From Raley Chapel to Leadership: The OBU Moment That Redirected Jonathan Pickett’s Life

December 18, 2025

It happened in Raley Chapel.

Sitting in the iconic sanctuary on commencement day in May 1999, Jonathan Pickett listened as S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc., delivered the address to OBU graduates. Pickett remembers the moment vividly. Cathy’s message, grounded in the purpose of glorifying God and stewarding influence for His glory, stirred something deep within him.

“I said to myself, ‘I’m going to work for that man someday.’ This was a seed planted,” Pickett recalled.

At the time, Pickett was headed into ministry. But the moment in Raley Chapel stayed with him. Years later, when he felt God redirecting his path, he returned to that day, to the message he heard in that sacred space. Today, Pickett is a highly successful Chick-fil-A owner/operator in Lawton — living out the impact of that experience and the education he received at OBU.

It is moments like these—moments that shape futures—that define the heart of OBU’s mission and fuel the Shape the Future campaign. Raley Chapel has been the site of countless life-altering decisions, callings and confirmations. For Pickett, it became a touchstone that helped guide his journey.

Pickett earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 1999. After graduation, he followed God’s call into student ministry, serving faithfully for 12 years in churches in Texas and Oklahoma.

“My time in ministry was incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “It allowed me to connect with young people and guide them through pivotal moments in their lives.”

But in 2010, he sensed God leading him to serve outside the local church. That season of prayer and discernment brought him back to the memory of sitting in Raley Chapel and hearing Cathy speak. In 2011, he joined Chick-fil-A as a manager in Yukon. Three years later he became the owner/operator at Quail Springs Mall in Oklahoma City and on April 1, 2016, he took leadership of the Chick-fil-A Cache Road location in Lawton.

Under Pickett’s leadership, the Lawton restaurant has flourished.

“Recently, we were the top store in sales in Oklahoma,” he said. Success, for Pickett, is not measured simply in numbers but in impact. “Chicken happens to be my vehicle to show Christ to those around me. Through a chicken sandwich, we are impacting lives every day!”

In November, he opened a new store, Lawton West Chick-fil-A.

“Between the two stores and our food truck, we have over 200 individuals on our team,” he said. “That’s probably the thing that I get maybe most excited about is just the impact and influence and reach that we are able to have through those two stores.”

Pickett’s roots at OBU run deep. Born in Brighton, Colorado and raised in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he grew up connected to Bison Hill. His grandmother, Joyce Shelby, served in adjunct teaching and recruiting roles. His parents, Mike and Kim (Shelby) Pickett, both attended OBU for a year and his uncle, Corky Shelby, is a graduate of OBU.

“I never really seriously considered anything other than OBU,” Pickett said. “It was in my blood.”

It wasn’t a single class or event that shaped his time at OBU; it was the whole experience. Professors and mentors poured into him.

“I think that’s what made OBU so special—there wasn’t just one moment. My advisor, Max Bratton, genuinely cared for me and was a mentor more than an advisor.”

He was also influenced by professors like Dr. Roger Flint and Dr. Robbie Mullins, who “challenged me academically and spiritually.”

His education and his spiritual foundation continue to guide him today, both in business and in service. Pickett teaches an adult Sunday School class at FBC Lawton and remains committed to his family—his wife Michelle and their five sons: Bryson, Chase, Deacon, Easton and Max.

“Balancing family and career is challenging, but my family is my priority,” he emphasized.

There is a strong connection between Pickett’s family and OBU – and it is growing even stronger.

Son Chase and his wife Kenley are graduating next December. Son Deacon is a freshman. Also, sons Easton and Max are in high school and plan to attend OBU.

Pickett’s calling to support OBU extends beyond nostalgia; it stems from conviction. The OBU Board of Trustees member is committed to helping shape the next generation of students preparing for lives of service and leadership.

“Part of being a future shaper is pointing students to what God is doing at OBU and their opportunity to be a part of it,” he said. “I love what is going on at OBU right now. Dr. Thomas’ vision for the university is bright.”

His journey—from Raley Chapel to student ministry to Chick-fil-A leadership—reflects OBU’s mission: equipping students to live all of life, all for Jesus. And for Pickett, the opportunity to support that mission is personal.

“We started contributing monthly with Shawnee Hall and we’ve been doing that now for well over a year,” Jonathan Pickett said. “The reason why I do it is two-fold: because of the impact OBU had and still has on me and then the impact that it is having on our family. It’s exciting to be able to give back to a school that’s so important to you. It may be even more important to you as your kids are just loving it. I’ve got two more boys at the house and they can’t wait to be at OBU. That shows the impact that OBU is having on my family.”

Pickett firmly believes that OBU is readying and will continue to ready his family for the future just as it did for him.

“OBU prepared me for this journey,” he said. “Having professors who love the Lord and know that they are called to do what they do has provided a model for me as to how believers use their God-given talents to minister and impact individuals in the workplace.”

From a moment in Raley Chapel to a life of influence, Jonathan Pickett’s story is a powerful reminder: the spaces we build today shape the futures God is forming tomorrow.

“I encourage others to give because we are at an exciting time in the life of OBU,” Pickett said. “Because of what Dr. (Heath A.) Thomas and (First Lady) Jill (Thomas) have brought with their energy, vision and passion for the students and the campus, OBU is growing both numerically and academically, as well as in the degrees and programs they offer.  They continue to look for more and more ways to positively impact students, helping them become future shapers. It’s an exciting time to be a part of what’s going on at OBU and it’s a time that we need others to join what is taking place. We need to grow what is going on. It’s one thing to have a vision, but if we don’t have individuals who come alongside to support it, we won't reach our desired destination. So, we need individuals to be a part of the excitement right now.”

Donations toward the Raley Chapel restoration can be made through the “Shape the Future” campaign at okbu.edu/giving/shape-the-future.