University Administration Articles and Features

OBU to Hold 107th Spring Commencement to Honor 277 Graduates

OBU will confer degrees upon 277 students during the University’s 107th Spring Commencement, held in five separate ceremonies Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15. The ceremonies will take place in Raley Chapel’s Potter…

OBU Trustees Approve Faculty Promotions and Dedicate Classroom

The OBU Board of Trustees approved faculty promotions and participated in a ribbon-cutting and classroom dedication during their May 7 meeting on the OBU campus in Shawnee. In his report to the board, OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas shared…

OBU Announces Dennis and Emerson as New Academic Deans

OBU has selected two candidates to fill the newly established roles of dean of theology, arts and humanities and dean of business, health science and education. Dr. Matthew Y. Emerson, dean of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry at OBU,…

University Recognizes Outstanding Seniors, Retirees During Awards Chapel May 5

Oklahoma Baptist University held its annual awards chapel May 5 in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee. The University recognized outstanding seniors in various disciplines and honored retiring faculty…

Melton and Swyden to Speak During OBU Commencement Ceremonies May 14-15

Dr. Doug Melton, pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, and Kim Swyden, executive director of ministries of Jesus in Edmond, will serve as guest speakers during Spring Commencement ceremonies at Oklahoma Baptist University.…

OBU Announces Return to Normal Operations for Fall 2021

OBU will return to normal campus operations beginning June 1 for the summer and upcoming fall 2021 semesters, the University announced April 30 via a video featuring OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas and First Lady Jill Thomas. With the…

Staff Council Hosts Customer Service and Brand Development Workshop April 22

The Staff Council at OBU hosted a special professional development opportunity for staff members Thursday, April 22. The group welcomed guest speakers Jeff and Kathy Madison, owner/operators of the Shawnee Chick-fil-A, to lead two identical…

University Announces Spring Commencement Dates and Times for May 14-15

Oklahoma Baptist University has planned multiple spring commencement ceremonies in order to facilitate physical distancing for graduates and their guests as required by the CDC. The ceremonies will take place May 14-15 inside Raley…

Fullbright Appointed to Serve as Director of Admissions

OBU has appointed Kalyn Fullbright to serve as director of admissions, effective April 1. She previously served as assistant director of admissions for prospective student experience. Fullbright graduated from OBU with honors, earning a…

OBU Celebrates Inauguration of Thomas as University’s 16th President

Oklahoma Baptist University inaugurated Dr. Heath A. Thomas as the University’s 16th president during a special inauguration ceremony Friday, March 26, at 2 p.m. The event took place outdoors on the south lawn of Raley Chapel. Thomas…

OBU to Host Presidential Inauguration Activities March 24-27

Oklahoma Baptist University will host four days of events on the Shawnee campus from March 24-27 celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Heath A. Thomas as the University’s 16th president. Thomas assumed the role of OBU president Jan. 1,…

Jones Returns to Bison Hill as HR Director

OBU recently welcomed Steven Jones as human resources director. He assumed his duties Jan. 25. Jones earned a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in vocal music education from OBU in 2000. In 2019, he earned an MBA from Purdue…

Costanzo Delivers Founder's Day Chapel Message Feb. 3

OBU held its annual Founder’s Day chapel Feb. 3 in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. The event is held each year near the beginning of the spring semester to commemorate the University’s incorporation in 1910.…

Three Professors to be Installed to Academic Positions During Founder's Day Chapel Feb. 3

Three OBU professors will be installed into academic positions during the University’s annual Founder’s Day chapel Feb. 3. Dr. Mario Melendez will be installed as the Auguie Henry Chair of Bible; Dr. Matthew Emerson will be…

Glover to Speak at Bison Connections Webinar Feb. 11

B.J. Glover, interim vice president for university culture, will be the featured speaker at OBU’s next “Bison Connections” webinar Thursday, Feb. 11, at noon. Her presentation is titled, “Diversity,…

Brantley Returning to Bison Hill as VP for Enrollment Management

Will Brantley, former director of admissions and director of the Graduate College at OBU, is returning to Bison Hill as vice president for enrollment management to lead the admissions and student financial services teams. He will assume his…

OBU Community Makes Positive Impact on Shawnee Area with Christmas Supply Drive

With Christmas plans different for everyone this year, the OBU community hosted a special food and supply drive in lieu of the usual Christmas festivities that take place on campus. The University held the “Bison Community…

OBU Welcomes Rasnic as Vice President for University Advancement

OBU is pleased to welcome Tim Rasnic as vice president for university advancement. He assumed his duties effective Dec. 10. In this role, Rasnic’s primary responsibilities include overseeing development and alumni relations,…

Glover Joins OBU as Interim Vice President for University Culture

B.J. Glover has joined the Oklahoma Baptist University administration as interim vice president for university culture effective Dec. 1. She is a successful entrepreneur, human resources officer, professional speaker and former news anchor,…

OBU to Host 'Bison Community Christmas' Food and Supply Drive Dec. 10

The OBU campus community is hosting a special drive-thru event Thursday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Oval on the university’s campus in Shawnee. The “Bison Community Christmas” is seeking donations and support…