University Administration Articles and Features

Hogan Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation

OBU announced the hiring of Dr. Jeff Hogan as assistant professor of exercise science, sports and recreation. Hogan comes to OBU with more than 15 years of experience in physical therapy and with experience as a mentor and instructor to…

Xu Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Finance

OBU announced the hiring of Dr. Liying Xu as the Albert J. Geiger Chair of Business and assistant professor of finance. Xu comes to Bison Hill from Oklahoma State University, officially joining the faculty in July ahead of the fall 2021…

Franklin Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Music, Piano

OBU announced the hiring of Dr. Mark Franklin as assistant professor of music, piano. Franklin comes to OBU from Florida State University, officially joining the faculty in July ahead of the fall 2021 semester. He earned a Bachelor of Music in…

Ashbach Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Political Science

OBU announced the hiring of Dr. Jonathan Ashbach as assistant professor of political science. Ashbach comes to OBU from Baylor University, officially joining the faculty in July ahead of the fall 2021 semester. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in…

OBU Presents J.M. Carroll Award to Dilbeck During SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville

OBU presented the J.M. Carroll Award to Dr. Hance Dilbeck during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, June 15. The presentation took place during a special event for alumni and friends of the University.…

OBU Presents Hobbs Award to Manner at SBC Annual Meeting

OBU presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. David Manner during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, June 14. Manner is an OBU alumnus and serves as the executive…

OBU to Host Four Panel Discussions June 14-16 During SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville

OBU will host four in-person panel discussions during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, June 14-16. The events will take place at the OBU booth in the convention hall. The discussions will also be recorded…

OBU Celebrates Graduates During Spring Commencement Ceremonies May 14-15

OBU celebrated 277 graduates during Spring Commencement ceremonies held on the University’s Shawnee campus May 14-15. The events took place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. The University held five separate ceremonies in…

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…