Ouachita Stories

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with my cohort for Ouachita's MBA program — and it was unforgettable.

Breaking the Ice on the Snake River

Our scenic float trip down the Snake River started rough. The wind was bitterly cold, and we huddled in the bottom of the boat for warmth. As we passed a goose floating across the water, I made a corny joke: "I bet that goose sure is silly."

Everyone laughed except Dr. Madison Ngafeeson, one of our professors. It was our first time meeting Dr. N. in person; he's a visiting professor from Florida, where he chairs the business data analytics program at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Dr. N., who was born in Cameroon, looked genuinely confused. "Oh, you know, 'silly goose'?" I explained.

He looked at me, completely serious, and asked, "But what makes the goose so silly?"

We all burst out laughing. That moment broke the ice and opened us up to storytelling and connection for the rest of the float.

Learning from Ouachita Legends

Former Ouachita President Dr. Andy Westmoreland also joined us. I'd heard wonderful stories about him during my undergraduate years, but this was my first time meeting him in person. Dr. Westmoreland is teaching our Management Strategy class this summer, and his return to teach in the MBA program feels like a homecoming. His love for Ouachita radiated through every conversation.

For our first assignment, Dr. Westmoreland conducted an interview with current Ouachita President Ben Sells. During the trip, we crafted questions together, sparking meaningful conversations about Ouachita's future. That time with Dr. Westmoreland was a gift to us all.

Faith Meets the Tetons

One evening, Dr. Chris Brune, the George Young Chair of Business at Ouachita, led a Bible study in our hotel lobby. He asked us to reflect on the sights we'd seen throughout the week and choose words to describe them: "Incredible." "Intentional." "Humbling." "Breathtaking."

Then he challenged us to consider that the same God who created the mountains and wildlife we'd witnessed also hand-designed each of us in His image.

As I sat discussing creation and the Creator with my professors and classmates, I reflected on why I love Ouachita so much. I don't think I would have had this experience at any other university.

Where Business Education Meets Wonder

Visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park offered vivid reminders: if God put so much effort into creating this beautiful environment, He put just as much thought into creating me. It was inspiring — a powerful picture of our Creator's intentionality.

And the fellowship between my cohort and our professors? Priceless.

Thank you to Ouachita Baptist University and the Hickingbotham School of Business for making this possible.

Mallory Lester '18 lives and works in Conway, Ark., where she is the regional sales manager for Otis Elevator Co.

Lead photo: Mallory Lester (third from right) was among the faculty and students from the online MBA program at Ouachita who attended the Wyoming retreat. Others on the trip included (from left) Payne Warren, Dr. Madison Ngafeeson, Madison Goodman, Dr. Chris Brune, Emily Trigg, Mollie Eldridge and Lori Ramsey.

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