Habitat Selection by Demersal Nekton: Analysis of Videotape Data

In the past, analysis of habitat choice by marine nekton has been hampered by limited access to its environment. We suggest a method to facilitate study of habitat choice, using data gathered from videotapes. The aims of this study were (a) to identify members of a particular nekton assemblage, and (b) to identify environmental variables important to the assemblage as a whole. Data on species and environmental variables came from videotapes of a sandy-bottom shelf area (60 m depth) in the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola, Florida, taken by a remote-controlled submersible travelling along defined transects. We analyzed these videotapes to derive information on habitat use of several species of fishes and large invertebrates. We divided the transects into sections which were homogeneous for bottom type and algal coverage, and in each section measured habitat variables and abundances of the most common and reliably identifiable species of demersal nekton. Factor analysis of species\u27 means for environmental variables identified patterns of habitat use among these species. The analysis identified these patterns by generating axes that represented environmental gradients. The patterns of habitat use by these species related to their preferences for different amounts of three-dimensional structure, algae, and infaunal and epifaunal organisms. We compared species distributions and habitat distributions on these axes to find which environmental gradients were of most importance in habitat selection by these species. We found that more species selected habitats on the basis of particular amounts of structure, fewer selected on the basis of algal coverage and infaunal organisms. Only one species seemed to select habitats on the basis of types or abundances of epifaunal organisms. Thus, amount of three-dimensional structure seemed an important variable to the sandy-bottom assemblage overall, followed by amount of algal coverage and types of infaunal organisms

Dr. Caroline Taylor named dean of Ouachita\u27s School of Fine Arts

Dr. Caroline B. Taylor, professor of music and interim chair of the Division of Music at Ouachita Baptist University, has been named dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts. She will provide leadership starting June 2023 to the school’s divisions of and Applied Arts in pursuing their goal of producing artists and scholars who integrate their intellect and faith with their art, and their art with their worldview. “I am thrilled to be appointed the next School of Fine Arts dean and excited to be in a position to continue the long-held tradition of excellence the arts have always held at Ouachita,” said Taylor, who has served since July as Division of Music interim chair. “I want to ensure that all students at Ouachita, regardless of their major, have the opportunity to experience and stay involved in the Arts during their time here.

Still, Toles to perform senior instumental recitals at Ouachita on Nov. 19

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present Katelyn Still and Taryn Toles in their senior instrumental recitals Friday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public

Ouachita reports 99% placement rate for 2022 graduates

Ouachita Baptist University reported that 99% of its 2022 graduates are employed or furthering their education, repeating a career outcomes rate that exceeds the most recent national average of 84% and reflects the university’s sustained momentum in equipping students for postgraduate success. The 2022 career outcomes rate is based on responses by graduating seniors to Ouachita’s First Destination Survey, as well as information gathered and confirmed utilizing personal relationships and social media

Ouachita confers degrees on 360 students during May 14 Commencement

Ouachita Baptist University conferred degrees on 360 graduates during its 135th Spring Commencement held Saturday, May 14, on the front lawn of Cone-Bottoms Hall. Graduates received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificates for those completing a Dietetic Internship. Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, led Commencement exercises and delivered the Commencement address, in keeping with Ouachita tradition. He recalled the preparation involved in ensuring that Ouachita would be one of the few universities to offer students a fully in-person education during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years

Ouachita reports highest total spring enrollment in more than 25 years

Ouachita Baptist University has reported record spring enrollment for the second consecutive year, with a total Spring 2022 headcount of 1,663. This represents a 2.7% increase over Spring 2021 and the highest spring enrollment in more than 25 years. In Fall 2021, Ouachita celebrated a number of historic school records including its highest enrollment in 55 years and largest, most diverse freshman class in its history. The two semesters of back-to-back records are part of the university’s multi-year enrollment growth and are indicators of Ouachita’s momentum in recruiting and retaining students, even while total university enrollment in the state and nation continues to decrease

Ouachita chapter of SAI to host American Musicale Honors Recital on Feb. 18

The Ouachita Baptist University chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) music fraternity will host its annual American Musicale Honors Recital on Friday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall, 455 Campus Drive. The recital is free and open to the public. “This is our third American Musicale Honors Recital; it is becoming an annual event,” said faculty sponsor Dr. Margaret Garrett, professor of music at Ouachita, adding that the recital gives students a place to promote and present music by American composers only. “Past performances have included spirituals, classical art songs, opera arias, songs from musical theatre and rock, original compositions and even a jazz combo. It also serves as a way for the members of SAI to let students know what the organization is about, and recruit new members.

Rigsby chosen to lead Ouachita\u27s new criminal justice degree program

Dr. Malcolm L. Rigsby has been named professor of criminology and criminal justice and coordinator of the criminal justice program at Ouachita Baptist University. He brings more than 20 years’ teaching and research experience in higher education to the post, as well as a background in banking, private law practice and private-owned business