Biography
Graham grew up in Garland, Texas where he developed a love for fitness, sports, and
athletics through the influence of my family, friends, coaches, and teachers. Through
these influential figures and experiences, Graham obtained a love for learning and
eventually education. Graham's Christian faith has established a foundation of purpose,
hope, and direction for his personal and professional choices, decisions, and endeavors.
Evolving and deepening over time, its relevance to his life shapes his character,
relationships, and work. Prior to coming to Ouachita, Graham has been in education
for the past 14 years teaching secondary educations, coaching student-athletes, while
pursuing his passion and interest which is strength, conditioning, performance, and
overall health and well-being at all levels. Graham is excited to return to his alma-mater
and give back to Ouachita and its community and student body for the meaningful skillset,
character, faith that was instilled in him. Organizations in which Graham is apart
of include the National Strength and Conditioning Association where he has obtained
the credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S) and
a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator. Graham is also a member of the USA
Weightlifting as a Level 1 Coach Credential. Graham is married to his wife, Christin,
who works in the Office of Communications & Marketing at Ouachita. Graham and Christin
have a seven-year-old daughter, Molly and a two-year old son, Rhett.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
Ouachita is near and dear to my heart both personally and professionally. I am blessed
to have been a student and experienced the community and culture firsthand as a student
and desire for my family to experience its love and compassion as well to give back
to this wonderful community.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
Life has presented challenges to my spiritual growth and development. Participation
in athletics and sports my entire life resulted in several injuries that challenged
my faith and taught me the deep importance of God’s plan compared to my own. I experienced
the deepest grasp and growth in my relationship with Christ while pursuing my undergraduate
degree at Ouachita Baptist University where I truly owned my faith. At Ouachita, I
encountered a rich atmosphere encompassing Christ’s love alongside love directed toward
others. The positive culture and setting that Ouachita presented helped my faith grow
deeper through trials both athletically and academically. Participating in college
sports and academics presented demanding challenges. These elements brought meaningful
spiritual growth requiring dependence on Christ for strength and purpose. Specifically,
as a freshman student, the initial transition forced adjusting my priorities and managing
my time for success inside the classroom and outside in the field of competition.
I am most thankful to Coach Todd Knight and his staff for the experience of being
a part of the Tiger football program. Its core values, principles, and beliefs are
instilled in me, and I strive to pay it forward as a coach and educator.
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Kinesiology is the study of movement and, therefore, dictates and determines many
functions and efficiencies of those functions in our bodies. The more optimal movement
we obtain and create, the greater our ability to produce better health and well-being.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
The field of Kinesiology is ever-growing and dynamic, striving to integrate the latest
research and technology to educate and equip for overall health, fitness, and well-being.
At Ouachita, we strive and aspire to produce excellence in our students to utilize
their skills and knowledge obtained through our programs to provide high-caliber service
in health, human performance and longevity.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My hobbies, interests, and pursuits include training and exercise, reading, and devoted
family time.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
About my faith, several scriptures come to mind, but one passage that resonates with
me is in the first chapter of James (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version [ESV],
2001), which states:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know
that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have
its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James
1:2-4)
Everyone experiences challenges and adversity of various magnitudes and structures.
In my daily pursuit to grow closer to Christ, regardless of the season and circumstance,
Jesus is the cornerstone of faith. I seek Him in everything, knowing the outcomes
are far greater than anything imagined.
