Anthony Jordan Receives Honorary Doctorate

OBU presented an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Dr. Anthony Jordan, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, during the BGCO's annual meeting on the OBU campus Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Helping coordinate the work of more than 1,790 Oklahoma Baptist churches, Jordan has served in the BGCO's lead role since 1996. Born in Ponca City, Okla., he earned a bachelor's degree from Southwest Baptist University. He earned master's and doctoral degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.



Dr. Anthony Jordan (left), executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, receives an honorary doctorate on behalf of OBU from OBU President David Whitlock.

Jordan was presented the honorary doctorate following the executive-director's address to convention messengers at the Tuesday morning session of the BGCO annual. The doctorate presentation was planned in gratitude for his service to OBU. It was presented by Dr. David Whitlock, OBU president; Dr. Stan Norman, OBU provost; and Dr. Mark McClellan, dean of OBU's Joe L. Ingram School of Christian Service.

"Dr. Jordan has provided strong support for Oklahoma Baptist University and continues to be an advocate for the institution as he shares a vision for equipping committed Christian leaders for our state, our denomination and global ministry efforts," Whitlock said.

"Dr. Jordan has strengthened the work of Oklahoma Baptists and thereby expanded the effective ministry of our denomination," Whitlock said.



In a symbolic gesture of his appreciation for her faithful support, Dr. Anthony Jordan (right) places his honorary doctorate hood on his wife, Polla. Jordan received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from OBU on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

OBU also honored Jordan's wife, Polla, and their children, Adrian and Alisha, who have supported his efforts and allowed him to "commit extraordinary time and energy to his work." In a symbolic gesture of his gratitude, Jordan shifted his doctoral hood to his wife, Polla, attributing any of his achievements to her faithful support.

In addition to his work as the chief executive of the BGCO, Jordan served as a pastor for more than 29 years. He has served in many posts with the Southern Baptist Convention, including terms of service on the Executive Committee and the Resolution Committee. He was chair of the Committee on Committees, and was chair of the Baptist Faith and Message family study committee. He is an outspoken advocate for the denomination's Cooperative Program and has led national efforts to expand Southern Baptists' shared ministry efforts.

During his 14 years as leader of the BGCO, Jordan has led in an expansion of educational training programs for state pastors. He has worked on a massive renovation and expansion of the Falls Creek Conference Center. He has led Oklahoma Baptists in national and international mission efforts. Under Jordan's leadership, Whitlock said, the state convention has continued to be at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, bringing Christ-honoring compassion to those in need around the world.

The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's annual meeting was conducted on the OBU campus Monday, Nov. 15 and Tuesday, Nov. 16. The meeting was on the university campus in recognition of OBU's Centennial celebration. The BGCO founded the university in 1910.