August 2022 Articles and Features

President Thomas Delivers Annual Convocation Address Aug. 31

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered the annual Convocation address Aug. 31. The service took place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Dr. Rafael Bello, assistant professor of religious studies,…

Marquardt Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Music Preparatory Department

OBU recently welcomed Claire Marquardt as assistant professor of music and director of the OBU Music Preparatory Department. Marquardt assumed her role July 1 ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the OBU faculty, she served as OBU…

Webster Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Theatre Technology and Design

OBU recently welcomed Alex Webster as assistant professor of theatre technology and design. Webster assumed her role Aug. 1 ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the OBU faculty, she served at Texas Tech University since 2018,…

Kearns Delivers Chapel Message Aug. 24 on First Day of Fall Semester

Dr. Matthew Kearns, director of student ministry, delivered the chapel message Aug. 24 in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. The service took place on the first day of classes for the fall semester. Kearns shared about how struggles in…

Hundreds of OBU Students Volunteer to ‘Serve Shawnee’ Aug. 22

Several hundred OBU students, including freshmen, transfers and upperclassmen, as well as OBU employees, spent Monday morning, Aug. 22, serving the Shawnee community. The volunteers served at locations all around the community for…

OBU to Offer 18 Hour Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Beginning in January 2023, OBU will offer graduate level courses leading to alternative teaching certification in the state of Oklahoma. The program includes 18 hours of coursework completed through six graduate level courses, all taught fully…

Sanchez Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Religion, Assistant Director of Honors Program

OBU recently welcomed Dr. Paul Sanchez to the faculty as assistant professor of religion and assistant director of the Honors Program. Sanchez assumed his role Aug. 1, ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the OBU faculty, he served…

Dement Joins Faculty as Associate Professor, Director of Theatre

OBU recently welcomed John Dement to the faculty as associate professor of theatre and director of theatre. Dement assumed his role July 1, ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the OBU faculty, he served as theatre program…

Kennedy Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Nursing

OBU recently welcomed Kathleen Kennedy to the faculty as assistant professor of nursing. Kennedy assumed her role Aug. 1, ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the OBU faculty, she served as a registered nurse at Cardiothoracic…

Kaiser Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education

OBU recently welcomed Dr. Timothy Kaiser to the faculty as assistant professor of instrumental music education. Kaiser assumed his role July 1, ahead of the fall 2022 semester. Prior to joining the faculty at OBU, he served as a graduate…