Engineering Q&A

We sat down with Dr. Norm Pumphrey, one of the professors in our physics and engineering department, to talk about what he’s excited about in the engineering program.

5 tips to make acquiring career experience less overwhelming

Whether you are a senior in high school or about to graduate from college, it is never a bad idea to gain job experience. Most professional careers require employees to have some – if not significant – experience in their chosen field in order to be hired.

Ouachita baseball's Carter Wade on playing college sports: "It doesn't matter what division you are in"

In choosing a college to further his education and baseball career, Carter Wade, a senior accounting major from Little Rock, Ark., first decided to attend a Division I university. After a year of playing baseball at another Arkansas university, Wade said knew he was meant to attend Ouachita.

Telling your COVID story: A message from the university archivist

72 weeks. 504 days. 12,096 hours. The amount of time since COVID-19 quickly and dramatically changed life at Ouachita in the spring semester of 2021. We all have very clear memories of the week ending March 13. As the semester winds to a close at Ouachita, I ask for your help in documenting COVID-19 at Ouachita.

5 tips to get ahead if you plan to study two (or three!) college majors

If you are scanning the multiple academic schools and academic programs offered at Ouachita, you are likely to come across several that may pique your interest. You probably have several passions and talents already, so declaring one major over another may be a difficult challenge. Thankfully, having more than one major is an option!

Why it's okay to change your major, and how Ouachita makes it easy

The beauty of your freshman year is that you will take your first college-level courses and will likely have time in your schedule to take an elective or two in your area of interest. But something that is important to consider is: Will your college be supportive of you being unsure about your major, or if you do decide to change majors?

Why you should choose a college that supports your dreams

“You’ll never find a job. You’ll have to forge your own connections, which are hard to make in that world.” As a young senior in high school in search of where I would spend the next four years of my life, these weren’t the words I was expecting to hear from my potential professors and deans about my wanting to study English.

Any advice for someone who doesn't know what to study in college? #askingforafriend

If you’re about to head off to college, there’s lots to be excited about: new friends, new experiences and new opportunities to pursue your dreams. But, on the flip side, you might be panicking about what classes you should take, or what in the world you want to major in!

Top apps for college students

There are so many great apps out there designed to help your life in one way or the other, but it can be overwhelming to find them. Where do you even start? Here are some apps I’ve found helpful as a college student!

How do I not stress out about a campus tour? #askingforafriend

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: college hunting season! For some, this time is filled with excitement and joy. For others, it is a little scary and overwhelming, or a mixture of both! Below are six tips that may answer a few questions you have and give you confidence in becoming a college tourist.

Return to Sundance

Every other spring, Dr. Rebecca Jones, professor of communications at Ouachita, takes a group of students from the OBU at Sundance class to Park City, Utah, to experience the Sundance Film Festival. This was the first year for the trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jones and 12 students – some of whom experienced Sundance virtually in 2021 – spent Jan. 22-27 in Utah participating in the festival.

From the "Ouachitonian": Kellen Church

At the age of five, a young girl established a love for a sport that would impact her for the rest of her life. Years following, a love for another sport blossomed, leading her to play two sports throughout her life.

Attending a college that loves you back: A Ouachita senior's reflections

“Why did you want to go to college at Ouachita? Didn’t you want to get out of your hometown?” I have been asked these questions frequently since I stepped on to campus as a freshman in 2017. To me, not going to Ouachita had never been an option. For as long as I can remember, Ouachita was the next step, and it couldn’t get here soon enough.

How to improve your mental health, coping skills while in college

Everyone learns to cope, regardless of their situation in life, in ways that are healthy and unhealthy. For many young adults, college is a time when stress levels run high, sleep patterns are inconsistent and having one-too-many cups of coffee and stress eating – among other things – are common aids students use to keep themselves going. While this is often considered normal, the college years are a pivotal time for learning how to cope well in the adult world.

Fearful of going back to school? 3 reasons you can earn a degree online

Students working to earn a degree online are making the choice to envision a new future, and that can feel scary! But while it may take courage to make the jump to going back to school, it doesn’t have to feel like leaping without a parachute. Here are three reasons why you can earn an online degree.

Raising scientists: Patterson School students benefit from undergraduate research

Research is a defining aspect of a science education, and Ouachita Baptist University’s J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences encourages its students to gain research experience at the undergraduate level in a variety of ways. Looking back on my own research experiences, I have great appreciation for the opportunities I had through the Patterson School.

Top study spots on Ouachita's campus

Studying can sometimes be stressful and distracting, especially in the wrong study places. Since Ouachita has many places to choose from, there is a place for every student to feel comfortable and motivated to work.

All the wiser: Making good choices in our search for happiness

As we begin a new semester, I want to share a brief reflection on this year’s theme, taken from our mission statement, “intellectual and spiritual growth.” Here's what I've been reflecting on: How do we make choices that will help us become the person God intends us to be?

When I grow up: How my passions inspired me to study political science

What do you want to be when you grow up? The question we have all been asked. As a child, this question allows you to dream. You could be a rock star, an astronaut or maybe even the president of the United States! When you are asked this question going into college, the reality may be very different.

Why Read C. S. Lewis?: Literature both sweet and useful

Like so many readers, I first encountered C. S. Lewis’ books as a child: one summer, I stashed a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia in my suitcase before a family vacation and, after staying up far later than I should’ve to discover how Shasta and Bree, Aravis and Hwin would end their adventures in The Horse and His Boy, I devoured the rest of the series in days.