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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

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President’s Leadership Class

For incoming freshmen who want to lead with purpose, the President's Leadership Class offers a path to grow as impactful, service-minded leaders.

President's Leadership Class Crest

“We are passionate about developing the next generation of self-aware, servant-leaders who know how to chart the future, create buy-in, communicate the destination and execute toward goals with the right processes. This is why I established OBU’s President’s Leadership Class. If we raise them up, our world will be better.”

Dr. Heath A. Thomas President, Oklahoma Baptist University

PLC Distinctives

Personal Growth and Development

OBU’s President’s Leadership Class is a highly selective program for incoming freshmen who desire to grow as impactful, service-minded leaders. It is designed to cultivate leadership rooted in character and purpose. PLC provides dynamic experiences that challenge class members to deepen their self-awareness, grow in their abilities, strengthen communication skills, and expand their influence.

A Place for Emerging Leaders

OBU President’s Leadership Class is strategically designed to be a place where leaders emerge. A core emphasis of the program is first learning to lead oneself in order to effectively lead and influence others. PLC inspires participants to use their unique leadership gifts to make an impact on campus and beyond—laying a strong foundation for Christ-like leadership that influences the world as “future shapers.”

Engaging Programming

As an initiative of OBU President Dr. Heath Thomas, PLC members meet regularly for engaging sessions that introduce them to insightful, goal-oriented leadership content.

Through thoughtfully designed programming, students hear directly from President Thomas and a wide range of leaders in business, industry, and government. Members have the opportunity to explore various organizations and agencies that shape culture and community and represent OBU at selected university events.

“PLC has shown me what type of leader I want to become through the different speakers and sessions and through the other students I share this experience with. I aspire to be a leader who genuinely cares and leads with a heart centered on Christ I learn something new every time we’re together.”

Hannah Holmes Duncan, Oklahoma

Step Into Purposeful Leadership

Eligibility

  • First-time full-time freshman.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
  • Minimum ACT score of 23 (or equivalent SAT/CLT score)
  • Applicants should demonstrate a proven record of leadership, strong academic achievement, and a desire to collaborate, learn, and grow within a team-focused environment.

Commitment

  • Mandatory attendance at bi-monthly meetings and additional field trips to industry sites
  • Participation in a group community service project each semester
  • Attendance at the PLC kickoff overnight fall retreat
  • Attending optional intensive leadership lab sessions 
  • Volunteer occasionally as a greeter for Bison Day, Priority Enrollment Day and other key campus events
  • Availability to serve as an ambassador for the president and university
  • Demonstrate a willingness to grow and contribute as an active member of the cohort

Apply by March 1

Find the PLC application in your OBU enrollment application. Applications close March 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.

Go to Your Application

"PLC has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader. I see how meaningful relationships can shape the way I learn, serve and grow. I have discovered the importance of listening, learning from others, recognizing their strengths, and understanding that leadership is not always about being in charge or holding a title, but about serving others and meeting the needs of those around us."

Thomas Gage Biology (Pre-Med) Graham, Texas
Group of about 20 college students posing close together, many with arms around each other, smiling in front of a "Community Market of Pottawatomie County" sign. A man in a navy polo and gray slacks stands at the center of the group.
A distinctive of OBU's PLC program is frequent interaction and leadership lessons from time spent with OBU President Heath Thomas.
A distinctive of OBU's PLC program is frequent interaction and leadership lessons from time spent with OBU President Heath Thomas.
Two young men in suits laugh together at a banquet table set with green linens, water glasses, and plates of food. One wears a pink blazer and reaches toward a glass; the other, in a teal suit and tie, smiles beside him.
Teambuilding, group excursions and personal leadership development are key aspects of OBU's PLC program.
Teambuilding, group excursions and personal leadership development are key aspects of OBU's PLC program.
Students in light green President's Leadership Class T-shirts talk with a man in a dark green pullover inside a campus gymnasium. A smiling student wearing an OBU lanyard holds a campus map as the group chats.

Questions About PLC?

Our admissions team is glad to help. Call 405.585.5000 or email admissions@okbu.edu.

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