Tiger For Life Podcast

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, we catch back up with NFL and Ouachita alumnus Julius Pruitt ('09). Our interview was recorded live in Jones Performing Arts Center at Homecoming Chapel on October 4, 2022. When we last heard from Julio in our November 16, 2020 episode, Julio and his family were planning a move from Miami back to his hometown of Newport, Arkansas. After visiting with Ouachita's Head Football Coach, alumnus Todd Knight ('86), the Pruitts now call Arkadelphia home as Julio now serves as Assistant Coach for running backs for the Ouachita Tiger Football Team. Coach Pruitt is well-loved and respected by his players and the Ouachita community and we are so thankful he's returned to his alma mater. We hope you enjoy this update from Julio as he shares about his faith, his family, football and more.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, we hear from Ouachita graduate Ransey Joiner from the class of 2019. Ransey currently lives in Waco, Texas, and started his own company, Brilliant, where he helps companies and organizations with brand strategy and development. He also shares about his work with Ukrainian refugees in trauma centers in Poland and about his Ouachita story -- including the sign his family received in a Tennessee Walmart that confirmed Ransey was meant to be at Ouachita. To learn more about how you can help Ukrainian refugees, visit www.actsofmercy.com. To connect with Ransey about Poland or his brand development work, you can e-mail him at ranseyjoiner@gmail.com.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life podcast we hear from Ouachita graduate, lawyer, Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives and Arkansas State Representative for District 6, Matthew J. Shepherd ('98). Matthew shares how he navigates politics while putting people first, what he's most proud of so far in his time as a State Representative and Speaker of the House and his favorite Ouachita memories like his first date with his now-wife Alie (Hill) Shepherd ('99) at EEE 50's TWIRP night, being a Beta Beta baby in Tiger Tunes and learning lessons from his outstanding political science professors that have served him well in the House.

This episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, featuring Ouachita graduate Hannah Pilcher ('13), was recorded live on the JPAC stage as part of Ouachita's weekly chapel service. Hannah shares about her nine years serving as Resident Director of Frances Crawford Hall, commonly referred to as "Francie," stories from life in the dorm, her faith journey and how her faith influences her service at Ouachita, her favorite Ouachita memories and her love for the caf's chocolate chip cookies. Hannah has a rich family history at Ouachita, which she shares about on the podcast, and was Ouachita's 2012 Homecoming Queen.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, Ouachita graduate Jacob Keith Watson ('11) shares about life as an actor, singer and performer on Broadway in Violet, Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and Hello Dolly! as well as the national/international tour of Chicago the Musical and Annie Live! on NBC. As the podcast is released, Jacob is currently in the cast of Into The Woods at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre from April 22 through May 8 and then heads to the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey to join the cast of Sister Act. You can learn more about Jacob at https://jacobkeithwatson.com/. Tickets for Into The Woods are available here: https://www.therep.org/into-the-woods/

On today's episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, Ouachita graduate Michael Krikorian ('10) shares about his career in acting including roles on American Horror Story, NCIS: New Orleans, The Thing About Pam and many more. We chat about life in New Orleans, his career and his favorite memories at Ouachita like being a Tiger Tunes host, working in the scene shop with Eric Phllips and performing in numerous productions. Learn more about Michael and his career here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5184555/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1&fbclid=IwAR053FLTGVunb7DKYxL3Eh5zaiwjYqjYwWV2qiV-QGeF306l5YiRhp_fgWQ. Michael has also co-founded Pyxis -- an educational virtual reality production company. Learn more here: https://www.pyxisvr.com/.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, Ouachita graduate and chair of the Ouachita Alumni Advisory Board, Keisha Pittman McKinney ('04) interviews fellow alumna Jill Waldon Rowe ('03). While serving as a traveling speech pathology assistant for 15 years, Jill saw many children, including her own, getting sick often. Looking for products to better her family's health, Jill struggled to find products with clean, healthy ingredients she could trust. What started with pots full of elderberry syrup on the stove in her kitchen for her family and friends has turned into Rowe Casa Organics -- providing more than 160 natural products online and in 500 boutiques and stores across the country with the goal of helping families thrive. Jill shares about how Rowe Casa began, about the exciting growth of the company and her favorite Ouachita memories like leading Bible studies, spending time in the speech pathology department with Nancy and Carol and never missing breakfast at Walt's or the caf. You can learn more about Rowe Casa Organics, purchase products online or find a local spot to check them out, like The Farmhouse in Arkadelphia, at www.rowecasaorganics.com

A note of warning: this episode contains strong language related to racism experienced during the desegregation of Arkansas schools. Listener discretion is advised. On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, we hear from longtime educator and Arkansas State Senator Joyce Elliott. Joyce received her bachelor's degree from Southern Arkansas University in 1973 and her master's degree in education from Ouachita in 1981. Joyce shares about growing up in Willisville, Arkansas, difficult situations she experienced during desegregation while she was in high school, her career in education including what she learned as a teacher that has helped her in her work in the state legislature and her favorite memories of her time studying at Ouachita.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, Ouachita grads John Barber ('99) and Becky (Cunningham)Ellis ('08) share about their work with Joni and Friends -- an international ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada that shares the hope of the Gospel and gives practical help to people impacted by disability. John and Becky share about what led them to serve with Joni and Friends, how Ouachitonians can get involved in meeting the needs of people living with disabilities and their favorite Ouachita memories from Tunes to Traks and meeting their spouses at Ouachita. You can learn more about Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org.

If you love fun podcasts, this one's a "wiener!" On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, we "ketchup" with 2019 Ouachita graduate Kallie Polk. After teaching elementary school for two years in North Carolina, Kallie was one of 4000 people to apply to be a "hotdogger" -- driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile around the country for a year. Only 12 people are picked each year and Kallie was chosen. Kallie shares what it's like traveling the country in a giant hot dog, what she's learned delivering miles of smiles along the hot dog highway and her favorite Ouachita memories like the annual Thanksgiving meal in the caf, EEE outings with friends and memories made on Cone-Bottoms Lawn. You can find a nearby Wienermobile, request a Wienermobile visit or apply to be a hotdogger here: https://www.oscarmayer.com/wienermobile

Today is a unique episode of the Tiger for Life podcast featuring a Henderson State "Reddie!" Mark Peyton has served the past two years as Production Manager for Sodexo at Ouachita. He's fallen in love with Ouachita and students, faculty and staff have embraced Mark as a Ouachitonian and honorary Tiger for Life. While working at Ouachita, Mark and his brother Matt have been growing their YouTube channel which features fun, family-friendly content encouraging teenagers that they are meant for greatness and that Jesus loves them. Mark shares about his time working at Ouachita, his faith, how and why he started making videos and his favorite things about working at Ouachita like working with Mr. Scott and Miss Jeanette, the delicious cheesy chicken and rice and more. You can check out Mark's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkPeyton

This episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast features Ouachita graduates Clay Chapuis ('10) and Meredith Butler Chapuis ('12). On a late-night run, Meredith and two friends were burdened about the needs in their community. Not being able to sleep, the three women began to dream of how they could make an impact in their community -- especially in the area of food insecurity with so many losing jobs during the pandemic. Soon, the For The Love food truck was born -- a food truck on a mission to feed the hungry, cultivate community and fight poverty. Hear how the truck became a reality, how Clay dreams up the menu items and how you can get involved in Northwest Arkansas or wherever you live. Clay and Meredith also share some of their favorite Ouachita memories like Clay serving in Peru with Hands On and rappelling off the old bridge, Meredith getting shin splints as a Tri Chi Soccer Mom and their love for Chick-fil-A. To learn more about For The Love, visit https://www.forthelovenwa.com/.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, we hear from Ouachita graduate Mari Bednar ('17). After serving in children's ministry while attending Ouachita and after graduation, Mari felt called to the mission field and moved to Haiti to teach fourth graders in August of 2020 -- in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mari shares about her call to Haiti, what it was like to make the move during the pandemic, how others can get involved in ministering to kids in Haiti and some of her favorite Ouachita memories like directing the Tri Chi MaTChes Tiger Tunes show, learning to cook from Dr. Brech and Interim Ouachita President Dr. Charles Wright ('60) letting her wear the presidential medallion. You can learn more about Mission Haiti and get involved here: https://www.mission-haiti.org/. To connect with Mari, visit www.facebook.com/maribednar/ or www.instagram.com/marikbed/.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast, alumna, blogger and chair of the Ouachita Alumni Advisory Board, Keisha (Pittman) McKinney ('04), "flips the seat" and interviews the host of the podcast Ouachita's Director of Alumni Relations Jon Merryman ('00). Keisha and Jon share memories and moments from the first year of the podcast, talk about what's new on campus, discuss how alumni can stay connected to their alma mater and Jon shares his own "Fast Fave Fives."

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, Ouachita graduate Paige Cate Shepard ('09) shares about starting her own business, Shepard Organizing Solutions, after serving 10 years on staff at Geyer Springs. Paige helps clients with home and office organization, wedding and event planning and productivity consulting. Paige shares tips for spring cleaning and decluttering, how to know when it's time and PAST time to call a pro and her favorite Ouachita memories like laughing at Amy Sonheim's jokes in class, directing Tiger Tunes through OSF and her first and last visit to Dean Henley's office after an unexpected party planning fail. Learn more about Paige's work at www.shepardorganizing.com.

This episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast features double Ouachita graduate Dr. Lewis Shepherd ('80). After earning his bachelor's degree in religion and his master's degree in education at Ouachita, Dr. Shepherd began serving as a bi-vocational pastor and has served since 2000 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. While serving local churches, Dr. Shepherd has also served in various roles at Ouachita and Henderson including his current position as Ouachita's Special Assistant to the President where he focuses on advancing racial diversity while supporting and creating a sense of belonging for students, alumni and faculty and staff of color. Dr. Shepherd shares about integration at Ouachita in the 1960s, how Ouachita has continued to welcome and support students of color, how the work continues today and some of his favorite Ouachita memories as a student and now as a staff member.

This episode of the Tiger for Life podcast features Ouachita graduate Christa (Bennett) Neal ('08). Christa currently serves as the Executive Director of the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center in Arkadelphia which provides forensic interviews, trauma-focused therapy, advocacy and education surrounding child maltreatment and abuse. Christa shares about the center's work, how you can get involved and help protect children in your community and her favorite Ouachita memories like being in Tiger Tunes and meeting her husband Jay. To learn more about the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center, to volunteer or make a donation, visit www.pdmcsc.org.

This episode of the Tiger for Life podcast features alumnus Julio Pruitt from the class of 2009. Julio finished his 4-season career with the Ouachita Tigers with 171 catches for 2,406 career yards – a school record at that time. He also set a school record for receiving yards in a season with 1,116 in 2008. His other school records at the time include 77 receptions and 11 touchdown catches in a season. Julio also had a career-high 4 touchdown catches during his favorite game as a Tiger in the Battle of the Ravine at Henderson State in 2008 which landed him on ESPN Sports Center’s Top 10 that night. After wrapping up his final season with the Tigers, Julio was signed by the Miami Dolphins joining their practice squad and then being promoted to the team’s active roster playing for three seasons. Julio shares about his time in the NFL, about finishing his degree this fall with Ouachita Online, his favorite memories playing football at Ouachita and for the Dolphins and his plans to return to Newport, Arkansas to invest in youth in his hometown with the opening of his Upfront Performance Enhancement training facility. You can also read about Julio on Ouachita's blog here: https://obu.edu/stories/blog/2020/11/julio-pruitt-former-nfl-player-harnesses-work-ethic-finishes-ouachita-degree.php

This episode of the Tiger For Life podcast features Ouachita graduate Sara Wheeler McDaniel ('98). After teaching elementary students for 10 years, Sara worked in educational sales and consulting -- still working with teachers around the country today to help them be better educators. After feeling led to move home to Louisiana in 2014, Sara set her sights on restoring a Louisiana cottage. Her journey and her beautiful home have been featured in magazines and on social media accounts like Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, Cottages and Bungalows and more. Sara shares about her journey to reclaim her life and restore her home as well as her favorite Ouachita memories. You can connect with Sara on social media at simplysoutherncottage on all platforms or visit her website at www.simplysoutherncottage.com.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life podcast, alumna Lindsey Fowler Catlett from the class of 2014 shares about life in Birmingham with her husband Jacob, also a 2014 grad, their son Rodney and their dogs Lily and Daisy. Lindsey tells listeners about her work supporting small businesses through PPP loans and forgiveness, their journey adopting a teenager and some of her favorite Ouachita memories from Tiger Tunes to Tiger Traks and more. This episode is sponsored by Baba Java Coffee. By sourcing coffee directly from farmers in Yemen, China, and other origins around the world, Baba Java provides valuable business to these communities in exchange for quality coffee worth celebrating. Baba Java roasts coffee for their cafe and for customers to buy directly online. Ouachita alumni will receive 15% off their purchase at www.babajavacoffee.com until November 15th. Use the code OBUALUMNI at checkout to receive this offer.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, we hear from alumna Abby Turner ('11). Abby currently serves as Senior Manager of Brand Reputation at Walmart and has a popular entertaining blog www.atabletopaffair.com where she shares recipes and inspiration as she encourages you to share the table with new and old friends alike. Abby has a new cookbook coming out in March, The Living Table, which is available for preorders now here: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Table-Devotions-Everyday-Get-Togethers/dp/1644548496. Abby shares tips to gather during the pandemic, simple holiday and Friendsgiving ideas, about the process of writing and creating her cookbook and her favorite Ouachita memories like Tiger Tunes shows and spending weekends as Ouachita's mascot Talley the Tiger. Our sponsor for this episode is Leiva's Coffee -- the provider of coffee at our on-campus Dr. Jack's Coffeehouse. Learn more and sign up for a coffee subscription at www.leivascoffee.com and use code TIGERS15 for 15% off your order.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, we hear from Ouachita student Levi Dade ('23). Levi is a Sophomore Christian Studies and Spanish major from Senatobia, Mississippi. Levi shares about his journey to Ouachita, his love of Tiger Tunes and getting to be one of just 20 students in JPAC when our Tiger Tunes Hosts & Hostesses recorded for Tunes REWIND, his favorite Ouachita memories so far and about his podcast he started during quarantine this summer Defending Christianity. You can listen to the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defending-christianity/id1520520449.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast, we hear from alumnus Joey Licklider from the class of 2002. Joey served as a student worker, assistant technical director, technical director and production manager in Ouachita's Jones Performing Arts Center over a 17-year span. In 2015, Joey moved to Orlando, Florida to work as a stage technician at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World working on Finding Nemo the Musical and Rivers of Light. Joey now serves as an entertainment technician and production planner at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney. Joey shares about his work at Disney World, his years in JPAC, his favorite Tiger Tunes shows and his memories from his time as a student and on staff like Walt's steak and shrimp nights and learning from incredible professors like Dr. Bill Downs and Dr. Dave Ozmun.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast we hear from Ouachita alumna Anna Lloyd ('00). After teaching elementary music for years at various schools in Arkansas, Anna received her master's degree in Education Administration and Supervision in 2010 before becoming an assistant principal and now a principal. Anna currently serves as principal at Pulaski Heights Elementary in Little Rock where she is known for her love for her kids, families and teachers. Anna shares about leading through the pandemic, how she prepared to open her school for on-campus instruction, what she learned surviving the crash of American Airlines flight 1420 as a Ouachita student and her favorite Ouachita memories like singing with Ouachita Singers and decking her professors' yards at Christmastime.

On this episode of the Tiger for Life Podcast we hear from teachers Stephen Curry ('15) and his wife Abby Root Curry ('17). Abby and Stephen both enjoy teaching at the same school — just like Abby’s parents, Ouachita professors Drs. Jeff and Deborah Root. The Currys share about teaching online this spring and now the hybrid in-person and online theater and choir programs at Little Rock Christian Academy, settling in to their new home in Little Rock and their favorite Ouachita memories like Abby directing the Campus Activities "Freshmen" Tiger Tunes show, featuring our Tiger for Life Podcast theme song, getting engaged in the education department and their love for endless cereal and pancakes at just the right time in the caf.

This episode of the Tiger For Life Podcast features alumna Kelly Martin Stamps from the class of 1995. Kelly is a well-known and loved blogger from Northwest Arkansas who is married to her husband Scott and has three children Harper, Hollis and Will Holden. Kelly shares how her family survived the spring and summer at home due to quarantine, what it's been like getting kids back to school, about her work with Tangible Truth Ministries, how her blog Kelly's Korner began and the success of her popular Singles Day series and some of her favorite Ouachita memories. You can visit her blog at http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, alumnus Barrett Baber from the class of 2002 shares about performing and songwriting during the pandemic, his experience on The Voice and Ouachita memories including being a Tiger Tunes host and surviving the crash of American Airlines flight 1420. Barrett also performs one of the most recent songs he's written entitled "No Man's Land."

This episode features lawyer and alumna Kendra Pruitt ('10), Senior Advisor to Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. Kendra shares about her time in the mayor's office and projects and policies she's helped move forward in just 18 months, her volunteer work with the organization she started to give back, reach and empower youth in her hometown of Newport, Arkansas -- Club R.E.S.T.O.R.E., her thoughts on the current state of the fight for racial justice and equality in our state, country and at Ouachita, and some of her favorite memories at Ouachita like R.O.M.S. meetings, Saturday football games and Tunes as well as feeling at home in the caf.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, we hear from COL Andrew Landers ('92) and his wife Michelle Franks Landers ('93). COL Landers currently serves as Supervising Assistant Deputy for Health Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) at the Pentagon after returning stateside from commanding the 549th Hospital Center & the Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea. COL Landers was a distinguished military grad at Ouachita and a commissioned ROTC graduate before receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University. In his 24-year career with the army he has received numerous awards and decorations including several bronze stars and the valor award, served in special operations and been deployed all over the world. Michelle is an attorney and 24-year senior U.S. Army spouse. She enjoyed an extensive career in law, politics and federal defense contracting and now focuses her time and passion on supporting military families for which Michelle has been honored numerous times. In addition to their military service, Andrew and Michelle share about their time at Ouachita including meeting each other on a blind date for Roommate Roundup, Michelle's performance in the EEE skeletons Tiger Tunes show and how Ouachita prepared them both for a life of travel and service.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, alumna Sarah Harmeyer ('99), Founder and Chief People Gatherer at Neighbor's Table, shares about starting her small business on a love mission, stories of people gathering and how that has looked different during COVID and what it might look like moving forward and some of her favorite Ouachita memories like being introduced to white gravy at Walt's and making lifelong caring friends. Learn more about her work and start dreaming of and planning for your own backyard table at www.neighborstable.com.

On this episode of the Tiger For Life podcast, James "Bearcat" Reynolds ('71) shares memories from his time on campus as the first Black member of the Ouachita football team and reflections from his more than two decades of chaplaincy -- including years of ministry on death row.

On this week's Tiger For Life podcast, Ouachita alums and members of Point of Grace Shelley Phillips Breen ('91) and Denise Masters Jones ('91) share about what they've been up to during quarantine, what's new with Point of Grace as well as their favorite POG and Ouachita memories like performing at the Grand Ole Opry and the National Prayer Breakfast and the early days touring the country in the Praise Singers van.

Dr. Blake Ligon ('08) shares about pastoring his congregation at Central Baptist Church Jonesboro's Paragould Campus in the midst of the pandemic, his call to ministry and his favorite Ouachita memories like meeting his wife Joy, being in the Beta Beta "Glove Makers" Tiger Tunes show and his love for the caf's shrimp alfredo.

Alumna Vanilla (Nelson) Hannah ('72), counselor at Arkadelphia High School and Goza Middle School, shares about education during the coronavirus pandemic, reflections on the peaceful protest in Arkadelphia following the death of George Floyd and some of her favorite Ouachita memories like singing with Ouachita Singers and listening to Cliff Harris ('70)and the Dallas Cowboys in the Student Union.

With unemployment numbers on the rise due to COVID-19, the work of the Arkansas Foodbank is so important. Ouachita alumna and Arkansas Foodbank CEO Rhonda Sanders ('83) shares how foodbanking works, how the work of the Arkansas Foodbank has changed during the pandemic and how we can get involved as well as her memories of Walt's mashed potatoes and building Homecoming floats with her Chi Delta sisters.

Award-winning journalist and co-host of KATV's Daybreak and Good Morning Arkansas, Melinda Mayo ('87), shares about broadcasting from home during the pandemic with her sidekick weather dog Ozzie, her favorite Ouachita memories and highlights from her recent trip to the Holy Land.

Alums Brad-Hunter Heird ('15) and his wife Lauren Dunklin Heird ('15) share what it's like serving as nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Heirds also share about finding Ouachita, finding each other and the things they love and miss about Ouachita.

Ouachita President Dr. Ben Sells shares a brief update and is joined by his wife, Lisa, sharing memories and reflections with the Class of 2020.

Candace Sharp Payne is a Ouachita alumna, author, speaker and is most widely known as "Chewbacca Mom" after her video laughing it up in her car with a Chewbacca mask on went viral. Candace shares about quarantine life with her family, her viral fame and her love for table-side guacamole and Ouachita.

Introducing Ouachita's Tiger For Life Podcast. This mini-episode features an interview with alumna Monica (Leagans) Hardin, Ouachita's Associate Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies.