OBU Welcomes DeWoody as Dean of Graduate College

Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome Dr. Susan DeWoody as dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. She will assume her duties at OBU effective May 15.

DeWoody currently serves as vice president and dean of the School of Adult and Graduate Studies at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina. Previously, she served as associate vice president for academic operations and dean of degree completion and non-traditional programs at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Prior to working at JBU, she held the position of Flower Mound Campus director at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, Texas.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. She then earned a Master of Science in college student personnel services from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In 2016, she earned a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

OBU President David W. Whitlock believes DeWoody’s experience and vision will help the College of Graduate and Professional Studies increase its impact while fulfilling the University’s mission.

“At OBU, our mission is to transform lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ,” he said. “Our College of Graduate and Professional Studies accomplishes this mission in a powerful way, as it impacts men and women who are already in the workplace, who are already working and serving in their callings, and who are seeking advanced knowledge in the fields of nursing, marriage and family therapy, business, Christian studies and intercultural studies. As they earn their degrees, their impact increases through promotions in the workplace, increased knowledge and practical, real-world wisdom passed down from our experienced professors.

“With the importance of that mission in mind, I am thrilled for Dean DeWoody to join our team and lead the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Her skills, knowledge, experience and faith make her a tremendous fit for our mission and for this University.”

Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president for campus life, is likewise pleased to welcome DeWoody to Bison Hill.

“Dr. Susan DeWoody has many years of experience in higher education, serving in numerous positions and institutions while gaining valuable experience that will serve her well as the dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies,” he said. “I look forward to working with her as she brings new ideas as well as time-tested strategies, applying them to grow and develop the degree offerings within the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. I believe she will be an excellent fit for the College and will help lead us successfully into the future.”

DeWoody is excited for the opportunity to lead OBU’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

“As a native Oklahoman, OBU has always been on my radar as a well-respected Christian institution,” she said. “When the Lord opened the door for me to have a conversation with Dr. Norman and the outstanding community at OBU this spring, it became evident that God was calling me to return to Oklahoma to work with the graduate faculty, staff and students at OBU.”

DeWoody has high expectations for the College.

“Initially, my role as a leader of College of Graduate and Professional Studies will be listener. I desire to meet with and listen carefully to those involved in the College, to gather insight and clarity regarding accomplishments, goals, godly ambitions, and challenges. From there, we will develop a cohesive strategy to pursue opportunities to continue to strengthen our position in the graduate marketplace and to develop goals with clear indicators of progress and achievement with realistic timelines.”

“In order to grow and thrive,” she continued, “the College will continue to innovate, seeking to serve and equip students to further develop their Christian worldview and to lead in the workplace by following Christ's example. The graduate programs at OBU will be known and trusted in the market for developing top-notch leaders in their respective fields.”

“I like to research new ideas and to learn, but I also like to work toward achieving goals and progress,” she said. “I like to think about the possibilities of innovation, while remaining committed to do what I say I will do. I believe that God has called me to serve Him through my work at OBU and to bring a collective voice together to press the graduate and professional programs toward our goals.”

She and her husband, Dale, are both native Oklahomans and have been married for 14 years. For the past 8 years, they have been focused on supporting each other through their doctoral programs. She enjoys mentoring college students, spending time creating in the kitchen, crafting and learning a little bit about a lot of things through reading and social media. She and Dale own a senior rescue dog named Macy.