June 2026 Campus Construction Updates

Construction and renovation work continues across campus this summer as progress advances on major projects and improvements that will benefit students, faculty, staff and guests for years to come. Here’s a snapshot of what’s taking shape on Bison Hill this month.

Raley Chapel Exterior

Significant progress has been made on the chapel grounds. Crews have completed the stacked stone walls around water features 1 and 2 and the stream connecting them. Liner installation has been completed and stonework is underway on water feature 4, located on the southwest corner of the construction site.

Final grading and irrigation work on Raley Lawn are nearing completion. The concrete base for the future Raley Chapel Plaza has been installed, creating a large gathering space for outdoor events on the south side of the chapel. Bases for light poles along the walkways are now in place, with installation of the poles scheduled in the coming months.

Sod has been installed in areas where grading and irrigation are complete, helping establish the landscape while preventing erosion into the water features. Over the next several weeks, work will continue on the water features along with preparation for pouring sidewalks on the south side of Raley Chapel. These sidewalks will form the southern portion of the Ichthus-shaped walkway that will wrap around the building.

Two familiar landmarks will soon return to the chapel grounds. The statue of Dr. John Raley will be installed in its new location overlooking the plaza in front of the chapel before brick pavers and landscaping are completed. The historic cross monument that previously stood along the main chapel walkway will also be reinstalled on the south side of Raley Lawn. Positioned within the tail of the Ichthus design, it will align with the chapel’s main entrance and create a visual axis from the entrance of the chapel grounds to the lobby of Potter Auditorium.

Raley Chapel Interior

In the east wing on the lower floor where the band room is located sheetrock installation is progressing, with taping, bedding and texture work scheduled next. On the east side of the main floor where the choir room is located, painting is underway, data cabling is complete and final ductwork installation has been finished. Ceiling framing has begun in hallways.

On the west side of the main floor where the Helen Thames Raley Drawing Room is located, mechanical and electrical overhead rough-in is nearing completion, along with taping and bedding. Texture, painting and ceiling framing are scheduled in the coming weeks.

In the foyer just south of the auditorium, framing and rough-in work for new restrooms is nearing completion.

Inside the auditorium, scaffolding remains in place as installation of the new catwalk nears completion. Painting is scheduled next, with the catwalk and all visible elements above the acoustical clouds receiving black paint to minimize their visibility from audience seating below.

Work on the east and west walls is underway to make way for new code-required structural supports for Raley Chapel’s historic stained-glass windows. The new steel support system will help preserve and protect the windows for generations to come. The windows remain off-site where restoration and cleaning work continue.

Geiger Center

Renovation of the west porch at the Geiger Center is nearing completion and the entrance is once again open.

The new porch and steps have been constructed, waterproofing has been completed and the surrounding berm has been installed. Sod was placed before the start of summer camp season to stabilize the area and prevent erosion. The irrigation system is now operational and helping to establish the new GC west lawn. Landscape installation around the building is expected in the coming weeks.

Bailey Business Center

To address growing faculty office needs, Room 214 in Bailey Business Center is being converted into two new faculty offices.

Demolition has been completed, the new dividing wall has been constructed, and sheetrock installation and electrical rough-in work have taken place. The existing hallway entrance will be enclosed and access to the new offices will be through the east office suite with the other Paul Dickinson School of Business faculty offices. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Mabee Learning Center

The offices of the Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association on the third floor of the Mabee Learning Center are receiving a significant update this summer.

Removal of a partition wall and the existing ceiling grid has opened the front portion of the office, creating a more welcoming and functional space for pastors and church leaders who utilize the facility. Additional rooms within the office suite are also receiving cosmetic improvements.

New lighting, paint and flooring are scheduled for installation in the coming weeks, with completion anticipated by the end of the month.

Additional improvements are planned later this summer in the south lobby of the Mabee Learning Center. Existing carpet, the reception desk and computer workstation will be removed and replaced with updated flooring, new furniture designed for study and collaborative work, and upgraded LED lighting.

Noble Complex

The ESSR and volleyball offices on the first floor of Noble Complex are receiving cosmetic updates this summer.

The project includes new flooring, paint and LED lighting that align with current campus interior standards. The south stairwell and first-floor hallway will receive new paint.  Also, there will be updated lighting in the first and second floor south hallways.

Kerr Residence Center

Several improvements are underway on the first floor of Kerr Residence Center this summer.

Residence hall rooms, hallways and bathrooms are receiving new paint and lighting upgrades. New flooring is also being installed in rooms and hallways as part of an effort to align the facility with OBU’s updated residential design standards and create a more welcoming environment for students.

In addition, a new sewer line is being installed to replace the existing infrastructure and improve building operations.

Campus Tree Planting

OBU Grounds continues investing in the university’s campus arboretum and urban forest.

This month, two flowering dogwood trees, Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief,’ were planted in front of Montgomery Hall. Native to Oklahoma, this variety features vibrant pink spring blooms rather than the traditional white flowers commonly associated with dogwoods. The trees also provide deep red foliage in the fall, adding seasonal color and beauty to the campus landscape.