August has become a favorite month. Our students are returning to Ouachita and with them the life of this institution. Welcome back! Also, in just a few days more than three hundred new students will attend a retreat to prepare them for life here at Ouachita.
Each day I am on campus I drive around to observe the progress. You are not going to believe all that has occurred. Conger and Ernest Bailey are gone. The old bridge across the ravine is gone, but the impressive new Heflin Plaza has united the two sides of our campus. It is beautiful and functional. The two new student residences are so good. Presently they are called Westside 1 & 2. I simply call them great places to live. You will also see improvements to the grounds and additional parking!
Each year Becky and I enjoy walking through student housing to welcome students. Among the activities in the first days: new student orientation, registration, Spotlight on Arkadelphia, beginning of classes, Campus Ministries Retreat, and the Convocation service during our first Chapel help launch us into a new year. I truly expect this year to be a fine one in every respect. It appears nearly certain that we will have a fine increase in enrollment. It is certain friendships will be formed, knowledge given and received, while lives are changed for our time and for eternity.
It is my prayer that the coming academic year might be one that finds a special place in our lives whether we are students, faculty, staff, or the president of this blessed university.
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.” Philippians 1:3-4.
I am excited about August. I will see you soon.
Rex M. Horne, Jr.
