2024 Stories and Features

OBU Announces Special Olympics Unified College Program

October 24, 2024

A kickoff event celebrating a new partnership between OBU and Special Olympics Oklahoma creating OBU's Special Olympics Unified College program will be held on Oct. 29 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center. Preceding the…

OBU School of Education Offering a November 12 “Discover Teaching” Event for High School Students

October 22, 2024

OBU’s “Discover Teaching” event isn’t just about a profession, it’s about people – students. The Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education’s gathering for ninth through…

2024 OBU Women of Vision Select Annual Project During Meeting Oct. 17

October 22, 2024

The OBU Women of Vision held their annual meeting and dinner on Oct. 17 in the backyard of the Cargill Advancement and Alumni Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. With 140 women in attendance, the event was held to generate support and…

Campus Construction Updates

October 21, 2024

As we head into fall, we wanted to take a moment to provide the OBU community with updates on several construction projects happening around campus.

Alumni Honored During 2024 OBU Harvest Dinner

October 21, 2024

OBU recognized outstanding alumni with special awards during its annual Harvest Dinner on Friday, Oct. 18. The event occurred during The Weekend, the University’s homecoming celebration at OBU’s campus in Shawnee. Multiple…

OBU Crowns Harvest Court During Homecoming Halftime Oct. 19

October 19, 2024

OBU announced the 2024 Harvest Court winners during halftime of its Oct. 19 football game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The game kicked off at 6 p.m. inside Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex. The events took place…

OBU President Announces Launch of “Shape the Future” Campaign

October 18, 2024

OBU officially launched the ambitious “Shape the Future” campaign during a well-attended public kickoff event at The Weekend celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the university’s storied history. With…

OBU Harvest Court Candidates Announced

October 16, 2024

The 2024 OBU Harvest Court candidates were recently announced. The senior men and women will be recognized during the annual Harvest Court ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 19, at halftime of the Bison football game against Southwestern Oklahoma State…

OBU Faculty Hall of Fame Induction Honors Legacy of Excellence during The Weekend on Oct. 18

October 15, 2024

OBU will honor two esteemed faculty members during the 2024 Faculty Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 18 during The Weekend. This year's inductees, Dr. James Woodward and Dr. Norris Russell are being recognized for their profound impact…

OBU Alumnus Bryan Wilks to Deliver Minter Lecture

October 14, 2024

Bryan Wilks, a 1999 OBU graduate and CEO and founder of Freeform, will serve as the Minter Lecturer at 10 a.m. on Oct.18 on the OBU campus in the Tulsa Royalties Auditorium of the Bailey Business Center. The lecture, held during The Weekend at…

OBU Celebrates Grand Opening of Brant and Leslie Hill Esports Arena

October 10, 2024

With great excitement, OBU officially unveiled the Brant and Leslie Hill Bison Esports Arena in OBU’s Recreational and Wellness Center on Oct. 8. The grand opening ceremony featured remarks from OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas, who…

Heartland Worship 2024 Unites Worship Leaders at OBU for a Day of Inspiration and Fellowship

October 7, 2024

Worship ministry leaders from across the heartland gathered on October 5 for the Heartland Worship 2024 event at OBU. The full-day conference, designed to equip and inspire worship leaders, brought together pastors, musicians, and ministry…

Past, Present and Future Showcased at OBU during The Weekend, Oct 17-19

October 4, 2024

Oklahoma Baptist University is excited and honored to welcome alumni, students, prospective students, families, and friends to Bison Hill for The Weekend 2024, Oct. 17-19. The events combine OBU’s annual Homecoming celebration with…

Nominations Sought for the Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame Award

October 3, 2024

Oklahoma Baptist University is continuing a significant journey of recognizing and honoring individuals whose lives are dedicated to promoting and advancing Kingdom diversity. This is rooted in the value of people from all nations, kindreds,…

Diaper Drive to Combat Crisis: Pottawatomie County Collected Diapers and Wipes for Local Families in Need

October 2, 2024

Multiple locations across Pottawatomie County, including Oklahoma Baptist University, collected diapers and wipes last week as part of National Diaper Need Awareness Week. The drive supported the efforts of Legacy Parenting Center and aimed to…

OBU launches Bison Esports with a grand opening on Oct. 8

September 27, 2024

OBU has stepped into the dynamic world of esports with the launch of its new program in the fall 2024 semester. On Oct. 8, OBU will host a public dedication and grand opening of the Brant and Leslie Hill Bison Esports Arena at 3:30 p.m. in the…

OBU Earns Top Rankings from U.S. News & World Report for 33rd Consecutive Year

September 24, 2024

U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Oklahoma Baptist University as the top Oklahoma university on its list of Best Regional Universities in the West. OBU has been ranked on the list of Best Regional Universities in the West for 33…

OBU’s School of Education Receives National Recognition

September 19, 2024

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) has announced that OBU’s McCabe Family School of Education has received the 2024 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement. OBU is one of only nine…

OBU Announces Hanson as Director of the New Physician Associate Studies Program

September 18, 2024

OBU is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christina Hanson as director of the new Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies program, currently in development. This hire marks a significant milestone as OBU expands its graduate…

OBU Welcomes New Executives in Residence to the Paul Dickinson School of Business

September 17, 2024

OBU has announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders as Executives in Residence at the Paul Dickinson School of Business. Richard S. Dickson, the recently retired CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, and Jeffrey A. Madison, the owner/operator…

Orr to Speak at OBU Business Forum on Sept. 27

September 6, 2024

OBU alumna Tonya (Miller) Orr will be the featured speaker at OBU’s Business Forum on Friday, Sept. 27. Her lecture will be titled “Preparing for Possibilities.” This event is hosted by the Paul Dickinson School of…

University Presents top Employee Honors During Convocation August 28

August 30, 2024

OBU presented its highest employee awards during Convocation chapel Aug. 28 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Each year, OBU presents three important awards to recognize quality teaching and faithful,…

Princeton Review Names OBU Among Best in the Southwest for 20th Consecutive Year

August 29, 2024

The Princeton Review has named OBU as one of the best colleges and universities in the southwestern United States for the 20th consecutive year. The Princeton Review annually salutes colleges and universities across the nation as academically…

OBU President Thomas Delivers Annual Convocation Address on Aug. 28

August 28, 2024

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered the annual Convocation address Aug. 28 during chapel. The service took place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Dr. Ben Myers, director of the OBU honors program, led…

OBU Seeks Comments on Nursing Program for Accreditation

August 28, 2024

The OBU School of Nursing is seeking continuing accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and will be having an onsite accreditation visit with CCNE on November 4-6, 2024. Students, faculty, and third-party…

OBU Students Receive C.W. Riley Memorial Honors Scholarship

August 26, 2024

Scholarships are often about so much more than money. For example, the C.W. Riley Memorial Honors Scholarship symbolizes family more than finances. OBU Honors Program students gathered in the Honors Suite at the Mabee Learning Center on August…

Hundreds of OBU Students Volunteer for “Serve Shawnee” on Aug. 19

August 19, 2024

About 300 OBU students, including freshmen, transfers and upperclassmen, as well as OBU employees, spent Monday morning, Aug. 19, serving the Shawnee community. The volunteers served at locations all around the community for OBU’s…

OBU Welcomes New, Returning Students to Campus on Move-In Day, Aug. 17

August 17, 2024

OBU celebrated the arrival of new and returning students on Saturday, Aug. 17, 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…

OBU Education Programs Surpass State Averages in Teacher Assessment

June 27, 2024

OBU’s Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education has again achieved great success in preparing classroom-ready teachers.  On the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) exam for 2023-24, OBU's students outperformed…

OBU Partners with Leading Weather Institutes to Enhance Community Safety and Student Learning

June 24, 2024

In an innovative collaboration aimed at bolstering community weather safety and advancing educational opportunities, Oklahoma Baptist University has announced its partnership with esteemed weather research entities to host a cutting-edge…

OBU Students Named to Honor Roll

June 19, 2024

OBU recently announced students named to the university’s academic honor roll for the spring 2024 semester. Students who achieved a semester grade point average of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale are named to the President’s…

OBU Presents Hobbs Award to Rummage at SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on June 11

June 11, 2024

OBU President, Dr. Heath A. Thomas presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. Stephen Rummage on June 11 during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. Rummage serves as senior…

OBU and St. Gregory’s Abbey Announce Land Exchange Deal

June 7, 2024

OBU and St. Gregory’s Abbey announced a property exchange agreement during an event Friday, June 7, at the Abbey in Shawnee. In exchange for the transfer of the 74-acre OBU Green Campus, formerly St. Gregory’s University, to…

OBU Celebrates 232 Graduates During Spring Commencement on May 18

May 18, 2024

OBU conferred degrees upon 232 graduates during Spring Commencement May 18. The ceremony took place at First Southern Baptist Church in Del City. Ricky Dickson, the recently retired CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, delivered the commencement…

OBU Honors Nursing Graduates During Pinning Ceremony on May 17

May 17, 2024

OBU honored its class of graduating nurses during the School of Nursing’s Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony held Friday, May 17, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee. Dr. Stephanie Parker, chair of the OBU School of Nursing,…

OBU Continues to Lead in Psi Chi Regional Research Awards, Marking a Decade-plus of Academic Excellence

May 17, 2024

Students from OBU’s Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences continued to add to their impressive success, winning another Psi Chi Regional Research Award this year.  Sydney Gardner received a Psi Chi Regional Research…

OBU to Honor 232 Graduates During Spring Commencement on May 18

May 16, 2024

The Oklahoma Baptist University spring class of 2024 will celebrate commencement at 2 p.m., May 18, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City. Ricky Dickson, the recently retired CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, will serve as this year’s…

OBU Honors Retirees Walker and Watson

May 14, 2024

OBU hosted a retirement reception for a long-serving staffer and a longtime faculty member on May 14 at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Retiring employees include Teri Walker, assistant registrar/degree counselor, after 40 years…

Trustees Approve Faculty Promotions During May 3 Meeting

May 13, 2024

The OBU Board of Trustees approved faculty promotions during its meeting on May 3 at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. “Faculty promotions in rank are great examples that the future is bright on Bison Hill,”…

OBU Recognizes Employees for Years of Service at May 6 Event

May 7, 2024

OBU recognized employees for milestone years of service during a recognition event on Monday, May 6, at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus. Teri Walker, assistant registrar/degree counselor, was honored for 40 years of service. Dr. Bret Roark,…

OBU Commencement set for May 18 at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City

May 6, 2024

The OBU spring class of 2024 will celebrate commencement at 2 p.m., May 18, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City. Ricky Dickson, the recently retired CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, will serve as this year’s commencement…

OBU Students Take Top Honors at Oklahoma Broadcast Education Awards

May 1, 2024

Five journalism students from OBU recently took home awards in the media competition at the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association awards held in April. The students combined to win three awards. The Awards were held on April 4, 2024, at the…

OBU Theatre Presents “Dreamers: A Depression-Era Musical Fairytale”

April 12, 2024

OBU Theatre is set to entertain audiences with their latest production, "Dreamers: A Depression-Era Musical Fairytale,” a new musical with book, music, and lyrics by OBU creative writing major Elena…

Daughty to Receive the First Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame Award on April 20 at OBU

April 10, 2024

OBU is pleased to announce that Ycedra Daughty will be the inaugural inductee into the OBU Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame. This new Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals whose lives are dedicated to promoting and…

Community Invited to Renewal Era Service and Celebration April 19

April 2, 2024

In the darkness of April 19, 2023, a devastating EF2 tornado tore through the campus of OBU, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. As the one-year anniversary of this tragic event approaches, OBU is gearing up to remember the past and…

Preparing Ministry Leaders: Formed to Inspire and Equip

March 18, 2024

Oklahoma worship leaders and ministry enthusiasts are invited to gather on Bison Hill this spring as OBU hosts the “Discover, Connect, Inspire” Worship Ministry Panel on April 25, 2024, at 4 p.m. inside OBU’s…

Mullins Joins OBU as Associate Professor of English

March 14, 2024

OBU welcomes Dr. Matthew Mullins as its newest addition to the academic roster. Mullins, who comes to OBU from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, will serve as an associate professor of English beginning August 1, 2024. Having…

OBU Announces Launch of Esports Program in Fall 2024

March 14, 2024

OBU is embracing the fast-growing world of esports as it announces plans to launch an esports program in the fall 2024 semester. Corey Bolgrin, director of Bison Recreation and Wellness at OBU, said this signifies OBU's commitment to providing…

Chism Joins OBU as Associate Professor of Music, Choral and Vocal

March 13, 2024

OBU has named Dr. Joshua Chism as its new associate professor of music, choral and vocal, effective August 1, 2024. Chism, previously serving at Whitworth University as the coordinator of music education and associate director of choral…

OBU Announces Knight as Director of the New Speech-Language Pathology Program

March 7, 2024

OBU is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. AnnMarie Knight as director of the new Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program that is currently in development. This hire marks a significant milestone as OBU expands its…

Editor and Author R.R. Reno to speak at OBU on April 12

March 5, 2024

R. R. Reno, the editor of First Things, a journal of religion and public life, will speak on “How Should Christians Think About Nationalism?” at 4 p.m., April 12 in the Tulsa Royalties Auditorium at Bailey Business…

OBU Presents J.M. Carroll Award to Quigley at the Advance Conference in Oklahoma City

March 5, 2024

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas presented the J.M. Carroll Award to Alan Quigley during the Advance Conference March 4 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. The J.M. Carroll Award is given to recognize outstanding…

OBU Artists Shine at ADDY Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Illustration and Design

March 4, 2024

OBU continues to distinguish itself as a hub for artistic talent, as evidenced by the recent success of its students at the Addy Awards, presented by the American Advertising Federation. Three current and former students from OBU's renowned Art…

OBU Debuts Master of Arts in Teaching Program

March 1, 2024

OBU is expanding its educational offerings by introducing its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, aimed at educators seeking to enhance their teaching careers. Designed to provide advanced pedagogical instruction, educational research,…

Bible-Reading Marathon Tradition Continues at OBU April 17-18

February 28, 2024

Students and faculty members of OBU, as well as representatives of the Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association and leaders in the Shawnee community, will continue the tradition of a New Testament Reading Marathon, April 17-18 at OBU. The…

OBU's Theatre Department Presents “The Masque of Beauty and the Beast”

February 22, 2024

OBU's Theatre Department is set to entertain audiences with their latest production, "The Masque of Beauty and the Beast," by Michael Brill, directed by John Dement and featuring a talented cast and crew. Plan now to attend this special…

Mason to Speak at OBU Business Forum February 23

February 14, 2024

Amy Mason, Executive Director of The Kimmell Foundation for Recovering Leadership, will be the featured speaker during Oklahoma Baptist University’s upcoming Business Forum from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on February 23. Her session,…

OBU Reduces Summer Tuition Rates by More Than 50%

February 13, 2024

The cost of undergraduate classes for OBU’s 2024 summer term will decrease to less than half the regular tuition rate. A broad range of undergraduate summer courses will be offered at a rate of $350 per credit hour to assist students…

IMB President Emeritus Dr. Jerry Rankin Shares Insights on Spiritual Warfare at OBU Event February 15

February 8, 2024

OBU’s Tom Elliff Center for Missions presents Dr. Jerry Rankin, president emeritus of the International Mission Board, speaking on Spiritual Warfare at 3:30 p.m., February 15 in the Tulsa Royalties…

Three OBU Faculty Installed to Endowed Positions

February 7, 2024

Academic installations and presidential words of advice highlighted Oklahoma Baptist University’s Founders’ Day Chapel, Wednesday, Feb. 7, in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Dr. Alex Himaya,…

School Employees in Pottawatomie County Eligible for Project RESPECT Scholarships to Pursue Mental Health Careers

January 31, 2024

Project RESPECT is a new scholarship program designed to improve access to mental health services for Pottawatomie County youth by creating a pathway for individuals to pursue a master’s degree leading to licensure as a mental health…

Himaya to Speak During Founders Day Chapel Service Feb. 7

January 30, 2024

OBU will welcome Dr. Alex Himaya Feb. 7 to the Recreation and Wellness Center where he will deliver the Founders Day chapel message at 10 a.m. The annual event, held near the beginning of the spring semester, is a time-honored…

Brown selected as director of OBU’s planned Doctor of Occupational Therapy program

January 24, 2024

OBU is excited to announce that Dr. Brandy Brown will serve as director of the planned Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Her employment will begin Feb. 1. This marks the first hire for OBU’s four planned graduate healthcare…

OBU School of Education offers March 5 “Discover Teaching” event for high school students

January 18, 2024

OBU’s new “Discover Teaching” event isn’t just about a profession, it’s about people – students. The Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education’s gathering for ninth through…

OBU’s Exciting New MOSAIC Event Invites High School Students to Explore the Arts

January 16, 2024

OBU’s School of Visual and Performing Arts is thrilled to invite high school students in grades 10-12 to join us for an exciting event on Friday, April 5, 2024. MOSAIC, hosted on the OBU campus, promises a day of artistic exploration…

OBU’s Concerto-Aria Concert Set for Feb. 18

January 10, 2024

The OBU Division of Music will present the 50th annual Concerto-Aria concert in Raley Chapel’s Yarborough Auditorium Sunday, Feb. 18, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and the public is…

OBU Students Named to Honor Roll

January 5, 2024

OBU recently announced students named to the university’s academic honor roll for the fall 2023 semester. Students who achieved a semester grade point average of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale are named to the President’s…

Operatic Soprano Indra Thomas to Grace OBU’s Yarborough Auditorium Feb. 3

January 3, 2024

OBU proudly announces the upcoming performance of renowned operatic soprano Indra Thomas, scheduled for 7 p.m. on February 3, 2024, at the Yarborough Auditorium (lower level Raley Chapel) on the campus of OBU. Thomas, celebrated for her…