Crafting a kinder society: Getting started with social justice studies

This summer, millions of Americans and people from dozens of countries posted to social media, marched, and signed petitions against systematic racism. From the vantage point of a historian of social change, this is staggering.

Introducing Patterson School of Natural Sciences Blogger Savannah Stacks

My name is Savannah Stacks, and I am a recent honors graduate of Ouachita Baptist University. I spent my three years of college immersed in the Patterson School of Natural Sciences, where I was not only given the best biology education but also cherished memories and relationships.

"Hamilton" reminds us who we are and what challenges remain

"History has its eyes on you." – These potent words, among many others, took the Broadway musical world and the nation by storm in 2015, when creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda dropped "Hamilton" on an unsuspecting public.

Grasping a unique opportunity: Ouachita honor students Zoom with "The Good Place" actress D'Arcy Carden

The ending of this spring semester was anything but a typical Ouachita finals week. Instead of studying with friends and late night cinnamon rolls in the caf, students were preparing for tests from their childhood bedrooms and chatting with classmates over Zoom.

A letter to parents of 2020 high school grads

What a challenging season we are in as parents of a 2020 high school senior. I have struggled with the loss of so many highly anticipated moments. Have you?

Contagious compassion and joy: Silver linings in the storm of COVID-19

It sometimes takes a good rainstorm to better appreciate the sunshine. There I was sitting in my 11 o’clock class on a Tuesday morning, just like normal. My professor walks in and first thing out of his mouth is, “What do y’all think are the chances of Ouachita going online right now?” That was the first time I thought this virus would actually affect Ouachita.

Struggling with motivation? Here are tips to help you

Struggling with motivation? Here are some tips from university counselor Dan Jarboe to help you.

One day at a time: How through-hiking the Appalachian Trail taught me to navigate the unpredictable

During my senior fall semester at Ouachita, I took a backpacking class with Shane Seaton, director of Ouachita RecLife. I also liked to hike quite a bit at Iron Mountain out by Lake DeGray, which is not far from Ouachita’s campus.

CM's Weekly Recommendations (4/14)

Each week during our spring semester away from campus, CM will share some different resources that you can use to seek to grow in faith.

Reflections on Psalm 46: Stand empty

To finish the Psalm, God himself speaks. Is he speaking to the nations or to his people? It’s hard to tell exactly, but it seems to apply to both. In fact, God might just be speaking to all of creation, reminding us and them and the whole world that he alone is God!

Nursing students are first to advance in dual enrollment program

This fall, 15 Ouachita students are the first to move into the dual enrollment portion of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and will be studying at Baptist Health College Little Rock. The recent partnership between our institutions addresses the shortage of nurses in the state of Arkansas.

Facing this moment in history: Why your response matters

My – and perhaps your – experience with the pandemic has been fairly positive so far. But this has not been the case for everyone. Whether you are wanting to maximize this time or struggling with your experiences, I humbly offer the following words of encouragement and challenge.

What does the Bible say about race?

Any serious biblical study of race or ethnicity should start in Genesis 1. The Bible does not start off with the creation of a special or privileged race of people. When the first human being is created he is simply called Adam, which is Hebrew for “humankind.”

Beyond #blackouttuesday: Practical things you can do to take a stand against racial injustice.

Some are bursting out their door to their local peaceful protest and checking in on their friends and family of color. Some are watching, realizing what they see is brutally wrong but have no clue of what to say.

A complementary career: How nutrition & dietetics pairs perfectly with a love for community

I didn’t think I’d still be here. Arkadelphia, that is. When I decided to go to school at Ouachita, I thought I’d spend four years here getting my undergraduate and leave for bigger and better things. It felt like almost anywhere was bigger than Arkadelphia, and if the place was so small, it couldn’t be that great. I was wrong.

Thinking of lasts and greats

Senior spring semester is known to be a time of lasts and greats. Last spring break trip, last spring fling, last trip to the lake, last sleepovers with all your friends and final goodbyes. This departure was inevitable. Due to spread of COVID-19 we had to say our goodbyes early. Yes, it is a disappointing time; however, there is much to learn in this season.

CM's Weekly Recommendations (4/20)

Each week during our spring semester away from campus, CM will share some different resources that you can use to seek to grow in faith.

"Prepare me to leave": Prayers for Ouachita, my old friend

I’ve started this post a few times in my head now, and I just cannot seem to find the words. There is so much I feel as if I should say. I could talk about the people I came to know and love these past four years, my roommates, teachers, and friends.

Reflections on Psalm 46: Final thoughts

We will have times of trouble; of that we can be sure. We live in a broken, sinful world. We’re in the middle of a tough trial now with this coronavirus pandemic. But God has not left us alone. He is speaking to us profoundly in Psalm 46:1-11.

Reflections on Psalm 46: Come, see the works of the Lord

We are invited to “come and see” the works of the Lord. Look at what the Lord has done and is doing. Never a bad thing. Sometimes we see the Lord’s works made visible in our world, and at other times we see with the eyes of faith his deep work in the hearts of people.