2023 Stories and Features
Frie Awarded OBU Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree During Winter Commencement
December 16, 2023
OBU conferred degrees upon 80 graduates during Winter Commencement Dec. 16, 2023, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City. After an official welcome by Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost, dean of business, health, science and education, and…
Research Sheds Light on Sanders’ Marketing Triumphs
December 15, 2023
A recent research study titled "From Athlete to Influencer: Analyzing the Rise of Deion Sanders and the Power of Well Off Media" studies the marketing strategies employed by Coach Deion Sanders during his inaugural season at the University of…
OBU to Honor 80 Graduates During Winter Commencement Dec. 16
December 12, 2023
OBU will confer degrees upon undergraduate and graduate students during Winter Commencement Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will take place at First Southern Baptist Church, 6400 S. Sooner Rd., Oklahoma City. The December ceremony will…
Two OBU faculty members earn national book award recognitions
December 11, 2023
The tradition of academic and literary excellence endures among Oklahoma Baptist University’s faculty with the recent announcements of national book awards. OBU congratulates Dr. Brandon Smith who was named as recipient of the…
OBU to Host Annual Student Apologetics Conference March 2
December 6, 2023
Registration is now underway for OBU’s annual youth apologetics conference, Generation Why. Students, youth groups, college ministry groups and others around the state and region are invited to attend the conference on March 2, 2024.…
OBU Celebrates Christmas with Annual Hanging of the Green Dec. 2
December 5, 2023
The traditional and always anticipated Hanging of the Green, first held in 1937, was a beautiful event again this year. Congratulations to the Division of Music faculty, Office of Student Life, OBU student musicians and the 20 student…
Public invited to the Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Village Kick-Off Event at OBU, Dec. 9
December 1, 2023
Santa, hot cocoa and cookie decorating, plus holiday sounds provided by students of the OBU Division of Music await visitors of the kick-off for the inaugural Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Village set for 6 p.m., Dec. 9 on the oval…
OBU Adds Array of Community-Focused Undergraduate Programs
December 1, 2023
Communities in Oklahoma and nationwide are recognizing pressing concerns in mental health and cybersecurity, while global business leaders emphasize the importance of financial and data skills. Simultaneously, the sports industry continues its…
Frie to Deliver OBU Winter Commencement Address Dec. 16 at First Southern Baptist Church
November 20, 2023
Rick Frie, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jenks, will deliver the commencement address during Oklahoma Baptist University’s winter graduation ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at First Southern Baptist Church,…
OBU to Celebrate Annual Hanging of the Green
November 20, 2023
OBU will present the annual Hanging of the Green featuring the Bison Glee Club, the Bisonette Women’s Glee Club, the University Chorale and the Orchestra Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium on the lower level of Raley…
Dr. Thomas receives the prestigious Curtis Vaughan Award
November 16, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University President Dr. Heath A. Thomas was chosen by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary faculty and administration to receive the Curtis Vaughan Award for contribution to the study of Christian Scripture for the…
OBU Announces the Launch of Raley College: A Revolutionary 2-Year Hybrid Learning Program
November 10, 2023
OBU is thrilled to introduce Raley College at OBU, a groundbreaking 2-year hybrid residential learning program set to launch on the OBU campus in January 2024. This innovative program offers students the unique blend of residential living and…
OBU Hosts Local Fifth Graders for Interactive Children's Museum
November 8, 2023
Elementary education students at OBU recently showcased their creativity and dedication to immersive learning by hosting an interactive children's museum project for more than 80 fifth graders from Will Rogers Elementary School on the OBU…
OBU Enhances Student Experience with Key Leadership Hires: Kaleb Miears and Melissa Stroud
November 7, 2023
OBU is pleased to announce the appointment of Kaleb Miears as director of student leadership and engagement, and Melissa Stroud as director of global mobilization. Miears has served OBU students since 2016 through admissions, residential life…
OBU holds ceremony for new Dr. Peggy D. Keck Finance and Business Analytics Lab
November 6, 2023
OBU on Friday celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Dr. Peggy D. Keck Finance and Business Analytics Lab. This state-of-the-art facility represents a shift in how students engage with finance and data analytics, emphasizing mentorship,…
OBU's Dual-Credit and Dual-Enrollment Programs Empower High School Students for Success
November 6, 2023
OBU’s dual-credit and dual-enrollment programs offer high school students unique opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. OBU has partnered with faith-aligned institutions, Christian Heritage Academy in Del…
1613 “He” Bible exhibit opening November 10, 2023
October 30, 2023
OBU, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission and the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, will be hosting a reception in celebration of the restoration and exhibition of a 1613 copy of the King…
Alumni Honored During OBU Harvest Dinner
October 27, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University recognized outstanding alumni with special awards during its annual Harvest Dinner Friday, Oct. 20. The event took place during The Weekend, the University’s homecoming celebration at OBU’s campus…
Local Artists Showcased at OBU’s Art on the Hill
October 24, 2023
Varied displays of local art including ceramics, woven pieces, jewelry, photography and baked goods were showcased at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Art on the Hill as part of The Weekend festivities. The public event was held…
OBU Crowns Harvest Court During Homecoming Halftime Oct. 21
October 21, 2023
OBU announced the 2023 Harvest Court winners during halftime of its Oct. 21 football game against Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The game kicked off at 7 p.m. inside Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex. The events took place…
Johnson and Hall inducted into Faculty Hall of Fame
October 20, 2023
Two former Oklahoma Baptist University faculty members were inducted into the University’s Faculty Hall of Fame Friday, Oct. 20. The ceremony was held at the Cargill Advancement and Alumni Center as part of The Weekend celebration and…
Women of Vision Select Annual Project During Meeting Oct. 19
October 19, 2023
The OBU Women of Vision held their annual meeting and dinner Oct. 19 at the Cargill Advancement and Alumni Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. With about 100 women in attendance, the event was held to generate support and contributions towards…
OBU’s New Bison Pact: Transforming Higher Education Accessibility for Oklahoma’s Promise Qualifiers
October 16, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University’s newly announced Bison Pact will cover tuition and general fees for Oklahoma’s Promise qualifiers who are incoming OBU freshmen and transfers in fall 2024, making private Christian education…
Community Invited to Musical Gala during “The Weekend 2023,” Oct. 20 on Bison Hill
October 13, 2023
OBU will host the annual Musical Gala featuring numerous ensembles from the Warren M. Angell School of Visual and Performing Arts in two performances Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium on the lower level of Raley Chapel. Due…
OBU Invites All to "Come Home for The Weekend 2023"
October 11, 2023
OBU is excited and honored to welcome alumni, students, prospective students, families, and friends to Bison Hill for "Come Home for The Weekend 2023," Oct. 19-21. The events combine OBU's annual Homecoming celebration with Family Weekend and…
OBU Hosts Area High School Students for STEM Day Oct. 6
October 10, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University welcomed more than 500 area high school students Oct. 6 for STEM Day on Bison Hill. The students participated in hands-on learning experiences throughout the day, exploring various STEM disciplines. STEM is a common…
OBU Welcomes Kyle Opskar as Assistant Director for the Tom Elliff Center for Missions
October 6, 2023
OBU is excited to announce the appointment of Kyle Opskar as the new Assistant Director for the Tom Elliff Center for Missions. Opskar, a dedicated and accomplished graduate of OBU brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to missions…
OMRF internship reaffirms OBU student’s passion for medicine, research
September 20, 2023
As campus discussions turn to how OBU students spent their summers, Austin Lopez will have a response unlike any of her classmates. Interning at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Lopez infected cartilage cells with a virus to determine…
Kearns, DeGiacomo, Fullbright and Sanders serving as lecturers in student ministry
September 18, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University is excited to announce that Dr. Matthew Kearns, Dr. Jeffrey DeGiacomo, Dr. Aaron Fullbright and Dr. Todd Sanders are serving as lecturers in student ministry in the OBU Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry. Kearns…
OBU Division of Music to Host Dr. Clara Christian Masterclass and Recital Sept. 15
September 11, 2023
Dr. Clara C. Christian will host a masterclass and perform a recital on Sep. 15, 2023, in Raley Chapel’s Yarborough Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Hosted by the OBU Division of Music, the masterclass will be at 3 p.m. and…
OBU’s Prison Divinity Program receives national recognition
September 5, 2023
OBU’s Prison Divinity Program was recognized as the top academic institution of the year at the Fourth Annual National Moral Rehabilitation Conference in Memphis, Tenn. Lexington Assessment and Reception Center Chaplain Ron Lindsey…
University Presents top Employee Honors During Convocation August 30
September 2, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University presented its highest employee awards during Convocation chapel Aug. 30 on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Each year, OBU presents three important awards to recognize quality teaching and faithful, productive service: the…
Burnett headed to Bison Hill as VP for Enrollment Management
September 1, 2023
OBU is excited to announce that Brad Burnett is coming to Bison Hill as vice president for enrollment management to lead the admissions, graduate and online recruitment, and student financial services teams. Burnett has been associated with…
President Thomas Delivers Annual Convocation Address Aug. 30
August 30, 2023
OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered the annual Convocation address Aug. 30 during chapel. The service took place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Dr. Joy Turner, associate professor of missions, led…
Hundreds of OBU Students Volunteer to ‘Serve Shawnee’ Aug. 21
August 22, 2023
Several hundred OBU students, including freshmen, transfers and upperclassmen, as well as OBU employees, spent Monday morning, Aug. 21, serving the Shawnee community. The volunteers served at locations all around the community for…
OBU Welcomes New, Returning Students to Campus on Move-In Day Aug. 19
August 19, 2023
OBU celebrated the arrival of new and returning students Saturday, Aug. 19, during the University’s annual Move-In Day. The day is the kickoff to Welcome Week, a special week each year where new students are welcomed into the Bison…
National weather expert joins OBU as a visiting professor
August 14, 2023
OBU welcomes Dr. Patrick Marsh as a visiting professor of natural science. Marsh is the chief of science and support for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Okla. His…
Boswell, Roberson and Lind join OBU as visiting professors of worship studies in the Division of Music
August 9, 2023
OBU welcomes Matt Boswell, Matt Roberson and Randy Lind as visiting professors of worship studies in the Division of Music. Boswell serves as the lead pastor of The Trails Church in North Texas. He is a widely…
OBU Slated to Launch Four Hybrid Accelerated Graduate Programs in Healthcare
August 8, 2023
OBU officials have announced plans to launch four new hybrid accelerated graduate degree programs in healthcare through a partnership with Evidence in Motion, a leading learning solutions company. Pending accreditation from the Higher Learning…
Nelson named chair of Division of Music
July 31, 2023
Dr. Patricia Nelson has been selected as chair of the OBU Division of Music, effective Aug. 1. She will also continue to serve as an associate professor of music education. Nelson has served as interim chair of the Division of Music in recent…
OBU and CampusEDU Launch Innovative Dual Enrollment Program
July 28, 2023
OBU, in partnership with CampusEDU, is thrilled to announce the launch of their new online dual enrollment program. The program is designed to empower high school students with an impactful launch towards their future, by providing an…
OBU’s nursing graduates consistently exceed national and Oklahoma average pass rates on certification tests
July 27, 2023
The average first-time pass rates on the national nursing certification test, the NCLEX-RN, for nursing graduates from the OBU School of Nursing consistently exceeds 90% as compared to the national rate of 79.91% and the Oklahoma rate…
Smith to Join Faculty as Chair of Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry
July 17, 2023
Dr. Brandon Smith will join the OBU faculty as associate professor of theology and early Christianity and chair of the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry effective Jan. 1, 2024. He will likewise serve as the director of the…
Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation visiting OBU School of Education this November
July 14, 2023
The Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education at OBU is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), November 12-14, 2023. The School of Education invites comments from stakeholders…
OBU Offers New Biblical and Theological Studies track to Master of Arts Degree
June 21, 2023
Beginning this fall, OBU will offer a new biblical and theological studies track in its Master of Arts in Christian Studies program. The biblical and theological studies track is designed to help students deepen their understanding of scripture…
OBU Presents Hobbs Award to Dew at SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans June 14
June 14, 2023
OBU President, Dr. Heath A. Thomas presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. James "Jamie" K. Dew June 14 during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Dew serves as president…
Center for Baptist Renewal at OBU Announces New Name
June 13, 2023
The Center for Baptist Renewal at Oklahoma Baptist University has been named in honor of David S. Dockery, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Timothy F. George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School and Distinguished…
Students can earn two certificates while completing an MBA at OBU
June 5, 2023
OBU’s Master of Business Administration in transformational leadership now allows students to earn two certificates at the same time they complete their MBA. All students participate in the core transformational leadership classes…
OBU and Project Lead the Way Enter into Agreement with Scholarships to be Awarded
May 30, 2023
As a supporter of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, OBU has entered into an agreement with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to begin the fall semester of 2024. Through this agreement, OBU will offer an annual $1,000…
OBU Celebrates 232 Graduates During Spring Commencement May 20
May 20, 2023
OBU conferred degrees upon 232 graduates during Spring Commencement May 20. The ceremony took place at First Southern Baptist Church in Del City. Dr. Alan Noble, OBU associate professor of English, delivered the commencement address. Raley…
OBU recognizes employees for Years of Service at May 15 event
May 19, 2023
OBU on Monday recognized employees for milestone years of service. Marcia McQuerry, registrar, was honored for 40 years of service. Three employees were honored for achieving 25 years of service. They include Dr. Jeanne Akin, professor of…
OBU Honors Nursing Graduates During Pinning Ceremony May 19
May 19, 2023
OBU honored its class of graduating nurses during the School of Nursing’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony held Friday, May 19. The ceremony was held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee. Dr. Stephanie Parker, chair of the OBU…
OBU to Honor 232 Graduates During Spring Commencement May 20
May 19, 2023
OBU will confer degrees upon 232 students during Spring Commencement at 2 p.m., May 20, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City. Dr. Alan Noble, OBU associate professor of English and author of numerous books and articles, will deliver the…
OBU Honors Retirees Carlton and Mastin
May 12, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University hosted a retirement reception for two longtime faculty members May 8 at the Geiger Center, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Retiring faculty include Dr. Bruce Carlton, Director of the Global Marketplace Engagement…
Oklahoma Baptists reach out to OBU students displaced by the tornado
May 11, 2023
Dr. Todd Fisher, Executive Director for Oklahoma Baptists, presented a check of $10,600 Thursday on behalf of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief for 106 Oklahoma Baptist University students displaced by the EF-2 tornado that struck the campus on…
OSU-CHS and OBU sign Athletic Training Agreement
May 10, 2023
Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) and OBU Tuesday, May 9, signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Guaranteed Admission Program between the OSU‐CHS, Department of Athletic Training, and OBU for…
OBU Commencement set for May 20 at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City
May 9, 2023
The OBU spring class of 2023 will celebrate commencement at the same time and date, as planned, but in a new location. Just over a month removed from a devastating EF-2 tornado striking the OBU campus, this year’s spring graduates…
OBU holds Special Summer Commissioning Chapel
May 3, 2023
OBU recently recognized the many students, faculty and staff who will be serving this summer on Global Outreach (GO) trips, through church or ministry internships, or at Christian summer camps and conferences. The commissioning chapel service…
Meek to Speak at OBU Business Forum May 1
April 27, 2023
Oklahoma Baptist University alumnus Tony Meek, an entrepreneur who has owned many real estate-related ventures over the past two decades, will be the featured speaker during OBU’s next Business Forum hosted by the Paul…
Oklahoma Baptist University students scheduled to return
April 26, 2023
Statement from Dr. Heath Thomas, Oklahoma Baptist University President: “I’ve got some very exciting news. We have been working with all of our contractors to ensure a safe return to campus, and we are returning to campus…
OBU Alumna Enjoys Business and Life in the Nation’s Largest City
April 6, 2023
Generally, a nudge will move a person only slightly. Such wasn’t the case for Payton Clark, a native of Burleson, Texas who in 2019 received an OBU Bachelor of Arts in communications studies degree. When God bumps you,…
Tom Elliff Center for Missions Celebrates One-Year Anniversary at OBU
April 6, 2023
Words of reflection and evidence of God’s work were highlighted at the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions (TECM) at Oklahoma Baptist University recently. A room-filled crowd gathered on March…
Gilbert to Speak at OBU Business Forum Mar. 27
March 23, 2023
OBU alumnus Brandon Gilbert, Enterprise Territory Manager at Tenable, will be the featured speaker during OBU’s next Business Forum Monday, March 27. His lecture will be titled “Reverse Timelines: Work Backward Before…
OBU Alumna Hannah Landry receives prestigious professional Award
March 14, 2023
OBU Alumna Hannah Landry received the Young Advertising Professional of the Year (YAPY) Award recently during the American Advertising Awards in Oklahoma City. Landry graduated from OBU in 2016, earning a communication studies…
Carlton Retiring in May 2023, Smith and Turner New Appointments
March 7, 2023
OBU extends a heartfelt thank you and deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Bruce Carlton for his service on Bison Hill. Carlton will retire as Director of the Bachelor of Arts in Global Marketplace Engagement and Professor of Cross-Cultural Ministry…
Shaping the Future on ‘Giving Day,’ April 4
March 6, 2023
Save the date now for April 4, Oklahoma Baptist University’s “Giving Day.” Financial gifts of all sizes on April 4 will honor the past, invigorate the present and certainly shape the future. Giving Day supports the…
New OBU engineering students eligible to receive additional $3,000 scholarships
March 1, 2023
New OBU students enrolling in the University’s new engineering program will receive a $3,000 scholarship in addition to the typical academic scholarships. Students are eligible to continue receiving this additional scholarship as long…
OBU students claim five ADDY awards amongst a record-setting number of entries
February 24, 2023
Three current/former Oklahoma Baptist University’s Art and Design Division students claimed prestigious honors during the Addy Awards given by the American Advertising Federation. OBU, which enters work through the Oklahoma City Ad…
Creativity, Collaboration and Community Connection
February 22, 2023
These words sum up a unique education experience encountered by OBU graphic design professor Corey Fuller, OBU graphic design student Emma Carr, and OBU alumni Ryan Brooks. This collective endeavor began in its early stages when Brooks,…
OBU's Parrish Featured on KFOR Series "Is This a Great State or What?!"
February 17, 2023
In honor of Founders’ Day, Galen Culver of KFOR News 4 interviewed OBU Executive Vice President Emeritus John Parrish for the reporter’s famed series, “Is This a Great State or What?!” Culver visited…
FOCUS Week Scheduled for Feb. 20-23 at OBU
February 15, 2023
OBU is hosting its annual FOCUS Week February 20-23. This year’s FOCUS Week is organized in conjunction with Life Action Ministries and will include five main sessions emphasizing spiritual growth and discipleship. Dr. Matthew Kearns,…
Students to Perform and Conduct in OBU’s Concerto-Aria Concert Feb. 19
February 14, 2023
The OBU Division of Music will present the 49th annual Concerto-Aria concert in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium Sunday, Feb. 19, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Eight students will perform as soloists, all accompanied by a full…
Nine OBU Faculty Installed to Endowed Positions
February 8, 2023
Academic installations and presidential words of advice highlighted Oklahoma Baptist University's Founders’ Day Chapel, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. More than 1,500 people attended the ceremony…
OBU’s Division of Music Welcomes the Miró Quartet, Feb. 11
February 1, 2023
OBU’s Division of Music will host its second Music Artist Series concert for 2023. They welcome the Miró Quartet, who will perform Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium inside Raley Chapel on the…
Tickets on Sale to Hear Tim Tebow at OBU’s 2023 Green and Gold Gala
January 30, 2023
Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick and former professional baseball player, will be the keynote speaker at Oklahoma Baptist University’s annual Green and Gold Gala on March 28,…
Christy Nockels to be Featured Guest at OBU, March 1
January 20, 2023
OBU is pleased to announce Christy Nockels will be the featured speaker for Women’s Missions and Ministry Day on Wednesday, March 1. Nockels is a songwriter, recording artist, podcast host, author, and familiar female vocalist of the…
OBU to Host Fourth Annual Student Apologetics Conference, March 4
January 17, 2023
Registration is now underway for OBU’s fourth annual youth apologetics conference, Generation Why. Students, youth groups, college ministry groups and others around the state and region are invited to attend the conference on March 4.…
2023 OBU Music Artist Series Welcomes Polyphonists Quartet
January 13, 2023
OBU will host the Polyphonists in concert Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. They will perform in Raley Chapel’s Yarborough Auditorium as part of the Division of Music 2022-2023 Artist Series. The Polyphonists are a quartet from two…
Avedis Provides Tuition Assistance Grant for OBU Alternative Certification Education Program
January 5, 2023
Talk of resolutions is annually abundant in January. However, commitments have a lot more staying power than resolutions. The Avedis Foundation is beginning 2023 with a firm commitment to K-12 teachers and students as it partners with Oklahoma…