair, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Political Science

Irving, Texas—Rachel Vessells, Aug 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Meaghan Pollizi, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Mass Communications

Jessieville, Ark.—Dane Jensen, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies

Jonesboro, Ark.—Javin Prunty, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Jacob Calhoon, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Entrepreneurship; Nathan Hall, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology; Sydney Hoffman, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Alexis Sharp, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Kaufman, Texas—Natalie Batres, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics

Kigali, Rwanda—Jean Benecyo, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Killeen, Texas—Gerald Warner, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Computer Science

Kingsland, Ga.—Elizabeth Willis, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Las Vegas, Nev.—Emile Maritz, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Lee's Summit, Mo.—Gracen Kelley, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Lehigh Acres, Fla.—Ricardy Joseph, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Lewisville, Ark.—Jesse Kitchens, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Lincoln, Ark.—Kaela Butler, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Lindale, Texas—Annie McMurray, May 2016, Bachelor of Music, Worship Arts

Little Rock, Ark.—Stephen Curry, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral; Evian Hill-Holman, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Rebecca Johnson, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Music and Business Administration/Management; Hannah Shull, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Morgan Allen, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Sydney Bratton, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Mass Communications; Jake Briggs, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Josh Briggs, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management; Walter Dodd II, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts; Cydney Fletcher, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Fawn Freeze, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Psychology; Caroline Groustra, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Haley Hatcher, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Kyle Hendren, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Rebekah Holiman, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Lauren Johnson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Music; Anna Kumpuris, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions and Mass Communications and Spanish; Harry Lah, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education; Dixon Land, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Ragan Ledbetter, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Nathan Lowman, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History; Sammie Mack, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Blake Martin, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Keith McLeod, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics; Ryan Perkins, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry; Camille Stearns, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Abby Thomas, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and English; Connor Van Hemert, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management and Entrepreneurship; Jalin Wesley, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Haley Wheeler, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional; Natalie Williams, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Music and Theatre Arts; Cat Williams, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology and Psychology

Lockesburg, Ark.—Bethany Clay, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Los Angeles, Calif.—Darryl Parker, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Lowell, Ark.—Nathan Gilbert, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing and Finance

Mabelvale, Ark.—Tori Pierceall, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Mansfield, Ark.—Amber Oxford, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Marshall, Ark.—Bethany Johnson, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Martin, Tenn.—Barkley Legens, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Maumelle, Ark.—Katie Colford, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Tiffany Fagaly, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Brooks Parker, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Hailey Weiner, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre

McKinney, Texas—Sara Driskill, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Jossie Ho, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Medellin, Colombia—Joann Mejia-Vidal, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Mesquite, Texas—Bailey Morris, May 2016, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Mexico City, Mexico—Jacob Moreno Robles, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Miami Homestead, Fla.—Peter Daniel, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness

Mineola, Texas—Hannah Osborne, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Monroe, La.—Kaitlyn Clark, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; John Givler, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Montgomery Village, Md.—Amanda Bunting, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design

Monticello, Ark.—Ben Adcock, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry

Morrilton, Ark.—Anna Hurst, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Business Administration/Marketing

Mount Pleasant, Texas—Bridget Hosey, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History

Mount Vernon, Ark.—Amber Williams, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Will Henderson, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Sydney Heslep, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Ashlyn Meece, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; Trevor Meece, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology

Munford, Tenn.—Josh Reeves, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Myrtle Beach, S.C.—Macy Nutt, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Nashville, Ark.—Hayden Kirchhoff, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Nashville, Tenn.—Noah Myers, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry

Neosho, Mo.—Dallas Smith, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Niamey, Niger—Caroline Cain, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts and Mass Communications

North Little Rock, Ark.—Sam Stricklin, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Mattie Bogoslavsky, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Mattie Bogoslavsky, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; John Edwards, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Connor Eller, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Zach Grimes, May 2016, Associate of Arts, Christian Studies; Melody Mosler, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies; Griffin Peeples, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Accounting; Kenderick Scorza, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre

Oak Grove, Mo.—Joseph Breckenridge, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Oakland, Tenn.—Abby Huggins, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Oleśnica, Poland—Maciej Braciszewicz, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Paris, Texas—Matthew Ablon, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, English and Mass Communications

Pearcy, Ark.—Michelle Baker, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Marketing

Plano, Texas—Connor Reed, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Sport Management; Emily Tual, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Plumerville, Ark.—Breanna Bucko, May 2016, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral

Port Elizabeth, South Africa—Jason Mechali, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance

Prosper, Texas—Bethany Arredondo, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication; Perri Adcock, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design

Quitman, Ark.—John David Ward, May 2016, Associate of Arts, General Studies

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—Philippe Ichter, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Tatiane Pacheco, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Catarina Young, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Rison, Ark.—Melanie Herring, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art

Roe, Ark.—Katelyn Smith, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Art and Education

Rogers, Ark.—Kyle Osmon, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Will Peevy, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Audrey Rodriguez, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Rowlett, Texas—Kayla Kreger, May 2016, Bachelor of Music Education, Choral; Julie Nessler, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; David Willhite, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

Royal, Ark.—Lauren Lynch, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics

Russellville, Ark.—Michael Butler, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Missions; Mollie Taylor, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education

Ruston, La.—Joseph Hild, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies

San Antonio, Texas—Jarrod Bruton, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; James Nuells, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Biology; Etauj Allen, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Fitness; Abigail Kemp, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

San Pedro Sula, Honduras—Claudia Brizuela Jerezano, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Management

Searcy, Ark.—Erin Dillin, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Missions; Josh Reaper, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Administration/Finance; Justin Rose, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Morgan White, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Sheridan, Ark.—Roxanne Easter, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History; Sara Crawford-McGregor, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Sherwood, Ark.—Seth Boyd, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Stacy Hawking, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Blake Maynard, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management

Shreveport, La.—Zach Parker, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Mass Communications; Colleen Rose, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Teaching and Education; Lana Rose, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, History and Secondary Education

Sour Lake, Texas—Nick Holder, Dec 2015, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Philosophy and Christian Ministry

Sparkman, Ark.—Joseph White, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing

Springdale, Ark.—Sam Cushman, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications and Political Science; Jacob May, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management and Finance

Stillwater, Okla.—Gary Fortney, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics

Stuttgart, Ark.—Ben Blankenship, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Biology

Sulphur Springs, Texas—Blaine Surber, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Blaine Surber, Dec 2015, cum laude, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre

Texarkana, Texas—Elizabeth Lawson, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental; Tara Clem, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre; Matt Cox, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Steve Flowers II, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Management; Emily Gammon, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education; Trey Hart III, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, History; Sarah Hurlburt, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, English and Secondary Education; Abby Pickett, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; Emily Rankin, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication; Weston Smith, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

Tulsa, Okla.—Caitlyn Barker, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications; Aaron Pinion, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts

Vilonia, Ark.—Julie Stanley, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Science, Biology

Waco, Texas—Ellen Butler, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Ward, Ark.—Haylee Garland, May 2016, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Christian Ministry and Psychology

Waxahachie, Texas—Scott Hartley, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies and Christian Missions

White Hall, Ark.—Jessica Ashcraft, May 2016, Bachelor of Science, Biology; Bethany Gere, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Sciences and Disorders; Bethany Gere, May 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Musical Theatre

White Oak, Texas—Tara Wait, Dec 2015, Bachelor of Arts, Art and Education

Wylie, Texas—Drew Feuerbacher, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance and Sport Management; Joey Gammon, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Finance; Tye Polk, May 2016, Bachelor of Arts, Christian Studies/Biblical Studies; Lauren Snow, May 2016, magna cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications

Yaroslavl, Russia—Val Mansvetova, May 2016, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology/Leisure Studies Pre-Professional

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