Board of Trustees Approves Faculty Promotions

May 13, 2016

During their spring meeting on the Shawnee campus May 13, the Oklahoma Baptist University Board of Trustees approved faculty promotions, approved new faculty contracts and participated in the OBU Spring Commencement Ceremony. 

In his report to the board, Dr. David Whitlock, OBU president, told trustees that enrollment for the fall semester is looking strong.

“During Priority Enrollment Day, we exceeded records set in previous years by enrolling 368 new students in a single day. Enrollment has increased since then to more than 450 students and that number will continue to grow throughout the summer,” he said.

Dr. Whitlock also reported that the replacement of the roof on Raley Chapel will begin May 23 and is expected to be complete before students move in for the fall semester.

The board approved promotions for three faculty members. Dr. Michael Jordan, associate professor of chemistry, was promoted to professor of chemistry; Dr. John McWilliams, associate professor of natural science, was promoted to professor of natural science; and Dr. Peter Purin, assistant professor of music theory, was promoted to associate professor of music theory.

Board members also approved contracts for six new faculty members. New faculty include Dr. Daryl D. Green, assistant professor of business; Dr. Richard Jon Martinez, professor of business; Lindsey Zachary Panxhi, assistant professor of English; Christopher McMillion, assistant professor of political science; Dr. Antonio “Toni” Chiareli, professor of sociology and intercultural studies; Dr. Terry James, associate professor of education/director of teacher education; and Dr. Camille Lafleur, assistant professor of marriage and family therapy.

Trustees also attended OBU’s Spring Commencement ceremony where 249 graduates received their diplomas. Shane Hall, OBU alumnus and pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, delivered the commencement address to an overflow crowd in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium. 

Skip Robinson, chair of OBU’s 31-member board of trustees, moderated the board’s plenary session.