University Administration News Articles
OBU Trustees Name Interim President, Approve Presidential Search Committee
February 8, 2019 | Permalink
During their spring semester meeting Friday, Feb. 8, Oklahoma Baptist University trustees approved a recommendation to employ former Southwest Baptist University President Dr. C. Pat Taylor as OBU’s interim president. Trustees also
OBU President David W. Whitlock Announces Retirement
January 8, 2019 | Permalink
After more than 10 years of service, Oklahoma Baptist University President Dr. David W. Whitlock has announced his retirement from the University. Whitlock will step out of his role as president Jan. 8 and serve the remainder of the academic
OBU Crowns 2018 Harvest Court During Homecoming Football Game
November 3, 2018 | Permalink
OBU announced winners of the 2018 Harvest Court Saturday, Nov. 3, during halftime of the Bison football game versus Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The event was part of OBU’s homecoming celebration happening on campus throughout
OBU Recognizes Outstanding Alumni During Annual Homecoming Harvest Dinner
November 2, 2018 | Permalink
OBU recognized exceptional alumni with special awards during its Harvest Dinner Friday, Nov. 2. The annual event is part of the University’s “Zip! Bang! OBU! Homecoming 2018” weekend celebration Nov. 2-4.
The Alumni
University Dedicates New Centers for Student and Spiritual Life
October 5, 2018 | Permalink
OBU hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the dedication of the Dick and Sue Rader Office of Student Life and Women of Vision Center for Spiritual Life. The newly renovated section of the Geiger Center officially opened at the beginning of the
‘The Art of Black Preaching’ Gaskin Lecture and Panel Discussion Set for Oct. 1 at OBU
September 28, 2018 | Permalink
Dr. Claybon Lea Jr. will deliver the Gaskin Lecture Monday, Oct. 1, at Oklahoma Baptist University. The lecture will take place at 10 a.m. in the upper level of the Geiger Center, rooms 219-220, on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. The theme of
Brantley to Lead Recruitment for OBU Graduate College
September 6, 2018 | Permalink
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
OBU to Co-Sponsor Institute on Church Excellence Conference Oct. 26-27
August 9, 2018 | Permalink
St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City is partnering with Oklahoma Baptist University to host the 2018 Institute on Church Excellence (ICE) Conference Friday, Oct. 26, through Saturday, Oct. 27. The conference theme is
OBU Names DeWoody as Vice President for Academic Affairs
August 7, 2018 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University has announced the promotion of Dr. Susan DeWoody to the position of vice president for academic affairs. DeWoody was serving as dean of the Graduate College and interim VP for academic affairs. Dr. David W. Whitlock,
OBU Marketing and Communications Team Earns Seven Awards at College PR Conference
August 1, 2018 | Permalink
The Oklahoma Baptist University marketing and communications staff was recently recognized with seven awards at the annual Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) conference, hosted July 15-17 at the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur,
OBU Presents Hobbs Award to Sanchez at SBC Annual Meeting
June 12, 2018 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. Juan Sanchez, senior pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, June 12, during the Southern Baptist
OBU Board of Trustees Approves Faculty Promotions and New Faculty Contracts
May 19, 2018 | Permalink
During their spring meeting on the Shawnee campus May 18, the Oklahoma Baptist University Board of Trustees attended the University’s 104th Spring Commencement, approved faculty promotions and new faculty contracts, and authorized
OBU to Hold 104th Spring Commencement in Honor of 288 Graduates
May 17, 2018 | Permalink
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 Shawnee. The
University Recognizes Employees for 630 Years of Service
April 26, 2018 | Permalink
OBU hosted its 2018 Service Awards Luncheon Thursday, April 26, on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. The annual event recognizes employees for milestone years of service, as well as retiring faculty and staff. OBU recognized 49 employees for a
OBU Recognized as a ‘Tree Campus USA’ for 2017
March 21, 2018 | Permalink
OBU has been honored with 2017 Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for the University’s commitment to effective urban forest management. The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus
Norman Departing OBU to Assume Presidency of Williams Baptist University
March 16, 2018 | Permalink
Dr. Stan Norman, provost and executive vice president of campus life, will soon be departing Oklahoma Baptist University after nine years of service. He will be assuming the presidency of Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas,
OBU Earns Reaffirmation of Accreditation Through Higher Learning Commission
March 7, 2018 | Permalink
The Institutional Actions Council of The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed Oklahoma Baptist University’s status as an accredited institution of higher learning. The 10-year accreditation will stand until the next
University Honors Founders’ Day Speaker with Honorary Doctorate
February 7, 2018 | Permalink
Dr. Rebekah Naylor, surgeon, church planter, and retired missionary, delivered the chapel address during Oklahoma Baptist University’s annual Founders’ Day celebration Wednesday, Feb. 7. The Founder’s Day event is held
OBU Trustees Approve Faculty Contracts and Senior Faculty Status
February 2, 2018 | Permalink
OBU trustees met via videoconference for the spring semester meeting Friday, Feb. 2. Trustees approved recommendations for senior faculty status and faculty contracts for 2018-19.
In his report to the board, Dr. David W. Whitlock, OBU
Whitlock Shares OBU Update at BGCO Annual Meeting
November 15, 2017 | Permalink
Dr. David W. Whitlock, president of Oklahoma Baptist University, addressed delegates at the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma annual meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
"OBU is in the business of
OBU Celebrates Recognition as Blue Zones Approved Worksite
November 3, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University celebrated becoming a Blue Zones Project approved worksite with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Nov. 3. OBU is the first university in the state of Oklahoma and the first top 20 employer in Pottawatomie County to
University Honors Exceptional Alumni During Annual Harvest Dinner
October 27, 2017 | Permalink
OBU recognized outstanding alumni with special awards during its Harvest Dinner Friday, Oct. 27. The annual event is part of the University’s homecoming weekend celebration.
OBU President Dr. David W. Whitlock provided the opening remarks
Blade Joins Bison Hill as Assistant Dean of Students
October 17, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University recently welcomed Maliek Blade to the student development office as assistant dean of students, diversity and multicultural student services. He assumed his duties Monday, Oct. 16.
Moving halfway across the U.S. from
Davis Delivers Gaskin Lecture on History of African American Baptist Churches in Oklahoma
October 2, 2017 | Permalink
France A. Davis, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, delivered the Gaskin Lecture at Oklahoma Baptist University Oct. 2. His topic was “The History of African American Baptist Churches in Oklahoma from 1990 to
Jordan Receives OBU's Hobbs Award During Falls Creek Centennial Celebration
September 7, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. Anthony Jordan, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, Sunday, Sept. 3, during the Falls
Message from OBU President David W. Whitlock Regarding Hurricane Harvey
August 29, 2017 | Permalink
Dear Bison family,
We know many of you have been affected either directly or indirectly by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey that continues to wreak havoc along its path. We pray God's protection and provision for
OBU Arboretum Earns National Accreditation from ArbNet
June 30, 2017 | Permalink
OBU has been awarded a level I accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet
University Presents Hobbs Award to Iorg at SBC Annual Meeting
June 26, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University presented the Herschel H. Hobbs Award for Distinguished Denominational Service to Dr. Jeff Iorg, president of Gateway Seminary, Wednesday, June 14, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Phoenix,
OBU Presents Scholarship to National Spelling Bee Runner-Up
June 21, 2017 | Permalink
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
OBU’s MFT Counseling Clinic Brings Hope, Healing to Community
May 26, 2017 | Permalink
Transforming lives – a key component of OBU’s mission – is powerfully demonstrated by the University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) graduate program. The students and faculty of the MFT program apply their skills to
OBU Welcomes Stroud as Assistant Dean of Students for Community and Leadership
May 25, 2017 | Permalink
OBU is excited to welcome Melissa Stroud as the new assistant dean of students for community and leadership. She assumed her duties May 1.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in cross-cultural ministry from OBU in 2004. She then earned a Master
Former OBU President Cothen Passes at 96
May 22, 2017 | Permalink
Dr. Grady C. Cothen, Oklahoma Baptist University president from 1966-70, passed away May 19 at The Orchard retirement home in Ridgeland, Mississippi. He was 96 years old.
“Dr. Cothen was a kind and gracious man with a deep love of Christ
OBU Board of Trustees Approves Faculty Promotions and New Faculty Contracts
May 19, 2017 | Permalink
During their spring meeting on the Shawnee campus May 19, the Oklahoma Baptist University Board of Trustees attended a “first nail” ceremony for the new Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic, approved faculty promotions and new faculty
OBU to Host First Nail Ceremony May 19 for New Counseling Clinic
May 17, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University will host a “first nail” ceremony Friday, May 19, at 8 a.m. The ceremony will celebrate a significant building remodel that will take place over the summer in preparation for a new counseling clinic. The
OBU to Present Honorary Doctorates to Chance, Wall During Commencement May 19
May 15, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University will award an honorary Doctor of Humanities to Dr. Jay P. Chance, ’56, and an honorary Doctor of Business to Mary Ellen Wall during OBU’s Spring Commencement May 19 at 3 p.m. in Raley Chapel’s
OBU Plants Survivor Tree Seedling, Commemorates Arbor Day
April 25, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University hosted a tree planting ceremony Tuesday, April 25, in observance of Arbor Day 2017. Members of the campus community planted a seedling of an American elm from the Survivor Tree at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
OBU to Plant Seedling from OKC Survivor Tree April 25
April 18, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University will host a special tree planting ceremony Tuesday, April 25, in advance of Arbor Day 2017. The event will take place on the south lawn of Raley Chapel at 11 a.m. on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. As the central
University Recognizes Employees for 505 Years of Service
April 13, 2017 | Permalink
OBU hosted its 2017 Service Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 13, on OBU's campus in Shawnee. The annual event recognizes employees for milestone years of service as well as retiring faculty and staff. OBU recognized 47 employees for a
OBU Seeking Comments in Advance of HLC Accreditation Visit
March 29, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will host a visit September 25-26, 2017, with a team representing
Manning Delivers Inspirational Message During OBU’s Green and Gold Gala
March 8, 2017 | Permalink
Oklahoma Baptist University believes strongly in the quality and value of an OBU education. As such, the University continually strives to provide more funds in scholarships for students, with the hope that no student who desires to attend OBU
OBU Community Mourns Passing of Dr. Michael Travers
March 2, 2017 | Permalink
OBU is mourning the passing of a beloved member of its family, Dr. Michael Travers. He served the university faithfully as associate provost, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, chair of the Division of Language and
OBU Trustees Meet Virtually, Approve Faculty Contracts
February 3, 2017 | Permalink
OBU trustees met via videoconference for the first meeting of the spring semester Friday, Feb. 3. Trustees approved recommendations for senior faculty status, sabbatical leave and faculty contracts for 2017-18.
In his report to the board, Dr.