Commencement Slated For May 23

May 8, 2009

Marking the conclusion of the spring semester, approximately 250 graduates will have degrees conferred upon them during Oklahoma Baptist University's 95th Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 23.

The graduates will take their final walk across the campus as OBU students when they file into Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium for the 10 a.m. ceremonies. An overflow audience of more than 1,800 is expected for the Commencement activities in Raley Chapel. Dr. David W. Whitlock, OBU president, will preside over the ceremonies.

Dr. Bradley Jett, Hurley professor of biology and recipient of the 2008 OBU Distinguished Teacher Award, will deliver the Commencement Address.

Jett joined the OBU faculty in 1998 as assistant professor of biology. He was promoted to the rank of associate professor in 2002 and to the rank of professor in 2008. He completed a bachelor's degree in biology from OBU in 1988. He earned his master's and Ph.D. degrees in microbiology and immunology from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Prior to his OBU faculty post, Jett was an assistant research professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine from 1994-98.

In addition to the address from Jett, the Commencement program includes greetings by officials from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and induction into the OBU Alumni Association.

OBU's top three honors for faculty and staff members will be presented by President Whitlock during the graduation exercises. They include the Distinguished Teacher Award, the Promising Teacher Award, and the Meritorious Service Award.