Admissions Articles and Features
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Prospective Students Find Wonderful Experience Visiting OBU Campus
When prospective students visit Oklahoma Baptist University, they can always expect to be greeted with a friendly smile and have the chance to speak one-on-one with an admissions counselor, as well as to tour the University’s…
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Bebbington to Speak Nov. 1 on History of Baptists and Seminoles in Indian Territory
Dr. David Bebbington will return to Bison Hill Friday, Nov. 1, to deliver a lecture on Baptists and Seminoles in Indian territory in the 1840’s to 1907. The lecture will take place in the Tulsa Royalties Auditorium inside Bailey…
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It’s Time to Complete the FAFSA and See How Affordable an OBU Education Can Be
Every fall on Oct. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens for students to complete as they prepare for next year’s college courses. The FAFSA is for all students to complete, not just those seeking federal…
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OBU Ranked Top Christian, Private University in Oklahoma, Second Overall by EdSmart
OBU has been ranked as the highest rated Christian university in the state of Oklahoma by EdSmart, an online college and university rankings service. The University was likewise ranked as the top private university in Oklahoma. OBU took second…
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OBU Increases Guaranteed Minimum Scholarships for all New Students Beginning Fall 2020
OBU is increasing all scholarships for first-time freshmen by $2,000 per year, making an already affordable private Christian education even more attainable for both first-time freshmen and transfer students. The University is likewise offering…
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OBU Earns Top Rankings from U.S. News & World Report for 28th Straight Year
For the 28th consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report has ranked OBU as one of the top colleges in the nation. U.S. News released the rankings Sept. 9. The rankings are now available online and will be published in the upcoming…
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OBU Ranked as Top Oklahoma School by Washington Monthly
OBU recently took the top spot in the state of Oklahoma in Washington Monthly’s 2019 College and University Rankings. OBU ranked as the top bachelor’s college in Oklahoma for 2019, ranking ahead of the four other Oklahoma…
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OBU Ranks Seventh Nationally, Second in State in New College and University Rankings
OBU recently received numerous high marks from College Consensus as part of their 2019 rankings, including a seventh place ranking on a list of Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities in the nation. OBU also ranked second in Best…
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New Students Take ‘The Walk,’ Join OBU Family
New students took “The Walk” Tuesday night, Aug. 20, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. The Walk is a cherished annual tradition that takes place each August during Welcome Week, and it mirrors the walk that will be taken four…
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OBU Students ‘Serve Shawnee’ Aug. 19 During ‘Welcome Week’
Several hundred OBU students, including freshmen, transfers and upperclassmen, as well as faculty and staff, spent Monday morning, Aug. 19, serving the Shawnee community. The army of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work all around…
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Taylor Inspires New Students During President's Vision Aug. 18
Dr. Pat Taylor, OBU’s interim president, inspired new students for the year ahead during the traditional President’s Vision address Sunday, Aug. 18. Students gathered on the lawn east of the Geiger Center Sunday evening at 7…
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OBU Welcomes More Than 520 New Students to Bison Hill
OBU welcomed more than 520 students to campus Saturday, Aug. 17, for the University’s annual Move-In Day. Current students, faculty and staff greeted a class of 451 first-time freshmen and 70 transfer students to campus. Move-in day…
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Princeton Review Ranks OBU “Best in the West” for 15th Straight Year
For the 15th consecutive year, The Princeton Review named OBU one of the best colleges and universities in the western United States. OBU was one of 127 institutions listed in the “Best in the West” section on the…
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OBU Enrolls Nearly 300 New Students on Priority Enrollment Day April 27
OBU enrolled nearly 300 new students on its annual Priority Enrollment Day, held Saturday, April 27, on the University’s campus in Shawnee. The event opens enrollment for freshman and transfer students for the incoming class of new…
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13 Things You Need to Know About OBU
Whether you consider yourself an OBU fanatic or are just beginning to research where you want to attend school, here just a few of our favorite OBU facts. Find out more.
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OBU Earns Top Rankings for 27th Straight Year from U.S. News & World Report
For the 27th consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report ranked Oklahoma Baptist University as one of the top colleges in numerous categories. OBU ranked highly on numerous lists, including, “The Overall Best Regional Colleges of the…
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Brantley to Lead Recruitment for OBU Graduate College
Will Brantley, director of admissions at Oklahoma Baptist University, will transition to a new role at the university effective Sept. 10. Brantley will join the OBU Graduate College as director of recruitment. Brantley came to Bison Hill in…
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OBU Celebrates Move-in Day, Welcomes More Than 600 New Students
Hundreds of students and family members converged upon the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University Saturday, Aug. 18. OBU hosted its annual move-in day event, welcoming new and returning students to Bison Hill. Current students, faculty and staff…
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OBU to Hold 104th Spring Commencement in Honor of 288 Graduates
Oklahoma Baptist University will confer degrees upon 288 students during OBU’s 104th Spring Commencement Friday, May 18. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in…
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How to Prepare for Your Freshman Year at OBU Over the Summer
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to Oklahoma Baptist University and have secured your spot in the incoming freshman class. We’re excited to see you on campus in August for Welcome Week and show you all of the amazing…
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SGU Students Invited to OBU Mini-Enrollment Session Nov. 14 on SGU Campus
Students at St. Gregory’s University are invited to an OBU transfer and enrollment session Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. The session will be held in the Shawnee Room in the SGU Student Center. Approximately 20 OBU…
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Frequently Asked Questions: Applying to OBU
Picking a university can be one of the most daunting and important decisions you’ll ever make. With so many factors involved in finding the right campus to fit your personality and needs, you’re sure to have a few questions.…
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Which is the best OBU campus visit for you?
You’ve dreamt of heading off to college for years, from meeting lifelong friends to learning more about the vocation you feel called to, and you can’t wait to explore everything an undergrad experience has to offer. But as…
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The Value of an In-Person Campus Visit
If you’re a high school junior or senior, you’re most likely in the middle of the infamous “college decision process.” This can be a stressful time for students, but it’s also one that will lead…
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OBU Presents Scholarship to National Spelling Bee Runner-Up
In recognition of his first runner-up placement in the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Oklahoma Baptist University presented a scholarship to Rohan Rajeev of Edmond, Oklahoma. The presentation took place Tuesday, June 20. OBU’s…
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How to Prepare for Your Freshman Year at OBU Over the Summer
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to Oklahoma Baptist University and have secured your spot in the incoming freshman class. We’re excited to see you on campus in August for Welcome Week and show you all of the amazing…
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The OBU Bison Bucket List [Infographic]
From arriving on the Oklahoma Baptist University campus for Welcome Week to taking your final walk to Raley Chapel for commencement, your college journey will be filled with experiences and memories that you’ll cherish for the rest of…
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OBU Enrolls Record 416 New Students at Priority Enrollment Day
Oklahoma Baptist University welcomed a record-breaking 416 new students to Bison Hill Saturday, April 29, during the annual Priority Enrollment Day on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. The previous record number of enrollees on Priority…
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Take Advantage of OBU’s Guaranteed $5,000 Scholarship for 2017-18 School Year
We believe every student who wants to attend Oklahoma Baptist University should have the opportunity. For this reason, we work hard to provide students with the best aid possible. Nearly 100 percent of students receive some type of scholarship…
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OBU Recognized Nationally as One of the Best for Transfer Students
Oklahoma Baptist University was recognized by Phi Theta Kappa as one of 65 members of the Transfer Honor Roll, which identifies the top four-year colleges and universities for creating dynamic pathways to support community college transfers. In…
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13 Things You Need to Know About OBU [Infographic]
From famous traditions (Ka-rip!) to campus landmarks like Raley Chapel or Shawnee Hall, Oklahoma Baptist University has been a part of the Shawnee landscape for more than 100 years. With OBU’s rich history, there are many interesting…
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Celebrating the Holidays at OBU
For many students, going home for the holidays just isn’t an option. Whether distance, finances or other deterrents are blocking the way, spending the holidays on campus or alone can leave some students with the holiday blues.…
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Brantley Travels to New York for CCCU Leadership Experience
Will Brantley, Oklahoma Baptist University director of admissions, participated this year in the CCCU Leadership Development Institute, traveling to both New York City and Washington state during the year. The program accepts only 20…
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Why Choose OBU?
There are many things to consider when choosing where you’ll spend the next four years of your life. Cost, culture, and the quality of the education you will receive are just a few of the factors that should go into this important…
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Why Choose Oklahoma Baptist University?
There are many things to consider when choosing where you’ll spend the next four years of your life. Cost, culture, and the quality of the education you will receive are just a few of the factors that should go into this important…
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Why Choose a Christian University
As a recent high school grad or soon-to-be graduate, choosing a university can be a daunting task. There are public, private, large and small universities … but how do you know which choice is right for you? At Oklahoma Baptist…
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How OBU Grads Give Back
The mission of OBU is to “transform lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.” For…
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OBU Offers Guaranteed $5,000 Scholarship to All Incoming Freshmen
OBU will offer a guaranteed minimum $5,000 scholarship per year to all new incoming freshman students, beginning fall 2017. The University is raising the guaranteed minimum from $2,000 to $5,000. The scholarship is renewable every year for four…
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OBU Earns Top Rankings for Best Regional Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
For the 23rd consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named OBU as Oklahoma's highest ranked college on the “Best Regional Colleges of the West” list. OBU also ranked in the top five “Least Debt”…
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OBU Welcomes Second Largest Freshman Class in School History
Two weeks into the fall semester at Oklahoma Baptist University, the campus is bustling with activity. First-time freshmen are adjusting to college life. Transfer students are learning what it means to be a Bison. And upperclassmen are…
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Princeton Review Names OBU ‘Best in the West’ for 2017
For the 12th consecutive year, The Princeton Review named Oklahoma Baptist University one of the best colleges and universities in the western United States. OBU was one of 126 institutions listed in the “Best in the West”…
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OBU Welcomes Hundreds for Annual Move-In Day
Hundreds of students and family members converged upon the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University Saturday, Aug. 20. OBU hosted its annual move-in day event, welcoming new and returning students to Bison Hill. Current students, faculty and staff…
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OBU Ranks in Top 25 Most Affordable Christian Universities in the U.S.
OBU ranked number 23 on a list of the Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities for 2017. Christian Universities Online, an independent online resource for prospective students and their families researching Christian higher…
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OBU Enrolls Record Number of New Students at Priority Enrollment Day
OBU welcomed 368 new members to the Bison Hill family Saturday, April 30, during a record breaking Priority Enrollment Day on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. Students and parents chose either a morning or afternoon session. During those…
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OBU Named to 2016 Military Friendly® Schools List
OBU has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. Now in its seventh year, the Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service…
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OBU Earns Top Rankings for Best Regional Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
For the 22nd consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named OBU as Oklahoma's highest ranked college on the "Best Regional Colleges of the West" list for 2016. OBU is also ranked in the top ten "Great Schools, Great Prices" regional…
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OBU Celebrates Second Largest Freshman Class in School History
The fall semester is well underway at OBU. Two weeks have passed and students are studying, professors are teaching, fall sports are kicking off and the second largest freshman class in school history is embracing life as OBU Bison. OBU…
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Princeton Review Names OBU 'Best in the West' for 2016
For the 11th consecutive year, The Princeton Review named Oklahoma Baptist University one of the best colleges and universities in the western United States. OBU was one of 126 institutions listed in the "Best in the West" section on the…
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OBU Welcomes Brantley as Director of Admissions
OBU recently welcomed Will Brantley as director of admissions. He began his duties effective July 20. Brantley comes to Bison Hill from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where he served as a senior enrollment counselor beginning in…
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OBU Sees Large Turnout for Priority Enrollment Day
OBU hosted its annual Priority Enrollment Day Saturday, April 25, on its Shawnee campus. The event welcomes new students to campus to enroll for fall classes. In total, 306 students enrolled in-person for the fall semester, up from last…
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OBU to Host Priority Enrollment Day April 25
Current students, faculty and admissions staff eagerly await the arrival of the class of 2019. But before Welcome Week comes in August, OBU offers the unique opportunity of gaining a head start with its Priority Enrollment Day. On April 25, you…
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OBU Announces Martin Scholar Full Tuition Scholarship
OBU recently announced the establishment of a full-tuition scholarship for students of Choctaw heritage. The Martin Scholar Full Tuition Scholarship award will be presented annually to a qualified incoming freshman and is renewable for eight…
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OBU Encourages High School Seniors to Fill out the FAFSA
OBU is reaching out to high school seniors and their parents, encouraging them to take time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is free, online and takes only about 30 minutes. The university uses…
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OBU Named Top 10 in Lowest Debt Burden
OBU recently ranked seventh nationally on a list of "50 Christian Colleges with the Lowest Debt Burden." In an article published on www.christianuniversitiesonline.org, an independent resource informing prospective students and their families…
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OBU Offers Guaranteed Financial Award for All Incoming Freshmen
OBU is offering all incoming freshman a guaranteed financial award. This new initiative will guarantee all entering freshman, beginning fall 2015, a minimum financial award, making an already affordable OBU degree within reach for even more…
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OBU Ranked Oklahoma's Number One Private University in Affordability
OBU is one of three universities in Oklahoma and the only private Oklahoma university listed on Great Value College's rankings of 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Midwest. The list is based on eight quality indicators determined by Great…
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OBU Welcomes Students to Be a Bison Day
OBU welcomed 35 high school students to its campus on Feb. 14 to experience "Be a Bison Day." This day is specifically designed for high school seniors in order to give them a first-hand look at life on Bison Hill. "Be a Bison Day provides…
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OBU Names Perkins Associate VP for Enrollment Management
OBU is pleased to announce the promotion of Bruce Perkins to associate vice president for enrollment management. Perkins currently serves OBU as the dean of enrollment management. The promotion will take place March 1, 2014. "During his time at…
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OBU to Host College Prep Event in Lawton for 8th through 12th Grade Students
OBU is hosting a free event open to the public called "College: Next Exit." Students in the 8th through 12th grade and their parents are encouraged to attend. The event will be Monday, March 10 at First Baptist East, 3302 SE Lee Blvd, in Lawton…
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OBU Sets Record-Breaking Freshman Enrollment
OBU announced a record-breaking freshman enrollment of 580 students this fall, a 14.6 percent increase over last year's numbers. OBU's total new student enrollment, including transfer students, increased to an all-time high of 678 students, a…
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Potts Promoted to Director of Admissions
Rachel Potts has been promoted to director of the OBU Admissions Team, with the new role effective Aug. 1. Potts joined OBU's admissions staff in 2009 as an admissions counselor, and she was promoted from admissions counselor to assistant…
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Enrollment Hits 12-Year High
OBU announced a growing enrollment of 1,979 students for the 2012-13 academic year, a gain of 108 students over last year's enrollment of 1,871. The new count is the highest enrollment at OBU since 2000, when the student population sat at…
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Three Join Enrollment Management Team
OBU recently added three new staff members -- Kym Coe, Sheri Hays and Tina Seaborn -- to the enrollment management team. Kym Coe Sheri Hays Tina Seaborn Coe is an admissions counselor serving prospective OBU students in northwest…
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Bacher, Stephens, Streck, Wasik to Perform Recital
OBU students David Bacher, Sarah Stephens, Ashlynn Streck and Tabitha Wasik will perform their sophomore recital Tuesday, March 8, at 8:30 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium in Raley Chapel on the OBU campus. They will be assisted on piano by Dr.…
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Winter Preview Day slated for Jan. 30
High school students in Oklahoma: Feel like you need to get started on the whole college thing? Want to meet the students and professors who make up Oklahoma Baptist University? Just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday? If you…
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Bison Hill Sees Enrollment Increase for Fall Semester
Oklahoma Baptist University OBU saw enrollment increase for the 2009-10 academic year, with a total of 1,764 students enrolled for the fall semester. That is a slight gain over the fall 2008 headcount of 1,753 students. The total enrollment…
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Admissions Welcomes Counselor Rachel Potts
Oklahoma Baptist University welcomed a new admissions counselor, Rachel Potts, on Sept. 11. Potts grew up in Ponca City, Okla. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in May 2009 with bachelor's degrees in journalism and broadcasting with…
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Bison Hill Welcomes Parents, Siblings on Family Day
Parents and siblings of Oklahoma Baptist University students are invited to catch an inside glimpse of life on Bison Hill during Family Day Saturday, Oct. 10. "This event gives parents and other family members the opportunity to visit with…
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OBU Announces Two New Staff Members
Oklahoma Baptist University has announced two new staff members in admissions and public relations. Kristin Dunn serves as receptionist/visit coordinator for OBU Admissions, and Mackenzie Hufty is the new Web content coordinator in Public…
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Freshmen Use Social Media to Avoid Social ‘Butterflies’
Oklahoma Baptist University's Class of 2013 arrived on Bison Hill in late August with the excitement of nearly 100 OBU freshman classes before them. However, many of these freshmen were missing a common element -- social "butterflies" -- that…
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Admissions Announces Two New Counselors
Oklahoma Baptist University's Office of Admissions recently announced the addition of two new counselors, Katie Overturf and Whitney Ritchie, who joined the staff this summer. Both counselors graduated from OBU in May 2009.Overturf…
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Curtis Named College Rep of the Year
Casey Curtis, Oklahoma Baptist University regional admissions counselor, was named the College Rep of the Year from the Midwest Region at the annual North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals conference June 2-5 at…
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Incoming Freshman Wins 'I'm A Bison' Contest
Future Oklahoma Baptist University freshman Shelby Hartgrove is an OBU Bison - and proud of it. The Yukon, Okla., resident recently won a contest conducted by OBU Admissions for incoming freshmen by showing off her Bison Hill school spirit. …
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Super Enrollment to Welcome New Bison
Nearly 200 future Bison are expected to attend Oklahoma Baptist University's "Super Enrollment Day," Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on campus. Invitations to the event were extended to students who have been admitted to OBU and who wish…
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Winter Preview Day to Showcase OBU
Prospective college students are invited to experience Oklahoma Baptist University firsthand this weekend. OBU will host Winter Preview Day on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event begins with check-in and registration at 1:30 p.m. in OBU's Raley…
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OBU Enrollment Tops 1,750
With a 23.5 percent increase in the number of new freshmen, OBU's overall enrollment is 1,753 for the fall 2008 semester. That is an increase of 9.1 percent over the 2007 fall semester. "We are delighted with this significant enrollment…
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OBU Out and About
The Oklahoma Baptist University Admissions team shows dedication to students through campus visits, phone calls and tours throughout the year. Taking it a step further, the admissions team provides the student with something each one views as…
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Becoming a Bison
The Herd, a student organization, assists the admissions process and recruitment of new students at Oklahoma Baptist University. Over the past few years, The Herd has experienced growth within its organization, which in turn positively affects…
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The Princeton Review Names OBU A "Best Value College"
Listed among 150 colleges with "excellent academics, generous financial aid packages and relatively low costs," Oklahoma Baptist University is one of the nation's best value undergraduate institutions according to a new book from The Princeton…
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I Love Buttons; I Like Television
There is a new eye into the OBU campus. Created by H.R. Sweat and Derek Watson, the Shine at OBU DVD is timed at about 8 minutes and takes viewers through the academic, campus, and spiritual life that is Oklahoma Baptist University. H.R. Sweat…
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OBU Introduces New Academic Scholarship Opportunities for 2005-06
In an effort to make an Oklahoma Baptist University education more affordable, the university has increased its academic scholarship award amounts for new students beginning 2005-06. The dollar amounts, which had stayed the same for nearly a…
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OBU to Host Preview Day March 6
Oklahoma Baptist University's Spring Preview Day will allow prospective students to tour the school, meet professors, learn more about their possible majors and get to know future classmates Saturday, March 6. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. at…
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Fall Preview Day Set for Oct. 4
High school students interested in attending Oklahoma Baptist University will be on campus Saturday as part of the university's Fall Preview Day. Designed to give students a well-rounded view of life on Bison Hill, the event will feature campus…
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Argo Named to New OBU Post
Trent Argo, director of admissions at Campbellsville University since 1991, has been named to fill the new position of dean of enrollment management at Oklahoma Baptist University. Argo will be primarily responsible for both…
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OBU Hosts Be a Bison Day
The first of five "Be a Bison Day" events for prospective students of Oklahoma Baptist University, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 30. The event is designed for high school seniors, who have been accepted to the university, to visit…
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OBU Event for Youth Groups Nov. 2
Continuing a four-year tradition, Oklahoma Baptist University will again host its annual Bison Youth Day, Nov. 2, for youth groups in Oklahoma and surrounding states to get a taste of the spiritual and social life at the university. "We want…
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OBU Invites Parents to Day of Fellowship, Information and Fun
Oklahoma Baptist University will host Parents' Day Oct. 5 when parents of OBU students can come to Bison Hill to see the place their child has been calling home since August. Parents' DaySchedule Bobby Canty, OBU dean of students said "there…
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Preview Day for High School Underclassmen Next Week
Local high school sophomores and juniors can get an early start on choosing a college at Oklahoma Baptist University's Junior Sneak Preview Day, April 5. More than 200 students are already planning to attend the event that serves as…
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Local Students Can Apply for OBU’s Riddle Scholarship
Graduates of high schools and home schools in Pottawatomie, Lincoln, and Seminole Counties are encouraged to apply for Oklahoma Baptist University's Riddle Scholarship this spring. The application deadline is April 1.Created to aid…
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College Fair Today, Tomorrow
September 24, 2001 The Shawnee Area-Wide College and Career Fair for all high school juniors and seniors will be Monday, Sept. 24, from 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., in Oklahoma Baptist University's Noble…
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Youth Minister’s Conference Scheduled
September 20, 2001 Oklahoma Baptist University will host a conference for area youth ministers Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the university's campus. The conference is designed to help church personnel learn more about university…
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OBU College Fair Attracts More Than 100 Schools
More than 100 college, university and career representatives and 25 high schools will convene at the eleventh annual Shawnee Area-Wide College and Career Fair Monday night, Sept. 25 and Tuesday morning, Sept.26 at Oklahoma Baptist University's…
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OBU Admissions Hires Three, Creates New Position
OBU's admissions office has added a new church relations post and filled two counselor positions this summer. Lawrence Keith of Norman is the university's new church relations counselor. Jennifer Geren and Carrie Myles have been named to…
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Spring Registration Continues To Feb. 10
Registration for spring semester classes at Oklahoma Baptist University will continue through Thursday, Feb. 10. Classes for the new semester began Monday, Jan. 31.The last day of classes will be Friday, May 12 with final examinations to begin…
