2003 Stories and Features
Bailey Asks Graduating Seniors to Navigate the Dialectics
December 19, 2003
Dr. Garry Bailey, associate professor of communication arts, told OBU's newest graduates Saturday to prepare to navigate life's dialectics -- "the paradoxes, tensions or opposing forces in life." Speaking at Oklahoma Baptist University's winter…
Galvao Named First Varsity Soccer Coach at OBU
December 15, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's move toward soccer took a big step into reality Monday with the hiring of a coach -- Marcelo Galvao. Galvao comes to OBU from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he has been men's and women's soccer coach since…
Alumni Offered Savings Plan Incentive
December 12, 2003
To encourage alumni to plan for their children's higher education, Oklahoma Baptist University has created a college savings plan incentive in partnership with the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. The University offers a $100 matching incentive…
Ribbon Cutting for New Student Center, December 8 at 10am
December 5, 2003
On December 8, at 10am, the new OBU student center will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony. There is much anticipation from the student body for this redesigned space. Although Aramark has scheduled a grand opening at the start of…
OBU to Present Annual Christmas Chapel Dec. 10
December 1, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's annual "Fine Arts Christmas Chapel" will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. Always a favorite event, this year's program will again be hosted by Dr. Dan Reeder, dean of OBU's…
OBU Places Two in NATS Regional Final
December 1, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University placed two music students in the finals of the Texoma region session of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Conference and Student Auditions recently. Three members of the Oklahoma…
Artistic Passion From the Start
November 30, 2003
A portrait hangs in Julie Blackstone's office. She calls it "Mentor." It's of her first college art professor, a man named Gene Dougherty, who provided Julie's first "real" artistic training. Sculptures share space with numerous books that line…
Kaumba Wins NAIA Title
November 24, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's Mirriam Kaumba, a junior from Zambia, became the university's first-ever women's cross country national champion Saturday with a sterling performance in the 2003 NAIA Cross Country National Championship in…
Fifty-one OBU Students Chosen for Who's Who
November 19, 2003
The 2004 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges includes 51 Oklahoma Baptist University seniors who have been recognized as "national outstanding campus leaders." Faculty member, deans, administrators as well…
Annual Hanging of the Green service set for Dec. 6
November 18, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's 66th annual "Hanging of the Green" service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 6, in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. The theme for this year's ceremony is "Voices of the Advent," a title taken from a…
OBU Hosts Hymn Festival Nov. 18
November 12, 2003
The Oklahoma Baptist University Division of Music will present its annual Hymn Festival, "Prayer, Praise, and Proclamation: The Worship of God through A Festival of American Hymnody," at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 in Raley Chapel's…
Variety of Talents Showcased in College Players Presents
November 11, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's College Players will provide an evening of theatrical entertainment, "College Players Presents," at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-22 in the Sarkeys Black Box Theatre. "It's probably the most unique entertainment opportunity…
Hudson, Faculty Review American Popular Song Nov. 13
November 5, 2003
On Thursday, November 13 at 7:30, Rhetta Hudson, associate professor of voice at Oklahoma Baptist University, will present the recital "American Popular Song: 1900-1929" at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13 in Raley Chapel's Yarborough…
Bisonettes, University Chorale to Perform at UBC Nov. 15
October 30, 2003
The Bisonettes and University Chorale of Oklahoma Baptist University will present an evening of choral classics, written by composers from around the world, in a performance at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15, at University Baptist Church in Shawnee. Dr.…
Homecoming Set for Nov. 7-8
October 30, 2003
About 2,000 people are expected to participate in "Back to the Hill," Oklahoma Baptist University's 83rd annual Homecoming celebration Nov. 7-8. A mix of new and traditional events is on the schedule for this year. "This year's celebration…
OBU Musicians to Perform Riley Work Nov. 17
October 29, 2003
On Monday, November 17, the Oklahoma Baptist University Division of Music community will join together for a performance of Terry Riley's 1964 work, "In C," at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17 in Yarborough Auditorium. An example of minimalistic…
SOLD OUT: Pirates of Penzance Tickets Gone
October 16, 2003
Tickets are going fast for Oklahoma Baptist University's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. The Saturday performances are nearly sold out, but many there are still seats available for the Nov. 2 and Nov. 9…
2003 M&M's Concert Marks End of an Era Oct. 24
October 16, 2003
The 20th M & M's Pops Concert will feature three former Oklahoma Baptist University music faculty and also serve as the retirement concert for long time Master of Ceremonies William James (Jim) Brown. The popular concert will highlight the…
President Emeritus Agee to Deliver Hobbs Lecture Oct. 22
October 13, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University President Emeritus Bob R. Agee will return to Bison Hill Oct. 22 to deliver the 23rd Hobbs Lecture at 10a.m in Raley Chapel. His lecture, "Christian Education: The Right Choice," will be the second Hobbs Lecture Dr.…
American Music Celebration Kicks Off at OBU Oct. 27
October 13, 2003
Dr. Ron Pen, director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music at the University of Kentucky, will visit the OBU campus on October 27-28, 2003. Dr. Pen will deliver a lecture entitled "Toward an Audeography of Hallowe'en" as part of…
OBU to Host Red Dirt Book Festival Oct. 17-18
October 3, 2003
More than 80 Oklahoma authors, publishers, storytellers and musicians will descend upon Oklahoma Baptist University and St. Gregory's University in Shawnee for the first Red Dirt Book Festival Oct. 17-18, designed to discuss and celebrate the…
2003-2004 Cheerleaders
October 3, 2003
The OBU Cheerleaders for 2003-04 are, from left, (first row) Jennie David, Meredith Livingston, Angie Strainge, (middle row) Leah Patterson, Robyn Pratt, Kinsey Henson, (back row) Rachel Brozovich, Timilyn Haller, Amanda Milam, Erin Reiser and…
Martin to Lead Winter Bible Study Clinic Oct. 24
September 30, 2003
Dr. Michael Martin, dean of the School of Christian Service at Oklahoma Baptist University, will lead OBU's annual Winter Bible Study Clinic Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Geiger Center. This year's Winter Bible Study Clinic focuses on 1…
Yarbrough Returns to OBU to Present Gaskin Lecture Oct. 6
September 29, 2003
Dr. Slayden A. Yarbrough, professor emeritus at Oklahoma Baptist University, will present the 12th Annual Gaskin Lectureship in Oklahoma Baptist History and Heritage in the OBU Geiger Center Oct. 6. The lectures will be at 10 a.m. and…
Fall Preview Day Set for Oct. 4
September 26, 2003
High school students interested in attending Oklahoma Baptist University will be on campus Saturday as part of the university's Fall Preview Day. Designed to give students a well-rounded view of life on Bison Hill, the event will feature campus…
Evans to Bring Puccini to Life at OBU Oct. 2
September 26, 2003
Joseph Evans will present a one-man show displaying the life and works of Giacomo Puccini in his "Letters to Puccini" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, in Oklahoma Baptist University's Yarborough Auditorium. Admission is free. Accompanied by Keith…
Bade to Perform in Faculty Recital Sept. 29
September 23, 2003
Dr. Chris Bade, associate professor of music at Oklahoma Baptist University, will perform in faculty recital at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29, in Raley Chapel's Yarborough Auditorium. Bade, a clarinetist, will be assisted by violist Royce McLarry…
Lightning Causes Brief Fire in Raley Chapel
September 11, 2003
Lightning struck a vented area near the roof of the north end of Raley Chapel at about 8:15 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, causing a fire that was quickly doused by the Shawnee Fire Department. The minimal damage was primarily limited to ceiling…
OBU Missions Emphasis Runs Sept. 15-20
September 8, 2003
As part of its Missions Emphasis Week, Oklahoma Baptist University will host Frank Blackwood and Dr. Jerry Rankin as chapel speakers next week. The chapel messages will be just one of many activities highlighting missions awareness the week of…
Hurley Chosen For Higher Education Hall of Fame
September 8, 2003
Dr. James Hurley, Oklahoma Baptist University professor emeritus of biology, is one of 11 educators selected for induction this year into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame banquet and…
Brister Asks Students to Sow Generously
September 3, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's Convocation, the traditional opening of the school year, included a charge to the students from President Mark Brister to sow generously with their time at OBU to gather a generous harvest. Citing 2 Corinthians…
Long-time Photographer Jack Putnam Passes Away
September 2, 2003
Long-time Oklahoma Baptist University photographer Jack Putnam died Tuesday, Sept. 2, in a Shawnee hospital after a brief illness. He was 83. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Gaskill Funeral Home. Putnam joined…
OBU Students Work to Improve Several Shawnee Communities
August 28, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's annual "Serve Shawnee" project saw about 465 new and returning students spread out over the Shawnee area to do clean-up and maintenance Monday and returned to the campus with a new perspective on their…
OBU Students Challenged in First Chapel of Fall Semester
August 27, 2003
Dave Edwards, a minister to youth and young adults, challenged Oklahoma Baptist University students to "Say yes to God with their whole life." Speaking at the Fall Challenge, the university's first chapel of the semester, Edwards used the…
Bells to Begin OBU Recital Season Aug. 28
August 25, 2003
Cellist Richard Bell and pianist Digby Bell will open Oklahoma Baptist University's recital season at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, in Raley Chapel's Yarbourough Auditorium. Admission is free. Richard Bell grew up in Norman, Okla., and began…
US News Ranks OBU Second in West for 2004
August 25, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist Ranked Second In West By U.S. News For the 10th consecutive year, Oklahoma Baptist University has received recognition as the top comprehensive college in Oklahoma by the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of…
W;T Marks Opening of Theatre Season Aug. 28
August 25, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's production of Margaret Edson's first play, W;T, opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, in Craig-Dorland Theatre. W;T presents Vivian Bearing (OBU nursing major Twila Johnson), a renowned professor of English who is…
Pruiett Recital Set for Sept. 4
August 20, 2003
On Thursday, Sept. 4, Kevin Pruiett, assistant professor of music at Oklahoma Baptist University, will present his first recital since joining the OBU faculty in August, 2001. This recital, featuring OBU faculty keyboardists Dr. Ron Davis, Dr.…
Literacy Award Honors Life, Work of Dr. Jimmie Russell
August 14, 2003
The Oklahoma Higher Education Reading Council recently presented Karen Rose, a beginning teacher at Norman's Truman Elementary School, with the first-ever Outstanding Literacy Instruction by a Beginning Teacher Award, an honor created by the…
President Brister Presents Report of Strength to Trustees
August 5, 2003
“OBU is progressing toward a fine and exciting future,” said OBU President Mark Brister at the Board of Trustees meeting July 25. “We have completed an active, purpose-driven year of transition, and it is well with…
Curtain Rises on OBU Theatre Season Aug. 28 with W;T
August 4, 2003
W;T, a play by Margaret Edson, will open the Oklahoma Baptist University theatre season Aug. 28 in Craig-Dorland Theatre located in Shawnee Hall. The play runs Aug. 28-29 and Sept. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. A 2:30 p.m. matinee will wrap up the…
Argo Named to New OBU Post
August 4, 2003
Trent Argo, director of admissions at Campbellsville University since 1991, has been named to fill the new position of dean of enrollment management at Oklahoma Baptist University. Argo will be primarily responsible for both…
Duncan Challenges Grads To Encourage Growth of Diversity
May 24, 2003
Dr. Ron Duncan, Oklahoma Baptist University professor of anthropology, encouraged 269 graduating OBU seniors to continue learning and to encourage diversity. Duncan spoke to the Class of 2003 during OBU's spring Commencement Saturday morning,…
OBU Recognizes 269 Students
May 24, 2003
Two hundred sixty-nine students participated in graduation exercises during Oklahoma Baptist University's 2003 Spring Commencement Saturday morning in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. Dr. Ronald Duncan, professor of anthropology, and…
OBU Honors Three with Top Awards
May 24, 2003
Included in Oklahoma Baptist University's spring Commencement ceremonies Saturday was presentation of the University's three top employee awards. Dr. Ramona Farthing, professor of French, was presented the 2003 Distinguished Teacher…
Fifteen Nursing Grads Receive Pins
May 23, 2003
Fifteen Oklahoma Baptist University nursing school seniors received their OBU pins Friday in Raley Chapel, symbolizing their transition from student nurses to professional nurses. Beverly Hough, a 1967 OBU graduate and co-chair of the…
Kincaid To Head University’s Public Relations Programs
May 15, 2003
An experienced college public relations professional with family ties to Oklahoma has been named director of public relations at Oklahoma Baptist University, announced OBU President Mark Brister Thursday afternoon. Zach Kincaid will…
OBU Women Wrap Up Successful 2003 Campaign
May 14, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's Lady Bison tennis team finished the 2003 season with a solid record and some great accomplishments. Overall the squad compiled a 10-7 record. This year's Most Valuable Player for the women was freshman Kerri…
Bison Nearly Reach National Tournament
May 14, 2003
The Bison tennis teams finished the 2003 season with with a .500 mark as a team, and some impressive individual accomplishments. Coach Sue Dick's squad wound up with an 8-8 mark, and finished one match away from gaining a berth in the national…
Computer Information Students Gain National Honors
April 25, 2003
Competing at the national level, Oklahoma Baptist University computer information science majors gained two of the top three team positions at a recent student conference. Seven OBU students participated in the Association of…
Yahnseh Gains National Honors
April 24, 2003
Yahnseh, Oklahoma Baptist University's student-produced yearbook, claimed 16 honors in the 2003 Gold Circle Awards program, sponsored by the Columbia Student Press Association. The 20th annual Gold Circle Awards program recognizes…
Nursing Students Gain Unique Education In Haiti
April 23, 2003
Providing care while gaining a unique education made a 12-day journey to Haiti memorable for seven Oklahoma Baptist University students. The students spent a dozen days in Del Mas, a small suburb of Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti, to help…
Telecommunication Students Dominate OBEA Awards
April 6, 2003
The saying, "It's hard to argue with success" rang true for Oklahoma Baptist University telecommunication students at the 2002 Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association Students Competition Awards. Thirteen OBU students won top awards…
Martin Named Dean of School of Christian Services
March 14, 2003
Dr. D. Michael Martin has been named dean of Oklahoma Baptist University's School of Christian Service, OBU President Mark Brister announced March 14. Martin, currently dean of theology at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, will join the…
Colman Named OBU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
March 14, 2003
Dr. James P. Colman has been named senior vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Baptist University, announced OBU President Mark Brister on March 14. Colman, who has served in administrative and faculty roles at Cedarville…
Board Ratifies 2003-04 Budget, Approves Faculty Promotions
March 7, 2003
In its regular March board meeting Friday, Oklahoma Baptist University's board of trustees approved a $28.9 million budget for the 2003-04 academic year, which includes tuition and fee rates for the 2003-04 academic year. The board also…
Rudebock Recreates Career To Teach And Serve
March 3, 2003
Making his 8 a.m. Western Civilization class everyday requires Dr. Richard Rudebock to get up before dawn to travel from his Edmond home. He's a business professor at OBU, so he doesn't teach the class. He's just an observer, who always has his…
OBU Theatre Presents “The Mischief Makers”
February 19, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's Theatre for Young People will present The Mischief Makers by Lowell Swortzell, Feb. 17-21 and 25-25 for grades K-5. The performances will be located in the newly-renovated Craig-Dorland Theatre in Shawnee Hall.…
OBU Theatre Presents
February 19, 2003
Oklahoma Baptist University's Theatre for Young People will present The Mischief Makers by Lowell Swortzell, Feb. 17-21 and 23-25 for grades K-5. The performances will be located in the newly-renovated Craig-Dorland Theatre in Shawnee…
OBU Graduate Featured In Army Health Care Campaign
February 19, 2003
She learned nursing on Bison Hill and now she's being pointed to as a model nurse in the U.S. Army. Savannah Westfahl Estes, a 1999 OBU nursing graduate, is currently one of only 12 people worldwide to be featured in an online…
OBU Top Oklahoma Comprehensive College In 2003 U.S. News Rankings
February 15, 2003
For the ninth straight year, Oklahoma Baptist University has been ranked as the top comprehensive college in the state in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of "America's Best Colleges." OBU was listed second among…
OBU Top Oklahoma Comprehensive College In 2003 U.S. News Rankings
February 15, 2003
For the ninth straight year, Oklahoma Baptist University has been ranked as the top comprehensive college in the state in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of "America's Best Colleges." OBU was listed second among…
OBU Top Oklahoma Comprehensive College In 2003 U.S. News Rankings
February 15, 2003
For the ninth straight year, Oklahoma Baptist University has been ranked as the top comprehensive college in the state in the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings of "America's Best Colleges." OBU was listed second among…
Founders’ Day Address Focuses On Stubblefield’s Life As Example To Follow
February 15, 2003
Using the example of Oklahoma Baptist forefather Cortez Stubblefield, Oklahoma Baptist University President Mark Brister challenged OBU students to be forces of unity in their spheres of influence. Speaking at the annual OBU Founders'…
Outstanding Musical Talent Featured In Annual OBU Concerto-Aria Feb. 17
February 10, 2003
Prospective students and the public alike will be able to hear OBU's most talented music students Monday, Feb. 17, at the University's 29th annual Concerto-Aria. The Concerto-Aria series was born from the desire to allow OBU piano majors an…
Two Music Faculty Publish Groundbreaking Works
February 4, 2003
Two OBU music faculty published groundbreaking books in the fall. Dr. Carol Ann Bell, associate professor of piano, along with her husband, Dr. Digby Bell, completed a new edition of Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dances for one piano,…
Camerata Looks Ahead for Church Music Education
February 4, 2003
A blending of ideas, both traditional and contemporary, is helping OBU create a strategic score for the future of its church music program. Several OBU graduates and other music ministers from Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, North…
Student Makes Impact As Intern During Super Bowl
February 3, 2003
By Todd Starnes, Baptist Press (Used with permission) SAN DIEGO (BP)--A weeping security guard was the last thing Super Bowl intern Kim Guyton expected to find outside a San Diego hotel, but it proved to be an important ministry assignment for…
Telecommunication Students Gain National Recognition
January 31, 2003
OBU telecommunication students brought home some of the most prestigious scholarships in the state in 2002, winning top awards from several state and national organizations. Todd Shepherd, a junior from Shawnee, was awarded a national…
Area Students Participate in OBU Honor Bands
January 9, 2003
More than 140 local junior high and high school instrumentalists took two days out of school this week to rehearse for a special concert event at Oklahoma Baptist University. The OBU Honor Band, selected from more than 500 auditioning…