Stacy Beck

Stacy Beck, a political science, history and French major from Sheridan, Ark., earned Ouachita’s highest academic honor as the university’s Overall Academic Achiever. She also was named the top academic achiever in the Sutton School of Social Sciences and received the Bob Riley Outstanding Graduate in Political Science Award.

Top academic achievers in each of the other schools include: Judith Brizuela, a senior psychology and business administration/management major from Cortes, Honduras, Hickingbotham School of Business; Anthony Emerson, a Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Sugar Land, Texas, Pruet School of Christian Studies; Rebecca Atkinson, an early childhood education major from Arkadelphia, Ark., Huckabee School of Education; Elyse Senteney, an instrumental music education major from Plano, Texas, School of Fine Arts; Devan Malone, a speech communication and mass communications major from Benton, Ark., School of Humanities; and Hollyn McCarty, a chemistry and biology major from Texarkana Ark., Patterson School of Natural Sciences.

Ouachita’s outstanding seniors, selected by faculty and staff, are Ryan James, a biology major from Benton, Ark., Senior Outstanding Man, and Bethany Swiontek, a musical theatre major from Colorado Springs, Colo., Senior Outstanding Woman.

Dr. Jess Kelly, assistant professor of biology, was named by students as the Lavell Cole Most Inspirational Professor.

Other university awards include the Mrs. J.R. Grant Endowed Awards for freshman and senior female students and the Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Awards for sophomore and junior female students. Recipients include Emily Harris, a freshman biology major from Benton, Ark.; Anna Sikes, a sophomore Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Greenbrier, Ark.; Brittney Jones, a junior business administration/finance and management major from Texarkana, Ark.; and Taylor Stanford, a senior chemistry major from White Hall, Ark.

The Rotary Club Service-Above-Self Award was presented to Hannah Pilcher, a Spanish major from Maumelle, Ark.

Individuals honored by the Carl Goodson Honors Program include:

Ben Elrod Scholar, Ally Lemos, an early childhood education major from Hanford, Calif.

Carl Goodson Scholar, Sarah Davis, a theatre arts and Christian studies/Biblical studies major from Bedford, Texas.

Honors Council Scholar, Kate Hopmann, a studio art major from Cypress, Texas.

Garrett Ham Scholar, Chris Redmon, a Christian studies/Biblical studies, Biblical languages and philosophy major from Little Rock, Ark.

Research Award Recipients, Danielle Moses, a history major from Texarkana, Ark.; Hunter Threadgill, a philosophy and psychology major from Cordova, Tenn.; and Katy Wood, an early childhood education major from Plano, Texas.

Most Valuable Professors, Dr. Maggie Garrett, assistant professor of music, and Dr. Sara Hubbard, assistant professor of chemistry.

The annual Academic Awards Banquet is sponsored by Ouachita’s Student Senate. Outgoing Senate President Justin Young, a junior business administration/management and finance major from Springdale, Ark., presided over the event. Ouachita President Rex Horne led the swearing in for new Student Senate President Lindsey Fowler, a junior political science and accounting major from Arkadelphia, Ark.

One new award presented this year was the Matt Turner Outstanding Junior Mass Communications Major Award presented in memory of Matt Turner, a 2003 OBU graduate who was a news anchor at KTHV-11 in Little Rock prior to his death in a vehicle accident last fall. The inaugural award was presented to McKenzie Cranford of Irving, Texas.

Other awards listed by academic schools include:

Hickingbotham School of Business

Dr. Lera Kelly Outstanding Senior in Business Administration Award: Jordan Snook

Margaret Wright Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award: Samantha Street

Johnny Heflin Excellence in Leadership & Academics Award: Daniel Johnson

Outstanding Business Scholar Athletes: Landon Flax and Svitlana Smirnova

Pruet School of Christian Studies

Andrew & Harriet Grant Hall Sophomore Ministerial Award: Blake Kutter and Sophie DeMuth

Outstanding Student in Biblical Studies: Anthony Emerson

Outstanding Student in Christian Ministries: Alexis Kamerman

Outstanding Student in Christian Missions: John Bacon

Don Harbuck Award for Excellence in Philosophy: Chris Redmon

Preben Vang Award for Excellence in Christian Theological Studies: John Bacon

Elementary Hebrew Award: Sarah Stiles

Old Testament Hebrew Award: Chris Redmon

Zondervan Elementary Greek Award: Chris Redmon

Robert Stagg New Testament Greek Award: Kyle Fischer

Outstanding Student in Latin: David Wray

Huckabee School of Education

Alice Searcy Award: Josh Cartwright

Outstanding Current Education Sophomores: Ashley Randels and Chris Hogan

Sylvia Gates Webb Award: Kelly Strickland

Maude Wright Memorial Award: Jessica Stanley

Phi Delta Kappa Teachers in Training: Rebecca Atkinson, Deborah Caldwell and Whitley Martin

Charles Chambliss Distinguished Educator Award: Hannah Ramsey

Bob Gravette Outstanding Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Teaching Award: Jillian Jeffcoat

Tona Wright Outstanding Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Fitness Award: Jasper “Buddy” Harrell

Outstanding Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Recreation Award: Clayton Case and Kristen James

School of Fine Arts

Francie Phelan Outstanding Senior-Graphic Design: Nicole McPhate

Francie Phelan Outstanding Senior- Studio Art: Rebekah Poyner

Raybon-Berry Outstanding Freshman Visual Arts Major: Melanie Herring

Russell Shad Memorial Art Award for Outstanding Junior: Jeff Sharp

Theatre Arts Outstanding Student Award-Freshman: Aaron Pinion

Theta Alpha Phi Senior Award: Heather White

Theta Alpha Phi Outstanding Service: Amanda Murray

Phi Mu Alpha Collegiate Award: Sean Nance

Phi Mu Alpha Scholarship Award: John Tneoh

Sigma Alpha Iota College Honor Award: Bekah Anthony

Sigma Alpha Iota Scholarship Award: Rachel Harris

The Presser Scholar: Caitlin Secrest

Rachel Fuller Scholarship: Joshua Wayne

James Harrison Scholarship: Stephen Curry

Friends of Fine Arts Scholars: Art, Myca Nutt; Instrumental, Chelsea Villanueva; Piano, Courtney Stanage; Theatre, Blaine Surber; Voice, Joshua Wayne

School of Humanities

Outstanding Senior English Major: Jessica Lamb

Outstanding Junior Louise Searcy Bennett Scholarship Award: Anna Wakeling

Outstanding Sophomore Herman Sandford Scholarship Award: Marissa Thornberry

Rogers Department of Communications Publications Awards: Ouachitonian, Mauri Sparks;

Signal/Online, Tanner Ward; Photo Lab, Nicole McPhate; Video Production, Rachel Gilmer

Bill & Vera Downs Outstanding Sophomore Mass Communications Student Award: Hannah Dean

William D. Downs Outstanding Mass Communications Graduate Award: Nicole McPhate

Outstanding Modern Foreign Language Awards: Russian, Jason Curlin; Spanish, Ryan Strebeck

Roy Buckelew Outstanding Speech Major Award: Devon Malone

Patterson School of Natural Sciences          

Outstanding Freshman Biology Award: Trevor Meece

Richard H. Brown Biology Award: Megan Scarbrough

Outstanding Senior in Biology Award: Caroline Gill

Outstanding Dietetics & Nutrition Award: Amberly Green and Aubree Fry

Freshman Chemistry Award: Trevor Meece

Ethel & Nell Mondy and E.A. Provine Scholar: Tim Horton

Outstanding Graduate in Chemistry: Hollyn McCarty

Harvey Research Award: Ryan James

Outstanding Senior Mathematics Major: Allison Frizzell

Outstanding Senior Mathematics Education Major: Kailen Johnson

Outstanding Senior Computer Science Major: Nathan Huff

Rowland Memorial Awards in Mathematics & Computer Science: Joanna Curtis, Josh Esgar, Adam Oakes, Ben Schleiff, Michelle Wasmund and Elizabeth White

Rowland Memorial Award in Physics: Tim Horton

Hannah Joy Sullivan Scholarship: Mallory Burroughs

Becky Horne Scholarship in Pre-Nursing: Katie Carroll and Mike Russell

Sutton School of Social Sciences

Everett Slavens Award to Outstanding Sophomore: Kevin Jackson

Lavell Cole Award to Outstanding Future Teacher: Danielle Wilson

Fran Coulter Award to Outstanding Junior: Lacey Johnson

Phi Alpha Theta Award for Outstanding Research Paper: Shelbie Reed

R. C. Daily Award to Outstanding Senior: Jacob Way

Truman Scholarship Nominee: Lindsey Fowler

Bob Riley Outstanding Graduate in Political Science Award: Stacy Beck

Curtis Echols Lion’s Club Scholarship: Chandler Powell

Psychology Faculty Award: Tracey Mardis and Holly Wray

Zeitgeist Award: Hunter Threadgill

Weldon Vogt Outstanding Psychology Senior Award: Judith Brizuela

Outstanding Graduating Senior Sociology Award: Julian LaDay

“I want to suggest to you graduates today that Ouachita – and her faculty – has largely met her responsibilities, and now it’s your turn,” Dr. Horne told the graduates. “Use what you have learned and what you have experienced here at Ouachita to truly make a difference.”

University officials recognized a total of 296 graduates, including 240 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 39 Bachelor of Science degrees, 10 Bachelor of Music degrees and seven Bachelor of Music Education degrees. The Saturday morning service was held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall.

“As you look around us, you see the academic buildings and you notice right beside us Berry Chapel that reminds us of two truths,” Dr. Horne noted. “That is that this is a wonderful university, a great place for academic pursuit and learning, and it is also unapologetically Christian. We are proud of Ouachita Baptist University.”

Ouachita’s 2013 graduating class featured 122 honor graduates, including 23 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 49 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 50 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized eight graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 31 members of Alpha Chi national honor society.

ROTC graduate Gabriel D. Musser, stationed in Fort Benning, Ga., was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Dr. Lori Hensley, associate professor of biology and holder of the J.D. Patterson Chair of Biology, and Dr. Ray Granade, director of library services and professor of history, served as commencement marshals.

During the ceremony, Senior Class President Jake Edwards, a business administration and finance major from North Little Rock, Ark., led the invocation and Anthony Emerson, a Christian studies and Biblical studies major from Sugar Land, Texas, read Scripture. Gene Whisenhunt, chair of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, led the closing prayer of dedication.

Dr. Horne presented James E. “Jim Ed” Crittenden, a 1950 Ouachita graduate, with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Crittenden is retired as chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Tri-Con Inc., a petroleum distribution company. He and his wife, Joyce Noel Crittenden, also a Ouachita alum, were married for more than 60 years prior to her death in 2012.

“They strive to make a difference today in the lives of our students who are here by the gifts, by the example, by the philanthropy toward their alma mater,” Dr. Horne said of the Crittendens. “One of the things I always think about Jim Crittenden is though he’s been generous with us in material blessings, he’s also a man who is generous in spirit; a humble man; a good man. A man who’s thankful for life, for the small blessings and pleasures of life, has never forgotten that he has been blessed, and as a result has never failed to be a blessing.”

“I never imagined that God would be so good to me or that I would be standing here before you,” Crittenden responded. “I know the university will continue to be a place that offers every student an opportunity to learn and a chance to become a part of something greater than any one of us. I will always think of my years at Ouachita as among the best years of my life.”

Dr. Horne also acknowledged the loss of L.J. Brooks, a member of Ouachita’s class of 2013 who passed away in December; the graduating class wore gold ribbons in honor of their classmate.

“He was a campus leader, a gifted preacher, a faithful witness for Christ,” Horne said. “Across the storied history of Ouachita, few young adults have had such an impact upon this campus and upon the student body as L.J. Brooks.”

Closing the ceremony, President Horne addressed both the graduates and those in attendance, saying, “Graduates, this is your time. Friends, this is still our time. So, let’s seize it, and let’s use it, and let’s make a difference in this world.”

Ouachita Baptist University, a leading liberal arts university, is ranked nationally among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Founded in Arkadelphia in 1886, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a Christ-centered learning community.

A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises is available at www.obu.edu/broadcast.

By Brooke Zimny

The students were chosen for Who’s Who by OBU’s faculty, staff and 2013 senior class based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.

The following Ouachita students will be included in Who’s Who: 

Catie Bennett, 21, is an early childhood education major from Houston, Texas. A graduate of Nixa High School in Missouri, Bennett has served as president of the EEE women’s social club, student recruitment co-chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation and secretary of OBU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education. She also was a member of the Homecoming Steering Committee. Bennett was a nursery worker and a college homegroup member at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. She logged more than 400 hours of service through TranServe by volunteering for Tiger Serve Day, giving campus tours and helping to establish Boomalacka.com, a student blogging site for Ouachita. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Bennett seeks to earn her Texas Teaching Certification, earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from Baylor University and eventually become an elementary principal.

Brandon Briscoe, 22, is a Christian studies major with an emphasis in Christian ministries from Prosper, Texas. A graduate of Prestonwood Christian Academy, Briscoe has been a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, OBU Student Senate and Beta Beta men’s social club, which he served as chaplain and master of the handshake. Briscoe worked as a student worker in OBU’s Pruet School of Christian Studies and as an intern at Prestonwood Baptist Church and attended Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia. He also worked at Kanakuk Kamps and has participated in mission trips to San Diego and Brazil. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Briscoe plans to become a youth minister and a high school strength and conditioning coach.

Judith Brizuela, 22, is a double major in psychology and business administration with an emphasis in management from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. A graduate of Educacion Cristiana Sampedrana, Brizuela has served as president and project leader for OBU’s chapter of Enactus and history and traditions co-chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation and has been a member of Beta Gamma Sigma international honor society for business, Alpha Chi national college honor society, Psi Chi honor society for psychology, Pi Gamma Mu international honor society in social sciences, the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board and OBU’s International Club. Brizuela has been a recipient of the Hickingbotham School of Business Academic Achiever award, the Weldon Vogt Outstanding Psychology Senior Award, the International Service Award, the Zeitgeist Psychology Award and the Psychology Faculty Award and has been named to OBU’s President’s List. She has served as a resident assistant at Ouachita, has been involved in Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes and has been a member of Southern Bancorp’s Student Advisory Board and Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia’s worship team. Brizuela also has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and TranServe. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Brizuela plans to attend law school in San Pedro Sula.

Lacey Brooks, 21, is a mass communications major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, Brooks has been a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and was the assistant director of Campus Ministries’ Tiger Tunes show in 2012. She has been named to OBU’s Dean’s and President’s Lists, taught Sunday school classes and volunteered with AWANAS at Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Youth United and is involved with Crossroads College Ministry at Second Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. She worked at Ashley Home Furniture and the Ouachita Post Office. Brooks is a December 2012 graduate of Ouachita and is pursuing a career in public relations.

L.J. Brooks is being honored posthumously after passing away Dec. 2, 2012, at age 21. Brooks was a Biblical languages and Christian studies double major with an emphasis in Biblical studies from Houston, Texas. A graduate of North Shore Senior High School, he served as assistant pastor and freshman K-Group leader at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia. Brooks served as a Campus Ministries ministry leader and speaker in CM’s weekly student worship service, Refuge, and served as chaplain for OBU’s Reaching Out to Multicultural Students organization and as a Welcome to Ouachita’s World group leader. Additionally, he volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. Following his anticipated graduation, Brooks had planned to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School and serve as a full-time minister and adjunct professor.

Deborah Caldwell, 22, is a instrumental music education major from Siloam Springs, Ark. A graduate of Siloam Springs High School, Caldwell has been a member of OBU’s International Club, Alpha Chi national college honor society, Phi Kappa Lambda national music honor society, and Tiger Bands. She has attended First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia and has been involved in its college home groups. Caldwell has served as secretary for Ouachita’s chapter of College National Association for Music Education and has been a Welcome to Ouachita’s World group leader. Caldwell was named a Presser Scholar and has volunteered to help with disaster relief efforts, music theory and aural skill tutoring and the FBCA nursery. She has worked on the grounds crew at John Brown University and at the Interlochen Arts Camp. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Caldwell plans to pursue a Master of Music degree in performance from Kansas State University.

Mary Castleman, 22, is a Christian media/communications and mass communications double major from Batesville, Ark. A graduate from Southside High School, Castleman has served as special events leader for OBU Campus Ministries and has been involved in CM’s women’s discipleship. She has also served as special events co-chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation and as a Tiger Tunes director and participated in OBU’s study abroad program. Castleman has been the recipient of a Ouachita Trustee’s Scholarship, the Andrew and Harriet Grant Hall Sophomore Ministerial Award, the 125^th Anniversary Service Award and the Tiger Leadership Network Award and has been named to OBU’s President’s List. A member of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia, Castleman has volunteered with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board’s Nehemiah Teams and has worked for as a Ouachita Annual Fund Phone-a-thon caller and as a media intern for First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Castleman will graduate from Ouachita in May.

Karis Crosby, 22, is a speech communication major from Columbia, Mo. A graduate from Rockbridge High School and Heritage Academy, Crosby has served as vice president of PanHellenic Council, a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, a ministry leader for Campus Ministries, a Freshman Family Group leader, a Noonday leader and chaplain of EEE women’s social club. She has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List, was a member of the 2012 Homecoming Court and was named Miss Congeniality in the 2010 Miss Ouachita Baptist University Pageant. Crosby has been involved at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia; has volunteered with Tiger Served Day, Relay for Live and Backyard Bible Club’s Princess Academy; and has participated in missions with WonbyOne in Jamaica. She has worked as an intern at First Baptist Church in Benton; as a member of Project: Columbia with The Crossing in Columbia, Mo.; and as a counselor at Kanakuk Kamps. Crosby will graduate from Ouachita in May.

Michael Curtis, 22, is a music major from Wylie, Texas. A graduate of Wylie High School, Curtis has served as president and treasurer of Kappa Chi men’s social club at Ouachita and as a Refuge Band bass section leader. He has been a member of the Ouachita Jazz Band, the Ouachita Jazz Combo, the Ouachita Wind Ensemble and the Ouachita Double Reed Ensemble. Curtis has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has volunteered with the Refuge Band and Compassion International. He has been involved with Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia as a member of its worship team and as a K-Group participant. Curtis has worked as a bassist, audio engineer and lifeguard and plans to continue playing bass in studio and live settings and producing music upon graduation from Ouachita in May.

Jake Edwards, 21, is a business administration major with an emphasis in finance from North Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Central Arkansas Christian, Edwards has served as president and vice president of Beta Beta men’s social club and senior class president and has been a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and the Eddie Ary Student Investment Fund. A member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, he has worked at Camp War Eagle as a camp counselor, Lakewood Pool as a lifeguard, Gildner Auto Group as an office assistant and at Ouachita as a Phone-a-thon caller. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Edwards will work as a sales representative for Advanced Tissue in Little Rock.

Lindsey Fowler, 20, is a political science, history and business administration triple major with an emphasis in finance from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Fowler has served as vice president of OBU’s Student Senate, special events co-chair of the Ouachita Student Foundation, spirit leader of EEE women’s social club and an Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce student ambassador. She has been elected Student Senate president for the coming year. She also has been a member of the Campus Ministries Africa summer missions team and OBU’s Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board. Her business plan for TrustedWills.com won the OBU and OBU/HSU Business Plan Competitions, and she was recognized in the statewide Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition for first place Undergraduate Elevator Pitch. Fowler has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been the recipient of the Mrs. Betty Grant Award for Outstanding Sophomore Woman, the Lions Club Political Science Award and the Presidential Award for Volunteerism. Fowler has volunteered with the Elrod Center’s Thanksgiving baskets and Tiger Serve Day and has participated in mission trips to New Orleans to work with Habitat for Humanity and to New York City to teach ESL to immigrants. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May of 2014, Fowler plans to attend law school.

Reece Franklin, 22, is a church media and production arts and Christian studies double major with a philosophy emphasis from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Franklin has been involved in intramural sports and the OBU marching band. He has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and had the opportunity to join former Gov. Mike Huckabee’s tour of Israel as a videographer. Franklin has been involved with First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and has served there as a youth helper, youth media intern and media intern. He also has enjoyed doing freelance videography. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Franklin plans to pursue a career in media ministry.

Landon Freeman, 22, is a kinesiology and Christian studies double major with emphases in fitness and Biblical studies from Midlothian, Texas. A graduate of Midlothian High School, Freeman has been a member of the Ouachita football team, a member of the Beta Beta men’s social club, a beau of the EEE women’s social club and has been elected president of the OBU Kinesiology Club for fall of 2013. He has been involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Phi Epsilon Kappa kinesiology honor society and attended Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia. He has been named to Ouachita’s Dean’s List and has volunteered his time to help with the football team’s Christmas project for kids. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May of 2014, Freeman hopes to work with kids as a coach, teacher, youth pastor or camp director/counselor.

Amberly Green, 21, is a dietetics and nutrition major from Batesville, Ark. A graduate of Batesville High School, Green has served as co-president of the fundraising committee for the OBU Dietetics Club, a director of Campus Activities’ Tiger Tunes show, a Sweetheart of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club and a group leader for Welcome to Ouachita’s World, New Student Retreat and Freshman Family Groups. She has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has been a member of Ouachita Student Foundation and Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology. Green has been involved at Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia as a youth volunteer and mentor and has served as an AWANA volunteer at Park Hill Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and a youth intern at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. She also volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and at Camp des Cimes, the Head Start Nutrition Fair and the DanFoss Nutrition Screening and served meals at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, the Clark County Fair and Meals on Wheels. At OBU, Green has served as a resident assistant, an apartment manager and an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Financial Services in addition to holding a summer research position in the Patterson School of Natural Sciences. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Green plans to pursue a master’s degree and licensing to become a Registered Dietitian.

Annelise Henley, 21, is a history, psychology and graphic design triple major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Henley has served as secretary of the junior class and on the executive committee for Tri Chi women’s social club and has been a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation and Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society. She has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists, has participated in mission trips with Campus Ministries and has volunteered as part of the Elrod Center’s TranServe program. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, and upon graduating from Ouachita in May of 2014, Henley hopes to continue studying history in graduate school.

Lauren Jackson, 22, is a biology and pre-dental hygiene double major from Arkadelphia, Ark. A graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Jackson has served as intramural director for EEE women’s social club and as a mentor for the Big Sister and TRIO programs. She has been a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and Tri Beta biological honor society and has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. Jackson also was named a runner-up in the Miss Ouachita Baptist University Pageant. She is a member of Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and is involved in K-Groups there. She has also volunteered with Backyard Bible Clubs and disaster relief efforts. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Jackson plans to attend dental hygiene school.

Kristen James, 22, is a kinesiology and leisure studies major with an emphasis in recreation from Missouri City, Texas. A graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she has served as president of Ouachita’s Reaching Out to Multicultural Students organization and special events chair of the OBU Kinesiology Club. James also has been a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, Phi Epsilon Kappa kinesiology honor society, Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology, the Wind Ensemble, the Clarinet Ensemble and the Handbell Ringers. She has been named the Outstanding Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Recreation Student and received the Betty Oliver Grant Endowed Award. James has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and as a children’s ministry volunteer in Houston and has worked as a telecounselor in OBU’s Office of Admissions Counseling and as a Kids Club leader at Arkadelphia Health Club. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, James plans to own a recreation and sports facility and complex for Houston’s inner-city youth.

Ryan James, 21, is a biology major from Benton, Ark. A graduate of Benton High School, James has served as co-president of the Ouachita Student Foundation and as a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, the Homecoming Steering Committee and the American Chemical Society. He has been named Outstanding Senior Man and the Richard H. Brown Outstanding Student in Biology, a recipient of OBU’s Presidential Service Award, was a delegate to the Arkansas Leadership Forum and has been a beau of the EEE women’s social club. James has worked in Ouachita’s Campus Ministries office and in the summer research program of OBU’s Patterson School of Natural Sciences. He also has been a part of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia’s home groups. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, James will work at Baptist Health Medical Center with ultimate plans to attend medical school.

Gillis Jones, 22, is an athletic training and biology double major from Andalusia, Ala. A graduate of Andalusia High School, Jones has been a member of the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee, the Ouachita Student Foundation, the OBU Kinesiology Club, the OBU Athletic Training Club, Iota Tau Alpha athletic training educational honors society and Phi Epsilon Kappa kinesiology honor society. Jones has been named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and was named a Ouachita Scholar. He worked in the athletic department at Ouachita and at Camp War Eagle as a counselor and top staff member. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Jones plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham for physical therapy school.

Caleb Knight, 22, is a Christian studies major with emphases in Biblical studies and theology from Arkadelphia, Ark. An Arkadelphia High School graduate, Knight has been involved in the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team, Campus Ministries’ Tiger Tunes show and intramural sports. He participated in a Biblical studies summer trip to Turkey and Greece and in a Campus Ministries mission trip to New Orleans. Knight has been named to the Ouachita Dean’s List and is a beau for Tri Chi women’s social club. He has served at First Baptist Church of Benton as a student ministry intern and on its missions teams to New York and Ecuador, in addition to serving as a student ministry intern at First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. Upon graduating from Ouachita in May, Knight plans to pursue a Master of Divinity degree in theology at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

Casey Knight, 22, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Arkadelphia, Ark. An Arkadelphia High School graduate, she was named the 2012 Homecoming Representative for the Gridiron Girls and is president of the Gridiron Girls as well as the fall chair of the Tiger Nation Leadership Team. She has been a member of EEE women’s social club, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and the OBU Pom Squad. Knight has volunteered for Tiger Serve Day and is a member of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia and is involved with home groups there. After graduating from OBU in May, she will pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology from Louisiana Tech University.

Patrick Krauss, 21, is a business administration major with a management emphasis from Plano, Texas. A Prestonwood Christian Academy graduate, he has served as vice president and social director for Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club, president and vice president of the sophomore class, president of the junior class and beau for Tri Chi women’s social club. Krauss has been a member of the Tiger Nation Leadership Team and the New Student Retreat Steering Committee and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day. He has been involved in K-Groups and home groups at local churches and has worked at Ouachita as assistant sports information director and as a student assistant in Riley-Hickingbotham Library.

Lida Lee, 22, is a history, political science and Russian triple major from Arkadelphia, Ark. An Arkadelphia High School graduate, she has been a recipient of the Lion Club’s Curtis Echols Award and was named to the OBU Dean’s List. She has served as secretary for the Ouachita Student Foundation and secretary and treasurer for the Gridiron Girls. Lee is a member of Phi Alpha Theta national history honor society and Reaching Out to Multicultural Students. She has volunteered with Ouachita’s Tiger Serve Day and TranServe and the Henderson State University Archeological Digs and has participated in intramural sports. She has worked as an administrative assistant at Ouachita’s football field house, as a tutor for OBU’s Academic Success Center and as a tutor at HSU’s English as a Second Language summer workshop. She loves to travel and has studied abroad in Costa Rica and Russia. Upon graduation in May, Lee plans to pursue a master’s degree in international development at the University of Denver.

Devan Malone, 22, is a mass communications and speech communication double major from Benton, Ark. A Benton High School graduate, she has been named the top Academic Achiever for OBU’s School of Humanities as well as Outstanding Senior Speech Communication Major and first runner-up on the 2012 Homecoming Court, and she was a recipient of OBU’s 125^th Anniversary Community Service Award. She has served as missions and publicity leader for Campus Ministries; co-president and communications co-chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation; senior class secretary, junior representative and sophomore representative for Student Senate; and president, philanthropy chair, social chair and webmaster for Tri Chi women’s social club. She has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society, the Homecoming Steering Committee and the Welcome to Ouachita’s World Steering Committee and attends Second Baptist Church’s Crossroads Bible Study. Malone has volunteered for Operation Christmas Child and Ouachita’s Christian Focus Week, Thanksgiving Baskets and Tiger Serve Day and has taken mission trips to New Orleans and South Africa. She has worked as a student caller for OBU’s Annual Fund Phone-a-thon and as a nursery worker at Park Hill Baptist Church. Upon graduation in May, Malone plans to pursue a career in non-profit public relations.

Hollyn McCarty, 21, is a chemistry and biology double major from Texarkana, Ark. A Fouke High School graduate, McCarty has received a Tiger Network Leadership Award and OBU Trustee Scholarship and has been named the Outstanding Freshman Chemistry Student and a Mondy-Provine Scholar. She has served as the Tri Chi Women’s Social Club treasurer, the president of OBU’s chapter of American Chemical Society and a research intern at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute. She is a member of the Alpha Chi national college honor society and Tri Beta biological honor society. She has volunteered her time with Ouachita’s ElderServe program and on Tiger Serve Day. Upon graduation in May, she plans to attend medical school to become a physician.

Nicole McPhate, 21, is a mass communication and graphic design double major from Conway, Ark. A Conway High School graduate, McPhate has been the recipient of the Bill Downs Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship and has been named to OBU’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She has served as communications co-chair for Ouachita Student Foundation and has worked as the Photo Lab editor at Ouachita, communications intern at Arkadelphia Public Schools and graphic design intern at First Baptist Church of Conway. She was the 15^th Anniversary Kluck Student Enrichment Grant recipient for her work with Arkadelphia Smiles, a volunteer effort to provide family portraits for local public school children. She is involved with Second Baptist Church and its Crossroads college Bible studies and has also volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and participated in intramural sports. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, McPhate plans to pursue a career in communications or graphic design.

Noah Mitchell, 22, is a philosophy and Christian studies major with an emphasis in Biblical studies from Cabot, Ark. A Monticello High School graduate, Mitchell served as a ministry leader for Refuge, Ouachita’s weekly student-led worship service, as well as spiritual director of Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. He has served as assistant youth pastor at Midtowne Church in Benton, Ark., and as a youth intern at First Baptist Church of Farmington, Ark., in addition to serving as a worship leader for various individual youth events. He enjoys cooking and is the co-founder of Boss Team BBQ. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Mitchell will serve as an intern at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas and plans to pursue a career in music and music ministry.

Jordan Neal, 22, is a mathematics and secondary education double major from Gilbert, Ariz. A homeschool graduate, Neal twice has been a recipient of the Rowland Memorial Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and has been named to OBU’s President’s List. He has been a ministry leader for Campus Ministries’ Backyard Bible Club and a statistician for OBU athletics. Neal has also served as children’s minister at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and youth worship pastor at First Baptist Church of Sheridan, Ark. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Neal plans to pursue a career in education by teaching high school mathematics, coaching men’s and women’s volleyball.

Hannah Pilcher, 21, is a Spanish major from Maumelle, Ark. An Arkansas Baptist High School graduate, Pilcher has served as the leader of Campus Ministries’ Big Sister program and co-chair of Campus Activities Board. She has been a member of Alpha Chi national college honor society, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education, Ouachita Student Foundation’s Student Recruitment Committee and the New Student Retreat Steering Committee. She was named 2012 Homecoming Queen, has been the recipient of OBU’s 125^th Anniversary Service Award and an Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities Scholarship and has been named to OBU’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She also was honored by the Arkadelphia Rotary Club with its Service Above Self Award and by the OBU senior class with the Stellar Senior Woman award. She worked as a tele-counselor for Ouachita’s Office of Admissions Counseling, a caller for OBU’s Annual Fund Phone-a-thon and a worker at the Arkansas Baptist School Summer Camp. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, TranServe, the OBU Experience course and Welcome to Ouachita’s World and has participated in Campus Ministries’ mission trip to Chile. She is involved at Second Baptist Church and its Crossroads college ministry. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Pilcher plans to enter Christian ministry.

Stephen Raines, 22, is a biology major from Camden, Ark. A graduate of Camden Fairview High School, Raines has served as president, vice president, secretary and athletic director of Beta Beta men’s social club. He has been named to OBU’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and has worked as a summer research assistant in Ouachita’s Patterson School of Natural Sciences and as a dental assistant. He has been a member of the worship team at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and has served as an OBU Trio Talent Search mentor and as a lifeguard. Raines has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, Beta Beta service projects and as a Big Brother. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, he plans to pursue a career in dentistry.

Hannah Ramsey, 22, is an English and secondary education double major from Naperville, Ill. A Neuqua Valley High School graduate, Ramsey served as a small group leader for OBU’s women’s discipleship ministry and as a member of Ouachita Student Foundation’s Student Recruitment Committee. She has been a recipient of OBU’s 125^th Anniversary Service Award, the Outstanding Sophomore in English award, the Charles Chambliss Distinguished Educator Award and a Presidential Scholarship and was named to Ouachita’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She also has been involved with the Big Sister program, Backyard Bible Club, Tri Chi women’s social club, International Club, Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education, Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society for religious studies and theology, OBU Women’s Chorus, Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes and Campus Activities Tiger Tunes. She has volunteered with Campus Ministries, TranServe and Tiger Serve Day and has served as a Disciple Now small group leader. Ramsey has participated in mission trips to South Africa and New York City and has served as a counselor and women’s team counselor at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp. She has been involved at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and its K-Group ministry. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she is considering a career in teaching, women’s ministry or missions.

Caitlin Secrest, 20, is a vocal performance major from Arkadelphia, Ark. An Arkadelphia High School graduate, Secrest has won the 2012 Friends of Fine Arts Vocal Scholarship, first place in the 2012 Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers and multiple finalist awards in state and regional levels at National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions. She is a member of EEE women’s social club, OBU Opera Theatre Workshop, OBU Musical Theatre Workshop, OBU Theatre Productions and OBU Concert Choir. She is a featured soprano soloist in the choir at First Presbyterian Church of Arkadelphia and works at J&S Framing in downtown Arkadelphia. Secrest has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Give Me a Chance Equine Rescue. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May of 2014, Secrest plans to pursue a career as a singing actress.

MyLisa Speer, 22, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Texarkana, Texas. A graduate of Ashdown High School, she has served as an OBU New Student Retreat leader, a Welcome to Ouachita’s World leader, a Freshman Family Group leader and a Kappa Chi men’s social club little sister as well as senior representative, junior vice president and sophomore representative on Student Senate and assistant Tiger Tunes director and keeper of the beaus for Tri Chi women’s social club. Speer also has been involved in Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes, Concert Choir and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been named to OBU’s Dean’s List and was a member of the 2012 Homecoming Court. She has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day and Operation Christmas Child and has worked as an America Reads tutor and as a youth intern at First Baptist Church of Texarkana, where she is a member. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Speer plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology at the University of Central Arkansas.

Taylor Stanford, 21, is a chemistry major from White Hall, Ark. A graduate of White Hall High School, she has been a recipient of the Mondy-Provine Scholarship and was an OBU delegate to the Arkansas Student Leadership Forum. She also was the recipient of the Inner and Outer Beauty Award and the Academic Award at the 2011 Miss Ouachita Baptist University Pageant. Stanford is a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, EEE women’s social club, Alpha Chi national college honor society, the Tiger Network Leadership Program and OBU’s chapter of the American Chemical Society, which she served as social events coordinator. She also has been involved in the K-Group Bible study at Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia, where she serves as a part of their youth mentorship program. Stanford performed research at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson, Ark., and has volunteered with Tiger Serve Day, the American Cancer Society and Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center in Pine Bluff, Ark. She is involved at Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia and their K-Group ministry and youth mentorship program. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Stanford will attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals.

Samantha Street, 21, is an accounting and business administration double major with an emphasis in finance from Rogers, Ark. A graduate of Duncan High School in Duncan, Okla., she is a member of the OBU Women’s Tennis Team, EEE women’s social club, the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board and the OBU String Ensemble. She has served as treasurer for OBU Student Senate and as president of Ouachita’s chapter of Alpha Chi national college honor society. Street has been named to OBU’s President’s List, was a Homecoming Court nominee and earned Gulf South Conference All-Academic Team honors for tennis. She worked as a tennis instructor at OBU’s Heflin Tennis Center, as a Camp War Eagle counselor and as a summer intern in Wal-Mart’s tax department. She has volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Relay for Life and Tiger Serve Day and has participated in mission trips. Street has served as a member of the orchestra at First Baptist Church in Rogers, Ark., and has been involved in First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia’s home groups. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, Street plans to take the CPA exam and pursue a career in accounting with BKD accounting firm in Rogers.

Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, 22, is a kinesiology major with an emphasis in fitness from Garland, Texas. A graduate of Lakeview Centennial High School, he has been a member of the OBU football team and has served as a leader for OBU’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He served as captain of the football team, earned All-Conference honors and was named Special Teams Player of the Season, two-time Player of the Week and Super Tiger. He worked for OBU’s Upward Bound and Talent Search programs and volunteered with Special Olympics, the football team’s Christmas project, Tiger Serve Day and Helping Hands at the Beehive Resale Store. He also participated in a mission trip to New Orleans. Upon his graduation from Ouachita in December, Ume-Ezeoke plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports science while working as a graduate assistant for a college football team.

Mary Whisenhunt, 21, is a communication sciences and disorders major from Little Rock, Ark. A graduate of Little Rock Christian Academy, she has been named to OBU’s President’s and Dean’s Lists. She has served as special events coordinator for OBU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and has also been involved in Campus Ministries’ women’s discipleship, Campus Ministries Tiger Tunes, intramural sports and the Ouachita Student Foundation’s Special Events Committee. She has volunteered with United Methodist Kids and worked at Kanakuk Kamps. Whisenhunt earned All-Conference honors for soccer and also made All-Academic and All-Conference Tournament Teams. Upon graduation from Ouachita in May, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in speech pathology at the University of Central Arkansas after getting married in June.

By Rachel Gregory and Ryleigh Salmon

Missouri Writers’ Guild President Steve Wiegenstein, at right, presented former Ouachita staff member Paul Bass with the Walter Williams Major Work Award.

“It is wonderful to see Paul honored in this way,” said Dr. Jeff Root, dean of OBU’s School of Humanities who worked with Bass for a number of years.

Bass served at Ouachita as director of campus activities from 1990-2007, an adjunct professor for speech communication and Christian ministries as well as the coach for the debate team from 2001-2007. In 2008, the Oklahoma State University School of International Studies named Bass a Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Fellow for his biography of Dr. Bennett, a 1907 Ouachita graduate and longtime president of Oklahoma State University.

“I’m glad to see Paul has continued to write biographies, and this account of the life of Robert Kerr is a vital new addition,” Root said. “Paul has supplied key information on the life of Kerr, who was one of the important political figures of his generation.”

“My motive in writing,” Bass said, “has been to create an historical record of significant historical figures and events that have received little literary attention.”

Robert S. Kerr, the subject of Bass’ award-winning book, was born in 1896 in Ada, Okla. Kerr attended Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Oklahoma. He served as the 12th governor of Oklahoma from 1943-1947 and as a U.S. senator from 1949-1963.

“Kerr’s life is an example of determination, overcoming great adversity and providing leadership for a state and a nation,” Bass said.

Missouri Writers’ Guild President Steve Wiegenstein presented Bass with the Walter Williams Major Work Award, named in honor of the founder of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. The Missouri Writers’ Guild serves as the statewide organization for professional writers in all genres.

“I have discovered that one does not have to be a great writer to publish a book,” Bass said. “One must have a strong message and love of organization and research. Then one must be lucky enough to find a great editor and enthusiastic publisher. I have been blessed with all of these.”

By Rachel Gregory

Most notably, The Signal newspaper won second for Newspaper of the Year and Website of the Year, the Ouachitonian yearbook won second for Yearbook of the Year and Tanner Huffman won Designer of the Year for his work as editor of the yearbook.

Additionally, The Rundown sports news show was recognized in addition to some of Ouachita’s more traditional television segments. The online portion of the competition also saw considerable growth this year, according to Dr. Jeff Root, dean of OBU’s School of Humanities and faculty adviser to The Signal newspaper.

“We had quite a bit more involvement from the online Signal than we had previously, and they did very well,” Root noted. “Traditionally, this has been a newspaper and yearbook competition, and The Signal and the Ouachitonian always do well, but to win the number of awards we did in both of those categories this year was unusual. The yearbook won multiple awards in several categories and the newspaper had a great day. Our editors should be proud.”

“I am so proud of my staff for all the hard work they’ve done this year,” said Signal Editor Tanner Ward. “The newspaper and the website have really grown this year, and being named the second best in Arkansas was an amazing honor.”

This was the first year the ACMAs were hosted at Ouachita, and a number of OBU alumni returned to lead breakout sessions.

“It was a pleasure to host the ACMAs on campus,” said Dr. Deborah Root, chair of OBU’s Rogers Department of Communications and faculty adviser to the Ouachitonian yearbook. “It was an honor to have eleven schools represented on our campus for the ceremony.”

Ouachita alumnus Mitch Bettis of Arkansas Business Publishing Group leads a breakout session at the recent ACMA conference at Ouachita. Photo by Nicole McPhate.

Alumni session leaders included columnist and broadcaster Rex Nelson of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities, Lannie Byrd of UAMS, Mitch Bettis of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, Sonja Keith of 501Life magazine; Tony Ranchino of KATV and Alyse Eady of THV11. They were joined by Chris Hooten of Hooten’s Arkansas Football, Danielle Kloap and Desiree Paulhamus of Herff-Jones and Natasha Durham of Jostens.

“They really offered some good advice and insight to our students, as well as other students who were on campus,” said Dr. Deborah Root.

The Ouachitonian received 36 awards overall (more than any other school competing), including second place in Yearbook of the Year, Huffman’s first place in Designer of the Year and first place awards in the following categories: divider, closing, feature layout, academic layout, portrait layout, academics writing, organizations writing, student life writing and special features writing. The staff also earned eight second place awards, seven third place finishes and four honorable mentions, and they shared six awards with the Photo Lab staff. Huffman, a 2012 graduate, was the editor of last year’s yearbook, which was recognized at the conference. Mauri Sparks, a junior Christian studies/Christian ministries and mass communications major from Queen City, Texas, serves as editor of the 2013 yearbook.

The Signal received 24 awards overall, including second place for Newspaper of the Year, second place for Website of the Year and first places in the following categories: personality profile, sports column, online feature, online personality profile and online video podcast. The staff also earned one second place award, six third place awards and four honorable mentions, and they shared six awards with the Photo Lab staff. Tanner Ward, a senior mass communications and business administration/management and finance major from Bryant, Ark., serves as editor of The Signal and obusignal.com.

The student-directed Photo Lab produces photography for use in all of Ouachita’s publications and is directed by Nicole McPhate, a senior mass communications and graphic design major from Conway, Ark. The Photo Lab earned 12 awards, including first place and honorable mention in newspaper feature photo; first, second and third place in yearbook academics photo; first place and honorable mention in feature photo; second place and honorable mention in yearbook sports photo; second and third place in online news photo; and third place in yearbook feature photo.

The Ouachita Show the university’s regular television broadcast, won four awards total, including first, second and third place in the feature category and first place in the sports feature category. Rachel Gilmer, a junior mass communications and mathematics major from Princeton, Texas, is the video production editor.

To see a complete list of winners, visit http://arkcma.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/2013-acma-contest-results/. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Root at rootj@obu.edu or (870) 245-4186.

By The Signal staff

Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr., will preside over the annual commencement exercises. The ceremony will include an invocation by Senior Class President Jake Edwards, a business administration and finance major from North Little Rock, Ark.; scripture reading by Anthony Emerson, a Christian studies and Biblical studies major from Sugar Land, Texas; and remarks by President Horne.

James E. “Jim Ed” Crittenden will be recognized with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. Crittenden, a 1950 Ouachita graduate, is retired as chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Tri-Con Inc., a petroleum distribution company. He and his wife, Joyce Noel Crittenden, also a Ouachita alum, were married for more than 60 years prior to her death in 2012.

Describing the Crittendens as “delightful, humble servant leaders who have loved Ouachita through the years,” Dr. Horne said they have established an endowed scholarship, made estate provisions and provided other gifts to Ouachita. He added that the couple has been “generous not only in giving, but generous in spirit.”

Dr. Lori Hensley, associate professor of biology and holder of the J.D. Patterson Chair of Biology, and Dr. Ray Granade, director of library services and professor of history, will serve as commencement marshals.

Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs, will introduce the graduates. Dr. Danny Hays, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies, will lead a responsive reading and Gene Whisenhunt, chairman of the Board of Trustees, will deliver the prayer of dedication.

Ouachita Baptist University, a leading liberal arts university, is ranked nationally among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Founded in Arkadelphia in 1886, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a Christ-centered learning community.

A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises will be posted on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast following the service. For more information about commencement, visit www.obu.edu/registrar/graduation-and-commencement.

Leigh Anne McKinney (center), Elrod Center coordinator of public school initiatives, and Tayler Koller (right), Elrod Center student program assistant, present books for Ascent Children’s Health Services to Justin Hardaway, Ascent admissions coordinator.

“Meeting the needs of children in our city is a high priority for the Elrod Center,” said Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement. “We recognize the importance of reading in the development of a child and are pleased to provide books that will bring hours of joy to the children being served.”

Leigh Anne McKinney, coordinator of public school initiatives; Diane Runyan, administrative assistant at the Elrod Center; and Tayler Koller, student program assistant, delivered the books to Justin Hardaway, Ascent’s admissions coordinator.  Cindy Meador is the director of Ascent.

“We look forward to delivering this gift of books each year,” McKinney noted. “It is our pleasure to see the eager acceptance of books by children who really appreciate having a book of their own to take home.

“This is the ninth consecutive year that funding through the Elrod Center made it possible for the center to provide these books,” she added. “We purchase board books suitable for babies and toddlers as well as sturdy paperback books for the older preschoolers.  We are thankful for the opportunity to share with these children.”

Cindy Meador (second from left), director of Ascent Children’s Health Services in Arkadelphia, welcomes Elrod Center staff members (from left) Diane Runyan, administrative assistant; Tayler Koller, student program assistant; and Leigh Anne McKinney, coordinator of public school initiatives.

“Ascent Children’s Health Services would like to thank the Elrod Center for providing books for our children,” Meador said. “It was wonderful to see the look on each child’s face when they realized they could pick their own book and bring it home with them.

“Not only did we get enough books for each child in our facility, but there are plenty more for each classroom to have extras.” Meador added.  “This was a wonderful gift and our children are grateful.”

Ouachita Baptist University established the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community in 1997 to encourage, coordinate and facilitate public service, volunteerism and community engagement throughout the state and region.  For information about the programs of the Elrod Center, call 870-245-5320.

Soderquist, a longtime friend of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, joined Wal-Mart in 1980 as executive vice president. During his 20-plus years there, Soderquist served in several executive positions, including senior vice chairman and chief operating officer. Soderquist led the company during a time of immense growth. Under his leadership, Wal-Mart expanded from being the largest retailer in the world, with sales of $44 billion in 1992, to the largest company in the world, with annual sales over $200 billion.

Bryan McKinney, dean of OBU’s Hickingbotham School of Business, was instrumental in bringing Soderquist to campus. “We were looking for a leader in the field of business who was a dynamic communicator,” he said. “Mr. Soderquist is a perfect fit.

“I really appreciate Dr. Horne’s focus on ‘difference makers,’” McKinney added, “and I think for all of us to become difference maker, it’s helpful to interact with people who have made a meaningful impact on the world.”

Soderquist explained that anyone has the ability to be a difference maker, a favorite saying of OBU President Rex Horne, noting that “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. It doesn’t matter what your grades turned out to be. … There’s more potential out there than we think.

“Few will deny that we live in a day of rapid change,” Soderquist added. With advances in the fields of healthcare, technology and travel, it’s easier than ever to do something good for civilization, he said.

Soderquist also stressed the importance of community, of a group of people coming together for a common goal. “Life is not like an organizational chart, it’s like a cobweb with lots of points of intersection. … Together we can make a difference; that’s what God’s called us to do.”

After Walton died in 1992, many observers believed that Wal-Mart would cease to thrive, but it continued to grow “because a culture had developed and been cultivated,” Soderquist said.

Soderquist concluded his lecture with a list of uncommon truths, things that are often overlooked:

• You can do more than you think
• Know your values determine your behavior
• Be alert to what’s happening around you
• Learn to be a good listener
• Be a team player
• A word of encouragement goes a long way
• Intelligence and competence are not synonyms
• Communicate with clarity
• Give customers something better than what other people are giving them
• Focus on accomplishment
• Live every day with a purpose and a passion
• Enjoy life

In 1998, John Brown University named the Soderquist Center for Business Leadership and Ethics after him. He serves as the founding executive and gives inspiration and direction to the center team. He also has received three honorary degrees and written two books, The Wal-Mart Way and Live, Learn, Lead.

Since retiring in 2000, Soderquist has had the opportunity to speak at numerous events, has been active with nonprofit organizations in Arkansas and, in 2011, was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. His passion now is to teach the servant leadership philosophies and principles that he learned while at Wal-Mart to organizations around the world.

Ouachita’s Birkett Williams lecture series was established in 1977 through a gift from the late Birkett L. Williams, a 1910 Ouachita graduate. His generous endowment established the lectures as an opportunity to extend the concepts of a liberal arts education beyond the classroom by bringing outstanding scholars and public figures to Ouachita’s campus.

By Ryleigh Salmon

Ouachita students Connor Burke (left) and Jason Cantwell (center) earned second place in the undergraduate category of the recent Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup statewide business plan competition for their plan for eScout. Photo courtesy Ken West Photography

Ouachita students Connor Burke, a senior business administration and finance major from Gilbert, Ariz.; Jason Cantwell, a senior kinesiology and fitness major from Frisco, Texas; and Sarah McKimmey, a fall 2012 history graduate from Heath, Texas, finished second in the Undergraduate Category with their plan eScout, winning a $15,000 cash prize. They will move on to the Tri-State Governor’s Cup competition. Junior Lindsey Fowler’s plan, TrustedWills.com, finished first in the Undergraduate Elevator Pitch Competition and she was awarded $2,000.

The Governor’s Cup “is a statewide undergraduate and graduate business plan competition designed to encourage students in Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma to act upon their ideas and talents in order to produce tomorrow’s businesses,” according to the organization’s website. “This competition is aimed at simulating the real-world process of entrepreneurs creating a business plan to soliciting start-up funds from potential investors.”

Ouachita junior Lindsey Fowler presents the elevator pitch for her TrustedWills.com plan; she earned first place in the Undergraduate Elevator Pitch Competition. Photo courtesy Ken West Photography.

“We’ve done the OBU Business Plan Competition for four years now and each year that we’ve done the internal competition, we’ve had teams advance to the semifinal round at the Governor’s Cup business plan competition,” said Bryan McKinney, dean of the Hickingbotham School of Business. “This was our first year to have a team advance to the final round, and this year was particularly special to see two of our teams advance to the final round of six teams. We were the only school in the state with two teams in the final six.”

After finishing second in the Ouachita Business Plan Competition and third in the OBU/HSU Business Plan Competition, Burke, Cantwell and McKimmey said they were thrilled to win second in their category at the Governor’s Cup competition.

“I was shocked, while Connor slapped me on the back and screamed,” Cantwell said. “The atmosphere was exciting with competitive tension.

“eScout is a scouting service that uses high quality equipment to film soccer tournaments all over the U.S. for coaches to view,” Cantwell explained. “Connor and I came up with the idea through my experience with film, the recruiting needs of the coaches and the advisement of a business professor, Dr. Phil Rice.”

McKinney said he is thrilled for eScout to have made it this far. “I’ve watched them present now at the OBU competition, at the OBU/HSU competition, in the semifinal round and in the final round at the Governor’s Cup competition. They are bright students with a passion for soccer, which is at the heart of their very unique business plan.”

Fowler won both the Ouachita Business Plan Competition and the OBU/HSU Competition with her plan, TrustedWills.com.

“TrustedWills.com is an interactive website where our customers can create a last will and testament, living will and a power of attorney in less than seven minutes in a comfortable and user-friendly environment,” Fowler said. The website will serve Arkansas and Texas for the first 12 months and expand nationally within three years of its launch on June 1, 2013.

“I have gained so much from this entire process; I believe it has been one of the aspects of my time at OBU that has had the greatest impact on me,” Fowler added. “I have also found a tangible way to incorporate my love of business with a passion for helping those in communities who may have needs that are currently being overlooked. TrustedWills.com allows us to run a successful business while providing a meaningful service to families and giving them a peace of mind that is truly priceless.”

“I think any time educators can figure out how to bridge the theory taught in the classrooms with the real world that takes place outside the classroom, good things will happen,” McKinney said.

For more information, contact Bryan McKinney at mckinneyb@obu.edu or (870) 245-5513. For more information about the Tri-State Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition, visit their website at http://dwrgovernorscup.org.

“It’s very symbolic for us always each year to honor someone who has served the community well,” said Ian Cosh, OBU vice president for community and international engagement, addressing Ouachita students in attendance. “This is another way of showing you that you can serve all of your life and serve well.”

Rex Nelson, president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges & Universities since 2011, is an Arkadelphia native and a summa cum laude graduate of Ouachita. He has served as the “Voice of the Tigers” for 30 years as the radio play-by-play announcer on the Ouachita Football Network.

Prior to his current role with AICU, Nelson served as the senior vice president for government relations and public outreach at The Communications Group, a Little-Rock based marketing, advertising and public relations firm. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in government. He was named Gov. Mike Huckabee’s director of policy and communications when Huckabee took office in July 1996 and was a member of the governor’s senior management team for more than nine years. Nelson was named by President George W. Bush in 2005 as one of the president’s two appointees to the Delta Regional Authority, a regional planning and economic development agency that serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of eight states.

Nelson had a long career in journalism prior to entering government service. He was the political editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette during President Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign and Clinton’s first term. He earlier had served as the Washington bureau chief and the assistant sports editor of the Arkansas Democrat. Nelson still writes a weekly column for the Democrat-Gazette and is the author of a blog known as Rex Nelson’s Southern Fried at www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com.

Rex Nelson, center, receives OBU’s Community Service Excellence Award from Dr. and Mrs. Ben Elrod.

“As you can see, this man is widely known and respected and utilized for the good of Arkansas and certainly Arkadelphia,” said Ouachita Chancellor Dr. Ben Elrod. “He is truly an Arkansas treasure and a Ouachita treasure and an Arkadelphia treasure. It is real pleasure to name him tonight for this community service award.”

“I am deeply honored. I feel unworthy when I hear of the thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours of service that have been given in this room,” Nelson said. “To be with you and to see what you have done really touches me and really lifts me, and I can tell you that seeing what you’ve done, I’m going to be on a cloud for the rest of the week, certainly, if not longer.”

Reflecting on the recent Boston Marathon bombings, Nelson noted, “When we face times of crisis and times of trial and times of tribulation, there are really two kinds of people: there are those who rush in, and there are those who run away. You all are being honored tonight because all of you rush in when there is a void to be filled. And I hope you will continue to be among that group that rushes in for the remainder of your life.”

Shirley McMillan, director of the Foster Grandparent program, presented Ella Faye Barfield with the Foster Grandparent of the Year Award for her outstanding work at Gurdon Elementary School. Barfield has served nearly 19,300 hours of service over 22 years in Gurdon.

Shirley McMillan, director of Ouachita’s Foster Grandparent program, presents Ella Faye Barfield, right, with the Foster Grandparent of the Year Award.

“Every child who is in her class, at least once during the year, receives a gift that she has handmade,” McMillan noted. “That one-on-one relationship that they grow makes a huge difference.”

James Taylor, director of Campus Ministries at Ouachita, also recognized the service of Ouachita student L.J. Brooks, who died unexpectedly this fall, saying, “He served this campus with such a spirit of servanthood and humility, and we’ll miss him a lot.”

Other Ouachita faculty, staff and students honored during the banquet include:

America Reads: Chelsea Ariola, Kaitlyn Belk, Amanda Bunting, Tayler Koller, Rebecca Sanchez and Sarah Talley.

America Counts: Sarah Liz Carter, Kelly Cortez, Clay McKinney, Marissa Selden, Amy Simon, Chelsea Villanueva and Seth Wilson.

America Reads Senior Awards: Nikki Kambanis (2011-2013), Whitley Poole (2011-2013) and MyLisa Speer (2012-2013).

America Counts Senior Awards: Jordan Snook (2012-2013) and Lauren Telford (2011-2013).

Missionary-in-Residence Award: Lee and Deb Miller.

ElderServe: Kristen Barnard, Bridget Bloxom, Stephanie Butcher, Molly Bowman, Amy Campbell, Jennifer Coon, Kendra Coyle, Kristi-Paige Danielson, Hanna Dean, Adam Dodd, Kelsey Finney, Katy Firmin, Rachel Gaddis, Kaycee Giammarco, Libby Gracia, Emily Hastings, Sara Huneycutt, Alyssa Jones, Michelle Lackey, Neelie Lee, Chelsea Morehead, Maddie Myers, Hannah Pinkerton, Nicole Plott, Rebekah Raine, Allie Smith, Emily Speer, Shannon Talley, Alex Trevino, Jillian Turner, Joel Ubeda, Logan Webb, John Whitmore, Kaitlin Williams, Tyler Williams, Holly Wray and Rebecca Zandstra.

ElderServe Senior Awards: Kiley Gamble, Hollyn McCarty, Chase Rackley, Brittney Reynolds, Meghan Savage, Elyse Senteney and John Teed.

International Student Service Award: Michelle Perez.

Fifteenth Anniversary Kluck Student Enrichment Grant, Fall 2012: Nicole McPhate and OBU’s Rogers Department of Communications and student Photo lab for Arkadelphia Smiles.

Kluck Student Enrichment Grants, Fall 2012: Stacy Beck and Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society for an Arkadelphia High School writing contest; Katelyn Bell and Alpha Chi for books for Fun Time Learning Center; Adam Gosnell for marries student groups; Shelby Pierceall and Tri Chi Women’s Social Club for teddy bears for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a tea party for the Big Sisters program and work with Promise House; and Carrington Tillery and Enactus for work with the Boys & Girls Club of Arkadelphia.

Kluck Student Enrichment Grants, Spring 2013: Molly Bowman and Tri Chi Women’s Social Club for the Little Free Library in Arkadelphia, Franklin Featherston and the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies for a One-Day Basketball Camp, Jessica Lamb and Sigma Tau Delta international English honor society for an Arkadelphia High School writing contest and Alex Young and Campus Ministries for Camp Wamp.

Campus Ministries Leadership Team: Backyard Bible Clubs ­– Jessica Stanley and Alex Young; Big Brothers – Daniel Richardson; Big Sisters – Hannah Pilcher and Kaiti Walker; Christian Focus Week – Abbey Jamieson and Aubree Fry; Christian Focus Week Leadership Team – Kate Cody, Connor Goad, Emily Harris, Steven Rutherford, Jamie Thompson and Hunter Threadgill; Women’s Discipleship – Bridget Bloxom, Phebe Pruett and Callie Yeager; Freshman Family Groups – Amy Campbell and Clay McKinney; Missionary Kids – Meg Hart; Monticello Children’s Home – Erin Edge; Noonday – Jared Carlin, Karis Crosby and Kelsey Frink; Off the Broadway – Kelly Cortez; Outreach – Kendra Coyle; Photography – Kristen Barnard; Prayer – Kate Dodge; Promise House – Lauren Shawver; Publicity/Missions – Jennifer Coon and Devan Malone; Refuge/Speaking – L.J. Brooks and Taylor Lamb; Refuge/Music – Noah Mitchell; Special Events – Amberly Green and Mary Castleman; and Tiger Tunes – Rusty Butler and Lacey Brooks.

Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team: Bridget Bloxom, Jeremy Dixon, Drew Farris, Rachel Gilmer, Katie Hopmann, Jasper Jackson, Ben Lange-Smith, Coleson Lechner, Dawson Pritchard, Treslyn Shipley, Anna Sikes, Jessica Stewart, Sara Walker, Garet West, Rachel Wicker, David Willhite, Rachel Williams and David Winkler.

Tiger Serve Day Senior Leadership Awards: Daniel Aylett, Jake Edwards, Lauren Jackson, Ryan James, Abbey Jamieson, Caleb Knight, Rebekah Poynor and Courtney Puddephatt.

Transerve Awards (150 or more hours of service for the academic year): Claudia Brizuela, Jerezano Briquela, Mary Castleman, Ryan James, Devan Malone, Emily Payne, Hannah Pilcher, Allie Smith, Hunter Threadgill, Carrington Tillery, Sara Walker and David Winkler.

Ouachita Baptist University established the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community in 1997 to encourage, coordinate and facilitate public service, volunteerism and community engagement throughout the state and region. For information about the programs of the Elrod Center, visit www.obu.edu/elrod or call (870) 245-5320.

By Brooke Zimny

Last year, Turner placed second in the competition as a freshman. This year, her performances of Ravel’s “Sonatine” and Prokofiev’s “Etude Op. 2 No. 4” landed Turner in first place. She said she was shocked upon hearing she had won – “but felt very blessed.”

“To me, it was a sure sign from God that He wants me to continue in my double major,” Turner said, “and that it can it be done.”

Of the eight students who competed in this year’s event, four of them earned top finishes and cash awards.

In first place, Turner received a $600 cash award. Second place and a $325 cash award went to Christopher Mazen, a senior worship arts major from Shreveport, La. Both Mazen and Turner are students of Dr. Cai Lei, associate professor of music.

In a tie for third place and sharing the $275 cash award were Courtney Stanage, a junior piano performance major from Hot Springs Village, Ark., and Jordan Denniston, a junior music major from Plano, Texas. Both Stanage and Denniston are students of Dr. Ouida Keck, coordinator of keyboard studies and Addie Mae Maddox Professor of Music.

The competition was founded by Virginia Queen, professor emerita of music, who served at Ouachita for more than 40 years. Dr. Keck described the purpose of the event as a way to “motivate the piano majors and minors to excel in performance.”

David Allen Wehr, a professional pianist and former Ouachita artist-in-residence, served as this year’s guest judge. Wehr also performed a solo concert on campus April 28.

For more information, contact Dr. Ouida Keck at kecko@obu.edu or (870) 245-5352.

By Taylor Tomlinson

The Ouachita Singers program will include “Cantate Domino” by Claudio Monteverdi, “Vidi aquam” by Michael McCarthy, “With a Voice of Singing” by Kenneth Jennings, “Sing Me to Heaven” by Daniel Gawthrop, “I Am Not Yours” by David Dickau, “Ce beau printemps” by Mark Sirett, “To the Mothers in Brazil: Salve Regina” arranged by Gunnar Eriksson, “Cells Planets” arranged by Vince Peterson, “My Flight for Heaven” by Blake Henson, “All My Trials” arranged by Norman Luboff and “The Battle of Jericho” by Moses Hogan. They are directed by Dr. Gary Gerber, chair of OBU’s Division of Music, and will be accompanied on piano by Dr. Adam Haas, lecturer in music.

The Women’s Chorus program will present “Morning Hymn and Alleluia” from The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers, “Magnificat” by Z. Randall Stroope, “I Am Not Yours” by David N. Childs, “Grace” arranged by Mark Hayes, “Esto Les Digo” by Kinley Lange, “Still I Rise” by Rosephanye Powell, “If Music Be the Food of Love” by David Dickau and “Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down” arranged by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory. They are accompanied on piano by Glenda Aldridge, adjunct professor of music.

“Our portion of the concert will be packed with an incredible variety of music from exciting, inspirational spirituals to warm love songs to awesome songs of worship,” said David Stanley, instructor of music and director of Women’s Chorus.

“There is sure to be something for everyone’s musical tastes, including musical selections in English, Spanish and Latin,” Stanley added. “The group really creates an electrifying, moving sound that will make the audience’s spirits soar.”

For more information, contact the School of Fine Arts at (870) 245-5129 or Dr. Gary Gerber at gerberg@obu.edu.

By Mary Castleman