Alumni return for Black History Month luncheon, reflect on Ouachita history
February 17, 2026
- James TaylorOuachita Baptist University’s Multicultural Student Programs brought together generations of African American alumni during a Soul Food Luncheon and Alumni Spotlight on Monday, Feb. 2, sharing a narrative of progress, perseverance and community.
The event featured Euodias Goza, a 1971 graduate, and Dayja’ James, a 2023 graduate, whose stories encapsulate more than 50 years of African American student experience at Ouachita. From the early days of campus integration to today’s multicultural efforts, both alumni offered perspectives that resonated deeply with current students, faculty and staff.
“As a current Ouachita student, hearing from alumni was truly inspiring,” said Addrie Gray, a senior criminal justice and psychology major from El Dorado, Arkansas. “Through their testimonies, I felt seen and heard. I grew in my appreciation for those who came before and allowed me to follow in their footsteps.”
Students, faculty and staff with James after the luncheon.
Goza, who graduated with a degree in business, recounted the pioneering work of establishing B.A.S.S. (Black American Student Society) during his time at Ouachita. He spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs of the integration era, crediting peers such as Leroy Brownlee, John L. Ware and Robert Cornelius for their courageous leadership and influence. Following his graduation, Goza built a distinguished career in banking and finance, serving in leadership positions at Twin City Bank, Mercantile Bank and retiring as director of Internal Audit at Southern Development Bancorporation in Arkadelphia.
James, a recent graduate who earned her B.A. in communication sciences and disorders from Ouachita, shared her journey from active involvement in Multicultural Student Programs and leading worship on campus to her current role as a speech-language pathologist. She noted how her experience was shaped by alumni like Goza, and she reminded students of their potential for influencing others.
Dr. Natilan Crutcher, assistant professor of music and co-liaison of Multicultural Student Programs, reflected on the significance of bridging these generational experiences.
“I am grateful we were able to invite two alumni back to campus who represent such different generations at Ouachita,” Crutcher said. “Through both of their stories, we witnessed a rich history of development, hardships and growth achieved through the work of African American students. We saw how Mr. Goza’s generation paved the way for Ms. James’ generation, and how her generation continues to strengthen that path to inspire students who will come after them.”
Crutcher emphasized that the alumni testimonies reveal a continuous line of strength and determination that runs through the heart of minority students on campus and reflects the purpose of Multicultural Student Programs.
Black History Month programming at Ouachita continues with “Celebrating Black History Through Song” on Monday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. Dr. Crutcher and Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, assistant professor of music, will present a recital featuring gospel music, spirituals and jazz created by African American composers.
The month concludes with the Ouachita Jazz Band's “Celebrating 100 Years of Miles Davis and John Coltrane” on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Both jazz legends were born in 1926, and the performance will honor their groundbreaking contributions to American music.
For more information about Multicultural Student Programs at Ouachita Baptist University, contact Dr. Natilan Crutcher at [email protected] or Fernanda Carrillo at [email protected].
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