About
Jon Merryman has served since 2011 as director of alumni relations, adding responsibilities for
directing the efforts of the student-led Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF) in 2012.
A 2000 cum laude Ouachita grad in mass communications, he served as student director of Tiger Tunes
and Tiger Traks his senior year. Upon graduation, Merryman worked in music marketing
in Nashville, Tenn., before beginning a 17-year career in full-time, bi-vocational
and missions ministry. He has been a contributing author to numerous Bible curricula
for LifeWay Christian Resources and WinShape Camps and is a sought-after speaker and
camp pastor. He and his wife, Emily, live in Arkadelphia and have one son, Dennis,
whom they adopted from Moldova in 2008.
Fun Facts
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
I love the Rachel Fuller and Ouachita Singers Memorial Amphitheater. As a survivor
of the crash of American Airlines flight 1420 as a student, I love this beautiful
spot on campus that remembers those lost and honors those who survived the crash as
a part of the 1999 Ouachita Singers European tour. While the event was tragic, I find
the amphitheater a beautiful and peaceful place to reflect and attend campus events.
What is a favorite moment of working with students at Ouachita?
There are so many, but leading OSF and watching the organization grow and change is
encouraging and exciting. Seeing the students pull off Tiger Tunes each year and being
with leaders as OSF has received recognition (as the CASE ASAP Outstanding Student
Advancement Program award for Tiger Tunes in 2018 and the Outstanding Student Advancement
Organization award in 2019) has been extremely affirming and rewarding.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Emily and I love a tradition and have eaten at Taco Mama in Hot Springs almost once
a week since 2012. Dr. Randall Wight shared with us about the amazing food at Taco
Mama, and the owners have grown to feel like family over these past few years.
Areas of Expertise
Awards:
- 2020 CASE ASAP District IV Outstanding Student Advancement Program - Tiger Traks
- 2019 CASE ASAP Outstanding Student Advancement Organization - OSF
- 2019 CASE ASAP District IV Outstanding Student Advancement Organization - OSF
- 2018 CASE ASAP Outstanding Student Advancement Program - Tiger Tunes
- 2018 CASE ASAP District IV Outstanding Student Advancement Program - Tiger Tunes
Contributing author/presentations:
- "Living with Teenagers"
- Worship KidStyle
- G-Force
- T.E.A.M. Kid
- LifeWay V.B.S.
- "I'm a Christian: Now What? Devotional"
- CentriKid Camps devotions and sermons
- WinShape Camps Bible studies
- Presented "Best Practices in Student Foundations and Student Alumni Associations"
at CCCU Multi-Academic Conference 2020
Involvement
Committee, service and civic involvement:
- Commencement Committee
- Second Baptist Church Arkadelphia
- Relay for Life Clark County (former)
Professional memberships:
- CCCU Commissioner for Alumni Relations
- CASE ASAP Conference Presenter
- CASE ASAP awards committee member
Certifications
Ordained Minister (2004 - Present)
