The Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business at Ouachita Baptist University takes pride in being the only private business school in Arkansas with the AACSB accreditation. It builds every business degree program upon foundational Christian values and the liberal arts, prioritizing the holistic growth of every student. Faculty members are continually developing their expertise, contributing to scholarly works and research, and modeling service. Graduates are equipped with critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills and value ethical principles, lifelong learning, service, impacting the world positively.
Education
Hickingbotham provides excellent instruction and high-quality business programs for undergraduates to grow in the knowledge of business theory and practices. They can obtain a Bachelors in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration. Business Administration students gain a broad scope of knowledge in management and leadership while having the option to emphasize their education in Management, Entrepreneurship, Sport Management, or Marketing. Students can find financial assistance through numerous scholarships, including the Legacy Award, the Tiger Network Leadership Scholarship, the National Merit OBU Scholarship, the Ouachita Student Foundation Scholarship, and the Southern Baptist Church Matching Grant.
Studying abroad provides incredible and beneficial insights into the world of global business while deepening appreciation of different cultures. Hickingbotham students can join other Ouachita students in global adventures in places all over the world, including China, Italy, Costa Rica, Austria, England, Jordan, France, Israel, South Africa, and Spain. International mission trips provide more opportunities to serve others.
Student Life
Hickingbotham encourages students to get involved in academic and spiritual growth, professional development, and outreach opportunities. Business students can engage in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and ENACTUS (Entrepreneurial.Action.Us). ENACTUS believes in sustainability through entrepreneurship and provides projects that enhance students’ entrepreneurial ability and helps others. There are a variety of other groups, including social clubs and special interest groups like Astronomy Club, Campus Activities Board, International Club, Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Ouachita Student Foundation.
Hands-on learning is a vital part of the professional development process. Hickingbotham students compete in the OBU Business Plan Competition, the Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition, and the National G.A.M.E. Forum Competition. OBU finance students have won this Forum Competition for their excellent management of the Ary Student Investment Fund, which is a real stock portfolio that seniors work together to manage. Each year, students have the opportunity to travel, at no cost, to a different city, including Memphis, Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, and St. Louis, to gain insights into various industries and business environments.
Aligning with Christian beliefs and values, Campus Ministries exist to promote Christian growth through on-campus services, prayer gatherings, and service opportunities. The Elrod Center for Family & Community helps connect students to community outreach opportunities like mentoring kids, hanging out with the elderly, disaster relief efforts, and assisting people with special needs. The community greatly benefits from Tiger Serve Day, where over 800 OBU students, faculty, and staff volunteer all over the local area.