By Staff Writer, Marin Murray
One day, you’re a little girl watching someone get crowned homecoming queen. A few years later, it’s now you on that football field with the crown upon your head. Being on the homecoming court was a special full-circle moment for senior Hannah Goodrum and one she will remember for years to come.
Goodrum was crowned Ouachita’s 2025 Homecoming Queen during the homecoming pre-game ceremony at Cliff Harris Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4.
“To hear my name was honestly so shocking,” Goodrum said. “It made me feel so special. It was a feeling I had never experienced before, and it was really sweet.” A native of Arkadelphia, Goodrum grew up around Ouachita, but never realized how much this place would come to mean to her until she experienced it for herself.
“It’s such an honor, because I grew up seeing Ouachita as a little girl,” Goodrum said. “I love Ouachita as an institution – seeing the students that come out of it, seeing what it means, what it values, like the Christ-centered education, and then actually coming here, having some of the best memories of my entire life here and growing to know the staff and my professors – to be able to represent something like that is just incredible.” For Goodrum, the honor of homecoming queen transcends a crown. Instead, it embodies the community, growth and memories she has gained while at Ouachita.
“Watching Hannah be crowned homecoming queen was simply so sweet,” senior Gracie Campbell said. “There’s nothing like watching someone you love so deeply be celebrated for who they are! Hannah is the kind of person who makes everyone around her feel seen. She shines without even trying because the joy of the Lord is so evident in her life. She doesn’t care about titles or recognition, which is what made her getting queen so special! I’m so thankful to get to see Ouachita recognize her heart & kindness that she brings to our campus.”
Goodrum’s presence extends to several parts of Ouachita as she helps lead Campus Ministries, participates in the Carl Goodson Honors Program and the Christian Studies Honors Program, is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Pruet Sisterhood and is a sweetheart for the Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. This year, Hannah helped lead the Campus Ministries’ Tiger Tunes dog-themed show to first place, making for an even more memorable homecoming experience. “I love working with Campus Ministries, especially life groups and Tiger Tunes, so that has been a big part of my time here at Ouachita,” Goodrum said.
As part of the homecoming court, Goodrum represented Eta Alpha Omega and was escorted onto the field during the pre-game ceremony by her husband, Tate Goodrum. “It was super sweet to be able to walk out with someone I have such a close relationship with,” Goodrum said. “Then, to be with him whenever my name did get called, it just made it that much sweeter.”
Not only was it a moment she will remember for a long time, but experiencing it alongside Tate made it even more special. “Seeing her get crowned was an absolute dream come true,” Tate said. “It was such a cool reminder of the community of Ouachita that has been so good to us over our time here. It is a true testament to her character and how she is deeply loved on campus. She gives her everything in all the things she is involved in while always being present with the people around her.”
As shocking as the recognition was for Goodrum, those closest to her were far from surprised that she was deserving of such an honor. “I’ve gotten to see her in so many moments throughout college, from fun memories, standing beside her at her wedding, to tearful seasons and deep conversations,” Campbell said. “She is unwavering in her faith and in her character. It was a sweet moment for me as her friend to see her be crowned! It’s an honor to do life with her, and it makes me overjoyed that our peers love her and recognize her steadfast character and love for the Lord.”
For Hannah Goodrum, the title is more than a crown and a bouquet; it is simply a testament to her character and the impact she has had on those around her during her time at Ouachita.
