OBU Teaching Legend Hurley Passes Away

April 30, 2004

Dr. James Hurley, one of the most loved and respected professors in the history of Oklahoma Baptist University, passed away Thursday evening, April 29.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 8, in Raley Chapel.

Memorial gifts may be made to the James E. Hurley Professorship in Biology or the Hurley Science Scholarship. For details, contact the OBU development office at 405-878-2703.

Hurley, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2003, was one of the most respected professors on the OBU campus and among educators across the nation. During his time on Bison Hill, hundreds of biology and pre-medical students won admission to medical school or to graduate studies, and an exceptionally high percentage of OBU students have had the opportunity to continue their studies and eventually enter the medical or scientific programs.

Hurley joined the OBU faculty in 1962 as an associate professor of biology and was promoted to professor of biology in 1968. He received the University's two highest honors: the Distinguished Teaching Award, presented to him at OBU's 1982 Commencement, and the Meritorious Service Award, presented at Commencement in 1994.

In a recent interview, Hurley said, "Life is a process. Everything builds like the season, in small steps. Life is not as much a momentary thing like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, but rather a whole process of learning and discovering."