Ouachita Mission Statement

Statement of Faith and Educational Philosophy

Growing up as a missionary kid, my faith has been a primary source of discernment, and spiritual development. A large part of my identity comes my Baptist tradition, and I continue to be a part of this denominational affiliation as an adult. It was inside the walls of a Baptist church where I was first exposed to the liberating yet dangerous responsibility of the “priesthood of all believers” and “soul freedom,” and where I chose to follow Christ and experience salvation on a personal level.
I believe that as a practical component of my faith, I am called to incarnate “the hands and feet of Christ” at the invitation of the Carmelite nun, Teresa of Avila. I am called both to believe with my mind, but also with my actions. The tomb was and is empty. Its silence begs all believers to boldly proclaim the deafening story of the cross and the everlasting life found in Christ Jesus. It also calls us to model this abundance with action, offering physical support for the “least of these” in Matthew 25. In this way, my calling is to tell the Gospel story of salvation in word and action.
Part of my educational philosophy is rooted in the idea that there is a spiritual component to personal educational growth; a strong academic environment, with the pressures and
opportunities in a rich learning environment, contribute to deep spiritual growth. I have always acknowledged the power of education in connecting individual passions with the needs of the world. Education is about discovering what drives an individual through exposure to various fields that inform, shape, and expand an individual’s calling.
My understanding of how individuals learn and grow is also rooted in “praxis education.” I believe this model for education can bring about transformation in the world through real life and practical engagement with one’s community. Students should be actively involved in both spiritual and academic study to help shape their communities, as they “ought” to be.
The Ouachita mission statement helps foster an environment for a person to develop spiritually and academically.
Being a Christ-centered educational institution, Ouachita focuses on how each person is called to emulate the life and ministry of Jesus and live into his gift of abundant life. As a graduate, I can personally attest to the depth of intellectual inquiry that is expected for students and take pride in these high standards. If offered the opportunity to serve at OBU at NLC, I would aim to use these values to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the on-campus community, and in Arkadelphia, and I believe all followers of Jesus can live into this
calling.