Clinical skills lab dedicated to longtime Ouachita trustee
May 23, 2025
- Chase HartsellA clinical skills lab in Ouachita’s Whisenhunt Nursing Education Center was recently named in honor of longtime trustee Dr. James E. Young.
Young, a member of Ouachita’s Class of 1968, dedicated his life to the medical field and served Arkansans – most notably in his home community of McGehee, Ark. – for almost 50 years. He practiced medicine until shortly before his death in 2023. This year, Young’s sister-in-law, Mary Epperson, honored Young by dedicating a lab space in his memory.
The university officially named the Young Clinical Skills Lab and installed a plaque sharing James’ story and legacy.
Dr. James E. Young devoted his life to the practice of medicine, the service of others and the advancement of Christian higher education. A native of Memphis, Tenn., he graduated from Fouke (Ark.) High School in 1964 before attending Ouachita Baptist University. After earning his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1972, he began a career in family medicine that spanned nearly five decades.
While working in the neonatal intensive care unit at UAMS, he met Johnnie, a nursing student who shared his passion for patient care. The two married in 1972. James completed his internship in Fort Worth, Texas, then served two years of active military duty as a physician at Pine Bluff Arsenal. In 1975, the Youngs made their home in McGehee, Ark., where James provided compassionate care to generations of families.
His commitment to service extended beyond his medical practice. A faithful member of First Baptist Church of McGehee, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, James participated for 26 years in medical mission trips to Honduras. He also supported Christian higher education through his service on Ouachita Baptist University’s Board of Trustees. James’ legacy of faith, service and healing continues through the students who will learn and grow here.
“Dr. Young’s lifelong support of Ouachita meant so much to our community,” Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, said. “He and Johnnie also made such a difference to McGehee through the medical practice there, and it’s only fitting that this clinical skills lab in his memory will help train the next generation of healthcare workers in Arkansas.”
Ouachita’s Department of Nursing prepares students for healthcare professions with curriculum and clinical experiences grounded in a love of God and love of learning. For more information, contact Director of Nursing Amy Morris at 870-245-5384 or [email protected].
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