Instructor of Communications, faculty advisor and OBUTV & Ouachita Films.
Biography
Professor Pierce joined the Communications and Media faculty in 2021, bringing over
20 years of professional practice in strategic communication and visual media to the
classroom. Before serving at Ouachita, Professor Pierce led churches and organizations
in cultivating relationships, reaching strategic goals, and sharing impactful stories
with diverse audiences across channels and settings. Utilizing the power of visual
narrative, brand journalism, online marketing, and in-person events, Pierce enjoys
the process of studying communities to design communicative experiences that nurture
connection and purpose. Pierce is a 1999 Ouachita graduate with a B.A. in Communications
and Sociology and holds an M.A. in Communications from the University of Arkansas,
Little Rock.
After college, Pierce served a four-and-a-half-year stint as a child maltreatment
investigator for the State of Arkansas, while freelancing as a video producer and
photographer. Pierce volunteered in the church during that season, leading media and
production initiatives and working on strategic campaigns.
Pierce joined the staff at First Baptist Church in Benton in 2004 as Media and Communications
Director, serving for approximately 17 years. He also consulted area churches and
organizations, helping Arkansas congregations and leaders design messaging, websites,
audio-visual technology, and video content that connect with in-person and online
audiences. Pierce taught as an adjunct for Ouachita's Worship Studies program in 2016
and 2020.
Pierce is married to Judy, a curriculum and instructional coach for Benton Middle
School. The Pierces have two children, Andrew and Bella. Andrew graduated from Ouachita
in 2025, and Bella is a proud, future Tiger.
In his free time, Pierce enjoys the outdoors, including camping, hiking, fishing,
boating, photography, and time on the lawn tractor. He is also an avid foodie who
enjoys creativity in the kitchen. Finally, Professor Pierce loves great films and
discussing their impact with other movie enthusiasts.
Areas of Expertise:
- Visual Storytelling
- Live Broadcasting
- Church Communications
- Branding and Media Strategy
- Event Planning and Production
- Website Design
- Online Media
- Campaign Development
Academic Organizations:
- Arkansas College Media Association
- College Media Association
- Broadcast Education Association
- Arkansas Cinema Society
Q&A
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Words are profoundly powerful. In the book of Genesis, we read that God spoke Creation
into existence. He didn't wave a magic wand. He simply said, "Let there be light"
(NASB, 1971, Gen. 1:3). We also read in Genesis 1:26 that God spoke humanity into
the world, "in Our image, according to Our likeness" (NASB, 1971). God gave us the
gift of communication because He is a communicative God and wants us to dwell with
Him and others.
Everyone has a story. But not everyone has learned how to articulate it well. Just
because God gifted us with communication doesn't mean that we fully grasp how to use
it wisely and effectively. The gift must be developed, nurtured, and practiced.
In today's swiftly changing world—saturated with technology, hyper-connectivity, and
noise—authentic human connection is becoming scarcer. Humanity needs faithful storytellers
who can bridge gaps, helping organizations cultivate relationships, solve problems,
and co-create healthy communities where we live, learn, work, play, serve, and worship.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
Marketing communications, public relations, sports media, broadcasting, filmmaking,
journalism, and church media are a handful of the specialties within our academic
discipline.
Our Communications and Media faculty are experienced communicators and educators who
value hands-on, experiential learning. We would love to help you find your niche,
develop your skills, and connect you with others in our industries.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
– Romans 8:28 (NASB)
