University Administration Articles and Features

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…

President Thomas Calls Bison Community to Join in Statewide Day of Prayer and Fasting Dec. 3

In this message titled “Day of Prayer and the Common Good,” Dr. Heath A. Thomas, president of Oklahoma Baptist University, encourages the OBU community to work together and seek God's wisdom for the benefit of all. I am…

OBU Celebrates the Winter Class of 2020 During Ceremonies Nov. 21

OBU conferred degrees upon 80 undergraduates and 44 graduate students during the University’s Winter Commencement ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 21. In order to facilitate physical distancing, commencement was held in three separate…

OBU to Honor 124 Graduates During Winter Commencement Nov. 21

OBU will confer degrees upon 80 undergraduate students and 44 graduate students during the Winter Commencement ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 21. The ceremonies will be divided into three separate events to facilitate physical distancing. All three…

Fall Semester to Conclude with Three Winter Commencement Ceremonies Nov. 21

OBU will host three Winter Commencement ceremonies for fall 2020 graduates Saturday, Nov. 21. The day will include two ceremonies in the morning and one in the afternoon, in order to facilitate physical distancing. All ceremonies will be held…

OBU Board of Trustees Approves Budget for 2021-22 During Nov. 6 Meeting

The Oklahoma Baptist University Board of Trustees approved a revised spring 2021 academic calendar, the 2021-22 budget and student costs for the next academic year during their meeting at the OBU Green Campus Nov. 6. In his report to the Board…

Kemp MFT Clinic Provides Counseling Services to OBU Community

Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness. For college students, it is vitally important they heed their mental health needs, as they face a myriad of pressures, stresses, and anxiety-inducing situations, all while learning how…

OBU Announces Details, Speakers for Winter Commencement Nov. 21

OBU will host its Winter Commencement ceremony for fall 2020 graduates Saturday, Nov. 21. The ceremony will be divided into three separate events in order to facilitate social distancing. View complete details, including rehearsal times and…

OBU Earns Top Rankings from U.S. News and World Report for 29th Consecutive Year

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Oklahoma Baptist University as one of the top ten “Best Regional Colleges in the West” for the 29th consecutive year. OBU also made the top ten for Best Value Schools and Best Colleges…

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…