The Ouachita Circle: Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

EXCELLENCE

3D classroom technology

National swimming champ

Pursue excellence at every turn There are many working definitions of the word “excellence,” including several highlighted throughout this issue of The Ouachita Circle. One of my favorites is from the Apostle Paul, who declared in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” While that definition has a clear focus on spiritual excellence, the underlying principles can be applied to virtually any area of life as we make a conscious commitment to forget what lies behind, reach forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal. As our staff began working on this edition of The Circle, the challenge wasn’t determining which examples of excellence at Ouachita to include. Rather, the concern was the many, many examples of excellence that would have to be left out due to lack of available space. Among the many models of excellence in the following pages are: nn Our theme interpretation on pages 2-3 by Dr. Randall Wight on “Seeking Excellence in a Day.” Sharing his insightful, poetic views, Dr. Wight affirms that excellence “is doing the best we know with what we have to reach uncommon ends even with common means.” nn Several of our professors who hold endowed academic chairs accepted the task of writing a brief description of excellence. Among the insights on pages 4-5, Dr. Johnny Wink recounted a conversation with a student in which he asked her, “How do you manage to do so well a thing you don’t particularly like doing?” Her reply: “I try to do my best whenever I’m asked to do something.” Reflecting on her response, Dr. Wink said, “I call that excellence.” Yes, indeed! nn Other examples of excellence include academics with a feature on Ouachita’s new BodyViz 3D classroom technology; the arts with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s tribute concert in memory of renowned composer Dr. Francis McBeth as well as the university’s 25th anniversary production of Hello, Dolly!; alumni service and ministry, including a feature on Austin and Ashton Samuelson’s Pitza 42 restaurant and Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker’s recent election as executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention; and athletics with two conference championships, two All-America wrestlers and a national swimming champion. Here at Ouachita, excellence can be found at every turn. As you explore this issue of The Circle, it hopefully will serve as a reminder that we all are called to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” There’s no better definition of excellence.

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.”

Booker T. Washington

“It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us.”

Isaac Disraeli

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Aristotle

“Excellence is in the details. Give attention to the details and excellence will come.”

Perry Paxton

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8

Trennis Henderson Vice President for Communications

President Rex M. Horne, Jr. Vice President for Communications Editor Trennis Henderson Assistant Director of Communications Associate Editor Brooke Zimny Vice President for Institutional Advancement Keldon Henley Director of Alumni Jon Merryman Assistant Director of Alumni Programs Julia Thompson

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7 Exploring the art of excellence

Dr. Randall Wight, dean of the Sutton School of Social Sciences, examines the daily call to excellence reflected through a series of artistic masterpieces.

Symphony concert honors Dr. McBeth

Celebrating the rich musical legacy of renowned composer and longtime university professor Francis McBeth, Ouachita welcomed the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra to the stage of JPAC.

3D comes to the classroom

Ouachita’s new BodyViz imaging system combines cutting-edge projection technology with 3D glasses to provide students a high-tech learning experience.

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Dolly returns to Ouachita

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Ross donates official papers

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Hello, Dolly! made its Ouachita debut in 1988 as a collaboration by OBU’s theatre and music programs. The acclaimed musical returned to campus this spring for a 25th anniversary production. U.S. Congressman Mike Ross recently presented Ouachita with his official papers and related material from his political career—including 16,000 digital photos and 300 gigabytes of data files.

Sports Update: Tigershark Marcus Schlesinger wins national title in 100-yard butterfly Campus Update: Four Ouachita students earn Governor’s Cup business plan honors Class Notes: OBU’s Class of 1963 recently was inducted as newest class of Gold Tigers Faculty Profile: Tim Knight leads Patterson School plan to expand undergrad research Staff Profile: Nicole Porchia provides leadership, vision for Academic Success Center Closing Thoughts: Dr. Horne affirms OBU’s ongoing focus on academic excellence

The Ouachita Circle is a publication of Ouachita Baptist University’s alumni and communications offices. Send address changes and class notes to: Ouachita Alumni Office 410 Ouachita St., OBU Box 3762 Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001 E-mail: alumni@obu.edu Phone: 870-245-5506 Contact the Communications Office: E-mail: newsbureau@obu.edu Phone: 870-245-5208 Printed by TCPrint Solutions in North Little Rock, Ark. Cover photo by Nicole McPhate, a senior mass communications & graphic design major from Conway, Ark. Board of Trustees Curtis Arnold Steven Collier Clay Conly Julie Dodge Susie Everett Clay Hallmark Frank Hickingbotham Taylor King Larry Kircher Terri Mardis Mollie Morgan Mark Roberts

Lloydine Seale Ken Shaddox Randall Sims Rita Spillyards Scott Street William H. Sutton Jeff Teague Susan Wamble Gene Whisenhunt Larry White Gus Williamson James Young

Chancellor Ben M. Elrod President Emeritus Daniel R. Grant Ouachita Alumni Advisory Board President Euodias Goza First Vice President Heather Brandon Spruill Second Vice President Shari Deaver Edwards Immediate Past President Sarah Atkinson Bennett Arkansas Advisors Shawn Barnard, Brent Black, Donna Byers Carozza, Joe Franz, Krisie Holmes, Wendy Wofford Johnson, Caroline Woodell Luck, Julian Rainey, Christine Roberson Street, Bob White, Mel Thrash, Misty Brewer Wilson, Amy Witherow (Young Alumni Board Liason) Out-of-State Advisors Chris Campbell, Joy Johnson Floyd, Scott Meador, Carmela Hunt Mechling, Mike Treadway, Jan Mitchell Williams

Seeking excellence in a day

Friedrich, C. D. (1818). Wanderer overlooking a sea of fog. [Oil on canvas]. Hamburg, Germany: Hamburger Kunsthalle.

Monet, C. (1878). Rue Montorgueil, Paris, Festival of June 30, 1878. [Oil on canvas]. Paris, France: Musée d’Orsay.

By Randall D. Wight A r s lo nga, v i ta br e v i s hip p o c rat e s

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er om e s l u m ps be hin d me ov e r his bo oks.

To his lef t from a precipice a wel l-coiff ed gentleman sur ve y s a f og bank. Near by flags flutter up multiple arc hitectur al stor ies and down a peoplefil led avenue. Three women stoop to col lect remains of a har vest. Another woman stops to hear a bird sing. From the wee hours to dusk, these scenes, these people, dail y surround my desk to remind of the pursuit of excel lence. P hilosophers from Ar istotle to S haquil le O’Neal recogniz e that excel lence is a habit r ather than a standard. It is what we do repeated l y, an ar t fixed by discipline. Ar t, f or me, c al ls repeated l y to mind that we spin excel lence in the f ocused whir ling der vishes of day s.

“The pursuit of excellence finds joy in embracing greatness through small details.” 2 • the ouachita circle

D a y b r e a k , stillness and the faintest piccolo of light notes the sky. Rise, dress, begin to climb. Curiosity, not self-conscious excellence, fuels the ascent of Casper David Friedrich’s Wanderer overlooking a sea of fog. A mountain awaits, muscles contract, sweat cools yet warms in damp morning air. Neither lost nor meandering, the wanderer in this painting chose his overcoat, chose his walking stick, chose his path and chose his destination. He chose with forethought and purpose. Now perched on a bluff, hair caught in the wind, he watches swirling vapor roll in broken fluidity before his searching eye—along jutting rock and wood; across an obscured plain; up to an irregular, mountainous horizon; into a clouded sky. Dawn’s rosy fingers push back darkness. Solitude and excellence commingle as the walker aligns design and deed in careful reflection. Henry Ward Beecher insisted that we not judge people by the distance they travel but by the point from which they begin. Our journey—our habit—of excellence begins with an edgy climb in the early light of day.

M i dd a y arrives as excellence first sought in silence gives way to excellence sought in conversation. Painted from a balcony overlooking a street festival, Claude Monet’s Rue Montorgueil, Paris, June 30, 1878, presents excellence amid the human stream. Blue-whitered fluttering flags line the street, decorating multiple floors of buildings converging in the distance. Small brush strokes infuse flags and people with movement. Commerce pulses through a café’s tables, life breathes in a bakery’s fragrance, possibility spills from a market’s produce display. The pursuit of excellence finds joy in embracing greatness through small details. An interesting visual experience emerges in impressionistic work that is especially striking in this piece. Every viewer can find a spot at which a step forward vibrates color and blurs image while a step back mutes color and sharpens image. Excellence is an internal journey into multiple contexts. No praise, no blame, just movement toward the best within ourselves and in others. Varying between the close and the distant view of a scene, excellence avoids the petty and precious sniping of cynicism and arrogance, choosing rather to align with and promote the best that humans say and do.

Breton, J. A. (1884). The song of the lark. [Oil on canvas]. Chicago, Ill.: Art Institute of Chicago. Millet, J.-F. (1857). The gleaners. [Oil on canvas]. Paris, France: Musée d’Orsay.

L at e a f t e r n o o n often finds us laboring at common, routine tasks. If we labor with excellence, we work with quiet expectations for ourselves that acknowledge yet transcend what others would demand of us. Consider Jean-Francois Millet’s The gleaners. Soft earth tones in a harvested field find three poor women gathering the remains of reaped wheat. A distant crowd of workers reap grain and load wains as a supervisor watches from horseback. In the foreground, the three women, their backs stooped and rounded, persist in labor necessary to place food on their families’ tables. Excellence roots in respect for individuals. Often when I see The gleaners, I hear Ezekiel’s condemnation of Sodom. The prophet extends his criticism of that ancient city far beyond the usual trope to include pride, self-sufficiency and abundance in the face of abasement, poverty and hunger. Excellence without regard for bent and bruised reeds among us is the world’s, not God’s, excellence—and hence no excellence at all. These struggling women depict Martin Luther King, Jr.’s observation that labor uplifts human dignity. That dignity’s importance merits our painstaking excellence. God’s path to excellence shares and lightens loads.

D u s k brings us to the edge of the same wheat field, while Jules Breton’s The song of the lark speaks to a thread that runs through all excellence: a sense of wonder. A field-worker—hot, tired, covered with dirt, barefoot, holding a scythe, her task unfinished, perhaps from the multitude working before the gleaners—a field-worker pauses from her labor. She listens. A burnt orange sun slips beneath Earth’s contour and home lies distant on the horizon, yet the young woman stops. She listens. Eyes wide with amazement, mouth slightly gaping, she stops to hear a distant lark sing evensong to the day. Prospective students from urban regions pass through my office. Occasionally I hear that our school’s bucolic environment offers too little for their active minds. I smile and nod toward the listening field-worker. Everyone wants to be extraordinary, but few recognize the place for simplicity within the grand. Ralph Waldo Emerson noted that none of us ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when we listen to the whisper that we alone can hear. I imagine Emerson smiling at the young woman’s readiness to learn from wood and field, earth and sky. To search for excellence is to allow ourselves amazement at what others take for granted. As Voltaire knew, our appreciation and wonder appropriate what is excellent in others to us as well.

Caravaggio. (1606). Saint Jerome writing. [Oil on canvas]. Rome, Italy: Galleria Borghese.

N i g h t , and perhaps we fiddled away the day. Not so Jerome, particularly as Caravaggio depicts him. Caravaggio used stark black backgrounds to thrust his subjects from the canvas into the viewer’s own space. Jerome, bald and thin, emerges bathed in light against the darkness. His shoulders are bare except for the rich red cloth wrapped about him. He leans across a large book spread open on a small table. A second book, closed, sits nearby; a third, cast in light, lies stacked and opened. A skull sits on the smaller book—a reminder that time is short and we are mortal. Jerome listens for inspiration. In our own lives, we may look at inspiration and call it excellence; yet in so doing, we evade or ignore the question of inspiration that does not produce excellence. We forget that God calls many but uses only those who respond—those who practice forethought, purpose, attention to details, necessary labor, a cheerful spirit, and, perhaps most significant of all, a listening ear. We can no more hear God’s voice than the lark’s song unless we listen. As Euripides saw, human excellence means nothing unless it works with God’s consent.

Our days, daughters of time, request from us excellence, not perfection. They request clarity of goals, ever-pressing balance between challenge and skill, merger of action and awareness, and losing self to embrace others. Perfection is a noble goal but an unrealistic expectation. Excellence is our path and our effort to maturity and joy. It is doing the best we know with what we have to reach uncommon ends even with common means. After a day given to the search for excellence, we accept soft sleep knowing that we prepared for the day to come. Again. And again. And again. That is excellence. Dr. Randall D. Wight, dean of the Sutton School of Social Sciences, also serves as professor of psychology and biology. A Ouachita faculty member since 1986, he holds degrees from Arkansas Tech University and Memphis State University.

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EXCELLENCE

Words of wisdom on the pursuit of excellence O

uachita faculty members are committed to modeling and encouraging excellence both in the classroom and beyond. One key example is the university’s endowed academic chairs program. The endowed chairs are funded by donor gifts to enhance ongoing professional development and other resources that support faculty in their teaching and research. “The university selects as endowed chair holders professors who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and teaching,” said Dr. Stan Poole,

Dr. Tom Auffenberg R. Voyt Hill Chair of History

“When I think of excellence, I immediately associate it with having an open mind and the ability to understand other people’s opinions in this delightfully diverse world God has given us. I also associate excellence with a zest for lifelong learning in a wide variety of fields, something made so much more accessible to us by the arrival of the knowledge explosion engendered by our computer age.”

Dr. Joe Bradshaw

W.D. and Alice Burch Chair of Chemistry and Pre-Medical Studies “Webster’s defines excellence as a ‘virtue.’ However, excellence is trying to capitalize on your strengths and improving on your weaknesses daily. There is a quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr. that says, ‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of education.’ Hopefully, we inspire our students to excellence both intellectually and in their character—inside and outside the classroom. This should be our endeavor: to inspire our students to devote themselves completely to excellence in whatever path they choose both in their professional careers and personal lives.”

Dr. Terry Carter

W.O. Vaught Chair of Christian Ministries “Scripture commands us that whatever we do should be done in the name of Jesus and with the intention to glorify Him (Col. 3:17, 23). In the classroom, in writing, in ministry and in relationships, that kind of attitude defines excellence. Professionally, personally and socially striving to perform at one’s best to honor Christ is a clear mark of excellence.”

Dr. Jay Curlin

Kathryn Maddox Chair of English “When one is dazzled daily by sterling students and colleagues, it is hard not to associate excellence with studious souls committed to the exercise

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vice president for academic affairs. “Holding an endowed academic chair is both a privilege and a responsibility. While recognizing the accomplishments of the recipient, it also encourages the faculty member to continue striving for educational excellence.” As part of this issue’s emphasis on excellence, Ouachita’s endowed chair holders were invited to share a brief perspective about pursuing academic, personal and professional excellence. Here are their insights:

of the mind. But at a flabby 52, I am continually humbled by those both younger and older than I who manage to keep physically fit as well and, even more, by those sweet spirits whose unflagging kindness, patience and selflessness reflect a spiritual fitness I have come especially to admire.”

Dr. Scott Duvall

J.C. and Mae Fuller Chair of Biblical Studies “The two uses of ‘excellent’ in the New Testament (Phil. 4:8; 2 Pet. 1:5) place it alongside other virtues such as goodness, justice and self-control. Such virtues relate to the whole of life, rather than to the intellect only, and flow ultimately from the Holy Spirit, rather than being self-generated. As a result, I think of excellence as the uncommon virtue of praiseworthy behavior and character resulting from submission to the Holy Spirit.”

Dr. Kent Faught

Jay and Lynn Heflin Chair of Business “What excellence is: An ‘outcomes’ perspective considers excellence to be exceptionally high performance relative to others’ performance. Yes, performance does matter. A ‘process’ perspective considers excellence to be exceptional performance relative to one’s previous performance. Most will never achieve world-class performance, yet all can improve their performance over time.

• are creative • take initiative • have focus • are never satisfied with the status quo”

Dr. Nancy Hardman

Edna and Freda Linn Chair of Communication Sciences and Pre-Medical Studies “Excellence: perfection, superiority, higher in quality—that’s a hard one. As Christians, we are not to act superior, yet strive for that ‘higher quality’ in all that we do—‘to live a life worthy of the Lord’ (Col. 1:10) and ‘to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called’ (Eph. 4:1). “That’s my idea of excellence—not a superiority over others, but because I belong to Christ, I want to walk in a manner that will be found worthy—so each day I try to be humble, work hard, love fully, forgive completely, pray unceasingly. I want to be considered a woman of excellence.”

Dr. Joe Jeffers

Charles S. and Elma Grey Goodwin Holt Chair of Chemistry and Pre-Medical Studies

“What excellence is not: Excellence is illustrated by one’s behavior, not one’s inherent talent. Talent is necessary but not sufficient. Talent must be applied toward excellence.”

“Excellence is the Holy Grail. We never quite achieve it. Its pursuit is what makes us good— good at teaching; good at learning; good at relationships. Our attitude should be: If only we had one more year, if only we had one more opportunity, perhaps we could get there. When we think we have achieved excellence, we fail to strive for betterment. Then we slip. Always reaching for excellence is paramount.”

Dr. Craig Hamilton

Dr. Ouida Keck

“People who strive for excellence: • have talent or aptitude • have passion • know their strengths • have a relentless pursuit to be better • are disciplined • are willing to go beyond what others do • are lifelong learners • are not defeated by failures • understand the benefits of practice & repetition

“The key to excellence is to find something about which to be passionate. This emotional intensity will be the motivator to go beyond being average. But having passion, ability and a desire to excel are not enough. Discipline, diligence and work must accompany these traits. It is believed that approximately 10,000 hours of effort are required to achieve excellence in many fields. Hard work is the vehicle and a passionate heart is the generator to drive us along the path to excellence.”

Lena Goodwin Trimble Chair of Music

Addie Mae Maddox Chair of Music

EXCELLENCE

Dr. Marvin Pate

Dr. Johnny Wink

“As a faculty member at OBU, I attempt to instill excellence in our students by helping them to pursue three goals: utilizing their God-given abilities to the fullest; living their Christian lives with integrity; and being filled with love for others born out of God’s love for them through Christ.”

“Track the origin of ‘excellence’ in a dictionary containing Indo-European roots, and you’ll find kel, which means ‘hill.’ Excellence has to do with prominence. Prominent among my memories of instances of excellence from my students is one involving someone I shall call T.

Elma Cobb Chair of Christian Theology

Dr. Doug Reed

Herbert and LaDelle Moody Chair of Pre-Law Studies “While living near a training site for U.S. Winter Olympians, I observed that excellence is a pursuit, not simply a result. Regardless of how well these athletes performed, critique and improvement were central to their work. The best and brightest in academia do likewise, constantly assessing, learning and perfecting.”

Betty Burton Peck Chair of English

“T was giving me great pleasure with her essays for Western Letters. Answering a query of mine concerning how she’d learned to write so well, T noted that she didn’t particularly like writing. “‘How do you manage to do so well a thing you don’t particularly like doing?’ “‘I try to do my best whenever I’m asked to do something.’ “I call that excellence.”

Dr. Doug Sonheim

Clarence and Bennie Sue Anthony Chair of Bible and Humanities “‘Each mortal thing does one thing…’ – Gerard Manly Hopkins. Excellence is annoying. Someone who excels by definition surpasses (exceeds, transcends) those around him. To be excellent, you focus; you do one thing at a time. Gilbert Meilander asks, ‘Why should we all want to be the same sort of well-rounded people?’ So there’s an edge to excellence. What is excellence for? We learn to sing our distinct parts with excellence, in harmony.”

Dr. Bob Webster

George Young Chair of Business “‘Be good, do right and make a hundred.’ My mother said these words to me most every day before school. Little did she know what influence the words would have on me. Over time I internalized these words to be a guideline for life. “‘Be good’ meant following a course of proper behavior both in my personal and professional life. ‘Do right’ meant setting a standard of honesty and integrity based on Biblical guidance. ‘Make a hundred’ captured for me the idea that in any endeavor of life I should try my best to excel. Sometimes I failed to succeed, but because of good guidance often times things turned out ‘most excellent.’ Oh, Mom used to add ‘remember I love you’ to the words. Love helped bring a proper mix to the admonition and helped me to know my acts and deeds were supported by her. Having a champion in your corner is certainly excellent.”

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EXCELLENCE

photo by Jason Pullano

McBeth tribute:

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs at Ouachita C

elebrating the rich musical legacy of renowned composer W. Francis McBeth, Ouachita Baptist University welcomed the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to the stage of Jones Performing Arts Center on March 8. The concert featured music composed by Dr. McBeth, a longtime professor of music at Ouachita and former ASO conductor who died last year at age 78. “There is no way to measure how much impact Dr. McBeth has had on Ouachita’s music program over the years,” said Dr. Scott Holsclaw, dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts. “It is amazing how many lives he touched both at Ouachita and throughout the world, including students, colleagues and music professionals. He is truly a Ouachita and Arkansas treasure.” Dr. McBeth, who joined the Ouachita faculty in 1957, served as the university’s composer-in-residence, Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music and chair of the theory/composition department of the Division of Music. He also served as conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in the early 1970s. Following his death in February 2012, the ASO approached Ouachita about presenting a concert on campus in McBeth’s memory. With his musical influence extending far beyond Ouachita and Arkansas, McBeth performed and conducted in England, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Scotland, Australia, Canada and Japan. As Arkansas’ composer laureate, he also was the first composer laureate named in the United States. “It’s kind of easy to take for granted someone who was here all the time and teaching, who made his career here,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “Then, to be exposed to how he’s regarded out in the rest of the world is very impressive.” The recent concert featured two pieces composed by McBeth,

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By Rachel Gregory

“Symphony No. 3” and “A Rose for Emily for String Orchestra.” Also featured were Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville Overture,” which opened the concert, and “The Firebird: Suite, 1919” by Igor Stravinsky, which was the concert’s closing piece. Dr. George Keck, who served on the OBU music faculty with McBeth for 27 years, introduced the concert to the crowd. “The concert brought in three threads in the life of and career of Dr. McBeth,” said Keck, OBU professor emeritus of music. “There was his life as a professor, and many of his students helped make this night possible; his life as a composer, and two of his pieces are being played; and his life as a conductor with this orchestra, which he conducted and remained so close to after he turned the baton over to another.” The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 47th season in 2012-2013 under the leadership of Music Director Philip Mann. ASO is the resident orchestra of Robinson Center Music Hall and performs more than 30 concerts each year for more than 42,000 people through its Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series, ACXIOM Pops LIVE! Series and River Rhapsodies Chamber Series. It also serves central Arkansas through numerous community outreach programs and brings live symphonic music education to more than 24,000 students in more than 200 schools. Financial support from Ouachita’s Board of Trustees and other friends of the university helped keep concert admission costs minimal. Phil Hardin, assistant to the president for administration, said OBU officials wanted to “make this special concert accessible to students, school and church groups and other area residents because it is a special tribute to Dr. McBeth.” Rachel Gregory, a senior English major from Malvern, Ark., serves as a student news writer in Ouachita’s News Bureau

EXCELLENCE

3D BodyViz image details a patient’s cardiac study.

BodyViz technology creates 3D classroom experience

By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications

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hat combines cutting-edge projection technology with 3D glasses to create a high-tech learning experience? The answer is Ouachita’s new BodyViz imaging system installed in McClellan Hall. According to BodyViz officials, the system produces 3D MRI/CT scan visualizations for applications ranging from educational and medical settings to use by legal professionals. Ouachita acquired the state-of-the-art equipment as part of the university’s strategic initiative and program enhancement grants awarded last fall to several faculty members. Dr. Lori Hensley, associate professor of biology and holder of the J.D. Patterson Chair of Biology, submitted the proposal to purchase the 3D projection system and BodyViz software. “I am excited to be able to engage our students in learning anatomy and physiology through the use of BodyViz,” Hensley said. “One of the strengths of this system is that it uses actual patient data to demonstrate normal and abnormal anatomy. The three-dimensional projection system allows students to visualize often abstract anatomical concepts that more traditional images cannot adequately capture, such as relationships between organs or the effects of an abnormality on surrounding structures. “Because we can input CT and MRI data that students bring from personal scans, the relevance of what they are learning and application to their own lives is automatically established,” she added. “This semester, 79 of my students used BodyViz to create treatment plans for represented diseases, and we invited local doctors to attend our student presentations and give input based on their experiences.” Additionally, she noted that 53 students used BodyViz for this year’s Scholars Day presentations. According to Ouachita President Rex Horne, “BodyViz brings another cutting-edge tool to campus for our students and faculty. It is incredible how this program brings real medical records before a class or individual for study, discussion and research. I am pleased to have professors who are continually looking for innovative ways to teach and prepare Ouachita students.” Dr. Randall Wight, dean of the Sutton School of Social Sciences and professor of psychology and biology, also uses the technology with his students. “Humans are visual creatures,” he emphasized. “Through a complex

and unbidden physiological process, the three dimensions of our immediate environment are apparent yet usually unremarkable, allowing us to navigate with unnoticed ease. BodyViz provides three-dimensional access to an unseen locale, and the resulting ability to navigate stuns and amazes. “A full understanding of any environment always includes perceiving in multiple dimensions,” he pointed out. “BodyViz opens for students a new door onto human structure and function. To see dimensionally is to perceive. Nothing else fuels understanding more quickly or more subtly. To illustrate, a brain is best conceived as a three-dimensional collection of structures. Before BodyViz, students acquired that understanding by learning mentally to fan two-dimensional images from an atlas. Now they can immediately confront a three-dimensional image.” According to a BodyViz fact sheet about the system, users operate an Xbox-type controller to rotate, pan, zoom, clip, measure or fly through a patient’s virtual anatomy. Users can create “clipping” or “slicing” planes and move the planes to see the internal structure of the patient. Students also can choose from a variety of colors to enhance organs and features of the data. They can navigate through a virtually unlimited number of tissue densities ranging from harder tissues such as bone or muscle to softer tissue such as fat or skin. Using actual patient data, individuals using the system can label different parts of the anatomy, clearly identifying organs, tissue types and other details. “Students are overwhelmingly positive about this new technology,” Hensley said. “As soon as they walk in the classroom and see the 3D glasses out, they know we are going to use the system, and the excitement is immediately evident.” Dr. Byron Eubanks, chair of the Planning Committee that awarded the grants, affirmed the initiative’s impact through BodyViz technology and other educational efforts funded through the grant program. “We hope to continue the momentum these new awards have begun,” said Eubanks, professor of philosophy and director of the Sutton Center for Integrity. “Our whole campus benefits when we think strategically and innovatively about how we accomplish our mission.” spring 2013

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Pitza 42 founders follow God’s call to battle global hunger By Brooke Zimny

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uachita alums Austin and Ashton (Berry) Samuelson were living in California, pursuing career paths in commercial real estate and elementary education when God changed their plans. Two years later, they have had a hand in providing more than 400,000 meals to hungry children around the world. “We started feeling this calling,” Austin said. “We were really burdened by this fact that 18,000 kids die from hunger each day, and we’re just living our lives like everything’s okay.” The couple soon moved back to Arkansas, and that’s when they had the idea to create a restaurant inspired by the Toms shoes one-for-one model. For every meal purchased, one meal is provided to a child in need. “Quite honestly, we ran from it at first,” Austin said. “We were like, oh, that’s a cool idea. Somebody ought to do that. We know nothing about restaurants.” “Our only experience was going through the drive-through,” Ashton joked. “It was neat because it was definitely God’s plan. There was nothing we could credit to ourselves. We didn’t really have anything we could bring to the table.” Except faith. Eventually, the Samuelsons committed to opening Pitza 42, a fast food-style restaurant serving fresh, healthy and affordable pita pizzas, salads and wraps. “We just gave it over to God,” Austin said. “We basically said, okay, we’re going to do this thing, and if this is what God wants us to do, then we just pray that He opens doors. And that’s what He did.” For Ashton and Austin, both 2008 Ouachita graduates, the decision wasn’t easy. They struggled over the choice to merge their original passions for business and education with this new direction their lives were taking. “At Ouachita, I realized that my incredible education combined with my passion to help kids could come together to change lives through social entrepreneurship,” Ashton said. “I’m thankful that Ouachita equipped us to use what we love to do to change lives.” “I felt very called to be in the business world,” Austin said. “When we first started feeling this call, it was like, I don’t feel like God’s created me to be a pastor. The way He’s made me, I don’t feel like that’s it. But the reality of it is, there’s a way that you can use your gifts to serve Him.” “There’s no one way to serve,” Ashton agreed. “Let God be creative. If He gives you a gift of business, if He gives you a gift of painting or photography, find a way to use that for His glory.”

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In fact, while the Samuelsons were creating Pitza 42, they discovered that the origin of the word restaurant means “to restore.” “How beautiful is that?” Ashton said. “We didn’t even know that, but the Lord, in His creative ways, knew how much restoration was going to happen, even more than we thought. Just to be able to restore people locally and give them a chance to give back and also to restore children overseas is just really cool.” Ultimately, the Samuelsons would love to see the Pitza 42 concept take off across the state, multiplying the reach of the restaurant’s humanitarian efforts. “If there are more restaurants and more people out there who catch that vision, and they’re able to do it, as well, it starts to add up really quickly,” Austin said. “Hopefully there’s a bigger shift in the rate of starvation around the world, which would be amazing. That’s the goal. “It only takes 73 restaurants like the one here in Conway to feed 18,000 kids a day,” he said. “It seems like this big, huge problem and what can we do to have an impact on, but we can, actually.” For now, the Samuelsons are content to leave the future in God’s hands, taking with them a very important lesson each day that they show up at their Conway, Ark., business. “If He gives you an idea in your heart, don’t be afraid to trust Him,” Ashton said. “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We’re so quick to doubt Him, but if you just believe, He does so many cool things.”

Brooke Zimny, a 2008 graduate of Ouachita, serves as OBU’s assistant director of communications.

Ouachita’s musical theatre program staged a 25th anniversary performance of Hello, Dolly! April 18-21 starring senior Bethany Swiontek from Colorado Springs, Colo., in the title role as Dolly Levi. Ouachita first presented Hello, Dolly! in 1988 as a collaboration between OBU’s theatre and music programs. That partnership eventually led to the development of the university’s current musical theatre program.

photos by Tyler Rosenthal

spring 2013

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Congressman Ross presents official papers to Ouachita By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications

U.S.

Congressman Mike Ross presented his official papers and related material from his political career to Ouachita Baptist University during a December press conference on Ouachita’s Arkadelphia campus. Congressman Ross, who served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, returned to the private sector after his term concluded in January. In April, he declared his candidacy to seek the Democratic nomination for governor of Arkansas. Noting that he had the opportunity to serve in Congress during “a very historic time,” he cited such major issues and events during his congressional tenure as the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, health care reform and economic recession. He said his donation to Ouachita will include just over 200 boxes of material, approximately 16,000 digital photos and an estimated 300 gigabytes of data files. Ouachita President Rex Horne accepted Congressman Ross’ papers and related files on behalf of the university, with both men signing an agreement to house the papers in the archives of Ouachita’s Riley-Hickingbotham Library Special Collections. Riley-Hickingbotham also houses the political papers of Sen. John L. McClellan,

Congressman Jay Dickey and Gov. Mike Huckabee. The agreement specifies that once the materials are processed, the resources will be “made available to students, scholars and other qualified researchers who wish to use them for research or educational purposes.” “Congressman Ross is donating his papers of years and years of public service to Ouachita and to those who will come and study in the years to come,” Dr. Horne announced. “I appreciate the great service that he has rendered to our state and to our country. He has done so in an admirable way. “We come today to show appreciation for Congressman Ross and for his service to us and to our country,” he added. “We come today, in a very

real sense, receiving an honor that he has counted us worthy to add his papers to our great archives collection. It is something that is given that can be studied, something that can be admired, something that tells us in years to come about this man, a public servant, about the times in which he lived, about the crucial issues that were faced and the impact that he has had. These are things that can be studied by generations to come.” Congressman Ross said he is “proud to announce that Ouachita Baptist University will receive all of my congressional, state Senate and campaign papers to archive. I’m extremely excited to embark on this joint partnership with OBU. This is an extra special moment for my family because my wife, Holly, is a graduate of Ouachita and I’m so happy that we can both be part of such an amazing university. “I decided to donate my documents to OBU because I felt that this material needed to stay in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District,” Congressman Ross said. “Additionally, OBU has a wealth of political archives that lend themselves to compelling study and research opportunities. I’m pleased that I can contribute to the dedicated folks at OBU and help continue making the university a statewide destination for the study of political science.”

Tucker, OBU alum, elected Arkansas Baptist executive director

J.D.

“Sonny” Tucker, a 1983 graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, was elected executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention effective Jan. 1, 2013. Tucker, 53, succeeds Emil Turner, who retired after serving as executive director since 1996. Tucker has served as team leader of the ABSC evangelism and church growth team since 1997. Don Blackmore, discipleship pastor of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, who serves as chairman of the ABSC Operating Committee, said Tucker possesses qualities the committee was looking for in a new executive director. “We were looking for someone who would continue to serve the churches of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention,” Blackmore said. “A second quality we looked for was somebody that would continue with an evangelistic zeal, keeping Dr. Turner’s theme, ‘More people in heaven and 10 • the ouachita circle

less people in hell.’ So we wanted to continue that focus as well. Another quality that we were looking for was someone who understood the churches of Arkansas.” “These are challenging times for conventions,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “It is a challenging time for our country, and he’ll come in and give us good leadership, strong leadership, collaborative and creative leadership. That, I think, is going to really set us up well for years to come.” Tucker said he wants to see Arkansas Baptists make “big strides” in evangelism, missions and church planting. “We want to stay focused on Arkansas, with a strong sense of family and a strong sense of partnership with the churches,” he added. Arkansas Baptists “have never needed Ouachita Baptist University more than we need you now,” Tucker told members of the Ouachita Board of Trustees during their recent spring meeting. “We value Ouachita Baptist University,” Tucker emphasized. “Ouachita has to exist to produce champions who leave this place and are very effective—and take with them the message

and ministry of reconciliation.” Prior to Tucker’s remarks, President Horne presented him with a resolution adopted in December by trustees. Noting that Tucker “has demonstrated consistent support for Ouachita throughout his years of service,” trustees pledged their “prayers and support for his leadership among Arkansas Baptists in the years ahead.” Tucker majored in pastoral ministries and speech communication at Ouachita. He also holds PhD and Master of Divinity degrees from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. All of Tucker’s pastoral experience has been in Arkansas churches. Prior to joining the ABSC staff, he was pastor of Second Baptist Church of Monticello. Tucker and his wife are members of First Baptist Church of Benton. His wife, Nicki (McAnnally) Tucker, is a 1984 Ouachita graduate. They have two children, Megan (Tucker) Seyler, a 2010 Ouachita graduate, and Curt, a sophomore at Ouachita. By Tim Yarbrough, editor of the Arkansas Baptist News, and Trennis Henderson, OBU vice president for communications

Men’s basketball gains first GAC title on D-II level

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he Ouachita Tigers capped their 2012-13 basketball season as conference champions, downing three higher-ranked opponents in three days to win the Great American Conference Tournament Championship March 10. The Tigers, seeded fifth in the tournament, beat No. 2 seed Arkansas Tech by a score of 59-54 to win the tournament, held in Bartlesville, Okla. That followed a 67-60 opening round win over No. 4 seed Southeastern Oklahoma and a 78-63 victory in the semifinals over No. 1 seed Harding. Ouachita sophomore Colt Fason, named tournament MVP, scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Arkansas Tech as the Tigers (17-12) claimed their first-ever men’s basketball conference tournament title at the NCAA Division II level. Seniors Nigel Ramsey and Michael Morris both received nods for the All-Tournament Team and senior Austin Mitchell was named earlier to the All-GAC Second Team. “I was really proud of our team, especially our seniors, on how we finished the season,” said Head Coach Dennis Nutt. “Our guys really responded to every situation with great mental toughness and a winning spirit.” The Tigers’ conference title comes in just the second year of Coach Nutt’s tenure. It is the team’s first title since winning the 2008 Gulf South Conference West Division title under Coach Charlie Schaef. The Tigers previously won six Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference titles in the 1960s and 1970s under Coach Bill Vining.

Men’s tennis team Schlesinger earns national title in repeat winners in GAC championship 100-yard butterfly

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or the second year in a row, the Ouachita men’s tennis team captured the Great American Conference men’s tennis championship. The Tigers defended their title in a championship rematch from 2012 against East Central University. Ouachita kicked off doubles action as GAC Player of the Year Marko Boskovic and GAC Freshman of the Year Vitor Oliveira won their match by a score of 8-6. The Tigers won the second doubles match as well as All-GAC First Teamer Helge Knuth partnered with Marvin Muller for an 8-5 victory. East Central got its first win in the third doubles match as Max DeJuan and Marc Fillat gained a victory over Ouachita’s Teodor Anghel and Riccardo Bassani by a score of 8-5. In singles play, the Tigers took four of five matches to seal the conference title. Boskovic won his singles match 6-1, 6-0, giving the Tigers a 3-1 lead in team score. His win was followed by a 6-4, 6-2 win for Muller. East Central’s only win in singles play came as Victor Blasco took down Ouachita’s Oliveira by a score of 6-3, 6-2. Leon Ferran sealed the title for OBU with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. Head Coach Craig Ward and the Tigers hosted this year’s NCAA Central Regional for the second year in a row. They missed advancing to the Sweet 16, however, after falling short 5-2 against Southwest Baptist University.

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igershark Marcus Schlesinger ended his Ouachita swimming career on a high note— as a national champion. The Tigersharks sent four swimmers to this year’s NCAA Division II National Championships in Birmingham, Ala. Schlesinger swam in four individual events and joined teammates Jacob McLain, Kody Moffat and Kenton Scott in three relays: the 200-yard medley, 200-yard freestyle and 400-yard freestyle. Schlesinger’s most notable performance came in the 100-yard butterfly final. He sailed to a national championship, putting up a time of 47.54. “It felt awesome,” he declared. “I was so excited when I saw that No. 1 next to my name.” He also finished just shy of national titles in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events. “Marcus has stepped forward and is classified as, by far, our most decorated studentathlete at Ouachita,” said Tigersharks Head Coach Ryan Killackey. “The nationals have become a lot different than in previous years,” Killackey added. “The quality of this meet is, I would say, about fivefold from three years ago.” The Tigersharks finished the championships ranked 16th among all men’s teams that competed in Birmingham. As for Schlesinger, he is training for the 19th World Maccabiah Games which will be held in Israel in July. He will then turn his focus to training for the 2016 Olympic Trials.

Two Ouachita wrestlers capture NCAA All-America honors

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uachita’s wrestling program has made huge strides in just three years of competition. For the second year in a row, the program sent four participants to the NCAA Division II National Championships. This year, two Tiger wrestlers earned All-America honors, including a national runner-up performance by Dallas Smith. “A number of things have led to our successes, but more than anything I think the character of the individuals on the team is what has been our biggest strength,” said Head Coach Kevin Ward. “Wrestling is a unique sport in that it is a one-on-one competition, and during a wrestling match there is nowhere to hide when it’s just you and one other man on the mat.” Smith finished as the national runner-up in the 184 lb. division and

recorded his second All-America performance as a sophomore. He finished with a 3-1 tournament record, including a 10-1 major decision win, a 5-3 decision win and a win by fall. His only loss came in the finals to Shamus O’Grady of St. Cloud State who entered the championships with a record of 40-1 on the year. Garrett Evans also earned All-America honors, placing sixth at the national championships in the 125 lb. division with a 3-3 tournament record. Dexter Carter and Josh Myers also competed in the championships for Ouachita. As a team, the Tigers finished the tournament ranked 12th overall. With their two All-America wrestlers this year, the Tigers now have a total of five AllAmerica performances in their first three years of competition. Ouachita is the only NCAA-sanctioned university in Arkansas to sponsor a wrestling program. spring 2013

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photo by Tyler Rosenthal

International Food Festival is “Global Junction”

Highlighting the theme “Global Junction,” Ouachita hosted the annual International Food Festival, a collaborative effort of the Daniel & Betty Jo Grant Center for International Education and the OBU International Club. This year’s theme played off the idea that Ouachita is a place where students, faculty and staff from many countries and cultures cross paths. “The International Food Festival is a wonderful tradition at Ouachita that allows us to celebrate and highlight our commitment to global education,” said Ian Cosh, OBU’s vice president for community and international engagement. “It also allows international and MK students to showcase their cultural heritage.” The annual festival also is a time to enjoy food from around the world. International students and MKs prepared traditional food from their countries. Food stations represented four regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. “It’s not only a great way to learn and get immersed in different cultures that are represented on campus, but it’s an event that will also make you feel as though you’re traveling the world,” said International Club President Michelle Perez, a junior business administration and management major from Maracaibo, Venezuela.

OBU publications earn statewide media honors

Ouachita recently hosted the 2013 Arkansas College Media Association (ACMA) annual convention, a conference recognizing the achievements of college publications across the state. During the event, Ouachita’s student publications received a total of nearly 65 awards. 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, a 2012 Ouachita graduate, 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.

12 • the ouachita circle

The Ouachitonian received 36 awards overall (more than any other school competing) and shared six awards with the Photo Lab staff. Earlier this year, the Ouachitonian was awarded the title of Silver Crown by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) at the 2013 College Media Convention in New York City. By earning a Silver Crown, the Ouachitonian was ranked in the top nine yearbooks in the nation. In the ACMA awards, The Signal received 24 awards overall, sharing six awards with the Photo Lab staff. The Ouachita Show, the university’s regular television broadcast, won four awards.

Four OBU students earn Governor’s Cup honors

Ouachita students recently competed in the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup statewide business plan competition in Fayetteville, Ark. Six students from Ouachita competed against students from colleges and universities across the state for cash prizes and the opportunity to move on to the sixth annual Tri-State Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition in Las Vegas on May 20-22. 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. Bryan McKinney, dean of the Hickingbotham School of Business, noted that Ouachita was the only school in the state with two teams in the final six. Fowler previously won both the Ouachita Business Plan Competition and the Ouachita/Henderson Business Plan Competition with her plan, TrustedWills.com. Burke, Cantwell and McKimmey previously finished second in the Ouachita competition and third in the OBU/HSU event.

photo by Tyler Rosenthal

Theatre Arts takes audience to Harrison, TX

Ouachita’s Department of Theatre Arts presented the spring theatre production, Harrison, TX, on Feb. 21-25. The series of one-act plays by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote included “Blind Date,” “The Dancers” and “Spring Dance,” all of which are set in the fictional town of Harrison, Texas. Daniel Inouye, assistant professor of theatre arts and director of the play, said he picked the three one-acts because he enjoys “Horton Foote’s work and his capacity to create nuanced and interesting characters within his plays.” The common thread for all three one-acts “is the idea of a dance and what it means to people who are trying to connect with others,” Inouye said. “In essence, that is what all the characters in the plays are striving after, connection and intimacy with other humans.” Jacob Sturgeon, a senior musical theatre major from Pine Bluff, Ark., served as the assistant director for the production, as well as the sound designer. Gemma Guiomard, a senior musical theatre major from DeSoto, Texas, was the stage manager, and Bethany Gere, a sophomore musical theatre major from White Hall, Ark., was the assistant stage manager.

Horton wins national Alpha Chi chemistry award

Ouachita junior Tim Horton, a physics and professional chemistry major from Arkadelphia, won the prize for best chemistry presentation at the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society Convention held in Nashville, Tenn., in April. He was one of five Ouachita students who presented research at the event. Horton’s presentation, “Application of Computational Docking to Examine Metabolism of Chiral Drugs by CYP2C9,” is the result of a summer research project at Ouachita with Dr. Marty Perry, OBU’s Nell I. Mondy Professor of Chemistry. Other Ouachita students who presented at the conference were Hollyn McCarty, a senior chemistry and biology major from Texarkana, Ark.; Valerie Nickel, a senior chemistry and biology major from Richardson, Texas; Crista

Riggs, a junior chemistry and biology major from Edmond, Okla.; and Taylor Stanford, a senior chemistry major from White Hall, Ark. “I was pleased that five of our most talented students represented Ouachita so well,” Perry said. After presenting at the Alpha Chi convention, the five students joined several other OBU students in New Orleans to share their work at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exhibition.

Kiley Wright reigning as Miss OBU 2013

Kiley Wright, a senior biology major from Glenwood, Ark., representing EEE Women’s Social Club, was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2013. Wright will represent Ouachita in the Miss Arkansas Pageant this summer. “I feel so honored to be representing Ouachita as the new Miss OBU. Representing OBU at the Miss Arkansas pageant is definitely something that I’m looking forward to,” Wright said. “I am also thrilled to have the opportunity to share my platform, Animal Cruelty Awareness, with others on a much larger scale. I know that there are so many great experiences to be had as Miss OBU, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the next year.” Wright also was awarded the Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear Award. First runner-up and winner of the Most Photogenic Award and the Presence and Poise in Evening Wear Award was Kris Wright, a junior pre-nursing major from Glenwood, Ark. Second runner-up was Alison Johnson, a senior musical theatre major from Shreveport, La. Third runner-up and winner of the Mac Sisson Alpha Talent Award, Academic Award and the Artistic Expression in Talent Award was Caitlin Secrest, a junior vocal performance major from Arkadelphia, Ark. Fourth runner-up and winner of the Spirit of the Pageant Award was Sarah Gaskin, a freshman mass communications major from Lawrence, Kan. The pageant was a collaborative effort of pageant directors and Ouachita alumni Justin Harper and Kirt Thomas, as well as Ouachita’s Student Senate and Office of Campus Activities. spring 2013

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c on nec t i ng t h e c i rc l e

1940s

Walter (’43) and Mary Jo (Lile ’40) Mizell celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26, 2012. Walter is a retired psychiatrist and Army officer. Mary Jo has served on the Ouachita Board of Trustees and Development Council. They have three children, Joe Mizell, Philip Mizell and David Mizell (’70); eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

1950s

1960s

Pat (Turpin ’66) Pollard of O’Fallon, Mo., retired in July 2012 after 37 years in education, including the past 24 years as an elementary school counselor. She and her husband of almost 44 years, Garvis, are enjoying retirement and plan to continue traveling.

1970s

Peggy (Shirley ’60) Ballard was inducted into the Blunt County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 29, 2012, and is now playing on a Senior Olympic basketball team, the Tennessee Shooting Stars. The team won the national tournament in Houston, Texas, in 2011, and will be defending their title in Cleveland, Ohio, in July 2013. Peggy coached basketball for 27 years. She has been married to Glenn Ballard (’62*) for 52 years and has three children and six grandchildren.

Vanilla (Nelson ’72) Hannah received her lifetime teaching certificate this past year. She has been teaching for approximately 40 years and plans to continue to teach for several more years before retirement. Lee Padgett (’77) is leaving his position as director of Aldersgate United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center near Lexington, Ky., after 24 years of service. He and his wife will be moving to Birmingham, Ala., after their son graduates from high school this month.

Geneva (Brown ’55*) Dohner celebrated her 80th birthday with her nieces and nephews, Sherry (Shults ’69) McCord, Donna (Shults ’70) Sisson, Vicky (Shults ’73) Morgan and Jim Shults (’78). Gwen (Hamilton ’57*) Miller and her husband, Joe, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on March 8. They both retired in 1997 and are living in North Little Rock. They have three children, Scott Miller, Lori Campbell and Randy Miller; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Joe (’58) and Raymell (Pound ’58*) Riggs will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary on May 26. Joe retired in 1995 from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company as a premium auditor, and Raymell retired from Cabot Eastside Elementary School after teaching for 25 years. They have one son, John Michael Riggs, and one grandson.

14 • the ouachita circle

Ouachita’s Class of 1963 recently returned to campus to celebrate their 50th reunion and Gold Tiger Luncheon and Induction April 18-19.

1980s

Chaplain Lt. Col. Nathan Zimmerman (’84) is currently serving as Deputy Command Chaplain for the U.S. Army North/5th Army at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. He and his wife, Naomi, have been married for 23 years. Dan (’88) and Julia (Estes ’82) Carter celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Paris, France, where they renewed their vows in Notre Dame Cathedral. They were married in Berry Chapel on Nov. 11, 1987. She is the daughter of OBU Professor Emeritus Jack Estes and Bonita (Hatfield ’68) Estes. Dan and Julie have two children, J.T. Carter (’01*) and Jessica (Carter ’02*) Hanks. Ronnie Clay (’87) starred in the production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark. Greg Phillips (’87) has been named the new director of the Main Street Arkansas downtown development program. He has been the assistant director of Main Street Arkansas since 1997.

1990s

Mitch Bettis (’90) has been named general manager of Arkansas Business Publishing Group of Little Rock and publisher of Arkansas Business newspaper. He previously was a regional publisher for Gatehouse Media and a former faculty member at Ouachita. Jeff Noble (’90) had his book Super Center Savior published in December 2012. He lives in Blacksburg, Va., with his wife, Carolyn (Brooks ’92), and two children, Sam (15) and Adelyn (13). He is the pastor of Northstar Church in Blacksburg, Va. Jill (Fowler ’99) Bobo has been named assistant to the chancellor for institutional advancement at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. She lives in Hope, Ark., with her husband, Mitch, and daughters, Addison Blaire (5) and Brittan Mitchell (2). Laura Inman (’99*) sang with the Kansas City Chorale in the production of their June 2012 album Life & Breath—Choral Works by René Clausen, which won Grammy Awards for “Best Choral Performance” and “Best Engineered Album, Classical.”

Justin Moseley (’99) recently earned his Master of Educational Administration and Supervision degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He currently is serving as superintendent of Abundant Life School in Sherwood, Ark.

2000s

Aaron Hawley (’00) married Lauren Fowler on July 7, 2012, in Bedford, Texas. The couple lives in Odessa, Texas, where Aaron is the head choir director at Permian High School.

Peggy Itschner (’01) married Jesse Sharp on Dec. 23, 2012, in Ingram, Texas. They are now living in Seattle, Wash. Peggy earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Washington in August 2012, and is currently the interim director of advising and student success at North Seattle Community College. Cale Turner (’02) married Megan Beeson (’06) on Nov. 16, 2012, in Trapnall Hall in Little Rock, Ark. Richard Kerry (’03) recently graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Biblical Counseling degree. He is now serving at Fellowship Bible Church in Dallas as the high school pastor and at Sparrow House Counseling as a counseling intern. Katie Kolb (’04) married Michael Dwyer on Nov. 17, 2012, at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. Kristen (Lindsey ’05) Padilla wrote a package of articles on the issue of human trafficking that were published by the Alabama Baptist newspaper in January and had her first Bible study published by Woman’s Missionary Union.

Dr. Andrew West (’05) married Caitlin Simpson on Dec. 12, 2012, at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark.They are now living in Little Rock. Michael Dyar (’06) married Lara Cobb on July 21, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Seminole, Okla. Lara serves as an admissions counselor at Ouachita.

Kevin Tipton (’06) has been named president of Dreamline Manufacturing, Inc., of Cabot, Ark. Bobby Blasingame (’07) moved from Camden, Ark., to West Monroe, La., to serve as student pastor at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

Emily Nye (’08) married David Hoos on Sept. 15, 2011, in Colton, Wash. They are now living in Moscow, Idaho. Jessica Phillips (’08*) married Gerrel Bailey on Nov. 11, 2012, at Degray Lake. They are now living in Fairfield, Calif. Sarah Shepherd (’08) has received her ACSI certification to be a secondary teacher in Christian schools and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in December 2012. In January, she began teaching at Anchorage Christian School where she teaches 7th grade Bible, 9th grade Alaska History and 11th grade Doctrines of the Faith. Kenley Singleton (’09) graduated with a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Harding University in December 2012. After earning her national board certification and state licensure, she has begun work at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., as a PA with the Adults and Pediatrics Hospitalist group.

spring 2013

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Faculty & Staff Update Halaby presents paper in Denmark Dr. Raouf Halaby, professor of visual arts and English, presented his paper, “The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Silences Snobbish Critics,” at the prestigious Sixth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum held in April in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the Statens Museum for Kunst, the National Gallery of Denmark. According to the Inclusive Museum’s website, Halaby’s paper “explains the important role the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art plays in providing museum goers the opportunity to view a rich concentration of American art.”

Burkett presents at national event Jennifer Burkett, lecturer in English and director of the Speer Writing Center, presented her paper, “Where Do You Think You’re Going? Exploring Repercussions of Brain Drain in a Small Southern Community,” at this year’s Conference on College Composition and Communication in Las Vegas. Burkett and a panel of three other students from the University of Southern Mississippi shared their papers on “[Re]-branding Town and Gown: Bridging the Gap Between the Local Community and the Ivory Tower.”

Duvall serves as devotional editor Dr. Scott Duvall, Ouachita’s J.C. and Mae Fuller Professor of Biblical Studies, served as an editor for Devotions on the Greek New Testament, recently released by Zondervan. It is described as a careful reading and study of the Greek New Testament.

Gattis recognized for support role Sharon Gattis, data entry specialist for the Office of Development, was recently named Ouachita’s 2013 Support Staff Member of the Year. Gattis has worked in the Development Office for 14 years and previously worked two years in the President’s Office. “It is always the support staff who make sure that the important details are not forgotten in any organization,” said Terry Peeples, vice president for development. “It is wonderful to know that Sharon has been honored by this award.” The annual award is coordinated by the Ouachita Staff Development Committee. During the fall, faculty and staff are invited to nominate candidates for the award. The nominations are reviewed by the committee and recommended to President Rex Horne, who makes the final decision.

16 • the ouachita circle

2010s

Laura Kirby (’10) married Jared Freeman on Nov. 3, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. They now live in Prattville, Ala.

Whitney Crews (’11) married Anthony Eldridge on July 28, 2012, in Jonesboro, Ark. They live in Jonesboro, where Whitney is an account executive with Occasions Publishing Group. Katie Osment (’11) married Justin Hodges (’11) on October 20, 2012, at Wildwood Park for the Arts. Katie now serves as promotions specialist at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock, Ark. Philip Reeves (’12) is living in Quanzhou, Fuijian, China, where he is teaching English to Chinese students at two schools in Jinjiang.

1990s

Denver (’94) and Melissa (Bragg ’02) Peacock welcomed daughter Presley Grace on Oct. 26, 2012. Jeff (’97) and Sarah (Crutchfield ’04) Goodman adopted daughter Caroline Elizabeth in July 2012. She was born in the Ukraine on Jan. 24, 2010. She joins big brothers A.J. (10) and Silas (7). The Goodmans live in Prattsville, Ark. Laurie (Trull ’98) Foreman and her husband, Todd, welcomed daughter Avery Claire on March 11. Ryan Killackey (’98) and his wife, Holly, welcomed son Marcus Anthony on Jan. 9. Ryan has served as Ouachita’s swimming and diving head coach since 2008.

Where’s your class note?

Submit your class notes­,­ including wedding, baby and alumni reunion photos, by logging on to the Ouachita Online Community at www.obualumni.org or by contacting Jon Merryman at merrymanj@obu.edu or (870) 245-5111.

Elrod Family Foundation efforts undergird Elrod Center ministry

By Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications

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Heather (McNutt ’98) Saylor and her husband, Daniel, welcomed daughter Paige Elizabeth on Nov. 4, 2012.

Jill (Presley ’99) Cox and her husband, Cory, welcomed son Jacob “Jay” Presley on June 1, 2012. They live in Maumelle, Ark. Jason (’99) and Abby (Hughes ’97) Holsclaw welcomed daughter Preston Avery on Dec. 7, 2012. She joins big brother Whitman. She is the granddaughter of Scott Holsclaw, OBU’s dean of the School of Fine Arts, and his wife, Teresa. Jason and Abby recently moved back to Arkansas where he accepted a vice president position at Stephens, Inc., and she is doing consulting work.

2000s

Amy (Pace ’00) Bower and her husband, John, welcomed daughter Vivian Claire on Nov. 12, 2012.

elebrating the broad impact of Ouachita’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family & Community, the center recently hosted the Elrod Family Foundation annual board meeting. The foundation, established by Ouachita Chancellor Ben Elrod and his family, helps fund the work of the Elrod Center, which provides public service and family enrichment efforts throughout Arkadelphia and the region. Dr. Elrod, who served as president of Ouachita in 1988-98, helped guide the establishment of the Center for Family & Community which trustees named in his honor upon his retirement. Describing the Elrod Center as “a hub of service,” Ouachita President Rex Horne said, “Service is a cornerstone of Ouachita. This is a hallmark of who we are as a university.” Affirming that Dr. Elrod “has a great love for Ouachita,” Dr. Horne added that the entire Elrod family serves as “such great ambassadors for us.” Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement, said the Elrod Center, established in 1997, is turning “sweet 16” this year. “From the beginning, the central idea that has driven the center’s work has been a desire to be good stewards of Ouachita’s resources in terms of time, talent and treasure,” he noted. Cosh introduced several Elrod Center staff members and volunteers “whose lives bear testimony to the power of service.” Among those who shared highlights of recent projects and initiatives: Judy Duvall, Elrod Center assistant director, cited the center’s Volunteer Clearinghouse and TranServe efforts. Noting that “a culture of service seems to be growing at OBU more and more,” she said students logged more than 7,000 TranServe community service hours during the past year. Amy Campbell, a junior biology major from Russellville, Ark., is involved in ElderServe, which connects Ouachita students with senior adults in the community. “It has been one of the most wonderful things in my Ouachita experience,” she said, thanking the Elrod Family Foundation for facilitating efforts to “meet the needs of elders in the community.” Stacy Beck, a senior political science, history

and French major from Sheridan, Ark., is a recipient of a Kluck Student Enrichment Grant which helps fund entrepreneurial and student leadership projects. Beck organized efforts to make 25 Teddy bears for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, providing recipients “something to smile about and something to comfort them.” Leigh Anne McKinney, public school program coordinator, introduced students involved in America Reads and America Counts tutoring programs. She said the Elrod Center is providing 20 trained tutors who are working with about 40 students in area elementary schools. Chelsea Ariola, a senior early childhood education major from Springdale, Ark., is an America Reads tutor. Describing her work with the children, she said, “The look on their faces is pure joy and excitement. It’s fun to watch their confidence grow over the year.” Jake Edwards, a senior business administration major from North Little Rock, Ark., works with the Elrod Center’s semi-annual Tiger Serve Day. Noting that hundreds of students volunteer to do community service projects throughout Arkadelphia, he said, “I can’t share enough how big an impact it is on the students and the community.” Lauren Jackson, a senior biology major from Arkadelphia, also helps coordinate Tiger Serve Day efforts. “It gives me a whole new perspective on our community here,” she said. “It’s a great way for students at Ouachita to go and serve and to build relationships with the people we serve.” Other Elrod Center initiatives highlighted during the meeting included Elrod Fellows, EyeServe, Backyard Bible Clubs, Big Brother/Big Sister, applied research, Healthy Relationships Week and Thanksgiving baskets. Responding to the reports, Dr. Elrod told the students, faculty and staff, “I was thinking as you gave these reports how a little spark can create a big fire. All of these outreaches deal with so many people in the community and the country and the world. “I’m so thankful for these students who give their time and go out and do things for other people,” he added. “To see what happens to lives is the more important thing.” spring 2013

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Jill (Davis ’03) Wait and her husband, Brett, adopted son Benjamin Jack who was born on Jan. 8.

Michael (’01) and Kati (Huryta ’02*) Lusk welcomed son Cason Isaac on Sept. 24, 2012. He joins big sisters Liliahna (5) and Aleah (2). They live in Wylie, Texas, where Michael is student minister at Gateway Community Church and Kati is the choir director at Davis Intermediate School. Joel Hollingsworth (’02) and his wife, Melody, welcomed daughter Josie Faith on Nov. 25, 2012. She joins big sister Sydney RayAnn (8). She is the granddaughter of Judy Hollingsworth, who works in the OBU Student Financial Services office, and Diane (Graham ’74*) Runyan, who works in the OBU Elrod Center.

Chris (’05) and Jessica (Guthrie ’04*) Hinson welcomed daughter Haddie Justus on Dec. 3, 2012. Nathan (’05) and Christina (Overton ’03) Parker welcomed son Levi Patrick on Sept. 20, 2012.

Rachel (Brackett ’04) Austin and her husband, Josh, welcomed daughter Aubrey Piearce on May 1, 2012. She joins big sister Langley (2). Jean-Michel Hatton (’04) and his wife, Fleur, welcomed son Hugo Nathanaël on Oct. 6, 2011. They are now living in Marseilles, France. Jason and Miranda (McKay) Telford (’05) welcomed son Drew Isaac on June 23, 2012.

Andy Taylor (’02) and his wife, Tasha, welcomed daughter Norah Chloe on Nov. 29, 2012. Steven Vuong (’02) and his wife, Rebekah, welcomed daughter Caroline Rebekah on Jan. 8. Bryan and Rebecca (Dawson) Jones (’04) welcomed daughter Dawson Claire on Oct. 12, 2012.

Mark and Laura (Witherspoon) Day (’03) welcomed son Luke Glynn on April 28, 2012. He joins big brothers Jack (6), Charlie (4) and Andrew (2). B.J. (’03) and Katie (Roberson ’04*) Kyle welcomed daughter Eve Elizabeth on Nov. 27, 2012. 18 • the ouachita circle

Ryan (’04) and Laura (Fletcher ’03) Spears welcomed son Owen Glynn on July 19, 2012.

Drew (’06) and Paige (Misenheimer ’07) Greenway welcomed son Noah “Shep” Shepherd on Aug. 27, 2012. They currently live in Waco, Texas.

Aaron and Heather (Nance) Kirchhefer (’07) welcomed daughter Avanleigh Hope on Nov. 17, 2012.

Nikki (Cosh ’07) Newby and her husband, Rick, welcomed son Elliott Ian on March 27. Elliott is the ninth grandchild of Ian (’87) and Sharon (Fitt ’96) Cosh.

Lyndsey (Harper ’07) Sanders and her husband, Robert, welcomed daughter Kate Michelle on Dec. 20, 2012.

1940s

Mary (Morris ’40*) Wilson of Longmont, Colo., passed away on Jan. 2. Alice “Cissye” (Thomas ’41*) Deaton of Arkadelphia passed away on March 4. She is survived by her daughter, Janie Shirey; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Martha (Whitely ’41*) Ramsey of Little Rock passed away on Nov. 14, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Walter “Jiggs” Ramsey (’42); children, Walter “Jiggs” Ramsey, Jr. (’67) and Rebecca Bane; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Marian (Farquharson ’41) Sugden of Seagoville, Texas, passed away on Oct. 22, 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Sugden and Gloria Sulak; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Madie (Boyd ’43) Westbrook of Russellville, Ark., passed away on March 5. She is survived by her husband, James Westbrook; children, Lee Ann Clark and Jim Westbrook; and two grandchildren. Clara (Huie ’45*) Perry of Little Rock passed away on Dec. 17, 2012. She is survived by her children, Pennie (Perry ’68*) Joyner, Tom Perry

Soderquist highlights importance of being a difference maker in Birkett Williams Lecture

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uachita Baptist University recently hosted Donald Soderquist, former chief operating officer of Wal-Mart and “keeper of the culture” as part of the university’s Birkett Williams Lecture Series. Soderquist’s lecture highlighted the importance of being a difference maker in the professional setting. 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, 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.

and Chuck Perry; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Glen Clark (’46*) of Madison, Miss., passed away on Dec. 15, 2012. He is survived by his children, AnBonita Nichols and Marcus Clark; three grandchildren; and one greatgranddaughter. Wanda (Irvin ’47*) Whorton of Riverside, Calif., passed away on Oct. 14, 2012. She is survived by her children, Richard Whorton, Jr., Pam Whorton and Zella (Whorton ’71*) James. Tom Gladden (’48) of Wharton, Texas, passed away on March 19. He is survived by his wife, Grace Gladden; daughter, Rita (Gladden ’74) Lane; stepchildren, Carolyn Runyan and William Dean; siblings, Jessie (Gladden ’45) West, Bob Gladden (’48) and Larry Gladden; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

“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 By Ryleigh Salmon, a senior mass communications major from Henderson, Texas

1950s

Dr. Glenn Hickey (’50) of Little Rock passed away on Feb. 21. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Hickey; son, Daniel Hickey (’78*); stepchildren, Mike Atkinson (’77) and Annette Atkinson-Haynes; and three grandchildren. He was a member of the Development Council and a former member of the OBU Board of Trustees. Bobby Newman (’50), a former Arkansas State Representative from Smackover, Ark., passed away on March 3. He is survived by his wife, Joan Newman; children, Brad Newman (’80) and Lacy Newman (’81*); brothers, A.G. Newman (’49) and Donald Newman; three grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters; and stepchildren, Debbie Rees, Pam Beebe and Kenny Brasher; eight step-grandchildren; and 14 step-great-grandchildren. spring 2013

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LeRoy Nix, Jr. (’50) of North Little Rock passed away on March 26. He is survived by his wife, Loretta (Austin ’50) Nix; children, Carrie Weindorf, Kathy Nix and John Nix (’76*); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Rev. Charles Thompson (’54) of Little Rock passed away on Jan. 18. He is survived by his children, Charles Thompson, Jr. (’64*) and Lynda Thompson; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Martha (Buckner ’56*) Arrington of Monroe, La., passed away on Jan. 9. She is survived by her husband, Bill Arrington (’55); children, Kent Arrington and Elise (Arrington ’85) Leitzel; eight grandchildren; and one greatgranddaughter. Maj. Benjamin Owen (’58) of Fifty Six, Ark., passed away on Feb. 5. He is survived by his children, Raven Owen (’82), Laurie Owen and Gary Owen; and sister, Betty (Owen ’58) Lawrence Rowe. J. Carole Crockett (’59) of Little Rock passed away on July 26, 2010. She is survived by her brother, Charles Crockett.

1960s

Jim Bethea (’60*) of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Nov. 14, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Brammer, and two granddaughters. Bill Dawson (’60) of Baton Rouge, La., passed away on March 10. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Dawson; children, Melissa Meisenbacher, William Dawson, Jr. and Charles C. Dawson; stepchildren Pam Matheny, Charles A. Dawson and Steve Dawson; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Chaplain Dr. Charles Sharp (’60*) of Tulsa, Okla., passed away on Feb. 28. He is survived by his wife, Peggie (Brewer ’60*) Sharp; children, Cindy (Sharp ’80) Timmerman, Lori (Sharp ’81*) Brown and Jason Sharp; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Kenneth “Cobb” Bennett (’61*) of Cabot, Ark., passed away on Jan. 31. He is survived by his sons, Gary and Mark Bennett; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

20 • the ouachita circle

Pat (Key ’63) Chambliss of Arkadelphia passed away on Feb. 14. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Chambliss, professor emeritus of education at OBU; and son, Kevin Chambliss. Malcolm Fickle (’63*) of Godfrey, Ill., passed away on May 2, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Arla (Roller ’63) Fickle; children, Heather Nicholson and Blake Fickle; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Frank Francis (’63) of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on March 14. He is survived by his wife, Nona Francis; son, Rory Francis; stepson, Keith George; one granddaughter; and one stepgrandson. Kitty (Cook ’68) Richmond of Roland, Okla., passed away on Dec. 2, 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Kerri Salzwedel and Robin Deal; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Luther Dorsey, Jr. (’69) of Rison, Ark., passed away on Jan. 9. He is survived by his children, Robert Dorsey (’99) and Jennifer Dorsey.

1970s

William Baum (’70) of Little Rock passed away on Feb. 16. He is survived by his children, Barbi Venable and Heath Nickolson; and three grandchildren. Glendon McNeal (’71) of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on May 5, 2011. Terry Reed (’71*) of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Jan. 13. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Williams, and five grandchildren. Ramona Holiman (’74) of San Francisco, Calif., passed away on Nov. 18, 2012. She is survived by her mother, Mary Holiman, and her sister, Virginia Wells. Mary (Sockwell ’76) Zinamon of Norman, Okla., passed away on Nov. 17, 2012. She is survived by her son, Michael Zinamon; and sisters, Pamela Sockwell (’75), Flora Smith, Gail Cooper and Ernestine McReddy.

1980s

Mary Jane (McKenzie ’80) Turnipseed of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away on Nov. 12, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Stanley Turnipseed (’80); and two sons, Stanley Turnipseed II and Jarod Turnipseed.

1990s

Marnie Barrett (’95) of Conway, Ark., passed away on Dec. 27, 2012. She is survived by her parents, Van and Julie (Lowry) Barrett (’65); sister, Sloan (Barrett ’92) Hedrick; and brother, Kaleb Barrett (’97).

2000s

Jerry “Doug” Cloud III (’06*) of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Feb. 15. He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Cloud; and sister, Jenalyn Harris.

Faculty and Staff

Clarice McClard (’81*) of Bismark, Ark., passed away on Feb. 25. She is survived by her children, Wayne McClard (’80*), Deborah Norwood, Robin Phelan, Sandra (McClard ’80) Orr and Penny McClard (’84); eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Clarice served as an office manager at Ouachita until her retirement. Larry Payton, who served as Ouachita’s first director of student activities through 1979, passed away on Feb. 18. He is survived by his wife, Kay (Moore ’75) Payton; and children, Laura and Drew Payton. Cornelious White, who served 19 years with OBU’s Facilities Management staff, passed away on Jan. 25. His son, Corrie White, is a current OBU Facilities Management employee. * denotes former student

Margaret Wright remembered for commitment to students, Ouachita

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argaret Wright, a longtime faculty member at Ouachita, died March 6 at age 70 following a 10-year battle with cancer. “Margaret Wright embodied the best of Ouachita,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “Her professionalism, commitment to students and devotion to Ouachita was exemplary.” During her lengthy illness, Mrs. Wright “demonstrated her indomitable strength and courage as a role model, and became an inspiration to many who also suffered with cancer,” according to family members. A 1967 honors graduate, Mrs. Wright graduated from Ouachita with a major in accounting and a minor in economics. A certified public accountant, she earned her graduate degree from North Texas State University. During her 36 years of service at Ouachita, Mrs. Wright served as chair of the Department of Accounting, chair of the Division of Business and Economics and director of corporate and foundation programs. She also was

instrumental in helping establish the Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business. Upon her retirement in 2004, the Ouachita Board of Trustees honored her as professor emerita of accounting. She and her husband, Dr. Charles Wright, professor emeritus of music and former dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts, moved to Little Rock following their retirement. Among many honors she received, friends and former students donated financial gifts to establish the Margaret Wright Chair of Accounting at Ouachita. Additionally, the Business Executive Advisory Board for the Hickingbotham School of Business elected her as a lifetime member in 2010. The following year, she was honored by Ouachita as the guest of honor at the university’s annual Stepping Up for Ouachita luncheon. In addition to Dr. Wright, her husband of 51 years, Mrs. Wright is survived by their daughter, Kimberly, and her husband, Mark Lawrence, as well as her mother, sister and two brothers. Memorial gifts may be given to

the Margaret Woodfield Wright Scholarship Fund, Ouachita Baptist University, Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998.

OBU senior L.J. Brooks remembered for life of service & leadership

L.J.

Brooks, a popular and influential student leader at Ouachita, died unexpectedly Dec. 2 following a brief hospitalization at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Brooks, 21, was a senior Christian studies and Biblical languages major in Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies. An assistant pastor of Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia, he also served for the previous three semesters as a ministry leader and speaker for Ouachita’s weekly Refuge worship service. He also served as ROMS (Reaching Out to Multicultural Students) chaplain and was involved in WOW (Welcome to Ouachita’s World) and Tiger Serve Day. “L.J.’s life has impacted our campus like few ever have,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “This talented and committed young man will not be forgotten.” “L.J. was one of those remarkable people who seemed to be able to encourage and to uplift everyone he encountered throughout each day,” said Dr. Danny Hays, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies. “This was true for professors, staff and students alike. We will truly miss him but we are thankful to have known him.”

“A lot of people on campus thought of L.J. as the Refuge speaker,” said James Taylor, director of campus ministries. “While he was a great speaker, the image that sticks with me is of L.J. loading garbage bags into his trunk after one of our events. Someone had to take the trash out and he didn’t think too much of himself to drive it to the dumpster himself. Jesus said, ‘Whoever wants to be great among you must become your servant.’ L.J. was truly a great servant of God.” More than 200 students, faculty and staff gathered for a Sunday afternoon prayer service in Berry Chapel following the news of Brooks’ death earlier that day. Brooks “was deeply loved as evidenced by your presence today,” said Dr. Scott Jackson, associate professor of Christian ministries. “He’s going to be deeply missed, but what an inspiration.” Brooks’ roommate, Kevin Coleman, a senior Christian studies and philosophy major from Katy, Texas, told fellow students, “L.J. would want for us to continue to praise God because that’s what his life was about and that’s what our lives should be about and that’s what the Holy Spirit empowers us to do.”

Following his anticipated graduation from Ouachita, Brooks had planned to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, with ministry goals of serving as a church staff member and adjunct professor. A memorial service was held Dec. 8 at Fellowship of the Nations in Brooks’ hometown of Houston, Texas, with several Ouachita students, faculty and staff attending the service. spring 2013

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Tim Knight,

Dean, Patterson School of Natural Sciences

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photo by Nicole McPhate

support tomorrow’s difference makers today

s a high school student, Tim Knight had a lot of help choosing a college. He was surrounded by Ouachita alumni in his hometown of Star City and, in his words, his mom prayed him here! But it was during a service at his church, led by a summer ministry team of Ouachita students, that Knight felt led to come to Ouachita. “After graduation, I kept in touch with my professors—Joe Nix, Kenneth Sandifer—these were great men I really connected with at Ouachita,” he said. “I thought I would spend my life in research until I learned about a teaching position open at Ouachita. Those guys told me to ‘try it for a year.’ That was 1989. I tried it and loved it and never looked back.” In the 24 years Knight has served at Ouachita, he has seen huge growth in the sciences. “Biology is now the top major at Ouachita with more than 425 students in the Patterson School,” he noted. “The growth, I believe, has been due in part to the improvements to Ouachita’s campus including the Harvey Jones Science Center, great faculty and staff coming on board and our reputation catching up with the great work and education received here.” Knight became dean of the Patterson School of Natural Sciences last summer. “What I love most about my work at Ouachita is working with students—solving problems,” he said. “Just today I have talked with students deciding when to take the MCAT, where to go to graduate school, what classes to take and when to be the best they can be—and I still get to teach.” “Dr. Knight is a man who has a solution to any problem—and I don’t mean strictly related to science,” said Ryan James, a senior biology major from Benton. “He sees there is always a way something could be done just a little bit better and challenges us to think the same way.” Knight and his wife, Tracey, who serves as administrative assistant in Ouachita’s Pruet School of Christian Studies, live in Arkadelphia and will celebrate 29 years of marriage this summer. Their daughter, Ashley, graduated from Ouachita in 2012 and is in nursing school and their son, Caleb, graduates this month and then is off to seminary. Knight said the future of the Patterson School includes increased opportunities for undergraduate research. “The work our students are doing and the quality of that work is unbelievable. Our alumni have been great at recruiting students to study here and giving students opportunities to shadow them. I look forward to even more of them partnering with us to fund some of this outstanding research.” Those interested in contributing to help expand undergraduate research may contact Knight at knightt@obu.edu.

By giving to the Ouachita Annual Fund, you help every student on campus by providing operational support. Without an Annual Fund, we couldn’t educate all 1,532 students! We need your partnership to educate the next generation of Difference Makers. Please send your gift today using the enclosed response envelope. We look forward to sharing how your gift makes a difference!

22 • the ouachita circle

Nicole Porchia,

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photo by Nicole McPhate

Student Success Coordinator

s a high school freshman, Nicole (Stuart) Porchia (’09), Ouachita’s student success coordinator, knew it was going to be an uphill climb to college. That next fall, Nicole received an invitation from TRIO to attend Tiger Tunes at Ouachita. When the curtain opened, Nicole was blown away. “It was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Those who have been know there is nothing like it. I fell in love with Ouachita.” That next summer, Nicole attended a six-week camp with TRIO on Ouachita’s campus. “Every person on campus from students doing summer courses to staff—they were so nice and friendly,” she recalled. “I knew Ouachita was the place for me.” After graduating from Ouachita, Nicole earned her master’s degree in higher education leadership and served as retention advisor in TRIO Support Services at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. She was then hired at Ouachita last year as student success coordinator. “I love working one-on-one with students, helping them overcome barriers to completing their education, especially first-generation college students,” she said. “I am able to tell them, ‘I faced those barriers, too! I’ve been there and I understand.’ I just love having the opportunity to motivate and encourage students and help them succeed.” “We couldn’t have found a better fit for our new Academic Success Center than Nicole Porchia,” said Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs. “She has a passion for motivating students to do their best work even when they face challenging circumstances.” As a result of Nicole’s leadership, tutoring is available to all students one-on-one and in small group settings with an emphasis on helping freshmen and sophomores transition to Ouachita by assisting them with their CORE classes and study skills. Next year, Nicole hopes to offer a workshop series supporting these efforts. One of the most important pieces Nicole has added to increase retention has been Ouachita’s new Transition Survey. This 25-question survey, given to first-year students, helps identify academic, social or emotional struggles with the college transition. Identifying issues early helps Nicole connect students with various support services needed to help students succeed at Ouachita. Nicole and her husband, Reggie, live in Arkadelphia and are active members of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. “We love Arkadelphia and it is so good to be back at Ouachita,” Nicole said. “Since I was a student, I knew I wanted to come back and serve here. The faculty and staff have welcomed me home with open arms and I love partnering with them to help students reach their goals and ultimately graduate from the university I love so much.”

Elrod Center awards special Kluck Grant to “Arkadelphia Smiles” By Ryleigh Salmon

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013 marks the 15th anniversary of the Elrod Center’s Kluck Student Enrichment Grant (KSEG). To celebrate, a special amount of $2,500 was awarded to Nicole McPhate and the students of the Ouachita photo lab for their project, Arkadelphia Smiles. Dr. Wesley Kluck, vice president for student services and university physician, and his wife, Debbie, founded the grant in 1998. They set up these endowed funds in collaboration with the Elrod Center “to create an entrepreneurial service culture at Ouachita,” said Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement. When the Klucks got married, they set a standard of living that they felt comfortable with and committed that anything they earned above that would be used to serve other people.

“Basically, it’s just wise use of our money,” Kluck said. “If you have excess, in our philosophy, then you should serve other people with that.” The first grant was presented in 1999 and over the course of the past 15 years, the KSEG committee has awarded 246 grants for a total of $67,523.52. For Nicole McPhate, a senior mass communications and graphic design double major from Conway, Ark., the 15th anniversary grant is a blessing. “Without the Kluck grant, and without the 15th anniversary grant that is even more money, there’s no way we could do this,” she said. As the editor for the photo lab and communications intern for the Arkadelphia public schools, McPhate wanted to serve them with her idea.

“Arkadelphia Smiles is a project that will bring studio-quality family portraits to the families of the students who attend Arkadelphia Public Schools,” McPhate said in her grant proposal. “We hope to give these families the opportunity to have a family keepsake that they can proudly display in their homes.” McPhate got the idea for Arkadelphia Smiles from www.help-portrait.com, an international organization of photographers who take portraits of families for free and gift them with the prints. “I’d known about help-portrait, but I’d never been able to help out locally,” McPhate said. “We don’t really have a way to volunteer as photographers, at least that’s what we photo lab students feel. But we’re called by God to use our skills to honor Him.” spring 2013

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Excellence at OBU requires vision, action J

une 1, 2006, marked my first official day as president of Ouachita. I called a meeting of the Board of Trustees that day. I shared some hopes and we walked the campus. The purpose of the walk was to see what we had, what we needed and what we should attempt. A number of improvements have been made to our campus: our new Student Village, the Westside residence halls, Heflin Plaza, renovations in Evans Student Center, remodeling

Vision is important but will always fall short without action. Vision alone cannot build facilities, strengthen morale or make situations better. I will take a little space to make a large request. I followed three men in this office who continue to befriend me and love Ouachita. Drs. Grant, Elrod and Westmoreland have a long history with Ouachita. One of our new residences bears Dr. Westmoreland’s name. We have on campus the Grant Center for International Education and the Elrod Center for Family and Community.

“Let us continue to strive for excellence for Christ’s sake.” Lile Hall for our School of Humanities and a number of improvements in technology, seminar rooms and classrooms around campus. Every day I am pleased that we now have an attractive entrance, Elrod Boulevard, that leads from Highway 7 to Ouachita. My hope then was to shape our campus to express the excellence I knew existed in our faculty and students. This expectation concerning our people has been exceeded across these years. I now can make a more reasoned judgment on the education and experience one gains at Ouachita. It is excellent! I do not use the word “excellence” as perfection. I do use it to mean our faculty and staff perform their duties extremely well. Ouachita Baptist is a university of distinction. I am encouraged as I often observe what is taking place in our various academic pursuits, in our incredible fine arts, among our athletic teams and the interaction with students as they build lifelong relationships thanks to Ouachita. Excellent! You have read a number of articles in this issue that prove this point, but represent only a glimpse into life at Ouachita.

24 • the ouachita circle

I want to ask you to consider a gift. Dr. Grant will be 90 years young this summer. We are most pleased to be refurbishing the Grant Center this summer. I would ask you to join Becky and me in making a gift of $90 or more for the endowment of the Grant Center that will enhance our international education program. Dr. Elrod is one whose imprint upon this campus is seen every day. We have plans to build a new, functional Elrod Center facility. We have significant pledges toward construction. You may like to help. Thank you for these considerations. June 1, 2013, marks the beginning of my eighth year as president of Ouachita Baptist University. I thank God for the privilege to lead this excellent university during these crucial days. Let us continue to strive for excellence for Christ’s sake, the good of our students and for the world God created. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. … And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:17, 23a NKJV).

grow

Thursday, Oct. 10 (7:30 p.m.) Friday, Oct. 11 (7:30 p.m.) Saturday, Oct. 12 (5 & 8:30 p.m.)

Getting Ready for Ouachita’s World Thursday, Oct. 10 Friday, Oct. 11

for tiger tunes ticket information, Visit www.obutigertunes.com

www.obu.edu/grow

Reunions

Tuesday, Oct. 8 Clark County Alumni Dinner Friday, Oct. 11 Class of 2003 10-Year Reunion Class of 1988 25-Year Reunion Class of 1973 40-Year Reunion

Game Day New

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Saturday, Oct. 12 1980s Mixer: Totally Gnarly After-Party

Golf Tournament

Breakfast at Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse (8-11 a.m.) OcTiger Fest (9-11 a.m.) OcTiger Feast! (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Buddy Benson Memorial Golf Tournament Pre-Game Activities (12:30 p.m.) Friday, Oct. 11 Football Game vs. NWOSU (1 p.m.) Street Festival (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

2013 VISIT US AT OBUALUMNI.ORG FOR DETAILS ON ALL HOMECOMING EVENTS AND TO MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE

tiger tunes • grow • reunions • game day • home

• tiger tunes • grow • reunions • game day • homecoming

Tiger Tunes

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE

410 Ouachita Street • Box 3762 Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71998-0001

Proceeds from each license plate purchase will go to the

Tiger Network Scholarship Fund.

Plates are $35 in addition to renewal fees. See an Arkansas revenue office representative for further details.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT NO. 211

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