OBU Mourns the Passing of President Emeritus Dr. Bob Agee

Oklahoma Baptist University mourns the passing of President Emeritus Dr. Bob R. Agee, who served as OBU’s 13th president from 1982 to 1998 and whose leadership helped shape the University for generations to come. Agee passed away Saturday, Sept. 26.

“Dr. Bob Agee’s legacy is woven deeply into the story of Oklahoma Baptist University,” said OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas. “He loved OBU, he loved students, and above all, he loved Christ and devoted his life to serving Him. His leadership strengthened this University in ways we continue to experience today. He understood that academic excellence and faithful Christian discipleship belong together, and he helped OBU live out that conviction with clarity and purpose. His vision for excellence at OBU is a legacy we proudly carry. We are profoundly grateful for his life, his leadership and his faithful service. He and his incredible bride, Nelle, were mentors to Jill and me, a treasure we will carry forever. We grieve with the Agee family, even as we give thanks for the hope we share in Christ.”

Agee was elected president of OBU in August 1982 and led the University for 16 years. His presidency was a period of significant growth for OBU, including record enrollment, an expanding campus, increased national recognition and substantial growth in the University’s endowment.

Under Agee’s leadership, OBU conducted three major capital campaigns that supported new construction, renovation of existing facilities and growth in the University’s endowment for scholarships and academic positions.

The physical footprint of Bison Hill also grew during his presidency. Among the facilities completed or dedicated during the Agee years were the W.P. Wood Science Building, Sarkeys Telecommunication Building, Jent Alumni Center, Williamson Nursing Education Center, Bailey Business Center and Doris and Jim Taylor Residence Center.

Agee also helped broaden OBU’s reach around the world. During his presidency, the University developed international programs in China, Russia and Brazil and expanded opportunities for students to participate in missions and international study.

At the same time, OBU gained increased national recognition. The University received its first recognition from U.S. News & World Report in 1985 and began a sustained presence among the publication’s top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the western region during the 1990s.

Agee’s influence extended well beyond his years on Bison Hill. After leaving OBU, he served for nine years as executive director of the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools, which later became the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. He also served as executive director of the Consortium for Global Education, continuing a career devoted to strengthening Christian higher education.

Before coming to OBU, Agee served Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, as a professor, dean and vice president for religious affairs. He also served as pastor of Baptist churches in Tennessee and Kentucky.

A graduate of Union University, Agee earned his undergraduate degree with honors in history and religion. He went on to earn Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from George Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from California Baptist University and an honorary Doctor of Humanities from OBU.

Agee’s contributions to higher education were recognized throughout his career. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Union University Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. As a student at Union, he earned eight athletic letters in cross country, track and tennis.

He was also an author and speaker on Christian higher education, leadership and faith. His published works included “Faithful Learning and the Christian Scholarly Vocation,” “The Reason for the Season” and his memoir, “An Unlikely Story: Memories and Reflections on Life’s Journey.”

OBU honored Agee and his wife, Nelle, by naming the Bob R. and Nelle H. Agee Residence Center for them. Nelle, who served as an assistant professor of education at OBU, passed away in 2020. Their legacy also continues through the Bob and Nelle Agee International Study/Missions Scholarship and the Bob and Nelle Agee Leadership Scholarship.

Agee maintained a close connection to OBU following his presidency. In 2010, during the University’s centennial celebration, OBU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities in recognition of his distinguished service. He continued returning to Bison Hill for University events, including delivering the Founder’s Day chapel address in 2020.

Agee’s 16 years as president helped shape the OBU of today. His legacy remains visible across Bison Hill and in the lives of generations of students who were influenced by the University he served.

Information regarding memorial services will be shared as it becomes available.

Gifts to the Dr. Bob Agee Memorial Fund provide a meaningful way to celebrate his life and continue the legacy of faithful Christian service and leadership that defined his years at OBU.

Thank you for honoring Dr. Agee and his enduring impact on the OBU community.