Ouachita to hold record-breaking Spring Commencement May 10
May 02, 2025
- Chase HartsellOuachita Baptist University will hold its 138th spring commencement on Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of historic Cone-Bottoms Hall.
The ceremony will honor 442 graduates – the largest graduating class in the university’s history – including those who have earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education and Master of Science degrees.
“Our graduating seniors were part of the largest freshman class in university history,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “With their momentum, a state-leading graduation rate and our growing graduate programs, we’re excited to celebrate a record-breaking class on Cone-Bottoms lawn next Saturday.”
Commencement exercises will be led by Sells, who will also serve as the Commencement speaker. Dr. Myra Houser, associate professor and chair of the Department of History and University Committee chair, will be Commencement marshal. Honorary marshals include Dr. Terry Carter, professor emeritus of Christian ministries; Dr. Jay Curlin, professor emeritus of English; Jeanie Curry, assistant professor emerita of accounting; Dr. Byron Eubanks, professor emeritus of philosophy; Dr. Jim Files, associate professor emeritus of accounting; Dr. Johnny Wink, professor emeritus of English; and Dr. Anping Wu, professor and director emeritus of library services.
“The emeriti faculty leading at Commencement represent a total of 238 years of service at Ouachita,” said Dr. Justin Hardin, vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of biblical studies. “Their investment in and out of the classroom is what makes Ouachita a special place where students truly know their professors.”
Senior Class President Isaac Lawson, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology and history double major from Kingsport, Tenn., will deliver the invocation. Sells will follow the invocation with welcoming remarks. Lori Motl, senior director of admissions counseling, and Dr. Nicole Porchia, vice president for student development, will then read Ouachita’s vision and mission statements.
Scripture will be read by Mallorie Carozza, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Arkadelphia, Ark.; Meghann Bledsoe, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology and communications & media/integrated communications double major from Plano, Texas; Wyatt House, a biomedical sciences major with a co-major in Christian foundations from Little Rock, Ark.; Allie Jane Wilson, a biology major with a co-major in Christian foundations from Springdale, Ark.; Troi McDonald, a Christian studies/Christian ministries major from Magnolia, Ark.; and Ben Combs, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Jessieville, Ark.
Following Sells’ Commencement address, candidates for graduation will be presented by Dr. Jeff Root, dean of the School of Humanities and professor of communications. Sells will confer degrees upon graduates and recognize those with military commissions.
Dr. Alex Favazza, director of choral activities and assistant professor of music in the School of Performing Arts’ Division of Music, will lead a singing of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and the Ouachita alma mater.
Dr. Jeremy Greer, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and associate professor of biblical studies, will lead a responsive reading. Scott Street, chair of Ouachita’s Board of Trustees and chief executive officer of Pediatrics Plus, will close the ceremony by offering a prayer of dedication.
In the case of inclement weather, Commencement will be moved to Cliff Harris Stadium. The event will be streamed live online at obu.edu/graduation-live. To find out more about Commencement 2025, please visit obu.edu/graduation.
Lead photo by Meghann Bledsoe
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