Giving Until It Feels Good
Ben M. Elrod: Arkansas Educator and Fundraiser
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Born in Rison, Arkansas, he was raised in a loving Christian home where he learned the importance and power of a local community to mold and shape the life of a child. It was in Rison that he gained an appreciation for the natural beauty of his native state and learned to savor the sights, sounds and smells of rivers, timberlands, chainsaws and tractors. Working alongside his father’s employees provided insights into human nature that served him well as a leader later in life. He began life as a son of the soil and grew into a talented leader who loved people and invested his life in them. He came to love college-age students in particular and ultimately discovered that it was on this age group that the focus of his calling rested.
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About the Book
Ben Elrod is an Arkansas philanthropist, educator and Christian leader who spent over four decades investing in the lives of young men and women through Christian higher education. His life story will inspire future generations of leaders to live a life of impact for the kingdom of God. His life’s work was founded upon careful professional preparation followed by a relentless pursuit of excellence in all his assignments. Ben Elrod started and ended his higher education experience at Ouachita Baptist University beginning as a freshman and ending as its 13th president.
The book explores the shaping experiences of his early days in the rural timber town of Rison, Arkansas and the impact on him of his college days at Ouachita. Insights into his presidency of three institutions of higher learning will be invaluable to those who currently share such a challenge. No story of his life would be complete without sharing his insights into how to raise money for noble causes. His significant work as a pioneer fundraiser in higher education will provide wisdom for all those tasked with securing funding for their organizations.
About the Author
Rex Nelson of Little Rock, Arkansas, is senior vice president and director of corporate communications for Simmons First National Corporation. He previously served as president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and Universities.
Ian Cosh of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is a native of Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, and serves as vice president of community and international engagement at Ouachita Baptist University and director of the Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community.