University Administration Articles and Features

Registration Open for ‘Bison Connections’ Webinar on Diversity Coming Sept. 10

OBU is hosting its next “Bison Connections” event as an online webinar on diversity. The webinar is free and will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, at 12 p.m. Speakers include author and human resources consultant Mona Sabah…

Princeton Review Ranks OBU ‘Best in the West” for the 16th Year in a Row

For the 16th consecutive year, The Princeton Review recognized OBU as 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…

OBU Earns Seven ‘Colleges of Distinction’ Honors for 2020-21

Oklahoma Baptist University has been named as a College of Distinction in seven categories for 2020-21. Colleges of Distinction is a nationally recognized and prestigious designation for universities whose undergraduate experiences are grounded…

University Honors 10 Retirees for 226 Years of Service

OBU hosted an outdoor reception Aug. 19 to celebrate the retirements of 10 employees who have contributed a combined 226 years of service to the university. The come and go, physically distanced event was hosted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the…

Thomas Challenges University to Unity in Divisive Times

Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered his first Convocation address as OBU President Wednesday, Aug. 12. The message was live-streamed from the stage of Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. He challenged the University community to consider the…

University Community Mourns the Passing of Former First Lady Nelle Agee

A special statement from Oklahoma Baptist University in memory of a dear member of the Bison family We mourn the passing of Nelle Agee, legendary former first lady and former assistant professor of education at OBU. We celebrate and remember…

Thomas Inspires New Students at 'President's Vision'

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas shared an inspirational message with new students Saturday night, Aug. 8, at the President’s Vision on the south lawn of Raley Chapel. The event is an annual Welcome Week highlight. Watch the full…

OBU Honors Henson, Walker and Baxter with Highest Employee Awards

OBU presented its annual faculty and staff awards Friday, Aug. 7, during the University’s back-to-school employee meeting in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium on the OBU campus in Shawnee. OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas…

OBU Hosts 106th Spring Commencement, Honoring 288 Graduates

OBU conferred degrees upon 288 students during the University’s 106th Spring Commencement Saturday, Aug. 1. The ceremony took place on the south lawn of Raley Chapel on the OBU campus in Shawnee, beginning at 8:30 a.m. James Lankford,…

University Launching Prison Divinity Degree Program, Perkins to Lead

OBU will begin offering undergraduate courses in-person in August at the Lexington Correctional Center as part of its new Prison Divinity Program. The university will offer a full Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies, taught inside the walls…

University Announces Safety Protocols for Spring Commencement Aug. 1

OBU will hold its Spring Commencement Saturday, Aug. 1, on the south lawn of Raley Chapel on the university’s campus in Shawnee. The ceremony will be held outdoors to follow physical distancing guidelines and will begin at 8:30 a.m.…

Petersen Hired as Dean of Students and VP of Campus Life

Brandon Petersen, OBU alumnus and director of consulting at JM2 Capital in Oklahoma City, has been hired as the dean of students and vice president of campus life at OBU. He will begin his duties on Bison Hill effective July 20. In his role,…

Lankford to Speak at OBU Commencement Aug. 1

James Lankford, United States Senator from Oklahoma, will deliver the address to graduates during OBU’s Spring Commencement ceremony Saturday, Aug. 1. The ceremony will take place on the south lawn of Raley Chapel on the OBU campus in…

University Statement on Actions to Improve Racial Sensitivity and Equality on Campus

Oklahoma Baptist University stands resolutely against injustice and racial inequalities. We stand against injustice and racism because both mar the image of God imprinted upon all human beings. In light of the murder of George Floyd and the…

OBU’s Statement Regarding Racism and Injustice

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas issued the following statement Tuesday, June 2, 2020, on behalf of the University: OBU mourns the violence and injustice perpetrated in our country even to this day. The killing of George Floyd…

Honors Program Students Recognized with Scholarship Awards

Four students in the Honors Program at OBU have been recognized with special scholarship awards. The awards are selected by the Honors Program committee based on criteria specific to each scholarship. The Deaton Memorial Scholarship is awarded…

Bullard Earns John Wesley Raley Scholarship

Gage Bullard, rising senior at OBU, has been named the John Wesley Raley Scholar. The John Wesley Raley Scholar receives a scholarship from funds provided by the Fay Taylor Pierson Trust, part of which was designated to establish a memorial to…

Graves Honored with Evans T. Moseley Leadership Award

Noah Graves, rising senior at OBU, has won the University’s Evans T. Moseley Leadership Award for the 2019-20 academic year. The award is given to a rising senior who demonstrates the greatest leadership potential. It was established…

Stokes Honored with Rosalee Mills Appleby Award as Outstanding Senior Woman at OBU

Chloe Stokes of Shawnee received OBU’s Rosalee Mills Appleby Award, the highest award given for a senior woman at the University. The presentation was made by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas in a surprise visit to her home. Awards…

Manlapig Honored with W.P. Blake Award as Outstanding Senior Man at OBU

Mitchell Manlapig of Shawnee received OBU’s W.P. Blake Award, the highest award given for a senior man at the University. The presentation was made by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas in a surprise visit to Manlapig’s…