By Felley Lawson
May 4, 2023
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Ouachita Baptist University will host its 136th Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 13, at 9:30 a.m. on the front lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall. The ceremony will honor more than 400 graduates, including awarding the university’s first Master of Science in Education degrees in curriculum & instruction.
Others recognized include those who have earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, as well as Master of Science degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates for Dietetic Internship. Graduates recognized will include students who completed their degree requirements in August 2022, December 2022 and May 2023.
Commencement exercises will be led by Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, who will also serve as Commencement speaker. Dr. Jim Files, associate professor of accounting and chair of the university committee, will serve as Commencement marshal. Honorary marshals include Janice Ford, professor emerita of library services; Dr. Ray Franklin, professor emeritus of Christian missions; Dr. Timothy E. Hayes, professor emeritus of chemistry; and Dr. Michael E. Reynolds, professor emeritus of kinesiology.
Senior Class President Kallen Smith, a biomedical sciences major from Jonesboro, Ark., will deliver the invocation. Ouachita’s vision and mission will be read by Lori Motl, director of admissions counseling, and Dr. Rickey Rogers, vice president for student development.
Scripture will be read by Mason Campbell, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Hinton, W.V.; Ashton Hurst, a psychology and Christian studies/biblical studies & theology double major from Van Buren, Ark.; Alex Moore, a philosophy & English double major from Gulfport, Miss.; Angela Staats, a Christian studies/Christian missions major from Oklahoma City, Okla.; Hannah Tullos, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Paris, Texas; and Wade Wilson, a Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Springdale, Ark. All are students in the Pruet School of Christian Studies.
Singing of the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and of Ouachita’s alma mater will be led by Dr. Joshua Brown, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, and accompanied by the Wind Ensemble. Dr. Deborah Root, professor and chair of the Rogers Department of Communications and director of assessment and institutional research, will share distinctive data about the Class of 2023.
Following Sells’ remarks, candidates for graduation will be presented by Dr. Justin Hardin, vice president for academic affairs. Sells will confer degrees upon graduates, recognize those with military commissions and present an honorary degree to the family of Clark Yarbrough, a senior from Rowlett, Texas, who died unexpectedly in the fall.
Dr. Jeremy Greer, dean of the Pruet School, will lead a responsive reading, and a prayer of dedication will be offered by Scott Street, chair of Ouachita’s Board of Trustees and CEO of Pediatrics Plus.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Cliff Harris Stadium. The event will be streamed live online at obu.edu/graduation-live. Find out more about Commencement 2023 at obu.edu/graduation.