Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University will host its 15th annual Stepping Up for Ouachita luncheon, presented by Citizens Bank, on Friday, Nov. 14, at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. Doors open at 10:45 a.m., with lunch service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Ticket and sponsorship information is available at obu.edu/steppingup.

The event will raise money for scholarships and honor four women: Jennifer Jones Hamner of Hot Springs, Ark., Terri Smithson King of Arkadelphia, Ark., Greta Wilcher McDonald of Heavener, Okla., and Christine Roberson Street of Greenbrier, Ark.

What began in 2010 as a vision to help students has grown into a transformative tradition, with Stepping Up for Ouachita raising over $1 million for scholarships at the university since its inception.

"When we dreamed of Stepping Up, we hoped it would become both a celebration and an inspiration – and it has far exceeded our expectations," said Terry Peeples, vice president for development. "It's remarkable to see how God has used this event to bless our students and strengthen the Ouachita community."

This year's celebration will be chaired by Rhonda Sanders from Ouachita’s Class of 1983.

"These honorees are extraordinary examples of what it means to lead with faith and integrity," said Sanders, who works with a committee of alumni to plan the event. "Their stories are a reminder of how a Ouachita education continues to ripple outward, shaping families, professions and communities."

Jennifer Jones Hamner, a business leader and philanthropist, has deepened her Ouachita connection through her children's education, service on the Pruet School of Christian Studies Advisory Board and time as a local business owner.

She and her husband of 57 years, Elgin, have owned and operated businesses in multiple states, including American Jeans Clothing Store and Western Sizzlin' in Arkadelphia. Hamner earned recognition as Western Sizzlin's National Woman of the Year and helped pioneer new products and partnerships for the company.

A Northwestern State University graduate, she champions women’s ministry in a variety of contexts. At age 55, she earned an Advanced Women’s Ministry Certificate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, further empowering her lifelong commitment to strengthening Christian women. In that spirit, she and Elgin established the Hamner Women's Ministry Endowed Scholarship at Ouachita for female ministry students. Hamner describes Ouachita as "a beacon of Christian education and a trustworthy place to invest in students," reflecting her life verse, Psalm 92:14: "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green."

Terri Smithson King '88 has maintained deep roots in the Ouachita community for four decades. Growing up as the child of Christian public-school educators in nearby Gurdon, Ark., King attended Ouachita as a married student. She credits Margaret Wright, professor emerita of accounting, for significantly impacting her education, helping her feel embraced by the Ouachita family.

King has remained an Arkadelphia community leader, serving children through her work with the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center. With husband Taylor '83, she built Taylor King Law, where she has served as bookkeeper since 1994. Their 30-year-old firm has expanded to seven locations across Arkansas and into Texas.

"She's modeled hard work, generosity and a Christ-like attitude of putting others before herself,” Austin King '11, King’s son, noted. “She is by far the smartest member of our family, and her love for learning and education has been passed to us and her grandchildren."

Greta Wilcher McDonald '89 serves as chief financial officer for Mercy Hospital Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas. Raised in Wickes, Ark., she attributes her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility to her small-town upbringing and family values. A high school friend first introduced her to Ouachita through "enthusiasm and positive experiences" that sparked her interest.

At Ouachita, McDonald formed meaningful relationships with Catherine Rogers, her residence hall director, whose genuine care and prayers significantly influenced her faith journey. Margaret Wright also made a lasting impact, challenging her to "push beyond her comfort zone, fostering confidence and determination." This foundation led to McDonald’s 34-year career, which saw her become Mercy's first female CFO.

"I benefited from the generosity of donors during my time at Ouachita, and I know firsthand how vital those funds are to provide opportunities for many students to pursue their education and achieve their dreams," McDonald said.

Christine Roberson Street '85, an El Dorado, Ark., native, grew up loving God, music and Ouachita. With parents who graduated from Ouachita, Street says she didn't consider another university – she simply "packed up her car and headed to Arkadelphia."

As a student, she immersed herself in Ouachita Singers, Chi Delta and Tiger Tunes, but her experience touring with the Ouachi-Tones remains most memorable. Mary Shambarger, professor emerita of music, left a major impression on Street.

"She pushed me to do things beyond my comfort zone and taught me life lessons I still use today," Street said of Shambarger.

She met her husband, Scott Street '86, at Ouachita, and all four of their children are graduates: Samantha Akers '13, Nathan Street '17, Zach Street '19 and Jacob Street '22. The Streets maintain active Ouachita connections through service on the Alumni Board and Stepping Up for Ouachita committee.

"We are always happy to tell students and parents about the university we love," Street said.

Full honoree bios and more information about the luncheon can be found at obu.edu/steppingup or by contacting the Office of Development at (870) 245-5169.

• Tags:
• Alumni
• Development
• Featured