Campus Construction Updates
January 14, 2026
Hello Bison Nation,
Progress continues across campus as key projects move from construction to completion. Here’s a snapshot of what’s taking shape on Bison Hill this month.
Shawnee Hall
With the start of the spring semester, Shawnee Hall is once again filled with classrooms full of students enjoying the newly renovated spaces. Read the story about this historic day.
Thurmond Hall
Thurmond Hall is now open for business, marking the conclusion of a nearly three-year renovation process. Over Christmas break, furniture installation was completed for offices and classrooms. Faculty and staff for the engineering program and the Division of Mathematics moved into their offices during the week of January 5 and classes began in the newly renovated second and third floors January 14.
Remaining portions of the project include punch list items, artwork installation and seating in common spaces. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned for March 6 in conjunction with the OBU Board of Trustees meeting.
Raley Chapel
Work on Raley Chapel is progressing well. Framing and electrical rough-in are nearing completion in the east wing of the building on the first and second floors, where OBU’s band and choir programs will be located. In the west wing, framing is underway on the second floor for the future Raley Drawing Room. Overhead rough-in for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems in these spaces will take place in the coming months. Framing for IT, fire suppression and electrical rooms on the first floor is now complete and spray foam insulation for the attic is nearing completion.
All stained glass has been removed. Workers are proceeding with the removal of the window frames and that is expected to be completed by this weekend. This launches a year-long effort that will continue with repairing and reinstalling the historic stained-glass windows of Raley Chapel. Reinstallation will include stronger framing, new re-leading and restoration of stained glass and added exterior protection to help preserve these works of art for future generations.
Excavation on the east side of Raley Chapel began for the waterproofing of below-ground spaces. This process, similar to work completed at Shawnee Hall and Thurmond Hall, will help prevent future moisture issues.
Progress continues around the approximately seven-acre construction site. The cross monument that has stood for decades along the main walkway to the chapel steps is currently being deconstructed and prepared for storage until it is placed in its new location on the south end of the future Raley Lawn. Installation of a new eight-inch waterline is underway on the west side of Raley Chapel, running from the city line at MacArthur Street to University Street. This line will serve Raley Chapel and the surrounding grounds while also providing increased water capacity for future campus needs.
Raley Drive is expected to be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 23 as trenching on the new waterline continues. Construction will be completed in sections, resulting in changing work areas throughout the project. As a result, vehicle access in the area will vary day to day. A metal plate will be placed over the trenching at night to allow access after 5 p.m.
In addition, well drilling is underway for water wells that will supply ponds and water features and the demolition of the west porch of the Geiger Center has taken place.
Solar Panel Installation
The solar panel installation project across much of the campus has been completed. Installation is continuing at the Noble Complex and the Recreation and Wellness Center. When completed, this milestone will mark a significant step forward in energy conservation and sustainability efforts at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we work together to shape the future of OBU! Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.