Dr. Jeff Paul Named Dean of Traditional Undergraduate Education at OBU

December 5, 2025

OBU has announced the appointment of OBU alumnus Dr. Jeff Paul as dean of traditional undergraduate education, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The dean of traditional undergraduate education serves as the academic leader for OBU’s residential undergraduate programs, providing oversight for 12 academic divisions and schools. This role focuses on supporting division chairs and faculty to advance academic initiatives through collaborative leadership. The dean’s office is responsible for representing academic units in university-wide planning and will be a part of key processes such as program review, accreditation reports and faculty hiring. The role requires academic and administrative experience and a commitment to advancing OBU’s distinctively Christian approach to undergraduate education.

"I am delighted to welcome Dr. Paul back to Bison Hill,” OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas said. “With his experience and proven leadership, he will immediately bring a positive impact to our already world-class academics. His love for the Lord is matched with the excellence of his work. He believes in our Christian liberal arts vision matched with real-world outcomes. We are thrilled to have him back to our alma mater!"

Paul brings more than two decades of experience in higher education and business leadership to his new role at OBU. A 1998 OBU graduate, Paul has built a distinguished career marked by academic innovation, strategic growth and faith-integrated leadership.

Since 2021, Paul has served as dean and full professor at Southeastern University’s Jannetides College of Business, Communication and Leadership in Lakeland, Florida, where he guided faculty development, strengthened academic quality and helped secure more than $6 million in philanthropic and program support. His tenure saw measurable gains in enrollment, retention and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Before Southeastern, Paul served in multiple leadership roles at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, including chair of the Graduate School of Business. He also taught at the University of Tulsa, Illinois State University and Oklahoma State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in business management with a focus on organizational behavior.

Paul’s professional background also includes corporate leadership experience as vice president of strategic planning for Lilis Energy, Inc., where he helped guide the company’s expansion and transition to the New York Stock Exchange.

His research on leadership, organizational behavior and workplace inclusion has been published in leading academic journals, including the Academy of Management Journal and the Journal of Applied Psychology. Recognized for his contributions to teaching and scholarship, Paul has received multiple awards, including University Scholar of the Year at Oral Roberts University and the Scorchie Award for leadership at Southeastern University.

“OBU shaped me in ways I remain deeply grateful for, especially the way faith and learning are carried with conviction,” Paul said. “To return and serve this community is a blessing and a calling that my family and I take seriously. I am eager to walk with our faculty, staff and students as we form leaders who think deeply, serve faithfully, and live with purpose.”

A native of Oklahoma, Paul’s leadership emphasizes mission-driven growth, faculty empowerment and the integration of faith and learning—principles that align closely with OBU’s vision for Christian higher education.

Paul and his wife, Julie, have four children: Griffin, Alexandra, Jesse and Jules. Julie Paul serves as OBU’s vice president for university advancement and alumni.