Photo: Oachita Baptist University. Retrieved from: www.cappex.com
Students may come to Ouachita Baptist University for the small class sizes (55% of classes have fewer than 20 students), the scenic views of the Hot Springs National Park, the Lake DeGray National Park, the Ouachita River, or the Christ-centered community. In the end they will stay for the exceptional education, and the more than 64 degrees that are offered.
Ouachita Baptist University, pronounced Wash’-uh-taw is a private liberal arts university situated in Arkadelphia, Arkansas just 65 miles away from Little Rock. The University is centered on five values that the administration hopes the students will take with them upon graduation. The values include Faith in the Christian community; Scholarship; Growth in intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social domains; Character; and Community-promoting leadership.
History
Ouachita Baptist started off as a college in 1886 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Co-ed since its inception, the school hosted 235 students their first semester. Along with the college, the building also offered Primary and Preparatory classes in courses such as music, art, and book keeping.
The school struggled financially but finally paid off their debt in 1914. When Dr. Charles Ernest Dicken became president in 1916 he was able to raise the school’s endowment from $51,000 to $532,466. Because of his tireless efforts, the school was able to build a Dining Hall, a Theatre, and a girl’s dorm.
Among the notable alumni that have attended Ouachita Baptist University are Governor of Arkansas and Republican President candidate Mike Huckabee; Baseball Hall of Famer, Travis Jackson; and Linda Gamble, a pioneer for women’s basketball.
Campus Life
Ouachita Baptist University enrolls just over 1,500 undergraduate students and includes majors such as Music, Pre-Med, and Physics. Freshmen are guaranteed housing, and 94% of the entire student population lives on campus. They can choose between single-sexed dorms, married student apartments, single apartments, and disabled student housing.
The athletic team is known as the Tigers, and their colors are purple and gold. There are a variety of sports offered at Ouachita Baptist University, such as baseball, football and soccer. Because Ouachita Baptist University is part of Division II athletics, most athletes are recruited. Many teams have been successful throughout the years. Both men and women’s swimming have had strong finishes, while the baseball team finished second in their division in 2008.
The athletic team is known as the Tigers, and their colors are purple and gold. There are a variety of sports offered at Ouachita Baptist University, such as baseball, football and soccer. Because Ouachita Baptist University is part of Division II athletics, most athletes are recruited. Many teams have been successful throughout the years. Both men and women’s swimming have had strong finishes, while the baseball team finished second in their division in 2008.
Financial Aid
When it comes to financial assistance, more than $27,000,000 is given to students each year. Out of the students who apply for financial assistance, over 97% of them receive some form of aid. Including room and board, a year at Ouachita Baptist University costs less than $29,000.
