Academics Stories and Features
OBU Mourns the Passing of President Emeritus Dr. Bob Agee
September 27, 2026
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…
STEM Day Draws High School Students to OBU Campus
September 25, 2026
OBU hosted STEM Day 2026 on Tuesday, Sept. 22, welcoming high school students to campus for a day of hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. About 560 participants attended the free event on the OBU campus.…
OBU Ranks Highest Among Oklahoma Institutions in 2027 U.S. News Best Regional Colleges in the West
September 22, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University achieved standout marks in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings and led Oklahoma institutions across multiple categories within the Regional Colleges (West) classification. OBU has been ranked…
OBU to Host Baptist Conference Oct. 8
September 17, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University will host a conference on Baptists and Spiritual Formation on Thursday, Oct. 8, on the OBU campus. The event will run from 1 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature Dr. Bobby Jamieson and Dr. R. Lucas Stamps as speakers. The…
OBU to Host Hobbs Lecture Oct. 7
September 17, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University will host the annual Herschel H. and Frances J. Hobbs Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Dr. R. Lucas Stamps will deliver the lecture during chapel at 10 a.m. in the Recreation and Wellness Center. His topic will center…
OBU Marks Fifth Consecutive Year of Enrollment Growth
September 15, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University continues its enrollment momentum this fall, marking its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, driven by double-digit freshman gains and expanding online and graduate programs. Fall 2026 figures show…
OBU to Host ‘Discover Teaching’ Event for High School Students
September 15, 2026
High school students interested in exploring a career in education will have the opportunity to experience teaching firsthand at Oklahoma Baptist University’s “Discover Teaching” event on Oct. 27. The Henry F.…
OBU welcomes Peercy and Blackaby to the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education
September 14, 2026
The Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education at Oklahoma Baptist University has announced the addition of two new faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year. Kathleen Peercy has been named assistant professor of teacher education and…
OBU Welcomes Royer and Knight to the Division of Science and Engineering Program Faculty
September 9, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University has welcomed Dr. Derek J. Royer as associate professor of biology and Jason Knight as assistant professor of mechanical engineering, joining the Division of Science in the James E. Hurley School of Science and…
Oklahoma Baptist University Announces New Faculty Appointments in Health Sciences
September 8, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University has announced three faculty appointments within its graduate Health Sciences programs, strengthening instruction in physician associate studies, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy while supporting the…
Oklahoma Baptist University Presents Top Employee Honors During Convocation
August 28, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University presented its highest employee awards during Convocation chapel on Aug. 26 on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Each year, OBU presents three awards recognizing excellence in teaching and faithful service: the Distinguished…
OBU welcomes Walsh and Payton to the School of Nursing
August 28, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome two new faculty members this fall in the School of Nursing. Sarah “Katy” Walsh and Claressa Payton are joining the School of Nursing as assistant professors of nursing. Both…
OBU Welcomes 575 New Undergraduates at Annual Convocation
August 26, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University officially opened the 2026-27 academic year and welcomed 575 new undergraduate students during Convocation chapel Aug. 26 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Combined freshman and…
OBU welcomes Smith and Carver to Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
August 26, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome Christa Smith as assistant professor of exercise science and Christopher Carver as visiting professor of exercise science in the Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation. Smith and…
OBU Welcomes Dr. Kevin Gao
August 25, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University has named Dr. Chaoyang “Kevin” Gao assistant professor of mathematics. He joins the Division of Mathematics to teach undergraduate courses and advise students. His appointment supports…