Ouachita Stories

Construction in progress for 144-bed student apartment complex

Ouachita broke ground on a 144-bed, $12.6 million student apartment complex in August, with plans for it to be open for the Fall 2022 semester.

Momentum appreciation

When I think of momentum, my first thought is the idiom “on a roll” and related examples. I think of physically rolling objects, like a ball rolling down a hill, the cheesy inspirational poster of a rollerblader that was in my childhood bedroom, the infamous Indiana Jones boulder chase. But you also can be metaphorically “on a roll” with various successes in life, big or small. Is there a better feeling than hitting every shot on the basketball court?

Jaymee Dotson on pace for extended reign

When Jaymee Dotson takes the field in the fall of 2022 for Ouachita women’s soccer, she has a chance to accomplish a feat that no one else has.

New Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizes "teaching as a calling"

Ouachita’s new Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction program launched this semester as the latest post-baccalaureate offering in the university’s growing graduate studies menu. The 12-month program, designed to help teachers enhance skills and increase earning potential, prepares educators to become curriculum specialists and instructional coordinators as well as grow their skills in the classroom.

Dr. Rickey Rogers named Ouachita's vice president for student development

Before he was Dr. Rogers, Ouachita’s dean of students, Rickey Rogers was an assistant football coach at Ouachita calling signals for the Tigers who played offensive skill positions.

Terry DeWitt ('88)
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, and professor of kinesiology

As a high school senior in Gravette, Ark., Dr. Terry DeWitt didn’t have college on his radar until just before graduation. A first-generation college student, DeWitt enrolled as a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas. But he transferred after just one semester when his aunt, Nancy Hardman, encouraged him to consider Ouachita and Coach Buddy Benson offered him a work- study job as an athletic trainer.

John Barber ('99) & Becky Ellis ('08)
Helping those impacted by disability

Alumni John Barber and Becky Ellis will tell you that life can lead to unexpected places. They both work for Joni and Friends, an international ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, seeking to communicate the gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple and serve people living with disabilities.

Jason Tolbert ('97)
Chief Financial Officer

As soon as Jason Tolbert started his college search as a high school student in Wynne, Ark., he knew if he could afford to go to Ouachita, he would. It’s not hard to believe that, even then, making the numbers work was a top priority for Tolbert, who now serves as Ouachita’s chief financial officer (CFO).

Dr. Jeremy Greer returns to Ouachita as the next dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies

Dr. Jeremy Greer, a 1998 Ouachita graduate and second generation pastor, has completed his first semester as the new dean of Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies. Greer has long ties to the university as well as Arkansas Baptists in addition to higher education experience through teaching and administrative roles.

Pushing forward
building momentum takes effort

Around August, we (Angela and Matt) decided that we should start running every day. We had always talked about doing it, but it was always easy to think of excuses. Eventually, though, we decided that if we just woke up 15 minutes earlier each day, we could roll out of bed, run a mile and be back home by our usual wake-up time.

Robert S. Moore Jr. given distinguished alumni award

Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Robert S. Moore Jr. received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service to the State of Arkansas from Ouachita during an August luncheon held on campus in his honor.

Ouachita honors outstanding alumni during Homecoming festivities

Ten Ouachita Baptist University alumni received the university’s Alumni Milestone Award in conjunction with Ouachita’s Homecoming celebration Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Based on their professional achievements, community service and dedication to their alma mater, they were chosen by a committee of Ouachita faculty and staff and Ouachita President Ben Sells.