Board Hears Of Campaign Success, Approves Promotions

March 2, 2001

In its regular March board meeting, Oklahoma Baptist University's board of trustees heard about the success of OBU's $25 million capital campaign, ratified a $29.8 million budget for the 2001-02 academic year, and also approved three faculty members for promotion.

The board heard a state-of-the-university report from OBU President Mark Brister, who discussed recent activities on campus and addressed areas of concern for the institution's future.

Dr. Brister said OBU's $25 million Foundation for the Future campaign recently surpassed the $24 million mark, as the effort nears conclusion. He said as the five-year effort winds down, university officials are seeking funding for a new recreation/wellness center for the campus.

"An integral component in the development of our students' lives is the overall health of the OBU community," said Brister.

The university is planning to replace 53-year-old Clark Craig Fieldhouse with a new campus structure which will accommodate OBU's strong intramural program, expand fitness and training facilities, and provide additional resources for the school's 14 varsity sports programs.

The board ratified a $29.5 million budget, which represents an increase of approximately $1.5 million over the budget for the 2000-01 academic year. Key budget increases for the coming year will be for scholarship support and salary increases.

Faculty who were approved for promotions included Dr. Ronda Hall, from associate professor to professor of Spanish; Norma Partridge, from assistant professor to associate professor of music; and David Byland, from assistant professor to associate professor of telecommunication.

Trustees approved the hiring of Martha Hernandez as assistant professor of nursing. Hernandez holds two bachelor's degrees from OBU, and a master of science degree from the University of Oklahoma's Health Science Center.

Dr. Tommy Hewett of Edmond, chairman of the board of directors, presided at the meeting.