OBU Honors Retirees

April 24, 2026

Oklahoma Baptist University hosted a retirement reception for three long-time faculty and staff members on April 23 at the Geiger Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Retiring employees include Dr. Brad Jett, James E. Hurley Professor of Biology, after 28 years of service; Tina Nickerson, administrative assistant in the School of Education, who served 32 years; and Kelley Chlouber, administrative assistant in the School of Business, after 12 years.

Jett, an OBU graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology before completing a master’s degree and doctorate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and served on the faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine before joining OBU in 1998.

During his tenure at OBU, Jett taught courses including microbiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology and genetics. His academic work focused on medical microbiology, immunology and bacterial pathogens. He also served as a pre-med and pre-graduate school adviser.

Jett has published more than 30 scientific journal articles and book chapters and co-authored an immunology textbook. His work has appeared in publications including Science and Current Eye Research. He is a member of the American Society for Microbiology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Oklahoma Bioinformatics Society.

His honors include OBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award and Promising Teacher Award, as well as research and service recognitions from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the American Society for Microbiology.

Jett is a deacon at University Baptist Church in Shawnee.

“Dr. Jett has been one of those rare professors who challenged students academically while also making them feel known, welcomed and encouraged,” said Dr. Contessa Edgar, chair of the Science Division. “For nearly three decades, he has served OBU students with excellence, generosity and genuine care through his teaching, mentorship of pre-med students, hospitality and the traditions he helped create. His impact on our students and on Oklahoma Baptist University is difficult to overstate."

Nickerson and Chlouber supported their respective schools through administrative leadership and service to faculty and students during their years at the university.

Dr. Annie Keehn, chair of the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education, said, “After 32 years of unwavering dedication, Tina leaves behind a remarkable legacy at OBU. She has faithfully served in several areas across campus, including Financial Aid, the assistant to what was then the School of Religion, the assistant to the dean of what was then the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and as the administrative assistant to the School of Education. We will miss her steady presence, willingness to tackle any challenge, and the kindness and grace with which she treated students and colleagues. Her devotion to the university's mission is rooted in her love for the Lord, and that heart for service has been evident in her work for over three decades.  We will deeply miss her, but we are thrilled for her to enjoy this well-earned next chapter.”

Dr. David Houghton, chair of the Paul Dickinson School of Business, said, “Kelley has been a steady and trusted presence at OBU for the past 12 years. Her professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to support students and faculty in the School of Business have made a meaningful difference in our daily lives and we are grateful for her dedicated service. She will be missed.”