Defining Ouachita Baptist University
Gov. Mike Huckabee is one of several "Difference Makers" featured by the university.
An increasing number of news stories and blogs these days refer to the educational background of Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Some even mention his alma mater, Ouachita Baptist University, but few seem to know much about the university located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, some 40 miles north of his hometown of Hope.
Over the years, university officials have been accustomed to having to teach people how to pronounce Ouachita (wash-i-taw), but lately they have felt compelled to point out a few important facts for the uninformed.
“U. S. News and World Report knows who we are,” said Ouachita president Dr. Rex M. Horne, Jr., referring to the school’s number one ranking for academic quality among Baccalaureate Colleges in the South in the 2008 edition of the magazine’s college guide. Ouachita has been ranked in the top ten in its category for years and rose to the number one ranking recently.
“What many don’t realize,” Horne added, “is that Ouachita has been educating young men and women in this part of the country since 1886. The university has a long history of providing an excellent liberal arts education and challenging students to be difference makers in our world.” Ouachita is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Its enrollment of about 1,450 represents 32 states and 49 foreign countries. Students may participate in international study opportunities through study tours to Europe and China and in exchange programs with institutions in 11 countries. (Additional information on Ouachita's accreditation is available at www.obu.edu/about/accreditation.asp)
According to Horne, some reference to Huckabee's education fail to point out that a degree from Ouachita represents a broad program of general education, as well as a focus on an academic major. All students at Ouachita are required to complete a core curriculum of some 55 semester hours “designed to foster intellectual inquiry and a breadth of knowledge.”
Ouachita students may choose from nearly 40 undergraduate majors and numerous pre-professional programs. In addition to liberal arts fields, majors are offered in accredited programs in business, dietetics and nutrition, teacher education, music, and athletic training education. The school also is noted for its programs leading to careers in health-related fields from medicine to speech pathology. (Additional information about Ouachita's academic programs is available at www.obu.edu/academics/ )
The university was founded by Arkansas Baptist leaders and has remained true to its Christian emphasis. It has been the choice of many students interested in Christian studies and ministry. Graduates of its programs in Christian studies continue to be leaders in ministry, missions, and theological instruction in colleges and seminaries.
President Horne added, “We are thankful for the attention Ouachita has received as one of our most illustrious alumni, Governor Huckabee, speaks proudly of his alma mater.”
by Phil Hardin
web published on 12/19/2007 3:51:24 PM