2023 Miss OBU Scholarship Pageant Program

Photo by Matt Boyd Photography Hair & Make-Up by Meredith Boyd

National Anthem

Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2022 and Miss White River 2023, Kaelin Clay

Bennie and Bejeweled

Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor and Contestants

Parade of Contestants

Introduction of Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2022, Kaelin Clay

Escorted by Addison Glover, Harper Glover & Abigail Jones, Diamond State Princesses

Introduction of Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2022, Ka’Mya Tackett

Introduction of Miss Arkansas 2022, Ebony Mitchell

Onstage Interview and Social Impact Statement Competition

Special Entertainment

Miss Grand Prairie 2023, Kensley Flynn

Miss Southwest Arkansas 2023, Bel Butler

Talent Competition

Anyone

Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor

Intermission

Introduction of Visiting Royalty and Former

Miss Ouachita Baptist University Title Holders

Special Entertainment

Miss OBU 2022 Kaelin Clay

Miss Arkansas Valley 2023, Katy Beth Dunn

Evening Wear Competition

Medley of Songs

Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor

Special Dance Entertainment

A Mother’s Prayer by DancePraize Dance Studio, Kelsey Boyles, Cassie Carozza, Emorie Carozza, Madeline Coston, Avery Garner, Kate Manning, Reagan Prescott, Emma Vardaman, Lauren White

Special Entertainment

Miss South Central Arkansas 2023, Bailey Gibson

Farewell

Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2022, Kaelin Clay Gold

Miss Ouachita Baptist University Court of Honor

Presentation of Awards and Crowning of Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2023

KAELIN CLAY MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2022

My time at Ouachita is flying by, but I’m incredibly thankful for the moments I have collected along the way, and I collected many truly memorable moments through my journey as Miss Ouachita Baptist University. I vividly remember talking to my mom on the phone during my freshman year and telling her about the Miss OBU pageant. She urged me to go to the interest meeting right before I hung up. So, a couple of weeks later, I did. During that phone call, I felt called to this position for a reason I wasn’t aware of at the time, but I knew I wanted to represent the university I adore as a vessel of relatability and authenticity… the rest was history.

February 12, 2022 reminded me of the Lord’s sovereign hand and master plan through a crowning moment I’ll never forget. When the crown hit my head, I heard a little whisper saying, “shine your light.” Being crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University provided me an opportunity to create an atmosphere of vibrant faith, courage, and leadership.

Upon being crowned, I implemented my social impact initiative, The Confidence Blueprint, which continues to grow, and I found a story and a purpose in classrooms across the state of Arkansas. I committed my year to encouragement because selflessness creates beautiful stories. Through the calling the Lord placed on my heart and my soul that bleeds purple and gold, I was able to deliver methods of confidence building into the hands of Arkansans of all ages.

Miss Ouachita Baptist University gave me a pivotal platform, and it gave me connections that I am forever grateful for. It gave me a heightened school spirit, an ever-so leaning relationship with the Lord, an intense focus on servanthood, and a way to say “thank you” to Ouachita.

Of course, this title gave me the treasured opportunity to compete in the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, and I found an undeniable love for the scholarship-focused system and sisterhood that the experience has to offer. Because of the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, I am able to utilize scholarship dollars toward my fervent love for learning.

The village that stuck behind me as Miss OBU could not have impacted my life in a more loving manner. The Ouachita community and my friends here at Ouachita provide consistent connecting and intentional relationships, and I’m incredibly thankful for their support.

Sarah Teed and Melissa Carozza empowered me in ways that spoke to me spiritually and emotionally, and I could not be more grateful for the way they invest in their Miss OBU as directors. I found community and friendship in their everflowing support.

My field director Debbie Fleming was and is a constant source of sunshine and inspiration. She leads with grace and guides with honesty and compassion.

My family consists of my very best friends, and I’m thankful for grandparents, parents, and a sister that have loud lungs of cheer in a crowd and the best postpageant hugs. Without my family, I wouldn’t have the same visual of a Proverbs 31 woman that I live by or the same level of drive. My sister Karigan is my other half and built-in best friend, and she never fails to give the best pep talks accompanied by a little humor. My dad is the person who lights a fire of motivation in me like no other can and keeps me on my feet with passion through every step in life. My mom is the woman who first showed me a love for music, and she exemplifies virtue and humble dignity. She’s the woman I laugh with, cry with, and find guidance through. These three are my world and the reason I choose leadership.

Ouachita, it has been nothing short of an honor to serve you, and because of you, I have found more qualities of Kaelin that maintain importance whether the crown is on or off. My God deserves all of the honor because this was truly a dream that blossomed from prayer and obedience. I am already praying for and celebrating the next Miss OBU. Here’s to a lifetime of being a tiger. I love you all.

Kaelin Clay

Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2021-22

CALI ROSE MENDONCA

FRESHMAN

HOMETOWN: Troup, TX

MAJOR : Kinesiology

SPONSOR: : Intramural Referees

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE: Relieving the Backbone of Ouachita

TALENT SELECTION: Baton Twirling to “Don’t Start Now”

PARENTS: Mark and Shelly Mendonca

SAVANNAH MAE CARRIGAN

FRESHMAN

HOMETOWN: Centerton, AR

MAJOR : Kinesiology

SPONSOR: Student Senate

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE: Run Club

TALENT SELECTION: Original Oration

PARENTS: Todd and Toni Carrigan

ABBIGAIL GRACE WOOD FRESHMAN

HOMETOWN: Harrell, AR

MAJOR : Biology

SPONSOR: Academic Success Center

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE: Let’s Be R.E.A.L About Body Image

TALENT SELECTION: Tap dance to “Great Balls of Fire.”

PARENTS: Jonathan & Amy Wood

HALEY SHOURD SOPHOMORE

HOMETOWN: Conway, AR

MAJOR : Communications and Media

SPONSOR: The Women of EEE

SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE: Champions For Childhood Cancer Awareness

TALENT SELECTION: : Vocal performance

“Don’t Rain On My Parade”

PARENTS: : Jon and Cathy Shourd

Dr. Beth Anne Rankin

EMCEE

Dr. Beth Anne Rankin is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a double major in History and Music. After receiving her Masters of Public Administration from Southern Arkansas University in 2013, she went on to earn a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education in 2020.

Named OBU’s Outstanding Senior Woman, Beth Anne was chosen as the OBU Tiger Band’s Feature Twirler, winner of the Virginia Queen Piano Competition, a charter member of the vocal show group Ouachita Sounds, Miss OBU, and Homecoming Queen. Beth Anne served the state as Miss Arkansas 1994 after being named a 3-time Miss Congeniality winner, 2-time Coleman Dairy Outstanding Talent winner, and Outstanding Interview winner. She was recognized at the 1995 Miss America competition as a Bert Parks non-finalist talent winner for her personal piano rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” She went on to be honored by the Arkansas Legislature for presenting 158 leadership programs throughout the state.

As Governor Mike Huckabee’s Public Policy Advisor for State-Federal affairs, Dr. Rankin served as liaison to the National Governors Association, Council of State Governments, Southern Governors Association, Capitol Hill and the White House. Also serving as the governor’s Director of Special Projects, Dr. Rankin coordinated the Governor’s Economic Summit and chairman of the historical design of the Arkansas quarter.

After serving as Executive Director of the Arkansas 529 College Savings Plans in the Arkansas Treasurer’s Office and completing her doctorate, Beth Anne launched “Rankin Consulting” and serves as an organizational consultant, leadership coach, and strategic planner. Most recently serving on the Arkansas State Board of Education, Dr. Rankin is a former member of the Ouachita Baptist University Board of Trustees and is active in her home church Central Baptist Magnolia.

1967 SHARON EVANS BALE

1968 HELEN GENNINGS MUSGRAVE

1969 MARIJO BONO

1970 MARJORIE ROYSTON SCRUGGS

1971 CASEY KERR STARKEY

1972 ANNE P. COPPENGER

1973 SUSAN COPPENGER AKIN

1974 JANICE ROGERS BISHOP

1975 BEVERLY FANNING LOFTON

1976 SHERI MCMULLAN SWINDLER

1977 PAULA WODDALL PHELAN

1978 MONA ROWE ROWLAND

1979 JANE CHU

1980 JULIE HENDRIX DODGE

1981 MARCIA RAMIREZ WALDRON

1982 TERRY GRIFFIN PEEPLES

1983 DEANNA BRILEY CABANISS

1984 LISA STEVENS LOCKE

1985 PATTI THORN LUSK

OUACHITA STUDENTS WHO WON MISS ARKANSAS

1967 SHARON BALE

1968 HELEN ROSE GENNINGS

1970 DONNA JOE CONNALLY

1978 NAYLENE VUURENS

1984 LISA STEVENS LOCKE

1988 PATTI THORN LUSK

1994 BETH ANNE RANKIN

2002 LAUREN DAVIDSON GREENHAW

2004 LACY FLEMING GLOVER

2010 ALYSE EADY LEMMOND

2011 KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW

1986 KIM CUNNINGHAM BLANKS

1987 NATALIE ALLEN BUTCHER

1988 MONTIE EDWARDS MAYFIELD

1989 TERESA LANG JONES

1990 MELANIE CICERO JENKINS

1991 CHRISTI FREEL SPEER

1992 APRIL GOSSER COOK

1993 BETH ANNE RANKIN

1994 JAMIE GILBERT FRAY

1995 ASHLEY ARRINGTON ELLINGTON

1996 MERIDETH ARNN MCCOY

1997 SHARI PAYNE BALES

1998 LISA ADKINS JOHNSON

1999 JENNIFER CRAWLEY MAUNE

2000 LAUREN MCNAIR

2001 ERIN PITTMAN VAUGHN

2002 KRISTEN PORTER JACKSON

2003 JESSICA GARTMAN BUBBUS

2004 LACY FLEMING GLOVER

2005 JENNY PHILLIPS ROGERS

2006 RACHEL FRUCHEY BELL

2007 NICOLE DAYE HORNE

2008 LAUREN ENGLISH

2009 BETHANY WHITFIELD MARSHALL

2010 BETHANY BRISCOE TONEY

2011 KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW

2012 MARYLACEY THOMSON

2013 KYLIE WRIGHT ENGEL

2014 ABBY LINDSEY

2015 BROOKE SCHMIDT LEGENS

2016 SUZIE GRESHAM

2017 TIFFANY LEE

2018 EMMA PITTS

2019 JULIE WILLIAMS

2020 CAROLINE DERBY

2021 CAROLINE DERBY

2022 KAELIN CLAY

JUDGES

DUANE JACKSON has worked for the state of Arkansas as a claims adjudicator/ adjudicative coordinator for over 15 years. Duane obtained his bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, attended two years of graduate school concentrating on theatre performance at Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU), and is currently an active performer in the central Arkansas theatre community, appearing on many central Arkansas stages for the last 25 years. He has also appeared in several short local films and served as a past artistic director for Weekend Theater in Little Rock. Duane received a lifetime achievement award for performance and directing in 2018. When not working or performing onstage, he enjoys traveling to see new places and spending time with close friends.

DR. SHERRYE CRAIG has a degree in Mass Communications from Ouachita Baptist University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University and graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Medical Doctor degree. Currently she and her husband Dr. Jeff Craig, own Central Arkansas Pediatrics in Conway. She is the Executive Director of Miss Diamond Lakes and Miss Spirit of Arkansas preliminaries to the Miss Arkansas Competition. She and her husband have three adult children--two daughters and a son. She enjoys traveling, taking tap dance classes, is active in her local church and is owned by seven pups!

CHRISTINE STREET lives in Greenbrier, Arkansas. She has a Communications degree from Ouachita Baptist University. While in college, she was a Tiger Tunes hostess, Ouachitonian Beauty and competed in Miss Arkansas twice, holding the titles of Miss El Dorado and Miss Diamond Lakes. Christine and her husband, Scott, have four adult children who also graduated from OBU. She is active in her church and enjoys painting, volunteering, and spending time with her family.

RACHEL BELL is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Speech Communication. During her time at OBU, she was Miss OBU, a Tiger Tunes hostess, president of her social club, and a member of Student Senate. Rachel is the owner of Bell Travel Co., a travel planning company specializing in family travel and accessible travel for individuals with food allergies and/or disabilities. Before starting Bell Travel Co., Rachel spent ten years serving foster and adoptive families in Arkansas by directing countless connection events like Youwannago Family Camp, a week long family camp for foster and adoptive families, and The With Retreat, a weekend retreat for foster and adoptive moms. Rachel and her husband, Evan (whom she met at OBU), live in Conway and they are the proud parents of four children.

TONYA BREEDING has spent the last 15 years as the Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor at First Southern Baptist Church Bryant. She has been married to her husband, Barry, for over 40 years. They have 2 grown children, Andrea and Nathan, and she also has twin 7-year old grandchildren, Amelia and Ryan. Tonya won her first pageant at the age of 5 serving as the Little Miss Correct Posture; she also held the titles of 1978 Saline County Ideal Miss and 1980 Greater Little Rock Cinderella Teen. Tonya enjoys traveling and hanging out with family and friends during her free time.

SUZIE GRESHAM BARHAM graduated from Ouachita Baptist University as a 4-year NCAA Student-Athlete with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Suzie currently utilizes her degree in her Public Relations role at Pafford Medical Services, where she is also an EMT, traveling the country working alongside FEMA during natural disasters as a part of Pafford’s Special Response Team.

Within her community, Suzie is a member of Garrett Memorial Christian School Board, Hope Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Kid’s College Fundraising Committee, and serves as co-director of two Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen preliminaries. In her spare time, she enjoys sharing new experiences with friends and family, traveling, and spending time at the lake soaking up all that the Natural State has to offer.

Married to her kindergarten-crush turned high school sweetheart, Drake, the two have put down roots in their hometown of Hope, Arkansas, with their Goldendoodle, Rosie.

DR. STEPHEN RAINES is a resident of Benton, AR where he opened up his own cosmetic dental office in 2020. He graduated from OBU in 2013 with a degree in biology and went on to attend the University of Tennessee for dental school. Dr. Raines had always dreamed of owning his very own dental practice so that he could transform smiles all over the state. His artistic eye and attention to detail allow him to create award winning smiles.

Dr. Raines loves spending his time off with his wife Lauren, OBU grad 2013, and his 18 month old daughter, Nora Grace. They are excited to welcome a baby boy this summer. He attends Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock where he serves on the worship team and fills his days with various hobbies. He is excited to be back at his alma mater which holds so many life changing memories and is honored to have the opportunity to judge the Miss OBU pageant.

AWARDS

MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 2023 WILL RECEIVE:

$1000 Scholarship from Ouachita Baptist University

$1250 Scholarship from Miss OBU Board of Directors

$1,500 Matching Wardrobe from Emerge Fashions in Conway

$1,500 Matching Wardrobe from The Royal We in Conway

FIRST RUNNER UP WILL RECEIVE: $800 Scholarship

( Miss OBU Board of Directors & Kristen Glover Belew)

KRISTEN GLOVER BELEW TALENT AWARD:

(Provided by Keith and Mary Glover, parents of Miss OBU 2011 and Miss Arkansas 2011, Kristen Glover Belew)

$300 Scholarship

KAELIN CLAY EVENING WEAR AWARD:

(Provided by Vic & Karla Clay, parents of Miss OBU 2022, Kaelin Clay)

$300 Scholarship

SUZIE GRESHAM BARHAM ALPHA PRIVATE INTERVIEW AWARD :

(Provided by Miss OBU 2016, Suzie Gresham Barham)

$250 Scholarship

MAC SISSON ALPHA TALENT AWARD:

(Provided by Miss OBU 2016, Suzie Gresham Barham)

$250 Scholarship

SPIRIT OF MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY AWARD:

(Provided by OBU Student Senate)

$150 Scholarship

MARY SHAMBARGER NON-FINALIST TALENT AWARD:

(Provided by Miss OBU 1967 and Miss Arkansas 1967, Sharon Bale)

$250 Scholarship

Flower Bouquet from Mary and Martha’s Florist

Crown Pin from Kelzek’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Dental Sponsorship from Stephen Raines

Gym Membership from A-Town Fitness

Official Miss America Crown and Sash

MISS CONGENIALITY AWARD:

(Provided by Tony and Kelly Lee, parents of Miss OBU 2017, Tiffany Lee)

$100 Scholarship

CAROLINE DERBY ACADEMIC AWARD :

(Provided by Jay & Susan Derby, parents of Miss OBU 2020-21, Caroline Derby)

$100 Scholarship

RANCHINO-RILEY NON-FINALIST INTERVIEW AWARD

(Provided by Miss OBU 1967 and Miss Arkansas 1967, Sharon Bale)

$250 Scholarship

PHOTOGENIC AWARD:

(Provided by Miss OBU Board of Directors in Honor of Dr. Wesley Kluck)

$100 Scholarship

COURT OF HONOR

Tyler Rosenthal, Court of Honor Director

Chaney Campbell

Brynn Clark

Allie Grace Graves

Brennon Humphry

Kadyn Johnson

Logan Talley

JPAC CREW

Nick Smith

Michael Pasman

Dalton Lunday

Lexi Williams

Landon DiMaio

SPECIAL GUESTS

MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY'S DIAMOND STATE PRINCESSES

Harper Glover Abigail Jones Addison Glover

SPECIAL THANKS

THE MISS OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY COMPETITION ORGANIZATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK:

Ashlee Sharp, social media

Ashley Carozza, Saboot Esho, Tiffany Pickett & Brooke Zimny, Office of Communications & Marketing

Carrie Roberson, Director of Development

Chad Breashears, A-Town Fitness

David Goodman, Mary and Martha’s Florist

Debbie Fleming, Miss Arkansas Field Director

Dr. Wesley Kluck, Photographer

Emerge Fashions, Conway, Sponsor

Hamburger Barn, Judge’s Dinner

Jay and Susan Derby, Scholarship Donor

Jill Rowe, Rowe Casa Organics

Jessie Bennett, Miss Arkansas Executive Director

Joe Poye, Fairfield Inn of Arkadelphia, Sponsor

Julee Turner

Keith and Mary Glover, Scholarship Donor

Kelli Lancaster Brown, Kelzek’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Kristi Clay, Director of Business Services

Kristin Glover Belew, Scholarship Donor

Miss Arkansas Pageant Board of Directors

Nicolas Hazlett, Box Office

Nick Smith & JPAC Crew (Michael Pasman, Dalton Lunday, Lexi Williams, Landon DiMaio)

OBU Campus Store

OBU Student Senate

Robin Houseworth, Miss Arkansas Director of Operations

Samantha Brown, Samantha’s Bakery & Café, Judge’s Snacks

Sharon Evans Bale, Scholarship Donor

Stephen Raines, Raines Family Dentistry, Sponsor

Suzie Gresham Barham, Scholarship Donor

The Royal We, Conway, Sponsor

Tony and Kelly Lee, Scholarship Donor

Tyler Rosenthal, Court of Honor Director

Vic and Karla Clay, Scholarship Donor

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