Ouachita students receive seven national awards in Columbia Scholastic Press Association yearbook competition

Ouachita Baptist University students recently were awarded seven Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Gold Circle awards for their work on the Ouachitonian yearbook’s 2018-2019 edition, “Untold.” The CSPA’s 37th Gold Circle awards attracted more than 5,700 yearbook and digital media entries from student yearbooks and digital publications at colleges, universities and secondary schools in the United States and abroad, with a total of 656 winning entries.

“We were the smallest university to receive a Gold Circle Award,” said Dr. Deborah Root, professor of communications and advisor for the Ouachitonian. “It shows the quality of our students and the work they produce.”

Addy Goodman, a senior communications & media/communications studies and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark., who served as editor of the 2018-2019 Ouachitonian, received first place in Sidebar Writing for “Finding A Home for Life UNTOLD,” third place in Theme and Concept, third place in Division Page Design, third place in Feature Presentation for “Roadtrips” and third place in People Spreads Without Mug Photos: Multi-Page Spread for “Who’s Who.” She also received an honorable mention in Cover Design.

Alex Blankenship, a 2019 communications & media/communications studies graduate from Little Rock, Ark., received second place in Photo Portfolio for his images in the Ouachitonian.

“I’m excited for the Ouachitonian to win these Gold Circle Awards,” Root said. “Addy Goodman and her staff worked very hard to produce an excellent yearbook, and I’m excited for Addy and Alex to receive this recognition.” 

Goodman and Blankenship competed against award-winning entries from Baylor University, Indiana University, North Carolina State University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Tech University and University of Miami.

The Gold Circle Awards program is an international competition that aims to recognize superior work in student yearbooks and digital media publications by student writers, editors, designers and photographers. Qualifying entries are student publications from colleges, universities and secondary schools in the United States and abroad between October 2, 2018, and October 1, 2019.

Ouachita students earn three of seven top awards in 2020 Arkansas College Media Association competition

Ouachita Baptist University students earned 36 awards at the recent Arkansas College Media Association (ACMA) conference, three of which were awards in General Excellence for Yearbook of the Year, Yearbook Editor of the Year and Website Editor of the Year. The awards were three of seven overall General Excellence awards given to student publishing in news, magazine, yearbook, online, radio and television divisions from two-year and four-year colleges and universities around the state.

Addy Goodman, a senior communications & media/communications studies and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark., was named Yearbook Editor of the Year for her work on the Ouachitonian yearbook, which earned Yearbook of the Year in General Excellence for the 2019 volume “Untold.” Ethan Dial, a senior communications & media/multimedia journalism major from Little Rock, Ark., was named Website Editor of the Year for his work with The Signal student newspaper.

“I am extremely pleased with the General Excellence Award for the 2019 Ouachitonian yearbook,” said Dr. Deborah Root, advisor for the Ouachitonian and professor of communications at Ouachita. “The book had a wonderful theme of telling the untold stories at Ouachita. From writing and design to photography and theme development, the staff did an excellent job of providing a look back at the year.”

“I’m so excited for Addy to win this award,” Root continued. “She had in her mind her goals for the book and worked to develop a theme and concept that was outstanding. Her leadership was amazing, and her professional approach to her responsibilities were admirable. She deserves this award for not only producing an outstanding yearbook, but for the leadership and process she provided for her staff.”

Of the 25 individual awards the Ouachitonian staff received, 17 were claimed by Goodman.

“Working on the Ouachitonian as editor-in-chief has been a childhood dream of mine,” Goodman said. “I used to read Ouachita yearbooks for fun as a child when my dad would bring them home from work. When I was given the job last year, I knew it was a job I was going to dedicate my year to, as it was a dream finally come true.

“The Ouachitonian is a tangible book of moments and relationships – Ouachita captured into a few pages,” she added. “I imagine my classmates opening up their yearbook years down the road to show their kids how precious life was here. I was so honored to play a part in that.”

For Dial, the 2020 ACMA conference marked his third consecutive year to receive the Website Editor of the Year award for The Signal.

“It’s a great honor to win an Editor of the Year award, but it’s unprecedented to win it for three consecutive years,” said Dr. Jeff Root, advisor for The Signal and dean of the School of Humanities. “Ethan transformed The Signal website his sophomore year, and he’s continued to upgrade it with fresh ideas for the past two years. He’s a tremendously talented young man, and we’re excited to see what he’ll achieve as an alumnus.”

“It was such a pleasure telling Ouachita’s stories, and some of my favorite moments were spent in the newsroom,” Dial said. “I’m so grateful that I was able to capture just a bit of Ouachita’s history and so proud of my staff who helped me accomplish a great newspaper.”

ACMA Ouachitonian staff awards include:

  • 1st place, Feature Layout for “Who’s Who” – Addy Goodman
  • 1st place, Layout-Organization/Greek for “Rush” – Addy Goodman
  • 1st place, Student Life Layout for “Tiger Serve Day” – Addy Goodman
  • 1st place, Sports Layout for “Men’s Basketball” – Addy Goodman
  • 1st place, Academics Writing for “Experience proven crucial, meaningful” – Gracen Goudy, a junior communications & media/communications studies major from Benton, Ark.
  • 1st place, Sports Writing for “Tigers march to conference championship undefeated” – Ben Swanger, a senior communications & media/sports media major from Forney, Texas
  • 2nd place, Sports Photo for “Wrestling dominant photo” – Alex Blankenship, a 2019 communications & media/communications studies graduate from Little Rock, Ark.
  • 2nd place, Layout-Organization/Greek for “Women of EEE” – Addy Goodman
  • 2nd place, Portrait Layout for “Junior Portraits” – Addy Goodman
  • 2nd place, Academics Writing for “Passion found in God’s calling” – Ashly Stracener, a senior communications & media/strategic communications and English double major from Cabot, Ark.
  • 2nd place, Feature Photo for “Catie Shirley” – Justin Trostle, a senior music industry major from El Dorado, Ark.
  • 3rd place, Cover for “Y1-Yearbook Cover” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Divider for “People Divider” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Closing for “Closing” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Endsheets for “Endsheets” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Feature Layout for “A Spirit of Diligence and Passion” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Academic Layout for “Fine Art Music” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Layout-Organization/Greek for “Men of Eta Alpha Omega” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Student Life Layout for “Tiger Tunes” – Addy Goodman
  • 3rd place, Sports Writing for “Lady Tigers prove talent on the court, forceful”– Ben Swanger, a senior communications & media/sports media major from Forney, Texas
  • Honorable Mention, Writing-Organization/Greek for “Hands on learning” – Caleb Byrd, a senior communications & media/integrated communications, political science and Spanish triple major from Little Rock, Ark.
  • Honorable Mention, Introduction Theme Page/Opening for “Untold Theme + Title Page” – Addy Goodman
  • Honorable Mention, Divider for “Student Life Divider” – Addy Goodman
  • Honorable Mention, Academic Layout for “Humanities” – Addy Goodman

ACMA Signal staff awards include:

  • 2nd place, Meeting/Speech for “Board of Trustees meets about strategic plans” – Sara Patterson, a junior English major from Wylie, Texas
  • 3rd place, Personality Profile for “Goodman and Tucker tackle Ouachita tradition” – Caity Hatchett, a junior history and communications & media/sports media major from Keithville, La.
  • 3rd place, Sports Feature for “Swoboda brothers celebrate in end zone” – Caity Hatchett, a junior history and communications & media/sports media major from Keithville, La.
  • 3rd place, Feature Writing for “Archer’s service uplifts Arkadelphia community”– Sara Patterson, a junior English major from Wylie, Texas
  • 3rd place, Feature Photo for “Addy Goodman and Selby Tucker” – Justin Trostle, a senior music industry major from El Dorado, Ark.

ACMA “Roar Rundown” staff awards include:

  • 1st place, Sports Reporting – Tiffany Lee, a 2019 mass communications graduate from Benton, Ark., and Josh Salim, a senior communications & media/sports media major from Dallas, Texas

Ouachita team wins two first place prizes and $30,000 in Arkansas Governor’s Cup business plan competition

Four Ouachita Baptist University seniors earned the top awards for undergraduates in the 20th annual Arkansas Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition for their plan, ImmunoSense. Ouachita seniors Olivia Brown, Savannah Edwards, Brandon Matros and Sheldon McCown and their faculty advisor, Dr. Blake Johnson, won first place in the overall undergraduate division as well as the undergraduate innovation award.

Two young men and two young women pose for a photograph
(From left) Ouachita students Brandon Matros, Savannah Edwards, Olivia Brown and Sheldon McCown

“We’ve been competing in the Governor’s Cup for 11 years, and we’ve placed in the top three several times – including third place last year and second place the year before – but this is our first year to win the undergraduate category. So we couldn’t be happier,” said Bryan McKinney, dean of Ouachita’s Hickingbotham School of Business. “And for ImmunoSense, I think this absolutely legitimizes their business plan.”

More than 90 students on 38 teams from 9 universities across Arkansas competed in this year’s Governor’s Cup in undergraduate and graduate divisions. The final awards were announced via livestream on Thursday, April 9. The Ouachita team won a total of $32,000 in prize money – $25,000 for the first-place overall win in the Simmons Bank undergraduate division, $5,000 as the undergraduate team winner in the Innovate Arkansas and Winrock Automotive Innovation Division and $2,000 for the faculty advisor.

ImmunoSense proposes a diagnostics company specializing in the early detection of Type 1 Diabetes via noninvasive tests. Brown is a senior biology major from North Little Rock, Ark.; Edwards is a senior biomedical sciences major from Searcy, Ark.; Matros is a senior finance major from Arkadelphia, Ark.; and McCown is a senior biology major from Nacogdoches, Texas. The team was advised by Dr. Blake Johnson, Ouachita assistant professor of biology.

“This accomplishment is more evidence that Ouachita’s focus on high-impact learning, which explains our high graduation rate and high job and graduate school placement rates, also prepares students to compete academically at the highest level,” said Ouachita President Dr. Ben Sells.

“This win should give our students the confidence that they can compete with the best,” McKinney continued. “Frank Hickingbotham – for whom Ouachita’s School of Business is named – said this in an email of congratulations to the team: ‘Like Roger Bannister, when he broke the four-minute mile run, you have proven that first place can be achieved and set a standard for all to reach who follow in the years ahead.’”

“This was such a great win for our team and for Ouachita,” Matros said. “Ouachita has consistently placed amazing business plans in this competition, but none of them had ever won. It is an honor to be the first team to win first place overall.”

Soon after entering the Governor’s Cup Competition, the ImmunoSense team learned they had placed in the top 12 teams. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had to adapt in order to present remotely. They then competed in the first round of the competition on March 19, then again on March 20 in the final round of the overall competition and as one of three finalists in the innovation division.

“Thankfully, due to the hard working team at the Arkansas Capital Corporation, these presentations still took place despite the virus, and our team was able to present remotely from Arkansas, Texas and Florida,” McCown said. “All four of us agree that entering these business plan competitions has been one of the most beneficial and memorable experiences of our senior year.”

Each year, the Governor’s Cup is presented by Arkansas Capital Corp. of Little Rock and encourages student entrepreneurs from around Arkansas to build a business plan that brings a competitive product to market. Team members are required to have management positions in the company, and teams are judged according to identification of problems in the marketplace, how their business ideas will solve them, demonstrations of customer discovery, identification of potential competitors and possible risks to the business, among other things.

Before entering the Governor’s Cup Competition, the ImmunoSense team first presented their plan in the fall of 2019 during Ouachita’s 11th annual OBU Business Plan Competition, which is modeled after the Governor’s Cup. There, the team placed first and received a $4,000 cash prize.

The OBU Business Plan Competition, hosted by the Hickingbotham School of Business, encourages Ouachita students of all majors to submit their ideas and business proposals for cash prizes.

“We began our competition with a desire to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship across campus,” McKinney said. “That’s exactly what happened this year with ImmunoSense. They were a team of science students advised by a biology professor, and then they integrated a senior finance student to assist with the business elements of the plan.”

According to McCown, the idea for the ImmunoSense business plan was a result of an assignment in histology class “where our professor and advisor, Dr. Blake Johnson, encouraged us to design a product or service that could improve the diagnostic process for a disease or other healthcare issue.”

“Having a solid grasp on the scientific and technical components needed to propel their product, the team then began focusing on the business-related items necessary to launch their product,” said Johnson. “This victory highlights the need for emerging technologies across difficult-to-diagnose disorders, while also proving that classroom concepts can lead to successful business applications that are capable of instilling a spirit of entrepreneurship among the next generation of business leaders.”

“Given the times in which we live, it’s noteworthy that the Ouachita team combines business and science students with a focus on public health,” Sells added. “I’m so proud of our students and Dr. Johnson.”

Ouachita appoints alumnus Larry Grayson as chair of the Department of Worship Arts

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts has appointed alumnus Larry Grayson as chair of the Department of Worship Arts and instructor of music. Originally from Camden, Ark., Grayson previously served 10 years as music and worship consultant for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) in Little Rock, Ark.

Photograph of man wearing glasses and dress shirt
Larry Grayson

“We are delighted that Larry Grayson will be joining Ouachita to provide leadership for our worship arts program,” said Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs. “Our students will benefit from his depth of ministry experience, strong teaching record and extensive network of relationships with churches and worship pastors. He will be a tremendous asset as he models for our students the qualities most needed by churches and other ministry partners.”

As chair of the Department of Worship Arts, Grayson will serve on Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts committees as well as recruit prospective students for the Worship Arts Program and advise those who choose the major. Grayson also will teach the department’s worship arts courses and oversee worship arts internships and senior worship projects.

“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Grayson join our music faculty at Ouachita,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of the School of Fine Arts and director of choral activities. “He will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership in the field of worship arts. While serving the Arkansas Baptist State Convention for 10 years, Larry has formed a positive relationship with the worship pastors in the state of Arkansas and the state music consultants in the Southern Baptist Convention.

“Larry also has been teaching as an adjunct professor for the past few years and knows our students,” Gerber added.

Since 2010, Grayson has served as music and worship consultant for the ABSC, coordinating PraiseWorks and JoyWorks worship arts camps for youth and children, directing the Master’Singers statewide worship choir (including leading two mission trips with the choir to Ukraine) and building camaraderie among worship pastors through RoundTable events, among other responsibilities.

“It has truly been an honor serving Arkansas Baptists in this role, and it has been a ministry opportunity beyond what I ever dreamed,” Grayson said. “While serving at the ABSC, the constant conversation has been the shortage of trained worship leaders to serve our churches. Now, I have an incredible opportunity to pour my life into the students at Ouachita through instruction, shared experiences and meaningful conversations to meet that need.

“My heart’s desire is that every student who leaves Ouachita with a Worship Arts degree will be fully equipped to walk into any church – any style, any size – and lead in authentic, biblical worship. I am truly honored by this opportunity,” he added.

Grayson has served churches in Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina and Texas, including leading worship choir, orchestra, contemporary worship and student choirs and engaging in mission trips across the U.S. His longest tenure was serving as worship pastor for First Baptist Church of Lewisville, Texas, for 13 years.

Grayson graduated from Ouachita in 1975 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and from Samford University in 1987 with a Master of Music Education degree. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Ouachita students earn nine finalist honors in state NATS competition

Seven Ouachita Baptist University music students earned nine finalist honors at the 2020 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition. Over 170 students from colleges throughout Arkansas competed for a place in the final round of auditions, which were held at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., earlier this semester. Of those competing, 25 Ouachita students earned finalist or semifinalist honors.

The competition is judged by member teachers of the Arkansas Chapter of NATS. They evaluate the technical proficiency, interpretive skill and overall artistry of each singer and provide written critiques and feedback. Following the preliminary round, students advance through a semi-final round and then, depending on their scores, a final round. Finalists are awarded first through fifth place or receive an honorable mention.

“Our students who participate in state and regional NATS conferences most always achieve a higher level of singing than their counterparts,” said Dr. Jon Secrest, Addie Mae Maddox Professor of Music and coordinator of Ouachita’s vocal studies program. “They are exposed to many different singers during this event by attending recitals, master classes and observation of the final round of competition. These elements of the experience teach them so much about what to do, and what not to do, in their own performances.

“Ouachita continues to enjoy a strong representation of singers in the finals each year and affirms the work ethic of our students, as well as the investment of time and talent put forth by our faculty,” Secrest added.

NATS auditions provide students with an opportunity to receive professional critiques, audition experience and cash awards.

“The judges and other students have taught me a lot about the art of singing and performing, and it’s inspired me to see how hard students work for what they love,” said Chaney Campbell, a freshman musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark. Campbell was named a finalist and earned second place in the lower college music theatre women division.

“This competition is an opportunity to perform and share what I love to do with others,” said Kinsey Potts, a sophomore musical theatre from Wylie, Texas. Potts was named a finalist and earned third place in the lower college music theatre women division. “I was very proud of myself for it being my first time to make all the way to finals.”

The following are finalists from Ouachita, listed in order of hometown:

Allen, Texas – Logan Dooley, a junior musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned third place in the junior men division and fourth place in the upper college music theatre men division.

Arlington, Texas – Bonnie Gentry, a senior musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned third place in the upper college music theatre women division.

Rogers, Ark. – Chaney Campbell, a freshman musical theatre student of Dr. Glenda Secrest, earned second place in the lower college music theatre women division.

Siloam Springs, Ark. – Payton Hickman, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned second place in the sophomore men division and was a semifinalist in the lower college music theatre men division.

Waxahachie, Texas – Sammy Campione, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned second place in the lower college music theatre men division.

Wylie, Texas – Clay Mobley, a senior music industry student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned first place in the senior men division and second place in the upper college music theatre men division. Kinsey Potts, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, earned third place in the lower college music theatre women division.

Other Ouachita students named semifinalists, in order of hometown, include:

Alexander, Ark. – Hannah Adair, a junior musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the upper college music theatre women division.

Benton, Ark. – Briana Penn, a junior music and choral education student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the junior women division.

Cabot, Ark. – Elizabeth Ring, a junior musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the junior women division.

Caraway, Ark. – Karlee Sanders, a sophomore choral music education student of John Alec Briggs, was a semifinalist in the sophomore women division.

Cleveland, Texas – Hannah Gothard, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, was a semifinalist in the sophomore women and lower college music theatre women divisions.

Conway, Ark. – Abby Shourd, a junior choral music education student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the junior women division and upper college music theatre women divisions.

Fort Smith, Ark. – Eryn Riley, a freshman choral music education student of Dr. Natilan Crutcher, was a semifinalist in the freshman women division.

Greenwood, Ark. – Alex Marrin, a senior musical theatre student of Dr. Glenda Secrest, was a semifinalist in the upper college music theatre men division.

Little Rock, Ark. – Mallory Cain, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the lower college music theatre women division.

Plano, Texas – Paige Price, a junior musical theatre student of Dr. Jon Secrest, was a semifinalist in the upper college music theatre women division.

Prattsville, Ark. – Anna Holiman, a freshman music and choral education student of Dr. Jon Secrest, was a semifinalist in the freshman women division.

Rose Hill, Kan. – Carlin Campbell, a junior musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the upper college music theatre men division.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Keren Fernandez, a sophomore music student of Dr. Jon Secrest, was a semifinalist in the sophomore women division.

Sheridan, Ark. – Madeline Martin, a junior musical theatre and communications & media/multimedia journalism student of Dr. Jon Secrest, was a semifinalist in the upper college music theatre women division.

Texarkana, Ark. – Makenna Schaeffer, a sophomore musical theatre student of Dr. Margaret Garret, was a semifinalist in the lower college music theatre women division.

White Hall, Ark. – Clara Taylor, a sophomore choral music education student of Dr. Margaret Garrett, was a semifinalist in the sophomore women division.

Wichita, Kan. – Hailey Smith, a junior musical theatre student of John Alec Briggs, was a semifinalist in the lower college music theatre women division.

Ouachita’s collaborative pianists for the competition included Kristen La Madrid, Susan Monroe and Phyllis Walker.

For more information, contact Dr. Jon Secrest at secrestj@obu.edu or (870) 245-5134.

Ouachita students Alexander, Slone receive “Best Delegate” awards at Midwest Model U.N.

Ouachita Baptist University students Cole Alexander and Rylie Slone were recognized with “Best Delegate” awards for their representation at the 60th annual Midwest Model United Nations Conference, which was held in St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 19-22. Alexander and Slone, along with Ouachita’s other four delegates in attendance, represented Italy in this Model U.N. simulation, which assembled hundreds of student delegates from approximately 40 colleges and universities.

Alexander, a senior political science and business administration double major from Forney, Texas, was one of three recognized among 12 delegates for his representation on the Food and Agricultural Committee. Slone, a senior political science and Christian studies/Christian missions double major from Bella Vista, Ark., was one of two recognized among 15 delegates for her representation on the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Both Alexander and Slone also received two of four “Honorable Mention” awards among 30 delegates for their representation on the Economic and Social Council Plenary.

Rylie Slone

Additionally, Ouachita’s Spencer Worth, a junior political science major from Cabot, Ark., received one of six “Honorable Mention” awards among 50 delegates for his representation in the General Assembly.

“This was perhaps the best delegation that I have had in my 23 years of taking students to the Midwest Model United Nations,” said Dr. Kevin Brennan, Ouachita professor of political science. “All six of Ouachita’s student delegates performed very well.”

Other Ouachita delegates included Jaime Bunting, a senior political science and social justice studies double major from Germantown, Md.; Caleb Byrd, a senior communications & media/integrated communications, political science and Spanish triple major from Little Rock, Ark.; and Donovan Kelly, a senior political science major from Arkadelphia, Ark.

“The Model U.N. experience is very hectic, yet invigorating,” Alexander said. “My favorite part of the week was getting to meet new people – some from the other side of the world.

Spencer Worth

“It always feels great to be recognized after putting in so much hard work in the class,” he continued. “Dr. Brennan does a great job preparing our delegates to perform even in the midst of schools whose Model U.N. delegations are the main focus of their extracurricular activities.”

For Slone, who was attending Model U.N. for the first time, “it was really special to win a couple of awards,” she said, adding, “to be recognized among the masses was very humbling.”

“I definitely learned a lot more about diplomacy, and specifically how consensus and compromise really shapes the way our world cooperates in harmony,” Slone said. “The experience was very rewarding. I learned a lot as to what diplomacy looks like in practice.”

Midwest Model U.N. is an all-college simulation which provides students with the opportunity to practice politics and other skills through the role of acting as a diplomat. At Ouachita, students enroll in a three-hour course in order to learn how the United Nations functions and about the country they will represent, focusing specifically on both the country’s foreign policies and domestic politics. Each student delegate then serves on a different committee when they attend the simulation to discuss different topics and advocates for policies to include in resolutions that would accurately support their country’s interests.

“This is what is now known as active learning,” Brennan said. “It is another method of education in addition to traditional ways of learning. It teaches the skills of other kinds of government officials, such as legislators. Students learn deal-making and public speaking skills used in business, law and other fields, as well. Thus, it is not just for students who like politics.”

“The impact of this experience, personally, is primarily opening my eyes to the varied perspectives and interests of the different countries around the world,” Alexander said. “I feel that Model U.N. works to educate participants about countries outside the U.S. Delegates must open the horizons of their worldviews to accept differing perspectives, forcing delegates to represent some perspectives that may be the antithesis of what they might personally agree with.”

Ouachita reports second consecutive 99% career outcomes rate for graduates

Ouachita Baptist University reported yet another graduating class found success in their post-graduate pursuits as 99% of the 2019 graduating class currently is employed or furthering their education. The number also exceeds the most recent national average of 93% for colleges and universities.

“This outstanding statistic is reflective of many years of hard work by our students and the faculty and staff who prepare them for the next step after Ouachita,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “Ouachita is the #1 ‘Best Value’ college in Arkansas, according to Niche.com. This is further evidence that Ouachita provides true value to its students.”

This is the second consecutive year Ouachita’s student career outcomes rate has exceeded the national average reported by the National Association for Continuing Education (NACE). Last year, Ouachita’s 99% placement rate surpassed the national average by 15%.

The “career outcomes rate” – often called a placement rate – is the percentage of graduates who are working full or part-time or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.

“I am extremely proud of our graduates and will continue to strengthen key partnerships with employers who are eager to hire our students because they demonstrate high levels of performance and strong principles,” said Rachel Roberts, Ouachita’s director of career and calling.

Ouachita’s student career outcomes rate is based on its First Destination Survey, which follows the standard established in the annual data collection by NACE each year.

Of the 330 Ouachita graduates who were contacted, 83% completed the survey compared to a national knowledge rate of 75%. Nearly a third of Ouachita’s most recent class of graduates, 30.9%, are attending graduate or professional school.

Ouachita Baptist University students win 11th annual Ouachita Business Plan Competition

Photograph of five college students
(From left) Brandon Matros, Allie Studdard, Savannah Edwards, Olivia Brown and Sheldon McCown received first place in the 2019 OBU Business Plan Competition on Dec. 5 for their business proposal ImmunoSense. The team was advised by Ouachita’s Dr. Blake Johnson. Photo by Bryan McKinney.

Ouachita Baptist University students Olivia Brown, Savannah Edwards, Brandon Matros, Sheldon McCown and Allison Studdard received first place and a $4,000 cash prize for their business proposal, ImmunoSense, during the 11th annual OBU Business Plan Competition held Thursday, Dec. 5. The competition, hosted by the Hickingbotham School of Business, allows students from various disciplines to present their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of business professionals for evaluation and cash prizes.

“We started this competition over ten years ago in hopes of infusing the campus with a spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Bryan McKinney, dean of the Hickingbotham School of Business. “The results of this year’s competition are satisfying because teams from across campus thrived.”

Brown is a senior biology major from North Little Rock, Ark.; Edwards is a senior biomedical sciences major from Searcy, Ark.; Matros is a senior finance major from Arkadelphia, Ark.: McCown is a senior biology major from Nacogdoches, Texas; and Studdard is a senior biomedical sciences major from Benton, Ark. The ImmunoSense team was advised by Dr. Blake Johnson, Ouachita assistant professor of biology.

According to McCown, ImmunoSense was the result of a class project. In his histology class, Dr. Johnson challenged students to create a test that would fill a current gap in the medical field.

“Type 1 Diabetes is a growing issue, and there is currently a lack of early detection tools, so we began looking for ways to create an early detection test,” McCown said. “Our test detects the auto-antibodies that cause a patient’s own immune system to attack the pancreas; these auto-antibodies are present in the body years before the disease reaches dangerous stages. Current tests detect the disease once the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas have already been destroyed, but our test allows for detection of Type 1 Diabetes in its beginning stages, prior to pancreatic destruction.

“We are extremely excited to have won the competition,” McCown continued. “We have all worked extremely hard in developing this business plan, and it’s encouraging to have our work pay off.”

“I always look forward to these Business Plan Competitions,” McKinney said. “The academic theory students are learning in class integrates with real-world application, and it’s a tremendous experience for all of us. … And, I think the judges enjoy coming back to campus and sharing wisdom with our students.”

TailGame earned second place in the competition. TailGame, which proposes saving tailgaters both the time and hassle of setting up and tearing down before and after a sporting event, was presented by Josh Lantzsch, a senior finance and business administration/entrepreneurship major from Rogers, Ark., and Spencer Sutterfield, a senior business administration/management major from Greenbrier, Ark. They were advised by Ouachita’s Dr. Justin Keeler, assistant professor of business administration, and received a $3,000 cash prize.

The OBU Business Competition is “one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had,” said Lantzsch, who also competed and placed in the 2018 event. “It’s a fun way to make money, but especially to gain experience talking to companies and getting their feedback on your idea.

“Winning second with TailGame was icing on the cake because, for me, it’s more about the experience,” he said.

Michael Neathery, a senior biology major from San Antonio, Texas; Beau Pennington, a junior biomedical sciences major from Bee Branch, Ark.; Tyler Riebock, a junior biology major from Rockwall, Texas; Catie Shirley, a senior biology major from Wylie, Texas; and Kyla Soden, a senior biology major from Cabot, Ark.; received third place for their business proposal, Kainos Diagnostics. They also were advised by Dr. Blake Johnson and received a $2,000 cash prize.

Kainos Diagnostics develops inexpensive tests for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that revolutionizes treatment and improves the overall quality of life for those diagnosed.

“We are developing the miMEMORY test, a blood test for the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease,” Neathery said. “This test could be implemented in annual adult check-ups to help physicians diagnose Alzheimer’s in their patients before symptoms of the disease set in. … As we looked at peer-reviewed, published research on the detection of Alzheimer’s, we found that early detection of Alzheimer’s via a blood test is possible and would be extremely convenient and helpful in medicine today.

“Winning third place in the 2019 Business Plan Competition was a great feeling, not only because it validated how important our idea is and the value of a product like this in the current market, but because it gives us the chance to continue promoting and refining Kainos Diagnostics and the miMEMORY test,” he continued.

These three teams will advance to compete against the winners of Henderson State University’s competition during the OBU/HSU Business Plan Competition, which will take place in February 2020.

Ouachita’s Business Plan Competition is open to students from any discipline. Students are advised by faculty as they develop and practice the presentation of their business plan.

In recent years, Ouachita students also have competed and placed in the statewide Governor’s Cup Business Competition, the same competition that Ouachita’s is modeled after.

Ouachita’s Jon Merryman appointed Council for Christian Colleges and Universities alumni affairs commissioner

Jon Merryman

Jon Merryman, Ouachita Baptist University’s director of alumni relations and the Ouachita Student Foundation, recently was appointed as a commissioner to the Alumni Affairs Directors Group with the national Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Merryman is one of seven directors from the U.S. and Canada appointed to the group by the president of CCCU, Shirley Hoogstra.

According to the CCCU website, the organization is a global higher education association based in Washington, D.C., with the mission to protect and advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. There are more than 180 Christian institutions around the world that are a part of the organization, including Ouachita. In addition, there are approximately 3.6 million CCCU alumni.

“What we do at Ouachita, and the way we do it, matters,” Merryman said. “Our students matter. Our alumni out there making a difference matter. In the CCCU, we are not alone but stronger together championing each other as we continue our work in Christian higher education.”

To fulfill its mission and meet current needs of its member institutions, CCCU staff and commissioners provide services for administrators, faculty and students in three strategic areas: public advocacy, professional development and scholarship and experiential education.

As a commissioner of the Alumni Affairs Directors Group, Merryman will serve a three-year term as a volunteer to advise the CCCU president and staff in alumni relations, as well as organize the annual Advancement, Alumni Affairs, Communications and Enrollment Conference.

“Jon is an innovative and creative leader who has devoted many years of service to his alma mater, Ouachita,” said Keldon Henley, Ouachita’s vice president for institutional advancement and chief of staff. “Being named to this national leadership group is a well-deserved honor for Jon, and it will allow other Christian colleges and universities to benefit from his extensive experience and knowledge, as well.”

Merryman will serve alongside colleagues from Houghton College, Messiah College, Lipscomb University, Bethel University, Concordia University and Point Loma Nazarene University.

“My supervisors throughout my time at Ouachita have always encouraged me to pursue professional development and have given me everything I need to serve Ouachita in alumni relations and the Ouachita Student Foundation,” Merryman continued. “Being recognized for the work I do in my field is an honor, and I look forward to serving the CCCU during my term on the commission.”