ouachita
SPRING 2010
faithfulness
Honoring faithful friends
Help for Haiti
Ouachita exudes faithfulness Faithfulness is a powerful word that encompasses such diverse areas of life as spiritual, personal and institutional fidelity. Each of those principles is a crucial part of the Ouachita experience.
The focus on faithfulness in this issue of The Ouachita Circle reflects a key element in our university’s Vision, Mission and Values statement which declares, “With foresight and faithfulness, Ouachita makes a difference.” Ouachita’s faithful difference can be seen in our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. In a page 2 article highlighting personal faithfulness to Christ, James Taylor cautions against falling into the trap of “doing a lot of stuff with very little depth and quality.” Taylor, Ouachita’s director of campus ministries, suggests that when Christians speak the word “faithfulness,” it should “signify faithfulness not to mere activity or ministry, but to a Lord in whom all our other commitments find their root.” Those are words worth pondering. Faithfulness also is demonstrated in the lives of dedicated alumni, trustees and benefactors who generously give of their time, talents and material blessings to help ensure that Ouachita remains a strong and vibrant educational institution for the benefit of current and future generations. Among those distinguished leaders recently honored with prominent campus displays are the namesakes of Ouachita’s Michael D. Huckabee School of Education, J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences, Chesley & Elizabeth Pruet School of Christian Studies and W.H. Sutton School of Social Sciences. Read this edition’s feature article on pages 4 and 5 to learn more about these faithful individuals. Another frequent expression of faithfulness is the commitment of Ouachita students and alumni to serve those in need both at home and around the world. Several Ouachita alumni responded to the devastating Haitian earthquake by providing hands-on assistance to those struggling in the quake’s aftermath. Their service is highlighted on page 7. As the Office of Communications staff produced the current issue of The Ouachita Circle, we had an extra bit of fun with this issue’s cover photo. We invited Dr. Wesley Kluck’s Introduction to Photography class to submit photographs interpreting the theme of faithfulness—admittedly a challenging concept to capture in a photograph. We received several creative submissions, but the striking image of the Senior Sidewalk especially grabbed our attention. The photo by Katie Roam, a senior Christian studies major from Wheatland, Mo., suggests the faithfulness of graduates whose names are chiseled in the walkway as well as the focus on “FAITH” which was provided by an alumna’s well-placed middle name. The faithfulness of countless Ouachita students and alumni is an enduring testimony to Ouachita’s purpose, priorities and passion. Thanks, Katie, for helping us interpret that time-honored truth.
Trennis Henderson Vice President for Communications
“I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness.” Mother Teresa
“It is better to be faithful than famous.”
Theodore Roosevelt
“A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found him hath found a treasure.” Louisa May Alcott
“May all who come behind us find us faithful. May the fire of our devotion light their way.” Jon Mohr
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Proverbs 3:3
President Rex M. Horne, Jr. Vice President for Communications Editor Trennis Henderson Assistant Director of Communications Associate Editor Brooke Showalter Zimny Vice President for Institutional Advancement Wesley Kluck External Director of Alumni Chris Babb Internal Director of Alumni Lauren Land
6 2 4
6
10 Faithfulness reflects commitment
James Taylor, director of campus ministries, emphasizes that genuine Christian faithfulness begins with fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ, “the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Honoring faithful friends
Ouachita’s named schools pay tribute to several influential alumni, trustees and donors. The recent installation of a series of campus displays highlights their life stories.
Campus construction update
Two residence halls currently under construction are scheduled to open this fall. Other campus projects under way are Heflin Plaza and an expanded maintenance complex.
7
Help and hope for Haiti
9
Majors address emerging needs
12
In the wake of Haiti’s devastating and deadly earthquake, several Ouachita alumni were among medical relief personnel who faithfully provided vital assistance to survivors. Equipping students for growing ministry opportunities, majors in Church Media/Production Arts, Christian Media/Communications and Biblical Languages are set to debut this fall.
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 Katie Roam, a senior Christian studies major from Wheatland, Mo. Board of Trustees Curtis Arnold Phil Baldwin Clay Conly Julie Dodge Lewis Eady Jay Heflin Frank Hickingbotham Craig Jenkins Taylor King Larry Kircher Richard Lusby Joe Bill Meador
Mollie Morgan Betty F. Oliver J.D. Patterson Faron Rogers Phillip W. Smith Rita Spillyards William H. Sutton Jeff Teague Ray Turnage Susan Wamble John Ward Gene Whisenhunt
National Directors Mike Buster
James V. Kelley
Chancellor Ben M. Elrod President Emeritus Daniel R. Grant
10 12 20 22 23 24
Sports Update: Coach Ryan Killackey guides Tigersharks to Top 5 D-II finish Campus Update: Brilliant sculpture creates quite a stir on Ouachita campus Class Notes: Trustees announce promotions, tenure for several faculty members Faculty Profile: Bryan McKinney leads innovative approaches for School of Business Staff Profile: Tim Harrell helps students discover “who they are and who they can be” Closing Thoughts: Dr. Horne affirms Ouachita’s rich history of faithfulness
Ouachita Alumni Advisory Board President Suzanne Duke Franklin First Vice President Rick Briscoe Arkansas Advisors Kelly Patterson Baldwin, Janet Ehren Gathright, Euodias Goza, Rebecca Meggs Harris, Nathan Hurst, Kale Magness, Tom Murphree, Scott Snider, Heather Brandon Spruill, Terri Bell Swedenburg, Sheri McMullan Swindler and Mel Thrash Out-of-State Advisors Gray Allison, Sarah Atkinson Bennett, Angela Harris Kilgore, Scott Meador, Christine Roberson Street, Eric Torrence and Jan Mitchell Williams
faithfulness
Faithfulness reflects personal I
am intrigued by words and how we use them. Recently I have been paying more attention to words Christians use in relation to the world in which we live. Take, for example, an originally Christian phrase like “good Samaritan” that has worked its way into popular culture. Many people using that phrase today may have no knowledge of its initial Biblical reference. There are other words in the English language that the world has been happy to relegate to Christians. Have you ever heard “sanctification” outside your church sanctuary? What about phrases like “walk the aisle” or “quiet time”? Many basic Christian words are unintelligible to the world around us. Even a word as fundamental to Christianity as “sin” appears less and less frequently outside church walls. Christians have many words that sound peculiar to outsiders. While such language is unfamiliar to much of the world, we know them as well as we know whose dish to dip into first at a Sunday afternoon potluck. “Faithfulness” is one of those words that receives plenty of use in and out of the church. While it certainly takes on different meanings in various contexts, anyone can use the word with familiarity. We may speak about the faithfulness of a true friend or ask whether the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie was faithful to C.S. Lewis’ books. In the world of sports, Chicago Cubs fans are the ever
photo by Kara Humble
2 • the ouachita circle
faithful, believing each spring that elusive World Series championship is just around the corner. There is more to faithfulness than belief. There is a sense of commitment and allegiance. True Cubs fans don’t just believe they will eventually win; they are committed and would never begin rooting for another team just because the chances are better elsewhere (and believe me, we’ve had a century to consider it). It’s likely that when you take a moment to ponder the word “faithfulness,” you can recall a relative, friend or church member who exemplifies it for you. You think of someone who has shown extended commitment to another person or cause regardless of who got credit or how glorious the work was. I think of people in my church who have been faithful longer than I’ve been alive and of students on campus who are reliable and committed. In Campus Ministries, we plan a good number of short-term mission trips. It’s sad to say, but we don’t always know the motives behind a student going on a trip. Usually there is a genuine desire to serve and share the gospel. But sometimes it’s an excuse to travel or be with friends. This spring break we went to New Orleans to work with Habitat for Humanity. We slept on plywood bunks and woke each morning before 7 a.m. For a college student on spring break, that’s just not normal. This is the kind of trip that generally doesn’t attract lazy students. The ones who sign up for this trip are the committed—the faithful.
faithfulness
commitment to Christ
by James Taylor
While the word can vary depending on its context, Christians hope that “faithful” ultimately describes their relationship to God. We fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, “the author and perfecter of our faith.” We follow Him as our King and are citizens of His Kingdom. But this does not stop us from genuinely and rightly being faithful to other appropriate objects. In other words, while God is the only One we worship, He is not the only one who deserves our commitment to faithfulness. Christians can and should be faithful spouses, parents, employees, students and volunteers (among many other things). One lesson I quickly learned while working with students at Ouachita is that they have numerous activities vying for their time and allegiance—for their faithfulness. Some of those activities are (or should be) easy to prioritize: “Should I study for that neuroscience exam or prowl Facebook for another hour?” Other choices are not as clear to students: “Should I study for that neuroscience exam or help out with a Backyard Bible Club?” Most Ouachita students would be thrilled if they had to choose between only two options. There are so many great activities at Ouachita, it can be dizzying. Some students try to do it all. They apply for every leadership position, attend almost every event on campus, work off-campus and see every human need as a personal calling, all while squeezing in those little distractions we call classes.
But the students who get the most out of their time at Ouachita are the ones who realize early that their allegiance is limited. They learn they can be truly faithful to only a few things. You won’t see some of our best student leaders at every event on campus. You might catch one focusing on his business classes and spending his spare time serving in those Backyard Bible Clubs, but not committed to many other organizations. These are the rare students who have learned to say “no” to the negative distractions as well as the good things that distract us from the best things. They have learned it’s not only okay to say no to something good, but it’s the right thing to do if that opportunity will take you away from what’s most important. I believe that those of us no longer in school are not too different than these students. The world doesn’t slow down once you leave college. If anything, it speeds up. And if we’re not careful, we may find ourselves doing a lot of stuff with very little depth and quality. We can easily become like Martha in Luke 10—faithful to our many avenues of service, but forgetful of God in our midst. And as if we needed help justifying ourselves, we live in a culture that often equates busyness with importance. While busyness may be a virtue in American culture, it has never been a fruit of the Spirit. In Scripture, our faithfulness is a result of our relationship with God—part of that fruit of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds the Corinthians that those who have been trusted with the
gospel must prove faithful. Good and faithful servants are told, “Well done!” in one of Jesus’ parables. Most fundamentally in Scripture, however, faithfulness is descriptive of God. Jesus is the “faithful witness.” Though the Israelites repeatedly broke the covenant, God remained faithful. Like Hosea redeeming his unfaithful wife, God continues to redeem unfaithful Israel. In 1 John, we are reminded that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” And to Timothy, Paul writes, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” “Faithfulness” is a word that will continue to be used in the world as well as the church. When Christians speak the word, it should signify this relationship between a people and their faithful God. It should signify faithfulness not to mere activity or ministry, but to a Lord in whom all our other commitments find their root. It cannot be separated from the absolute faithfulness of God. We are only enabled to be faithful subjects because the object of our faith is so great and gracious. May He who has begun this good work in us be faithful to complete it. James Taylor has served since 2008 as Ouachita Baptist University’s Director of Campus Ministries. A 1999 Ouachita graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies, he also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School.
“ We are only enabled to be faithful subjects because
”
the object of our faith is so great and gracious.
spring 2010
•3
faithfulness
Honoring faithful friends
Named schools recognize noted OBU alumni, trustees, donors
by Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications
W
hat’s in a name? When it comes to faithfulness to an educational institution, names play a significant role in highlighting a school’s legacy, vision and future – and Ouachita Baptist University is no exception. Among Ouachita’s seven academic schools, five are named in honor of respected alumni, trustees and benefactors. The Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business, established in 1993, was named in honor of Hickingbotham, a longtime trustee and supporter, who serves as chairman of Hickingbotham Investments, Inc. The Hickingbotham School gained
an even higher profile with the dedication of Hickingbotham Hall in 2006. From 2000 to 2008, trustees named four other schools in honor of noted individuals. In recognition of those leaders’ respective achievements, Ouachita officials recently dedicated a series of permanent displays featuring biographical plaques of the honorees. The displays are prominently located in academic buildings housing each of the named schools. Biographical overviews on the plaques include:
photos by Wesley Kluck
Michael D. Huckabee School of Education
During a distinguished and effective ministry career, Gov. Huckabee served as pastor of churches in Texas and Arkansas, The Honorable Michael D. Huckabee including Beech Street First Baptist Church of served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas from Texarkana, Arkansas. Active in denominational 1996 to 2007. A member of Ouachita Baptist life beyond the local church, he was elected to University’s Class of 1976, Gov. Huckabee has two terms as president of the Arkansas Baptist been a faithful and enthusiastic supporter of his State Convention. He also served two terms as alma mater. a member of the Ouachita Baptist University A native of Hope, Arkansas, Gov. Huckabee Board of Trustees. is a 1973 graduate of Hope High School. During Sensing God’s call to public service, his years as a Ouachita student, he was involved Huckabee was elected twice as Lieutenant in Student Senate and Alpha Chi academic Governor of Arkansas. He was named Governor honor society and was named to Who’s Who in 1996 and was re-elected to two full terms. He in American Universities and Colleges. After also campaigned for the Republican nomination graduating magna cum laude from Ouachita for President in 2008. He is the author of several with a major in pastoral ministry, he attended books, including “Character Makes a Difference” Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. and “Do the Right Thing.” 4 • the ouachita circle
While attending Ouachita, Gov. Huckabee married Janet (McCain) in 1974. Two of the couple’s three children are Ouachita alumni: John Mark (Class of 2000) and Sarah (Class of 2004). Their son David is married to 2004 Ouachita graduate Lauren (Brown). In 2005, Ouachita’s School of Education was renamed the Michael D. Huckabee School of Education in honor of the former governor’s emphasis on statewide education reform. Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr., stated, “Mike Huckabee is known for his love for Ouachita and his service to his home state. The Huckabee School of Education stands as a tribute to Gov. Huckabee’s ongoing commitment to quality education for the benefit of all citizens.”
J. D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences
Chesley & Elizabeth Pruet School of Christian Studies
W. H. Sutton School of Social Sciences
Dr. J.D. Patterson, a member of Ouachita Baptist University’s Class of 1947, earned his D.D.S. degree from Washington University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Patterson, who has practiced general dentistry in Searcy, Arkansas, since 1952, is a member of the Arkansas State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. A faithful supporter of the local church, he is an active member of Valley Baptist Church in Searcy. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to missions, Dr. Patterson has helped finance and lead numerous stateside and international mission trips, providing dental and medical care to thousands of children and adults. His mission endeavors have taken him around the globe, including projects in Brazil, Chile, China and Eastern Africa. He was honored by the American Dental Association for meritorious service to the people of Brazil. A generous and consistent Ouachita benefactor, Dr. Patterson has funded a number of academic initiatives. In addition to establishing a scholarship in honor of his parents, he funded the E.A. Provine Chair of Chemistry in memory of his former professor, the J.D. Patterson Chair of Biology, two laboratories in Harvey Jones Science Center and the annual Patterson summer research grants. Dr. Patterson received Ouachita’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1984 and an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1999. The J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences was named in his honor in 2002. He was elected to the University’s Board of Trustees in 2005. He and his wife, Nancy, who passed away in 2004, are the parents of three daughters, Beth, Amy and Jo, all of whom are Ouachita graduates. Dr. Patterson “has supported us financially through thick and thin,” said Dr. Joe Jeffers, dean of the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences. “He has taken a personal interest in faculty and students. He has always been there for us with words of encouragement, and we are proud to have the school bear his name.”
Chesley and Elizabeth Pruet, renowned business leaders and philanthropists in Arkansas and the nation, have been major benefactors of Ouachita Baptist University. In recognition of their generous support, Ouachita’s Chesley and Elizabeth Pruet School of Christian Studies was named in their honor in 2000. Pruet, a native of Putnam, Texas, attended North Texas Agricultural College and Texas Tech University. After working on oil drilling rigs in the 1930s and 1940s, he and two partners formed a successful oil exploration and production company in 1946. Pruet served as President and CEO of Chesley Pruet Drilling Company based in El Dorado, Arkansas. Mrs. Pruet, a native of El Dorado, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. Serving as Vice President of Pruet Companies, she also served several years as a member of Ouachita’s Board of Trustees. Among Pruet’s many honors, he was inaugurated posthumously into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2009. He also was Chairman and Co-Founder of the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center, a national trustee of the Boys Club of America, President of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, a member of the Republican National Finance Committee and a member of Ouachita’s Leadership Advisory Council. Mrs. Pruet, whose interests include the arts, education and health-related issues, has served as a member of the Advisory Board of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a trustee of the National Symphony Orchestra, an Advisory Committee member of the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center, Co-Chair of the founding committee for the South Arkansas Center on Aging and a founding member of the El Dorado Education Foundation. Pruet’s business practices reflected his philosophy: “Keeping your word is what gives people trust in you.” He and his wife, longtime members of First Baptist Church of El Dorado, are the parents of two daughters, Paula James and Ann Calhoon.
Mr. William H. “Buddy” Sutton, a prominent Little Rock attorney, has been a longtime friend, trustee and benefactor of Ouachita Baptist University. He served 10 years as Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees. Sutton, who was born in Hope, Arkansas, in 1931, holds three degrees from the University of Arkansas: both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts conferred in 1953 and a Juris Doctorate degree conferred in 1959. He also was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Ouachita in 1993. For more than 45 years, Sutton was associated with the firm of Friday, Eldredge & Clark, serving 11 years as managing partner. During his distinguished law career, he was honored with the Arkansas Bar Association’s 1990 Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award and served as President of the Pulaski County Bar Association in 1992-1993. Also known as a dedicated churchman, Sutton has served for decades as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. His extensive leadership roles include serving as Chairman of the Baptist Health Board of Directors and chairing the 1989 Little Rock Billy Graham Crusade. Sutton was elected President of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in 1991 and 1992, the first layman to hold that position in more than 50 years. Sutton and his wife, Peggy (Pentecost), were married in 1951 and were blessed with three children: Rebecca Sutton Kirkpatrick, Richard Sutton and Wesley Sutton. Buddy and Peggy Sutton were lifelong partners in service and ministry until her death in 2004. Sutton’s fellow trustees voted on June 12, 2008, to name the W.H. Sutton School of Social Sciences in his honor. Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr. describes Sutton as “a rare individual who brings a blessing to whatever he touches.” The Sutton School of Social Sciences is dedicated to preserving and promoting the professionalism, integrity and service exemplified by its namesake, William H. “Buddy” Sutton.
spring 2010
•5
faithfulness
1
2
Heflin Plaza, two residence halls and a maintenance complex are among construction projects currently under way on campus. 1 The 7,000-squarefoot maintenance complex will provide expanded shop space and equipment storage. 2 Heflin Plaza will be dedicated in June and open to pedestrian traffic this fall. 3 The two new residence halls, also scheduled to open this fall, will house a total of 136 students. 4 Brickwork is among the finishing touches on Heflin Plaza.
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION
3
4
6 5 The pedestrian bridge, a key feature of Heflin Plaza, will conveniently connect the Student Village and SPEC to the main campus between McClellan Hall and Walker Conference Center. 6-7 The new three-story residence halls will be accessed by a cul-de-sac between Maddox Hall and Flippen-Perrin Hall. 8 The new maintenance complex will feature 16 storage units for on-campus storage by student organizations and administrative offices. 9 As the spring semester draws to a close, final construction details for Heflin Plaza are taking shape. Photos by Trennis Henderson, Lori Motl and Callie Stephens
6 • the ouachita circle
5
7
8
9
faithfulness
photo by Bob Wilson
Ouachita alumni share help and hope in Haiti T
he earth shook, buildings collapsed and chaos reigned, leaving thousands of Haitians dead or injured. The massive 7.2-magnitue earthquake that jarred Haiti on Jan. 12 impacted an estimated 3 million people, including countless victims left hurting, homeless and grief-stricken. In response to the overwhelming human needs, disaster relief volunteers descended on the impoverished Caribbean nation, including several Ouachita Baptist University alumni who faithfully offered medical assistance to quake victims. “I was unprepared for the volume of people complaining of what were obviously posttraumatic stress-related problems, including insomnia, fatigue and abdominal pain,” said Dr. Bob Wilson (’96), a family physician from Springdale, Ark. “Many times the only thing we could do was pray for them. Of course prayer is the greatest thing we could do for them, but it was a trying experience for a doctor accustomed to meeting physical needs.” Wilson traveled to Haiti in late January with a medical relief team from First Baptist Church of Rogers, Ark., that included fellow Ouachita alumni Dr. Lance Faddis (’92) and Rev. John Caubble (’95), executive pastor of the Rogers congregation. The team worked with Thirst No More, a Christian aid organization that specializes in disaster relief. “We were the first medical team Thirst No More brought to Haiti,” Wilson said. “We operated makeshift medical clinics in three different locations – a damaged church on a hillside overlooking Port au Prince, an
by Trennis Henderson, OBU Vice President for Communications
orphanage and a riverbed next to a shanty village. Hundreds of people came through our clinics during our short time there.” Noting that he was “humbled by the Haitian believers who worked alongside us,” Wilson said their translator was a 24-year-old young man who had been a computer teacher at an elementary school. With both his home and school destroyed, Wilson said the young man “now sleeps on the ground outside the church and serves every day as a translator for relief teams like ours.” Caubble said First Baptist, Rogers, has sent several volunteer teams to Haiti since January, seeking to “make a difference in the lives of those hurting and in need.” While “the destruction and humanitarian crisis was overwhelming,” Caubble said, “we were committed to helping those in need with their spiritual and physical needs,” including a 2-year-old boy who was paralyzed with a broken back. “He had gone two weeks without seeing a doctor and was in desperate need of surgery,” Caubble recalled. “We were able to make a connection to a hospital so that he could receive the major care that he needed.” Dennis Tuchalski (’74*), a respiratory therapist from Alton, Ill., spent two weeks in February serving at Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, Haiti. Tuchalski, who previously had served with volunteer medical teams in Haiti and Honduras, said he was thankful to have the opportunity to “reach out and help do something that would make a difference” in the wake of the Haitian disaster. Working at a 73-bed hospital, Tuchalski
said the facility was seeking to provide treatment for 400 patients. “We set up six MASH tents,” he noted. “Most of the patients had fractures, bone injuries and some internal injuries. “When you come in, you’re all geared up and want to jump right in,” he said. “Usually, after the first few days, it really hits you what’s going on. As medical professionals, we deal with this all the time, just not to this extent.” As an OBU alum, Wilson said his Ouachita experience helped prepare him for involvement in the Haitian relief effort. “I am ‘humbly proud’ that Ouachita makes such a big deal out of service,” he emphasized. “Faculty and staff lead by example.” He said participating in campus ministries and mission trips during his years at Ouachita “developed leadership skills and confidence that have aided me in service and professional life.” “The Lord is active in Haiti. Thousands are coming to Christ,” Wilson concluded. “I want to encourage others who have an opportunity to go through a reputable organization to do so. If you cannot go, give through your church or Christian relief organizations. … Recovery in Haiti is a God-sized task that the church cannot neglect.”
Ouachita alumni Dr. Lance Faddis (left) and Dr. Bob Wilson pose with Jack, their Haitian translator. Dennis Tuchalski (right) visits with one of his Haitian patients. spring 2010
•7
Mac Sisson, longtime OBU staff Carl Goodson, OBU emeritus, member, remembered as mentor professor leaves faithful legacy R D eflecting on the life and legacy of longtime Ouachita Baptist University staff member Mac Sisson, peers and former students consistently highlight the words “friend” and “mentor.” Sisson, who served almost three decades as Ouachita’s assistant director of public relations, died March 8 at age 62 in Arkadelphia. In addition to his public relations role, he held the positions of OBU News Bureau director and sports information director. He also was active in directing a number of major campus events, including the annual Miss OBU Pageant, Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks as well as working closely with the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Describing Sisson’s influence and impact, Ouachita alumnus Rex Nelson said, “He was a mentor. He was a friend. He was one of those salt-of-the-earth people who make me glad to live in Arkansas.” Nelson, senior vice president of government relations and public outreach for The Communications Group in Little Rock, added, “Mac never had to wear his Christian values on his sleeve. That’s because he lived them.” Sisson was a 1969 OBU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also held a master’s degree from Ouachita in social studies education. He served on staff at Ouachita from 1973 to 1987 and 1989 to 2004, working in between as director of public
relations at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. Sisson earned numerous awards for his work in both sports information and journalism, including being named the Ike Pearson Sports Information Director of the Year in 1978. He was also the founder and director of the Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Pageant and public relations director for the Miss Arkansas Pageant for many years. Sisson was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. “On behalf of the Ouachita community, we give thanks for the devotion Mac had as a student, an employee and an advocate for Ouachita across his lifetime,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “The Sisson family is in our thoughts and prayers in these days and throughout the future.” Sisson “was so popular with students,” recalled Dr. Bill Downs, retired chairman of Ouachita’s department of mass communications. Students “could go to him and confide in him and seek his counsel. He lived his life so well.” Survivors include Sisson’s wife Donna, who serves in Ouachita’s Office of Development; his daughter Stephanie Green and her husband Jared of Rogers, Ark.; his mother Pauline McCone Sisson of Crossett; and one grandson, Jackson Green. He was preceded in death by his son Alan and his father Zeph. Memorial gifts may be made to OBU.
OBU alums fondly recall Walt Kehoe
W
alter Joseph “Walt” Kehoe, who died Jan. 5 at age 67, was described in Ouachita ’s centennial pictorial history, Once in a Hundred Years, as “a folk hero for most students.” Kehoe, who worked as a food service director at universities throughout the United States, served as director of SAGA food services at Ouachita from 1974 until 1999. Kehoe “invested much of his life and career serving the Ouachita community,” noted Dr. Keldon Henley, Ouachita’s vice president for student services. “He will be remembered by thousands of Ouachita alumni for his friendliness, sense of humor and Twinkie the Kid costume.” 8 • the ouachita circle
Among dozens of posts on the “I ate at Walt’s” facebook page following his death were such comments as “Walt was a positive force that you simply could not ignore. Wherever he went, he spread happiness and joy,” and “Goodbye, Walt, thanks for the memories. Best tater tot casserole ever.” Kehoe, a veteran of the Marine Corps Reserve, is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Springdale, Ark.; a daughter, Tricia Meredith (’93) of Springdale; a son, Shane Kehoe (’97) of San Francisco; and three grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to Ouachita Baptist University, Office of Development, OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998.
r. Carl Edward Goodson, Ouachita professor emeritus of religion and former vice president for academic affairs, died March 17 at age 92. His memorial service was held March 20 in Berry Chapel. “Dr. Goodson lived a life of Christian commitment as evidenced in his home, church and dedicated service through Ouachita,” said OBU President Rex Horne. “I think of discipline as one of the primary traits of Dr. Goodson. This characteristic began first in his own life and then in the many individuals and institutions he touched.” “Carl stepped down from being the academic dean sometime in the early 1980s,” noted Dr. Johnny Wink, OBU’s Betty Burton Peck Professor of English. “For a glorious quartet of years thereafter, he offered Latin and classical Greek. I took two years of each with him and came away utterly enchanted with classical languages. “What a dear mentor I had in Carl Goodson!” Wink added. “Any Latin student of mine for whom Latin has truly mattered owes Carl a debt as well.” Goodson held degrees from Southwest Baptist College, William Jewell College, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught Greek, Latin and Biblical history at Southwest Baptist before joining the Ouachita faculty in 1961. He served as dean of the St. Louis campus of Missouri Baptist College from 1968-1970 before returning to Ouachita as dean and vice president for academic affairs. Goodson is survived by his wife, Rozelle; and their children, Mary Lynn Goodson and Dr. Timothy Carl Goodson, both of Little Rock; Nancy Lea Mills of San Antonio; Margery Clare Lumpkin of Houston; and Charlotte Goodson of Charlotte, N.C.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to the Carl Goodson Endowed Research Fund benefitting students of OBU’s Goodson Honors Program.
Ouachita adds three new majors for fall semester S
eeking to equip students for increased ministry options, the Ouachita The Christian Media/Communications major includes a double major faculty recently approved three new majors in the Pruet School of in Christian Media/Communications and Mass Communications. It is Christian Studies. designed to prepare graduates for media-related vocations in Christian Two of the majors, Church Media/Production Arts and Christian organizations, institutions and other ministry settings. Media/Communications, are interdisciplinary Dr. Danny Hays, dean of the Pruet School of majors in partnership with Ouachita’s School of Christian Studies, said each of the three majors will Fine Arts and School of Humanities. The third meet specific needs that have emerged in various major, Biblical Languages, will provide an academic ministry settings. Church Media/Production Arts foundation for students preparing to be Bible The Biblical Languages major is an expansion teachers, preachers or translators or those interested of Ouachita’s current minors in Greek and Christian Media/Communications in pursuing graduate studies in a related field. The Hebrew, Hays explained. Combined with a minor three majors will be available beginning this fall. in Christian studies, “it allows students to focus Biblical Languages Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic on those languages and gain a strong basis in affairs, noted that most majors are housed within translating and interpreting Scripture.” For more information, contact the Chesley and Elizabeth Pruet School of one of Ouachita’s seven academic schools. With Detailing the need for the Church Media/ Christian Studies at (870) 245-5599. the Church Media/Production Arts and Christian Production Arts major, Hays said, “In the last Media/Communications majors including more 15 years, a new vocation has appeared in church than one school, “this involved a greater collaboration among the schools.” ministry—media director. We view them as ministers and want them to The deans of Christian studies, fine arts and humanities began be trained theologically. We also want them to have all the technical and with “conversations about putting together an attractive program for artistic training and savvy they need for that particular vocation.” students interested in combining Christian ministry with expertise in Concerning the Christian Media/Communications major, Hays communications or production arts,” Poole explained. said, “There are people in Christian-related, non-church settings—state The Church Media/Production Arts major combines courses in conventions and other organizations—involved in public relations, theology, Biblical studies and ministry with study of production arts and communications and news media. This double major will equip students media in such areas as stage lighting, graphic design and video production. both theologically and technically to do that type of ministry.”
NEW MAJORS
OBU Business Plan Competition offers practical experience
O
uachita’s Hickingbothom School of Business recently held its inaugural Business Plan Competition. Participating students formed teams or worked individually under the supervision of a faculty member to create a start-up company for rewards of up to $4,000. “These students submitted ‘real’ business plans, the same type of plan that one would produce prior to seeking funds from a private investor or banker,” said Bryan McKinney, dean of OBU’s Hickingbothom School of Business. Creating these business plans involved producing a financial profile of a business from scratch, building a market research profile and creating the framework for a startup business. “It was a good experience,” said Tyler McCarley of Little Rock. “I learned a lot from it that I would not be able to learn any other way.” The campus competition also helped students prepare for the annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition which awards nearly $200,000
in prizes to business students. The five businesses and team members participating in Ouachita’s Business Plan Competition were: MyWorkShift Corp., which won first place and $4,000, was developed by Tyler McCarley, a freshman business administration major from Little Rock. At the Governor’s Cup, MyWorkShift is one of four teams selected to compete for the most innovative award. It is a web-based business that simplifies the process of scheduling employee work shifts. Communityspot.com, which tied for second place and won $3,000, was developed by Ryne Dubach, a senior accounting and business administration double major from Marvell, Ark.; Daniel Graham, a senior accounting and business administration double major from Richardson, Texas; and Chris Norcross, a junior business administration major from Arlington, Texas. At the Governor’s Cup, it was one of 12 teams selected to compete in the semi-finals. It is a web-based business designed to connect communities.
by Rebecca Stone Southern Arkansas Biodiesel, LLC, which tied for second place and won $3,000, was developed by Reuben Cash, a senior accounting and business administration major from Springfield, Tenn.; Brandi George, a senior biology major from Malvern, Ark.; and Kendra Pruitt, a senior business administration major from Newport, Ark. At the Governor’s Cup, it was one of six teams selected to compete for the agriculture award. It makes biodiesel from vegetable oil waste produced in OBU’s food services operation. PlotIdeas.com was developed by Nathan Peace, a junior mass communications and Christian studies double major from Bedford, Texas. Rosko’s Greek Gear, LLC, was developed by Damien Roberts, a senior business administration major from Lexa, Ark. Judges for the OBU competition included Ouachita alumni Curtis Arnold, founder of CardRatings.com, and Bentley Blackmon, senior vice president of Stephens Inc., as well as business leaders Herb Daily and Lewis Lamb.
spring 2010
•9
photo by William Wood
Killackey guides Tigersharks to Top 5 D-II finish
by Michael J. Stott
Ryan Killackey is a Ouachita Tigershark born and bred. A four-year NCAA Division II All-American distance freestyler, he received his bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Ouachita in 1998, then went to Hawaii and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Chaminade University before returning to Ouachita to serve as assistant coach under his mentor, Jim Dann. In Killackey’s first two seasons as head coach, the Tigersharks have finished fifth in the nation at the NCAA D-II Swimming and Diving National Championships under his leadership. Killackey and the Tigersharks were featured earlier this year in Swimming World Magazine. The following interview by Michael Stott is reprinted with permission. Swimming World Magazine: Nineteen swimmers from Ouachita Baptist went to the 2009 Division II NCAAs, and 18 returned as All-Americans. How did you do that? Coach Ryan Killackey: To be honest, last year’s squad did the little things required to be successful. They worked hard and loved to compete. The group was dedicated, determined and positive at the meet. The rest of the team fed off their energy, emotion and enthusiasm. OBU women were again honored as the NCAA D-II Academic Champions, holding a team GPA of 3.58. How do you balance the pressures of academics and aquatics? For athletes to be successful in the pool, they must give their best in the classroom. There is a direct correlation. Our grades are the best when we are training the hardest. The OBU roster has a foreign flavor. What is the attraction for international athletes? Our success. I’m very particular whom we 10 • the ouachita circle
recruit from overseas. Nowadays, coaches receive e-mail after e-mail from students overseas begging to come to the U.S. The majority want full scholarships. There is a special mold we look for in our recruits. Dedication to swimming is only part of the equation. With incoming swimmers, do you need to review training progressions? I am always reviewing our training progression. I have a set seasonal plan, but I’m always adjusting or modifying our practices based on swimmer performance. What emphasis do you place on technique? A majority of incoming swimmers need a lot of technique work, and we address it thoroughly. Through instruction, dissection of individual stroke elements such as balance, breathing, kick and pull, we correct problems or irregularities. This season, our upperclassmen are spending time after practice working on stroke technique with underclassmen. Kicking, too? Kicking is the foundation of swimming, and we focus on effective kicking within each and every practice. Some days we will kick the majority of the practice. It’s just that important. Your legs are the metronome of the stroke. It is very hard to keep a high turnover rate when your leg rate drops. What is the nature of your dryland/weight program? My mentor, Jim Dann, taught me to find new and more effective ways to conduct weight training and dryland. … The swimming-specific weight training program designed by graduate assistant Josh Christensen incorporates full body exercises to increase our swimmers’ total body strength—for example, squats, thrusters,
weighted pull-ups, rows, incline press, plate pushes and carts. ... The program is one of the main reasons for our success. How often do you review individual goals with your athletes? At the season’s start, I discuss athletic and academic goals and processes for the season with each swimmer and diver. We review the process required to achieve the goals and discuss academics and/or life on a monthly and sometimes weekly basis. This is where the counseling background really pays off. Many things happen throughout the course of the season, both good and bad. Sometimes, goals need to be modified throughout the season. Talk about the team’s rivalries. Our real university rivalry is with Henderson State University. Intensity and emotions run high every time we compete against HSU. Like any rivalry, anything can and will happen when we compete. That’s the way I like it. When I accepted the head coaching job, one of my goals was to set up meets against the best. Our schedule this season has been very difficult. But if we are going to be the best, we must compete against the best. How do you improve yourself as a coach? As an educator who coaches, I strongly believe in learning new ways and ideas to train and compete. Jim Dann is here on campus, and he’ll offer insights when asked. Sharing ideas, attending seminars and reading reviews and books are essential. I am focused on lifelong learning as a coach, peer, husband and father. Michael J. Stott, one of Swimming World Magazine’s USA contributors, is based in Richmond, Va. Reprinted with permission of Swimming World Magazine.
Men’s wrestling, women’s golf to debut; head coaches named
T
wo intercollegiate athletic programs—men’s wrestling and women’s golf—are scheduled to make their debut at Ouachita this fall. University trustees voted in December to Eli Fuentez Kevin Ward add the two NCAA Division II athletic programs, bringing the total number of intercollegiate athletic teams at Ouachita to 16. “We are most pleased to announce that we will begin men’s wrestling and women’s golf,” said Ouachita President Rex M. Horne, Jr. “The golf is in response to stated interest from present and potential students. Wrestling meets a need and growing interest.” Noting that the expansion comes at a time when high school wrestling is growing dramatically in Arkansas, Dr. Horne added, “We will be the first university in Arkansas to offer collegiate wrestling. This is another way Ouachita is a recognized leader.” This marks the first time that Ouachita has expanded its athletic options since 2000 when the university joined the Gulf South Conference and added men’s soccer and women’s softball. Kevin Ward, a four-year starter on Oklahoma State University’s NCAA Championship wrestling teams, has been named OBU’s wrestling head coach, and Eli Fuentez, an OBU admissions counselor with more than 20 years of golfing experience, will serve as the women’s golf head coach, announced Athletic Director David Sharp. Ward holds two degrees from Oklahoma State. He served as a graduate assistant wrestling coach at OSU in 2006-2007 and worked six summers as an OSU wrestling camp counselor. While wrestling at OSU, Ward was a two-time NCAA qualifier and 2005 Big 12 champion. He was named a three-time Academic AllAmerican by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and named three times to the 1st Team Academic All-Big 12. “I look forward to working with Coach Ward,” Sharp said. “I am impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm he brings to our program.” Ward said his goal at Ouachita is to “draw from a lifetime of experience in wrestling to develop student athletes to achieve high levels of success both academically and athletically.” Fuentez, who played in the Kansas Junior Golf Association and on Labette County High School’s varsity golf team, is a graduate of Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Fuentez “brings a wealth of knowledge of the sport,” Sharp noted. “He is a skilled golfer who understands the game.” “I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to coach the new women’s golf program,” Fuentez said. “Recruiting for the team is going very well, and I expect to have around 10 women golfers ready to hit the course in the fall.”
Ouachita’s 1964-65 Tiger basketball team is the first team inducted into OBU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. photo by Wesley Kluck
1964-65 basketball team, five others named to OBU Athletic Hall of Fame
O
uachita Baptist University’s 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include the 1964-65 men’s basketball team, OBU’s first team named to the Hall of Fame, as well as five individual athletes. “We salute you. We’re grateful for your accomplishments,” Ouachita President Rex Horne told the inductees during the Feb. 26 Hall of Fame banquet. “Athletics is a part of who we are at Ouachita. We believe it adds so much to the student life experience.” The 2010 Hall of Fame class joins 30 other Hall of Fame members honored by Ouachita since 2003. This year’s inductees include: The 1964-65 Tiger basketball team. Coached by Bill Vining, Sr., the team compiled a 27-10 season record and won the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship. The team also finished third in the nation in the 1965 NAIA Tournament. The Tigers’ NAIA Tournament run “was the highlight of our four years here at OBU,” reflected David Kossover. “We were an example of our coach. It is an honor to be part of this team.” Carol Bollinger, women’s basketball and tennis, 1968-70. Bollinger, a graduate of Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas, was a key player on the Tigerettes’ basketball team which earned two Arkansas AAU championships. Expressing her appreciation for the recognition, Bollinger noted, “It’s mind-boggling to me and it’s thrilling to be honored.” Robert Cornelius, men’s basketball, 1965-68. Cornelius, a graduate of Lincoln High School in Camden, Ark., broke the athletic racial barrier at Ouachita as the first African-American student-athlete to play at Ouachita and in the AIC. “Those were some wonderful days,” Cornelius said. “I will forever cherish my years here at Ouachita.” Larry Wooldridge, Tiger football, 1966-69. A graduate of North Little Rock High School, he was a three-time All-AIC defensive back. Affirming the privilege of being “a part of this select group,” Wooldridge said, “I am so proud and yet humbled to be before you tonight.” Two Hall of Fame inductees were honored posthumously: E.J. Outley, track, 1971-74. Outley, a native of Hughes, Ark., earned All-AIC track honors. Roger Patillo, baseball and basketball, 1967-69. Patillo, from Poplar Bluff, Mo., earned both All-AIC and All-America honors in baseball. spring 2010
• 11
photo by Callie Stephens
Brilliant sculpture creates stir on campus
Ouachita’s Hammons Fine Art Gallery was temporarily transformed with the March 2-13 visit of guest artist Jonathan Brilliant. His 18-month “Have Sticks Will Travel” world tour, which includes stops in eight states as well as Germany and Mexico, features site-specific pieces of installation artwork comprised only of coffee stirring sticks. “The presence and scope of the installation is very impressive,” said David Bieloh, chair of Ouachita’s department of visual arts. “We’re talking about thousands of coffee shop stirring sticks held together by tension only, all woven together, integrated through and in response to our particular gallery space.” Brilliant’s sculpture was featured on a segment of KARK-4 News during his visit to Ouachita. “In this ongoing series of work,” Brilliant said, “I continue to explore my sense that the coffee shop and related consumer environs are more organic and nurturing than the ‘real’ natural environment.”
Panel discussion highlights King’s life & legacy
Members of the Arkadelphia community joined Ouachita students, faculty and staff in McBeth Recital Hall on Jan. 18 to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. The event featured a panel discussion about King’s life and legacy moderated by Dr. Hal Bass, dean of the Sutton School of Social Sciences. Panelists included Dr. Tom Auffenberg, chair of OBU’s department of history; Philip Williamson, a philosophy, political science and Christian studies triple major who also serves as senior class president; Stephen Johnson, an accounting and business administration double major and Student Senate president; Kendra Pruitt, a business administration major; and Connie Nelson, executive 12 • the ouachita circle
director of the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce. “It seems to me we are providing symbolic support for the values [King] embraced, values like social justice, human rights, equality, values that very much resonate within our mission as a Christian university,” Bass said, adding that Dr. King “tried to make us live up to our calling as Christians and also as citizens.”
Bethany Briscoe crowned 2010 Miss OBU
Bethany Briscoe was crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University Feb. 6 in Jones Performing Arts Center. Briscoe, a senior mass communications and graphic design double major from Plano, Texas, will represent Ouachita at the Miss Arkansas pageant July 14-17 in Hot Springs. “This school has given me so much over the past four years,” Briscoe said. “It has helped shape me into the woman I am now, and I could not be more thrilled to give back to this school and represent Ouachita at Miss Arkansas this summer.” Briscoe is the daughter of Rick and Barbi Briscoe of Plano, Texas. A member of EEE Women’s Social Club, she served this year as pledge mistress. She is also a member of Student Senate and is on the yearbook staff. Her platform is High Definition Living, which inspires girls to have a healthy body image. First runner-up was Katie Strickland, a senior business administration/marketing major from Alma, Ark. Second runner-up was Brandi Hull, a sophomore instrumental music education major from Longview, Texas. Third runner-up was Melissa Elliot, a sophomore communication sciences and disorders major from Roland, Ark., and fourth runner-up was Megan Gentry, a senior English and mass communications double major from Alexander, Ark.
photo by Sarah Henley
OBU stages “The Doctor in Spite of Himself”
Staging an offbeat comedy by Molière, Ouachita’s Department of Theatre Arts presented The Doctor in Spite of Himself Feb. 18-21 in Verser Theatre. In the adaptation by Timothy Mooney, hilarious antics ensue when a peasant woodcutter is mistaken for a doctor. The neoclassical comedy was directed by Mary Handiboe, OBU associate professor of theatre arts. The students “all brought a strong level of commitment and creativity to the work, even when the flu plagued our rehearsals,” Handiboe said. “It’s been amazing to watch the students fulfill the old adage of ‘the show must go on.’” Cast members included Kyle Huey, a senior musical theatre major from Grapevine, Texas; Xavier Lagunas, a sophomore musical theatre major from Arlington, Texas; Jody Lee, a senior musical theatre major from Arlington, Texas; Jacob Watson, a junior musical theatre major from Wynne, Ark.; Jeffrey Stokes, a former student from Gilmer, Texas; Bethany Swiontek, a freshman musical theatre major from Colorado Springs; Heather White, a freshman musical theatre major from Houston; Molly Brown, a senior musical theatre major from Rowlett, Texas; Kathryn Kellogg, a junior musical theatre major from Sherwood, Ark.; Rudy Jones, a sophomore theatre major from Smackover, Ark.; and Sam Spradling, a junior theatre arts major from Italy, Texas.
Dating, Marriage Week explores relationships
Ouachita’s annual Dating, Engagement and Marriage Week, hosted by the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family & Community, offers students the opportunity to work on building strong, lasting relationships with the opposite sex. “We try to offer something for all of the students, whatever stage they are in with relationships,” said Judy Duvall, assistant director of
the Elrod Center. “Our speakers related well to the students and the students seemed to enjoy the sessions.” In addition to speakers for the week’s Noonday, chapel and Refuge services, married and engaged students had the special treat of two expense-paid events: a dinner at the Honeycomb restaurant in Arkadelphia and a couples retreat at the Wingate Hotel in Little Rock. “It was nice to see different couples’ approach to things and how they made their marriages work,” said Megan Antley, an engaged senior biology major from Fulton, Ark. “Seeing the couples actually interacting together was evidence that the advice they were giving really worked for them and was worth considering or talking about within my own relationship.”
Jason Wells inducted into TRIO Hall of Fame
Ouachita’s Academic Enrichment Center named Jason Wells, a senior social studies major from Gurdon, Ark., to the TRIO Hall of Fame for his participation in the Student Support Services program. Wells was honored Feb. 12 at OBU’s annual TRIO Celebration Luncheon. He represented Ouachita at the State TRIO Day Celebration in Little Rock on Feb. 27. “I am very thankful for this honor. It is a privilege to have been selected from all of Ouachita’s participants, and I am extremely grateful for those who took part in my selection,” Wells said. “This honor shows that any American student can come up from a rural school district to one of Arkansas’ finest universities preparing for a wonderful career.” Wells, who has served as a student worker in the TRIO offices for the past three years, will graduate in May and plans to pursue a career in secondary education. spring 2010
• 13
c on n ec t i n g t h e c i rc l e
1930s
Paul Elledge (’32) celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 17, 2009. He served in ministry for 80 years, including serving as a pastor and director of missions for the Kansas City Baptist Association. He is married to Marie and lives in Overland Park, Kan. Frances (Benton) Meador (’32) celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 28. She continues to play piano at First Baptist Church of Fordyce and also plays for residents at St. John’s Place Rehabilitation and Residential Care Facility.
1940s
Dr. Joe Pipkin (’47) recently returned from a medical mission trip to Indonesia, where he has led up to three trips annually for the past 30 years. He has supported dental clinics and medical centers in Kediri, Java and Bali.
1950s
Mamie Ruth Abernathy (’52) retired as the Sunday morning worship organist for Central Baptist Church in Hot Springs on Oct. 4, 2009, which was also her 90th birthday. Her retirement rounded out a 58-year ministry as a church organist. Bill Dunn (’52) and his wife, Beverly, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 2. The Dunns, who live in Lufkin, Texas, have five children, 10 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. 14 • the ouachita circle
1960s
Morris Bolgiano (’60) and his wife, Wanda, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25, 2009, in Dallas with friends and family.
Dr. James Hampton (’51) recently attended the East Africa Emeritus Missionary Conference at Falls Creek Assembly in Oklahoma and had the opportunity to fellowship with Dr. Tom Elliff (’66) and his wife, Jeannie (Thomas ’67). Elliff, who recently retired from the Southern Baptist International Mission Board staff, served as the Bible teacher for the conference.
Jimmy Peacock (’60) and Marion (Williams) Peacock (’65) live in Sapulpa, Okla., where he owns and operates Peacock Editorial Service. She retired in 2008 after a 39-year career teaching elementary school. They have two grown sons and two grandsons.
Betty Sue (Holt) Dunnam (’55) lives in State Line, Miss. She and her husband spent 60 years in ministry before he passed away in November of 2009. She has three daughters, one son and four granddaughters. Dr. Ed Spann (’55) was selected as the Honorary Alumnus of the Year by Dallas Baptist University, where he served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 1989 until 2004. During his retirement, he published the book Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and Their Hymns. Longtime Ouachita friends Ella (Blackmon ’58) Braden, Carolyn (Royal ’58) Neal, Patsy Keller (’58) and Peggy (Caldwell ’57) Robbins recently held a reunion with Jane (Burroughs ’58) Quinn in North Carolina, where Quinn continues to operate the Heritage Children’s Theater in Winston-Salem. Harold Johnson (’59) and his wife, Jessie, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a Caribbean cruise. Johnson is retired from the U.S. Army and they both also are retired from Ouachita. They have two children, Rick Johnson (’83) and Kristal Conine (’85) and five grandchildren.
Wanda (McCloy) Fitzpatrick (’62), Corinne (Weatherall) Gilbreath (’61) and Rebecca (Kersh) Hyatt (’63) celebrated their 70th birthdays with a special on-campus visit in January. Fitzpatrick and Gilbreath live in Little Rock and Hyatt lives in Texarkana. Dr. Carl Kell (’62) recently published the book Against the Wind: The Moderate Voice in Baptist Life. He is professor of communications at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. Mel Brown (’63) received a graduate certificate from Corporate Coach University International (CCUI). He has been approved by the Baptist General Convention of Texas as a coach for pastors of “starter churches” receiving financial assistance from the convention. Benjamin Henry Hill (’63) retired from the Dallas Independent School District where he served as band director. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Sherman, Texas. Alan Tyson (’63) retired as the Director of Chaplain Services for Tyson Foods, Inc., in
November of 2008. He has served on the Council on Endorsement for Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for the past three years. In January 2010, he was called as the pastor of Lost Bridge Community Church @ Whitney Mountain Chapel in Garfield, Ark. He and wife, Dell Christy, live in Rogers. Dr. Derrel Watkins (’65) served as editor of the recently published Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging. He also authored the book’s first article “Spiritual Formation of Older Persons in a Postmodern Context.” Dr. Watkins and his wife, Janis (Nutt) Watkins (BME ’61; MME ’65), currently reside in Abilene, Texas, where he is the Director of the Compton Geriatric Institute, an educational organization for training long-term health care professional staff. Bill Dawson (’66, ’72) bought a ’34 Ford Cabriolet convertible and has been driving around the U.S. Dr. Randy Hyde (’67) is the president of the Little Rock Downtown Rotary Club (Club 99), the eighth largest Rotary Club in the world. Hyde is the pastor of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock. Paul McGowan (’68) is retired and lives in Cabot, Ark., with his wife, Carolyn. Dr. Ron West (’69) retired in November of 2009 after 30 years of service with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in Taiwan. West and his wife, Elinda, plan to return to their hometown of Booneville, Ark.
1970s
Col. (Retired) Ed Buffington (’70) recently moved to Little Rock and works with the State Headquarters of the National Guard in a fivestate region. Following a 32-year career with the U.S. Army, Buffington lived in Germany and worked in the European Command Headquarters as a military training specialist for the military staffs of the former Soviet Bloc countries. Fred Selby (’70) was appointed to the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners by Gov. Bobby Jindal. Selby is associate director of the Granberry Counseling Center, a ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.
Marilake (Farmer) Gibson (’72) retired from Foreman High School after teaching Family and Consumer Science for 36 years. She has one daughter and one grandson and lives in Texarkana, Ark. Nelson Catalina (’73) was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in February. “Coach Cat” was the head men’s basketball coach at Arkansas State University from 1984 until 1995. Now a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch, he and his wife, Vanita, live in Jonesboro, Ark. They have three three children and two grandchildren. Dr. Bradley Harper (’73), a colonel and retiree recall for the U.S. Army, is serving in the Pentagon as the Deputy Assistant Surgeon General for Force Projection. He will serve as the Battalion Surgeon for the Warrior in Transition Unit in Fort Eustis, Va., in October 2010-2012. Amy (Crump) Butcher (’76) has been selected as the new Centerpoint School District Superintendent in Amity, Ark. She formerly served as the director of secondary education for Fort Smith public schools. Brenda (Echols) Keisler (’76) received the 2010 Educator of the Year Award from the Malvern/ Hot Springs County Chamber of Commerce. She has taught Adult Education at Ouachita Technical College for 25 years. Joseph Tillery (’76) and his wife, Sharon, were recently recognized by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board after completing their 10th year as North American missionaries serving at Pecos Valley Baptist Association in New Mexico. Rhonda (Sealy) Thigpen (’78) was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in February. She is the women’s volleyball coach at Henderson State University and has been named Arkansas Intercollegiate Coach of the Year twice and Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year three times. She and her husband, David, live in Arkadelphia. They have two children, Zane and Sealy.
Brigadier General Charles Martin (’78) is currently deployed to Afghanistan, where he serves as the commanding general of the 372nd Engineer Brigade and Task Force Timber Wolf. Martin lives in Little Rock with his daughter, Whitney Martin (’08), and son, Chad. Martin is pictured above with Billy Ray Cyrus.
1980s
Dr. Brent Polk (’80) was recognized as the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus by UAMS. Polk is the chairman of pediatrics and vice dean for academic affairs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. He also serves as physician-in-chief and vice president of CHLA and director of the Saban Research Institute. He previously spent 20 years at Vanderbilt University, most recently serving as the chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Sandra (Ziegenhorn) Teague (’83) recently returned to DeSoto County and is teaching 5th grade Language Arts in Hernando, Miss. She has two children, Owen and Weston. Dr. Fitz Hill (’87) was awarded the 2009 Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas Leader of the Year Award. He is the president of Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. Scott Street (’87) recently joined Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas as president and CEO. Street previously served as president and CEO of Duncan Regional Health System in Duncan, Okla. He is married to Christine (Roberson ’85) and has four children: Samantha (current student), Nathan, Zachary and Jacob. Laura (Bridges) Loughridge (’88) was awarded the 2009 Sybil Nash Abrams Award for Poetry by the Poets Roundtable of Arkansas. spring 2010
• 15
Andy Allison (’89) was recently confirmed by the Kansas Senate as Executive Director of the Kansas Health Policy Authority, which operates Kansas’ Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs. Susan Allison (’91) now teaches chemistry at Topeka West High School and is a graduate student at the University of Kansas. The Allisons are the parents of four future Tigers: John (16), Caroline (15), Mark (11) and Michael (9).
1990s
Andy Dean (’90) and his wife, Annette, recently produced a $1.8 million series of videos for Campus Crusade Ministries and the Jesus Film Project in Louisiana. Dean operates production companies in Louisiana and Tennessee and resides in Lakeland, Tenn. Randy Sikes (’92) and his wife, Rachel (Bishop ’90), recently moved to Texarkana, Ark., where he is serving as associate pastor of worship for Shiloh Baptist Church. Stephanie Blackmon (’94) married Cameron Phillips on March 20. The couple lives in North Little Rock. Brett Chumley (’96) is the compliance officer and executive assistant for the Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled (AEDD). His wife, Nikki (Northern ’95), still works in the Creative Services group at Verizon Wireless. The Chumleys, who live in Little Rock, have two daughters, Caroline (9) and Kate (5). Albany Irvin (’96) joined QVC in May 2009 as a program host. Prior to joining QVC, she served as a spokesperson for a variety of clients including Ford Motor Co., Canon USA, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble and DIRECTV. She and her husband, Matt, live in California and have three children, Ameliamae (9), Caden (4) and Alexandra (3). Shannon Duke (’96) married Brett Brundige (’97) on Dec. 31, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. She is an enrichment teacher for Pinecrest Private Preschool in Bentonville and he is the Aramark Food Services director at John Brown University.
16 • the ouachita circle
Shannon (Cone ’96) married Justin McDonald (’94*) on Aug. 1, 2009. The couple lives in West Little Rock. Raymond Allen (’98*) is the Regional Sales Manager for TOA Electronics and also owns and operates RDA Sound. He and his wife, Julie, have lived in the Dallas area since 1992 and have two sons, David (13) and Jonathan (10). Dr. Michael Carozza (’98) opened the Compassion Women’s Clinic in Arkadelphia on Oct. 5, 2009. He formerly served as a physician in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife, Melissa (Adams ’98), have three daughters: Mallorie, Cassie and Emorie. Dr. Randall Glass (’98) is an optometrist and owner of Fowler Eye Care in Texarkana, Texas, and Ashdown Eye Center in Ashdown, Ark., with partner Dr. Marc Carozza (’00). Glass lives in Texarkana with his wife, Kim (Broom ’99), and infant son, James. Vince Perrin (’98) is the health and physical education teacher at Goza Middle School in Arkadelphia and also serves as a football coach for Arkadelphia High School. He and his wife, Beth, have three children: Sloan (5), Natalie (3) and Bryce (1).
2000s
Ashley (Stacy) Bell (’00) and her husband, Joshua, moved to Lowell, Ark., in January to lead Gracelife Baptist Church, a new church plant of First Baptist Church of Vilonia. Chris Turnage (’00) recently accepted a position as a commercial loan officer for Arvest Bank in Hot Springs.
Signe (Vang ’00) married Michael Carlson on Dec. 30, 2009. She is serving as assistant director of Fuller Theological Seminary Southwest in Phoenix, Ariz. Kristen Black (’01) is a consultant with Child Care Connections, Inc. She and her husband, Josh, live in North Little Rock. They have one son, Tucker. Brent Gambill (’01) was promoted to executive producer of Major League Baseball at Sirius XM Radio. In addition to leading a staff of more than 100 broadcasters and producers, he will continue to lead the channel’s remote broadcasts for all MLB events. Gambill has worked with Sirius XM in Washington, D.C. since 2005 and previously worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He and his wife, Tilly (Carter ’02), live in Alexandria, Va. Trina White (’01) married Christopher Stark on Aug. 1, 2009, at First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, Ark. Courtney (Ray) Brewer (’02) is an admissions counselor at the Savannah School of Art and Design while her husband, Luke Brewer (’99), is pursuing his MFA in Animation. The couple serve as chaplains and resident activity directors at a large apartment complex in Savannah and also operate a photography and portraiture business. Rachel Nowell (’02) married Stacy Montgomery on Aug. 8, 2009. The couple lives in Tyler, Texas, where she teaches bilingual 2nd grade for the Tyler Independent School District. Josh Floyd (’03) led the Shiloh Christian Saints to their third Arkansas high school state football championship in the past four years. They finished the season ranked No. 23 in the nation by USA Today and will face Euless Trinity on Sept. 6 at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as part of the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Challenge. Josh is married to Kate (Elliott ’04).
Ruth Gailey (’03) married Layne Johnston (’98) on Oct. 11, 2009, at The Summit Church in North Little Rock. The couple lives in Maumelle.
Rebecca ( Jagger) Hall (’04) and her husband, Aaron, live in El Paso, Texas, where he is stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss.
Deanna Spann (’03) currently works as a speech pathologist for the Bryant School District in Arkansas.
Holly Harris (’04) returned to Arkansas in October of 2009 after three years of traveling the United States.
Sarah Shepherd (’03) married John Michael Rainwater on Oct. 31, 2009, at First Baptist Church of El Dorado, Ark. The couple resides in Little Rock, where she is a registered nurse at Retina Associates.
Sarah Huckabee (’04) will marry Bryan Sanders on May 25 in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is the executive director of HuckPAC.
Jeremy Langley (’08) has been named University Editor at Southern Arkansas University and will continue to serve as Assistant to the President for Special Projects.
Shauna Morrissey (’04) moved to Seoul, Korea, in August 2009 to work as a middle school ESL teacher. Greg Henderson (’05) and Hunter Johnson (’05) were recognized by Arkansas Business magazine in their “The New Influentials: 20 in their 20s” section. Henderson is the marketing and communications director for Winrock International and will complete his Master of Arts in Applied Communications from UALR in 2011. Johnson is the senior vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer for Warren Bank & Trust in Warren, Ark.
Brooke Showalter (’08) married Rene Zimny (’08) on Oct. 31, 2009, in Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. He is graphic design coordinator at White County Medical Center in Searcy and she is assistant director of communications at Ouachita. The couple lives in Bryant.
Charles Robinson (’05) returned from a 21-month tour in Iraq in November of 2009. He now lives in Lawton, Okla., and works with the Northrop Grumman Corp. Christopher Montgomery (’07) was installed as the senior pastor for Drexel Hill Church of the Brethren in Drexel Hill, Penn., on Nov. 1, 2009. Brittany Selvidge (’09) married Tyler Lee (’08) on March 13 in Hot Springs, Ark. They live in Fayetteville where she is completing her master’s degree in communication at the University of Arkansas and he is the owner/operator of Rock Solid Powersports in Fort Smith.
Randy Staley (’03) married Keren (Corley ’04) on Nov. 16, 2008, on a Caribbean cruise. Emily (Brumley) Arrison (’04) launched Timeless Paper, a graphic design company, in 2008. Her work has been featured in In Style Weddings, The Philadelphia Inquirer Bridal Issue and The Knot. She lives in Drexel Hill, Penn., with her husband, Michael. Shawn Branscum (’04) received his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2009 and is now serving as the director of FUSION ministries in Kansas City, Mo. He is married to Lesley (Floyd ’04) and has one daughter, Hannah Kate (1). Angela (Ward) Cox (’04) lives in Wynne, Ark., and teaches ESL at Arkansas State University. She is married to Daniel and will complete her master’s degree in TESOL this summer.
Five Ouachita alumni were included in the “20 to Watch in 2010” edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Tri-Lakes Edition: Adam Carson (’93*), Dr. Michael Carozza (’98), Rebecca (Dawson) Jones (’04), Scott Jones (’01) and Yukiko Taylor (’00).
Hannah King (’08) married Daniel Jones on Dec 19, 2009, at Trinity Bible Church in Weatherford, Texas. The couple lives in Houston where they both teach. spring 2010
• 17
1970s Gindi (Eckel) Vincent (’95) and her husband, Bray, welcomed triplets Samuel Garrett, Lillian Penn and William Bray on Oct. 2, 2009. Melody (Bigler) Brown (’97) and her husband, Daniel, welcomed son Nathan Edward on Sept. 29, 2009.
Rachel (Osborne) Bennett (’99) and her husband, Brian, welcomed Elizabeth Ann “Annie” on May 11, 2009. She joins big sisters Mary Eloise “Ellie” (6) and Mollie Ruth (3). Kevin Bledsoe (’99) and his wife, Nicole (Rainey ’01), welcomed daughter Lexi ViviAnne on Dec. 8, 2009. She joins big brother Beau (4).
Mark Bowles (’71) and his wife, Kathy, welcomed son Zakary Izaya on Dec. 22, 2009.
1990s Julie (Packwood) Welch (’97) and her husband, Scott, welcomed daughter Jessica Riley on Nov. 8, 2009. She joins big sister Danielle (3).
Rebecca (Briggs) King (’96) and her husband, Jason, welcomed daughter Caroline Cherry on Oct. 7, 2009. She joins big sister Mary Katherine (2). 18 • the ouachita circle
2000s
Amy (Henderson) Arnold (’00) and her husband, Neil, adopted a daughter, Julianne Fanose (2), from Ethiopia in June of 2009. She joins big sisters Hillary Ashton (6) and Sophie Le (3).
Andrea (Smallwood) Gray (’90) and her husband, Eddie (’89), welcomed son Matthew David on June 23, 2009. He joins big brother Christopher (14) and big sisters Emilie (16) and Susannah (12). Kelly (Stabley) Thevneot (’92) and her husband, Justin, welcomed son Drake Anthony Thevenot on April 27, 2009. She is a senior marketing director and recently acquired her Certified Marketing Director certification. The Thevenots live in Ankeny, Iowa.
James Taylor (’99) and his wife, Amy (Gaden ’01) welcomed son Benjamin Parker on Oct. 31.
Dr. Randall Glass (’98) and his wife, Kim (Broom ’99), welcomed son James Thomas on Oct. 8, 2009. Kim (Pessel) Jones (’98) and her husband, Shea (’98), welcomed son Chase Christopher on Oct. 31, 2009. He joins big brothers Will (4) and Tyler (2).
Laura (Waycaster) Austin (’00) and her husband, Howard G. Austin Jr., welcomed Nylah Brielle on Oct. 8, 2009.
Hayden (Huey) Norwood (’03) and her husband, Adam (’01), welcomed son Kerith Brooks on Nov. 21, 2009. He joins big brother Kaisson (1). Rachel (Brackett) Austin (’04) and her husband, Josh, welcomed daughter Langley Elizabeth on March 1, 2009. Rachel (Hageman) Grose (’00) and her husband, Shannon, welcomed daughter Riley Tate on Aug. 6, 2009. She joins big brothers Jackson Brooks (6) and Sutton Kyle (1).
Taylor (Neill) Barker (’04) and her husband, Adam (’03), welcomed son Brayden Matthew on Nov. 21, 2008.
Six future Tigers born to current and recent Ouachita faculty and staff families pose with their moms. Front row, L to R: Lori (and Donnie) Copeland and son, Jack; and Amy (and James) Taylor and son, Benjamin. Back row: Terese (and Michael) Cox and son, Nathaniel; Tara (and Chris) Kear and son, Crosby; Nancy (and Tim) Harrell and son, Henry; and Nancy (and Brad) Evans and son, Everett. All six boys were born within four months of each other.
J.R. Eldridge (’01) and his wife, Audrey, welcomed son Maxton Michael on Jan. 8, 2008. He joins big brother Jack (3). Julie (Bowen) Green (’02) and her husband, Guy (’02), welcomed son Shepherd Michael on Dec. 15, 2009.
Shawn Branscum (’04) and his wife, Lesley (Floyd ’04), welcomed daughter Hannah Kate on Feb. 22, 2009.
Emily (Purvis) Blackwell (’05) and her husband, Josh (’05), welcomed daughter Adelle Catherine in July 2009.
Dr. Mark Gustke (’04) and his wife, Amy (Hulett ’04), welcomed daughter Maggie Lynelle on Aug. 5, 2009. She joins big brother Caleb (2). Tommy Potts (’04) and his wife, Amy, welcomed son Hudson Bryce on Feb. 17, 2009.
Susi (Pittman) Vangilder (’02) and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed son Drew Aden on July 14, 2009.
Chris Kear (’04) and his wife, Tara (Loyd ’03), welcomed son Crosby George on Dec. 9, 2009. Kear, former director of financial services at Ouachita, recently accepted the call to serve as executive pastor for Fellowship Bible Church in Conway.
What’s new?
Cliff Conine (’08) and his wife Leanna (Legg ’09) welcomed daughter Emmalyn June on Feb. 26.
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 Lauren Land at landl@obu.edu or (870) 245-5506. spring 2010
• 19
Faculty & Staff Update Bruning named to NCATE board
Dr. Merribeth D. Bruning, dean of the Huckabee School of Education, was recently appointed to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Program Review Board based on her work with the Association for Childhood Education International. NCATE’s Program Review Board is made up of volunteers selected to assess NCATE reports for elementary education programs.
Kluck receives Chamber award
Dr. Wesley Kluck, vice president for institutional advancement, recently was honored with the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in recognition of his service to Arkadelphia and Clark County. Kluck is co-chairman of the Clark County Strategic Plan, an initiative aimed at promoting growth in such areas as education, healthcare, economic development and tourism.
Reynolds presents paper to peers
Dr. Michael Reynolds, professor of kinesiology and leisure studies, was chosen to present at the recent National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education (NAKPEHE) Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. Reynolds’ presentation, “Good to Great: Using Place-Based Education to Advance Kinesiology and Physical Education,” highlighted the success of OBU’s “On the Ouachita” course and other interactive outreach and teaching projects.
Faculty promoted, granted tenure
Faculty members granted promotions by OBU trustees for 2010-11 include: Nona Anderson, promoted to professor of modern languages; Darin Buscher, promoted to assistant professor of mathematics; Margaret Reed, promoted to associate professor and director of media services; and Glenda Secrest, promoted to professor of music. Those granted tenure include: Merribeth Bruning, dean of the Huckabee School of Education and professor of education; Misti Clark, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science; Ray Franklin, associate professor of Christian missions; Marshall Horton, professor of economics and finance; and Chris Long, assistant professor of psychology. 20 • the ouachita circle
1920s
Hazel (Lewis) Cooper (’29) of Little Rock passed away on Oct. 30, 2009. She is survived by daughter Fran Cooper, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
1930s
Don Hogan Rountree (’30) of Rogers, Ark., passed away on Jan. 29. He is survived by sons Don Rountree, Bobby Rountree and three grandchildren. Christine (Chaney) Blackwood (’37) of El Dorado, Ark., passed away on Nov. 8, 2009. She is survived by sons Robert Blackwood, Bill “Butch” Blackwood, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Dr. Welton Albert Hudgins (’37) of Searcy, Ark., passed away on Jan. 1. He is survived by children Julita Gardner Archambault, Mary Jo Chambers, Robert Hudgins, Michael Hudgins and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
1940s
Cecile (Boccelato) Gaston (’40) of Daphne, Ala., passed away on July 9, 2009. She is survived by daughters Carol Anne Stark, Martha Lynn Taylor, Teri Jean Baker, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; Hugh G. Quenin (’41) of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on Feb. 16. John Ashcraft (’43) of Little Rock passed away on Aug. 12, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nan Ashcraft; son Nelson Ashcraft; daughter Sally Sheffield; three grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Wanda Lois Brown (’43) of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on Oct. 26, 2009. Naomi (Fisher) Thomas (’43*) of Arkadelphia passed away on Feb. 17. She is survived by son Scott Thomas, daughter Cindy (Thomas) Roseberry, three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
Pearl Emma “Neno” (Nowlin) Flaig (’43), former dean of women, passed away on Oct. 8, 2008. She is survived by husband Edward, children Gay Burch (’71), Gail Flaig (’71), Sonny Flaig and one grandson. Charlene (Quick) Wyatt (’44) of Alcoa, Tenn., passed away on Oct. 7, 2009. Irene Branum (’45) of Hazen, Ark., passed away on Sept. 30, 2009. Charleta (Beindorf ) Garner (’45) of Oklahoma City, passed away on Nov. 14, 2009. She is survived by children Roger Garner, Cinthy Case (’81), Rebecca Garner (’84*) and several grandchildren. Audrey (Martin) Seibert (’45*) of Batesville, Ark., passed away on Sept. 12, 2009. She is survived by daughter Patricia Ann Seibert. Reba (Evans) Cunningham (’46) of Little Rock passed away on Dec. 12, 2009. She is survived by one son. Nancy (Orr) Hayley (’46*) of Sheridan, Ark., passed away on Feb. 28. She is survived by son Lee Hayley, daughter Laura Patterson and one granddaughter. Mary L. (Helton) Tucker (’47) passed away on March 8, 2009. She is survived by husband Gene Tucker, three children and five grandchildren. Mary Lou (Ingram) Limbaugh (’48) passed away on April 20, 2008. Winnie Doss (Brown) Reed (’48) of Huntsville, Ala., passed away on Oct. 22, 2009. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Rev. James Reed (’49), and sons David Reed and James Reed. Margaret (Shupe) Pleitz (’49) of Pensacola, Fla., passed away on Feb. 11. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Pleitz (’49); son Dan Pleitz; daughter Nancy Hinson; and five grandchildren. Rev. Claude Stewart (’49) of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away on July 25, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Fredda.
1950s
Rev. Preston Taylor (’50) of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on March 11. He is survived by children Preston Taylor, Jr. and Marsha Martin, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Patsy Baty Herrin (’51) of Bedford, Texas, passed away on Dec. 29, 2009. She is survived by sons Paul Herrin and Jay Herrin. Dr. Thomas Lee Tedford (’51) of Greensboro, N.C., passed away on Oct. 18, 2009. He is survived by wife Ann (Presswood ’52), son David Tedford, daughter Tina James, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
1960s
Mrs. Ann (Phillips) Horton (’60) of Arlington, Texas, passed away on Sept. 30, 2009. She is survived by her husband, James, and son, David. Lillie Mae McKnight (’60) of Little Rock passed away on Jan. 18. Robert Mize (’60) passed away on Oct. 6, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Karen. Marian Lewallyn Wiseley (’62) of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Nov. 25, 2009. She is survived by husband H. Ross Wisely, son William Wisely and one grandchild.
Carolana Carmical Whitaker (’78) of Irwin, Penn., passed away on Nov. 21, 2009. She is survived by husband Stephen, son Jordan Whitaker and daughter Honour Whitaker.
1980s
Danna (Panaganan) Wheeler (’82) of Brandon, Fla., passed away on Nov. 19, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Marquis Wheeler.
1990s
Janet Butler (’90) of Hot Springs Village passed away on Aug. 31, 2009.
Rev. Richard Mefford (’52) of Rapid City, S.D., passed away on Nov. 24, 2009. He is survived by children Micki Nenortas, Rev. Dan Mefford and three grandchildren.
Winifred Thomas “W.T.” Wright (’62) of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., passed away on Dec. 2, 2009. He is survived by wife Sandra (Harvey ’62) and sons Shawn Wright and Erik Wright.
Elinor (Keeling) Royce (’52) of Little Rock passed away on Aug. 10, 2009. She is survived by children David Royce, Garrett Royce, Joseph Royce, Cassandra Barnett, Suzanne Carlisle and four grandchildren.
Rev. Toney McMillan (’61*) of Arkadelphia passed away on Nov. 22, 2009. He is survived by wife Jill ( Jordan ’62*), sons Kevin McMillan and Carter McMillan and five grandchildren.
Elizabeth Earlene Carter of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on Oct. 12, 2009. She was a former member of the Ouachita Board of Trustees. She is survived by children Steven Carter (’75), Don Carter (’80), Neal Carter, Carol McClelland, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Thomas L. Taylor, Jr. (’61) of Memphis, Tenn., passed away on Nov. 3, 2009. He is survived by wife Marty; daughters Allison Leibowitz, Christy Coffman and Bethany Love; and three grandchildren.
Virginia Rutledge of Siloam Springs, Ark., passed away on Dec. 4, 2009. She served as secretary to the dean for the School of Fine Arts. She is survived by sons Tom Rutledge (’75) and William “Keith” Rutledge (’79).
Winifred T. Wright (’62) passed away on Dec. 2, 2009.
Roy Glen Thompson of Arkadelphia, a retired OBU physical plant employee, passed away on Feb 2. He is survived by two brothers, a sister and several nieces and nephews.
Joyce (Felty) Hall (’53*) of Little Rock passed away on Jan. 31. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert Hall (’55); daughters Patricia Hall, Joy Johnson and Mary Langston; son Robert Hall, Jr.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Calvin D. Squires (’54) of North Little Rock passed away on Jan. 30. He is survived by wife Elise Squires; children Jessica Ebert, Mark Squires, Burt Squires, Calvin Squires and Tim Squires; 14 grandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren. Wallace Woodrow Scott (’57) of Sands, Mich., passed away on Nov. 6, 2009. He is survived by daughter Frances Smith and three grandchildren. Rev. Bobby Meggs (’58) of Warren, Ark., passed away on Dec. 2, 2009. He is survived by daughter Rebecca Harris (’84) and two grandchildren. Rev. Robert Graham (’59) of Cleburne, Texas, passed away on March 12. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jo Ann (Blancett ’59); children Bobby Graham, Kathryn Frederick and Karen Hartgraves; and six grandchildren.
Patricia (Newborn) Rose (’66) of Crumrod, Ark., passed away on Oct. 12, 2009. She is survived by husband Walter Rose, sons Sidney Rose and Lance Rose, daughters Donita Cunningham and Evelyn Chapel, one goddaughter, grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.
1970s
Quintus Crews (’71*) of DeQueen, Ark., passed away on Dec. 5, 2009. Ilda Faye Jones (’75) of Little Rock passed away on Oct. 6, 2009. She is survived by daughter Donna Mechelle. Sara Frances Scott (’77) of Little Rock passed away on Sept. 10, 2009.
Faculty, Staff & Friends
Virginia Dell Tolleson, former dorm mother, passed away on Dec. 6, 2009. She is survived by children Marsha Rhodes and Tim Tolleson. Michelle Ware, former campus safety officer, passed away on Dec. 3, 2009. She is survived by son Matthew. Mary Edith Warren of Bismarck, former secretary for academic affairs and athletics, passed away on Oct. 23, 2009. She is survived by son Richard Warren, daughters Pam Smith and Vivian Warren, two grandchildren and two great-grandcihldren. Ryan White, former assistant baseball coach (2006-2008), of Southhaven, Miss., passed away on Feb. 22. White, age 27, was serving as head baseball coach of Senatobia (Miss.) High School. spring 2010
• 21
Bryan McKinney
Dean, Hickingbotham School of Business
TIGER RESTORATION PROJECT Development Office Ouachita Baptist University 410 Ouachita St., OBU Box 3754 Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001 22 • the ouachita circle
The Ouachita Tiger, an important symbol of school spirit on our campus, is turning 75 this year. Carved by student B. F. Worley in lieu of tuition payments, it was presented to the college in 1935. Over the years it has witnessed much Ouachita history, enjoyed the loyalty of thousands of Ouachita students and endured much abuse from Ouachita’s rivals. Interest in restoring the Tiger to its former glory has been growing. Now the appropriate technology is available and the Tiger Restoration Project will begin in May 2010. A goal of $10,000 has been set to pay for the restoration and for improvements to the base and grounds surrounding the Tiger. Ouachita alumni are invited to help fund this historic project with tax-deductible gifts of any amount. Donors of $1,000 or more will be acknowledged as sponsors of the project on a plaque to be placed on the base of the Tiger. Donations will be received through Nov. 15, 2010. Checks should be made payable to the “Tiger Restoration Project” and sent to the Development Office at the address at left. Online credit card donations may be made at www.obu.edu/give. Choose “Tiger Restoration Project” from the drop-down designation list.
photo by Callie Stephens
A
s dean of Ouachita’s Hickingbotham School of Business, Bryan McKinney (Class of ’93) typically spends little of his day at his desk. Whether hosting business leaders on campus for the First Friday lecture series, overseeing research projects or just talking business with prospective students and their families, McKinney always has his eyes open for his students’ growth and success. “I routinely tell parents that if we offer the best education in the universe but don’t help connect our students with the best placement opportunities upon graduation, we’re only doing a marginal job,” he emphasizes. In an effort to blend a stellar education with hands-on research and design, the School of Business recently introduced a dynamic tool: the OBU Business Plan Competition. “The competition encourages a spirit of entrepreneurism and gives our students a tangible opportunity to create a start-up business,” McKinney explained. In partnership with a faculty advisor, student teams created business plans that included financial profiles, market research profiles and an overall business framework. The students then prepared a written business plan and made formal presentations to a panel of judges. “These were ‘real’ business plans, the same type of plan that one would produce prior to seeking funds from a private investor or banker,” McKinney noted. Ouachita’s three winning teams were entered in the statewide Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup, a prestigious competition that enables college students to use their ideas and talents to create tomorrow’s businesses. McKinney also hopes to launch an alumni mentoring program with the goal of preparing students for the job market. He wants to target alumni who are established in their careers and willing to connect with students through texts, Facebook and other forms of social media. The hope is that these alumni mentors will get to know the students, encourage them in their studies and ultimately help them make connections in the business world. McKinney received his juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and worked in the legal field before returning to Ouachita in 1997. He served with the OBU development office before moving into the roles of general counsel and business professor. He has served since 2008 as dean of the Hickingbotham School. He is married to Leigh Ann (Spivey ’04) and has two sons, Colson (7) and Mason (4). The McKinneys are members of Park Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.
Tim Harrell,
Director of Campus Activities
T
photo by Callie Stephens
im Harrell is all about community. As Ouachita’s Director of Campus Activities, Harrell (Class of 2000) oversees such programs as new student orientation, outdoor recreation and on-campus entertainment. According to its new mission statement, Campus Activities “fosters a vibrant community by facilitating connections among students and the university while coordinating diverse involvement, service and leadership opportunities.” According to Harrell, “I try to help students realize who they are and who they can be. It may be an afternoon of rock climbing or a few hours on the intramural field that connects a student to new people and experiences. It’s important to plug students into what they like to do so they can begin to see the bigger picture.” Harrell joined OBU’s Student Services team in July of 2009, moving back to Arkadelphia from the Chicago area. A former Ouachita admissions counselor, he was able to hit the ground running with his leadership of the WOW freshman orientation program. During WOW (Welcome to Ouachita’s World), new students are introduced to campus traditions (yes, they’ve even brought back the freshman beanies!), sign the academic honor code and enjoy a home-cooked meal at a professor’s home, among other activities. “WOW showcases the best of Ouachita to both new students and their parents,” Harrell explained. “The program is designed to help students work through their transition to college and recognize that there is a place for them here.” Leadership development is also a core focus for Campus Activities. This spring, Harrell and his staff introduced a one-day Leadership Summit for 80 students from a variety of student organizations. Philosophy professor Dr. Byron Eubanks (’80) opened the summit with a keynote lecture on “Leading with Integrity” followed by breakout discussions on such topics as small group dynamics and self-care through priority setting. Harrell said he hopes to host this event each semester and expand student participation. Harrell also serves as a staff sponsor for the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF) and works closely with the special events committee to host two popular campus events, Tiger Tunes and TigerTraks. Both Tunes and Traks have been Ouachita traditions for more than 30 years and draw from the support of thousands of alumni. While Tunes experienced a record year in 2009, Traks has experienced a gradual decline in recent years. Harrell is working closely with OSF students to reinvigorate Traks as “the most exciting college weekend in Arkansas!” Harrell and his wife, Nancy (Day ’98), are hall directors of the new Student Village. They have one son, Henry, age 1, and another child on the way.
OBU honored for community service 3 years in a row
O
uachita Baptist University has been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. This marks the third consecutive year that Ouachita has been named to the prestigious Honor Roll. The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual recognition, honors more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. “Congratulations to Ouachita Baptist University and its students for their dedication
to service and commitment to improving their local communities,” said Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Our nation’s students are a critical part of the equation and vital to our efforts to tackle the most persistent challenges we face.” Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. Ouachita students compiled more than 40,000 community service hours last year, including volunteer work in such areas as America Reads/America Counts, disaster
relief, ElderServe and Tiger Serve Day. “I am so pleased that the word ‘service’ is on our university seal,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne. “I am most proud that service is a part of the DNA of Ouachita. The commitment of students, faculty and staff to serve children through senior adults is exemplary. This is an award that we cherish.” Ian Cosh, director of Ouachita’s Elrod Center for Family & Community, noted, “The Presidential Honor Roll is a national recognition of the fact that Ouachita continues to make an effective commitment to community service. We believe in developing our students’ sense of civic responsibility in the hope that they will continue to give back to society well beyond their college days.” spring 2010
• 23
Faithfulness is key attribute for believers T
he word “faithful” is used in a variety of ways throughout our lives. We have faithful dogs, friends and family (not necessarily in order of importance). A faithful person is one who is reliable, trusted and believed. Spouses, friends, colleagues and employees often are examples of those who are committed to promises and perform their duty in an exemplary way. As Christ followers, we are constantly mindful of faithfulness. God is faithful. There are few more important statements that can be made. He is totally reliable and steadfast. Our personal faith and hope is dependent on God being faithful. There are few qualities in the lives of believers that matter more than their faithfulness. Ouachita Baptist University has a history of faithfulness. Have you ever read our vision statement? “Ouachita Baptist University seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning by creating for students and other constituents dynamic growth opportunities both on campus and throughout the world. With foresight and faithfulness, Ouachita makes a difference.” The faithful past often comes vividly to my attention. While working on this article, I received word that Dr. Carl Goodson, longtime dean, professor and advocate of Ouachita, passed from this life to heaven. I had the privilege of being his pastor and now stand upon the work he accomplished at Ouachita. Lifelong faithfulness to the Lord and Ouachita is not unusual among our people, but it is always moving. Proverbs 20:6 declares, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?” We find many faithful men and women here.
Humanity. Ten students joined by faculty were presenting chemistry papers to a most impressive chemical society conference in San Francisco. Other students were going home to make their parents happy! Still others invited fellow students from other nations to their homes for a few days. I know of some young women trying on dresses for an upcoming wedding. Faithful Ouachita folks still abound.
“There are few qualities in the lives of believers that matter more than their faithfulness.” One of the most far-reaching projects I have ever observed at Ouachita is now taking place. The strategic plan being formulated on campus will impact decades and thousands of students who do not yet know the education, challenge and blessing that await them here. This plan will build on the faithfulness of the past, the devotion of those in the present and the hope that Ouachita will greatly prosper in the future. I often welcome groups to campus. The joy and satisfaction of walking these sacred grounds is most times obvious. For four years I have driven to this campus as president. There is yet to be a time that I have not been grateful for the privilege and opportunity. While the responsibility is large, the burden is lessened as I remember the faithfulness of God as well as that of family, friends and colleagues.
I think of our recent spring break. We had students going to New Orleans to work with Habitat for
photo by Katie Roam
24 • the ouachita circle
o
O
T
CHI UA
ing 20
o
10
A
homec
m
ing 20
1
c
m
homecoming 2010
october 21-23
OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE
410 Ouachita Street • Box 3762 Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71998-0001
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT NO. 211
Great Grad Gifts Commencement, weddings, birthdays and more are filling up the spring and summer calendar! If you are searching for the ideal gift for a Ouachita student, alum or parent, check out Ouachita Alumni’s custom line of ceramic gifts. Designed and hand-painted by a Ouachita alum, the decorative platters, photo frames and dishware are treasured keepsakes for any Tiger fan’s office, kitchen or mantle.
Visit www.obualumni.org for pricing and order information