OBU celebrates the inaugural President’s Leadership Class
May 7, 2026
OBU celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural President’s Leadership Class (PLC) recently. Twenty-two freshman students concluded the program’s eight-month journey of leadership development. Each was honored at a graduation dinner and ceremony held April 26.
The President’s Leadership Class is a highly selective program designed for incoming freshmen who desire to grow as impactful, service-minded leaders. The initiative, established by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas, focuses on cultivating leadership rooted in character, purpose and Christ-centered service.
"These incredible students are proven servant-leaders,” Thomas said. “They have invested in their leadership through PLC to expand their impact...and they have done so well! Their investment in PLC this year will continue to shape their lives and the lives of those they influence in the years to come.”
The inaugural cohort of 22 students was selected based on academic achievement, leadership experience, character, community involvement and a demonstrated commitment to growth. These students represent a wide range of academic disciplines but share a common desire to lead with integrity and influence both on campus and beyond.
Throughout the PLC sessions, members participated in regular leadership sessions designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication skills and personal development. A central emphasis of the program is learning to lead oneself first in order to effectively lead others and impact the world.
Students engaged with guest speakers from business, government and nonprofit sectors, visited organizations and agencies and experienced leadership in action through community service and opportunities such as a “Day at the Capitol.” These experiences were designed to connect leadership theory with real-world application while expanding students’ understanding of influence and service.
Graduates of the inaugural class are: Logan Austin, Edmond; Kaleb Bailey, Purcell; Kassidy Baker, Seminole; Addison Barnhill, Edmond; Nolan Broge, Ada; Caroline Chan, Moore; Thomas Gage, Graham, Texas; Kyle Harjo, Edmond; Levi Haynes, Norman; Hannah Holmes, Duncan; Asher Hoover, Yukon; Caden Johnson, Oklahoma City; Rose Karrer, Tulsa; Elijah Laird, Ashburn, Virginia; Katherine Mayes, Wagoner; Kaylea McNeely, Choctaw; Jalee Meyers, Shawnee; Addisyn Miller, Skiatook; Judah Motley, Hollis; Deacon Pickett, Lawton; Gavin Sheaman, Ardmore and Ella Simek, Prague.
“I’ve been blessed to be a part of it. I’ve never been in a group of such goal-driven leaders before,” Mayes said. “The people we’ve met are all really Christ-based and it’s cool to see how they bring Jesus into their workplace and what that looks like to lead in a Christlike way.”
A key emphasis of PLC is for graduates to continue to carry forward a strong foundation of leadership, character and purpose in order to serve as campus leaders, community influencers and future shapers committed to making a meaningful impact in the world.
"It has been very rewarding to observe the tremendous growth of these student leaders this year,” said Janis Rasnic, PLC director. “They encountered many enriching experiences and participated in impactful sessions with programs that were rich in content. I have seen firsthand their eagerness to learn and apply valuable principles as they shape and strengthen their own leadership journeys."