Ouachita Baptist University - Rankings

Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is a private Christian liberal arts institution that has been providing higher education for over a century. Affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, OBU has a rich tradition of academic excellence, rooted in its Baptist heritage, and has established itself as a leading university in the region. The university is committed to offering students a well-rounded education that integrates faith, learning, and personal growth, preparing them for leadership roles in both their professional careers and personal lives.

OBU’s academic programs are organized into eight distinct schools, each focusing on different areas of study. These schools include the Chesley and Elizabeth Pruet School of Christian Studies, Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business, Michael D. Huckabee School of Education, School of Fine Arts, School of Humanities, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences, and W.H. Sutton School of Social Sciences. Each school offers a range of undergraduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. The diversity of these academic offerings reflects Ouachita’s mission to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education that fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and ethical leadership.

The Chesley and Elizabeth Pruet School of Christian Studies is one of the university’s cornerstone programs, providing students with a deep understanding of Christian theology, ministry, and pastoral care. The school offers programs that prepare students for careers in church leadership, religious education, and Christian counseling, among other fields. The integration of Christian faith into academic study is central to the mission of Ouachita Baptist University, and the Pruet School plays a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and intellectual development of students pursuing ministry and theological education.

The Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business is another key academic unit at Ouachita Baptist University. It offers undergraduate programs in business administration, marketing, accounting, and economics, among others. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, a prestigious accreditation that is granted only to the top business schools worldwide. The AACSB accreditation reflects the high standards of excellence maintained by the Hickingbotham School, ensuring that students receive a rigorous education that prepares them for success in the competitive business world. This accreditation is a significant achievement for Ouachita Baptist University and underscores the quality of its business programs.

The Michael D. Huckabee School of Education is another prominent academic unit at Ouachita, named after former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is a notable OBU alumnus. The school offers programs in elementary and secondary education, as well as specialized areas such as special education, and it is dedicated to preparing students for careers in teaching and educational leadership. The school emphasizes both academic knowledge and practical experience, providing students with opportunities for internships, student teaching, and other hands-on learning experiences. OBU’s commitment to producing highly qualified educators is evident in the success of its graduates, many of whom go on to become leaders in the education sector.

In addition to these prominent programs, Ouachita Baptist University offers a variety of other academic options through its other schools, such as the School of Fine Arts, the School of Humanities, and the School of Natural Sciences. The School of Fine Arts is home to the university’s music, theater, and visual arts programs, offering students opportunities to develop their artistic talents in a supportive and creative environment. The School of Humanities provides students with programs in English, history, philosophy, and languages, fostering a deep appreciation for culture, literature, and human expression. The School of Natural Sciences offers programs in biology, chemistry, and other sciences, preparing students for careers in healthcare, research, and environmental science.

OBU’s commitment to academic excellence is also reflected in its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional integrity, and student learning. Additionally, OBU is a member of several prestigious academic organizations, including the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). These affiliations demonstrate OBU’s commitment to staying engaged with national and international academic standards and to fostering collaboration with other institutions of higher learning.

The university also has a strong presence in the athletic world. As a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, Ouachita Baptist University offers a variety of sports programs for both men and women. These include basketball, football, soccer, and tennis, among others. Ouachita’s commitment to athletics is not only about fostering competition but also about building character, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve students both on and off the field.

OU’s notable alumni have made significant contributions to various fields, reinforcing the university’s reputation for producing leaders and professionals who excel in their careers. Among its most famous alumni is Winston Bryant, who served as the Attorney General of Arkansas from 1990 to 1999. Another well-known figure is Cliff Harris, a former All-Pro safety for the Dallas Cowboys, whose achievements in professional football have made him a respected figure in sports. William Holloway, who served as the Governor of Oklahoma from 1929 to 1931, is another distinguished alumnus. Perhaps one of the most prominent alumni is Mike Huckabee, who served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007 and was a 2008 Republican presidential candidate. These alumni are just a few examples of the many individuals who have gone on to have successful careers in public service, business, sports, and other areas.

In terms of rankings and recognition, Ouachita Baptist University has earned notable accolades. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report ranked OBU as the number one Best Baccalaureate College in the South, further cementing the university’s reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to providing an outstanding undergraduate education. Additionally, the university was ranked first for the second consecutive year in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” Baccalaureate College category in the South, reflecting the university’s commitment to offering an excellent education at an affordable price. Ouachita was also ranked second in the Best Value category for the South in the 2008 U.S. News rankings, highlighting the university’s dedication to providing students with a high return on their educational investment.

Ouachita Baptist University is widely recognized for its commitment to both academic excellence and personal development. By offering a wide range of programs, maintaining strong accreditation, and fostering an environment of faith-based learning, Ouachita provides its students with the tools they need to succeed in both their careers and their personal lives. Whether through its innovative business programs, exceptional education offerings, or its dedication to the fine arts, OBU stands as a university that prepares its students for the challenges of the modern world while nurturing their personal and spiritual growth. Its legacy of producing successful and impactful alumni continues to be a testament to the strength of its academic programs and the values it instills in its students.