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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Campus Construction Updates

February 18, 2026

Hello Bison Nation,

Construction progress continues across campus as several major projects move closer to important milestones. Here’s a look at what’s taking shape on Bison Hill this month.

Thurmond Hall

Thurmond Hall

Thurmond Hall is nearing completion as punch list items wrap up and final artwork is installed throughout the building. Exterior grading and sodding of disturbed areas will take place in the coming weeks ahead of the March meeting of the OBU Board of Trustees.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., March 6. The OBU community, partners and friends are invited to attend.

Raley Chapel

Raley Chapel, exterior construction
Raley Chapel, east wing choir room

Work on Raley Chapel is underway and progressing rapidly on both the exterior and interior of the building.

On the exterior, removal of existing trees, grounds features and monuments has taken place to allow for site redevelopment. Monuments, including the statue of Dr. John Wesley Raley, the memorial wall and the granite cross from Raley Lawn have been carefully disassembled and placed in storage for safekeeping. Each will be reinstalled in new locations on the site once work on the grounds is completed. Site grading is well underway, with pond excavation scheduled to begin in mid-February.

Interior work continues at a steady pace. The most notable progress includes the removal of the stained-glass windows from Potter Auditorium. These historic works of art are currently being restored and re-leaded at an out-of-state facility. New window frames will be constructed on site, along with protective exterior glazing designed to safeguard the stained glass from future storm damage. Completion of this portion of the project is being tracked for fall 2026.

Additional interior progress includes scaffolding adjustments in Potter Auditorium and the installation of spray foam insulation in the attic to enhance climate control and acoustics. In the east wing, walls are in place for the band facility on the first floor and the choir facility on the second floor. In-wall electrical and plumbing rough-ins are complete, sheetrock has been installed and bedding and taping are beginning. Overhead mechanical systems and fire suppression rough-ins are also underway.

In the west wing, plumbing and electrical in-wall rough-ins are complete for the future Raley Drawing Room. Overhead mechanical and fire suppression work continues, with sheetrock installed and bedding and taping scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.

Spatial planning for the basement mechanical room has been finalized. An in-depth building information modeling (BIM) model was developed to optimize layout, efficiency and long-term maintenance access.

Solar Panel Installation

Installation of solar panels on rooftops across campus is expected to be fully completed by the end of February. Over the past several months, OBU Facilities Services and OBU Energy Conservation have partnered with 820 Solar to install systems on the following buildings:

  • Recreation and Wellness Center
  • Noble Complex
  • Football Practice Facility
  • Coates Baseball/Softball Complex
  • Kemp Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic
  • Science Annex
  • The Village Apartments
  • The Lodge
  • Taylor Residence Center

This project represents a significant investment in sustainability and is expected to substantially reduce energy costs while conserving resources for decades to come.

Montgomery Hall

Montgomery Hall, seminar room

The new seminar room on the second floor of Montgomery Hall was completed at the end of the fall semester. This primarily cosmetic remodel has created an additional functional classroom space for students in the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry.

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.