Nominations Sought for the Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame Award

January 9, 2026

OBU is continuing its new tradition of recognizing and honoring individuals whose lives are dedicated to promoting and advancing Kingdom diversity, rooted in the biblical value of people from every nation, tribe, people and language, as described in Revelation 7:9.

In 2023, OBU established the Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame Award and is again reaching out to the community for 2026 nominations of individuals who embody this important mission.

OBU will honor the selected individual during an event scheduled for April 12, 2026, on the university’s campus. The winner will be formally inducted into the Walter O. Mason, Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame, receive a personalized trophy and be awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

To be eligible, nominees must have a verifiable connection to OBU—either as a current or former faculty member, adjunct professor, administrator, staff member, student or contractor. This broad eligibility ensures individuals from diverse roles across the OBU community may be considered.

Nominations may be submitted by anyone who knows of an eligible and deserving candidate. This inclusive process enables the recognition of individuals whose efforts may otherwise go unnoticed.

Nominees should exemplify the following:

Making a significant, positive difference in the community, within an organization or in the lives of marginalized or disenfranchised individuals.

Modeling a consistent pattern of service to others, particularly marginalized groups.

Serving as a change agent advancing Kingdom diversity.

Demonstrating Christian character in daily life.

Achieving excellence in their profession, academic pursuits or other honorable endeavors.

A designated Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame selection committee will review all nominations and submit a final recommendation to the President and Cabinet for confirmation.

The culminating event, including the award presentation and a public reception, is free and open to the public, though reservations are required. Registration will become available closer to the event. The event will be held on April 12 at 3 p.m. in the Geiger Center, rooms 219-220, on the OBU campus.

The deadline for nomination submissions is March 6.

Nomination forms are available at here or by contacting Beverly Glover, vice president for University Culture, at beverly.glover@okbu.edu or 405.323.2940.