Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University welcomed 15 new faculty members in 2025 to its undergraduate and graduate programs. The group participated in an orientation on campus Aug. 5-6. Led by the university’s Office of Academic Affairs, the event introduced them to the community and departments on campus.

“This fantastic faculty cohort will make a lasting impact on the lives of Ouachita students,” said Justin Hardin, vice president for academic affairs. “I’m excited to see them share their God-given gifts and experiences with our Christ-centered learning community.”

The new faculty are joining colleagues in the Hickingbotham School of Business, Huckabee School of Education, Patterson School of Natural Sciences, Riley-Hickingbotham Library, School of Humanities, School of Performing Arts and Sutton School of Social Sciences.

Ian Aipperspach is Ouachita’s interim director of library services and assistant professor of music. Aipperspach is a graduate of John Brown University (B.A., B.S.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.M.) and Texas Tech University (Ph.D.).

Scott Anderson joined the Patterson School of Natural Sciences last January as instructor of cybersecurity, a new program launching this fall. Anderson served in the military for 24 years and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University (B.S.) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (M.S.). He also worked privately as a cybersecurity program developer.

Jill Batson has served as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Language & Literature and now joins the faculty as assistant professor of English. She is a graduate of Ouachita (BSE) and Henderson State University (MSE).

Taylor Beach is Ouachita’s new assistant professor of accounting. Beach is a graduate of Baylor University (BBA and MACC), South Texas College of Law (J.D.) and Georgetown University Law School (LLM). He previously worked as a CPA in Little Rock.

From left: Ian Aipperspach, Scott Anderson, Jill Batson, Taylor Beach

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Rebecca Beights joins the graduate faculty as an assistant professor of applied behavior analysis. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.S., Ph.D.) and Auburn University (M.S.). Beights also works in clinical research to expand understanding of constructional behavior analysis and provides training and support to practitioners. 

Kristy Burton is an assistant professor of counseling for Ouachita’s graduate counseling program. She is a graduate of Harding University (B.S.), John Brown University (M.S.) and University of the Cumberlands (Ph.D.). Burton privately works with individuals facing a range of mental health and substance use challenges.

Graham Cole joins as an instructor of kinesiology after teaching in Garland, Texas, and at Dallas Community College. He is a graduate of Ouachita (B.A.) and Concordia University (M.S.), also holding certifications as a strength and conditioning specialist and a tactical strength and conditioning facilitator.

Leah Cruthis is a board-certified adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner who joins the faculty as assistant professor of nursing. Cruthis is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (B.S.) and Walden University (M.S.).

From left: Rebecca Beights, Kristy Burton, Graham Cole, Leah Cruthis

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Misty Foshee joins Ouachita as an associate professor of nursing, with over 20 years of nursing experience in ICU, women’s health, labor and delivery, postpartum and family practice. She is a graduate of UAMS (BSN, MSN).

Kayla Harrington is a new assistant professor of nursing and has served in a variety of fields, including work as a board-certified urology nurse practitioner and in adult gerontology primary care. She is a graduate of Henderson State University (B.S.) and UAMS (M.S.).

Danielle Ojeabulu is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is an instructor of counseling in Ouachita’s graduate counseling program. She is a graduate of Hampton University (B.A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A.). Ojeabulu is a current doctoral candidate at Concordia University.

Mike Pannell joined the faculty as an instructor of engineering in January, following a career in mechanical engineering in Texas. Pannell is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (B.S.), Purdue University (M.S.) and Texas A&M University (MBA).

From left: Misty Foshee, Kayla Harrington, Danielle Ojeabulu, Mike Pannell

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Daniel Stargel is an assistant professor of musical theatre in Ouachita’s School of Performing Arts. He comes to Arkadelphia most recently from Kentucky and is a graduate of Florida Southern College (BME) and the University of North Carolina in Greensboro (MFA).

Morgan Stobaugh is an assistant professor of nursing, coming to Ouachita to begin her education career. Stobaugh brings experience as a family nurse practitioner in ICU at UAMS and in urgent care. She attended Ouachita for pre-nursing coursework and is a graduate of UAMS (B.S., M.S.).

Martín Valdivia joins the School of Humanities as an instructor of Spanish after teaching in Peru, high schools in Arkansas and at UALR. He is a graduate of UALR (B.A.), Henderson State University (MAT) and New Mexico State University (M.A.).

From left: Daniel Stargel, Morgan Stobaugh, Martín Valdivia

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“I came to Ouachita because I felt a calling to use my experience and skills for a greater eternal purpose,” said Beach. “I believe discipleship happens both inside and outside the church, and Ouachita provides a unique environment to mentor students spiritually and professionally.”

The new instructors joined with all faculty on Aug. 19 for “Common Bond,” a conference that included worship, a Birkett Williams Lecture by Dr. Chuck Stokes, professor of sociology at Samford University, as well as eight workshops led by Ouachita faculty on topics including generative AI, interdisciplinary teaching and faith integration.

“Through the emphasis on ‘Common Bond,’ our new faculty were introduced to the mission and culture of Ouachita and were able to make connections across the university, beginning with their first week on campus,” noted Dr. Deborah Root, professor and chair of communications and member of the conference leadership team. “The day was a meaningful way to begin the year for both new and veteran faculty members.”

For more information about Ouachita Baptist University, visit obu.edu or contact the Office of Admissions Counseling at 870-245-5110.

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• School of Social Sciences