Frie Awarded OBU Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree During Winter Commencement

December 16, 2023

OBU conferred degrees upon 80 graduates during Winter Commencement Dec. 16, 2023, at First Southern Baptist Church, Del City.

After an official welcome by Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost, dean of business, health, science and education, and professor of education, and a congratulatory greeting by Dr. Todd Fisher, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists, an investiture was conducted to award Rick Frie, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jenks, with an OBU honorary degree.

“In honoring Rick Frie, Oklahoma Baptist University is keeping faith with the high ideals we have set for granting such degrees,” said Dr. Matthew Emerson, co-provost, dean of theology, arts and humanities and professor of religion. “His life exemplifies high standards, excellence in achievement and genuine concern for others. Therefore, the faculty, administration and board of trustees of Oklahoma Baptist University recommend that we today confer upon Rick Frie the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.”

Frie began ministry in October of 1970 in Arkansas and for the last 40 years has served Oklahoma as pastor of First Baptist, Nowata; Southwood Baptist, Tulsa; First Baptist, Mustang; and for the past 20 years First Baptist, Jenks.

He also served as first vice president of the board of directors of the Oklahoma Baptists and served as president of the state pastor’s conference of Oklahoma. In addition, Frie is currently a trustee of the North American Mission Board serving as chairman of the Evangelism Team.

Frie received his education from Ouachita Baptist University and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a passion for preaching, making disciples, and helping others grow in their faith.

Following the investiture was the singing of a congregational hymn. Dr. Paul Sanchez, assistant professor of religion and assistant director of honors, shared the scripture reading. Senior musical arts student Brock Brown sang “All Night, All Day” and was accompanied by Claire Marquardt on the piano.

Frie was then introduced as the commencement speaker.

During his commencement address, Frie referenced Colossians 1. He told graduates, “You were born for the Lordship of Christ and your life is to be filled and saturated by that will.” Frie then urged graduates to do three primary things.

He said they should be clear about who they are. Frie emphasized living in accordance with God's will and connecting it to character change through the Word of God. He stressed the importance of surrendering to God's authority.

Then he said they should be clear about what they believe.

“Paul realizes that Christianity doesn’t take place in some little isolated bubble,” Frie said. “No, we are to be salt and light in society. In the midst of living in this world we have real enemies. There will be pain and suffering, but listen, Paul says if you are filled, saturated with the will of God, then you live under a sense of His divine protection. He says I will give you strength for strength.”

He added that they should have “an eternal heart of gratitude.” Frie encouraged celebrating eternal salvation, emphasizing gratitude for deliverance from darkness and the inheritance in God's kingdom. He challenged graduates to focus on Jesus amid life's distractions, stressing the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.

He gave graduates many messages to carry with them. Frie said that if they are not careful, success can lure them into leading with their resume “and not with the character of your heart and life.”

The entire commencement speech supported a powerful statement Frie made early on.

“Be more concerned about what God knows you to be not what people want you to be,” he said.

The December ceremony included the awarding of 52 undergraduate degrees and 28 graduate degrees.

Following Frie’s address, the undergraduate class was presented by Max Petersen, president of the OBU Student Government Association.

The presentation of bachelor’s degree candidates was made by Dennis and Emerson.

Emerson also led in the presentation of Summa Cum Laude candidates.

The presentation of the graduate class was made by Christian studies graduate student Angela Maureen Bailey and Dennis.

The master’s degree candidates were presented by Dennis and Emerson.

Following the presentation of all degree candidates, Tim Rasnic, vice president for advancement, inducted the graduates into the Alumni Association.

In presenting the final charge to the graduates, Emerson said, “Yours is the generation that can effect positive change if you strike up the courage to step boldly to the line today,” Emerson said. “We need your influence. From Bison Hill, I charge you to go into our world and make a difference for God and for good in our cities and neighborhoods. Go and live well. Go and serve your community. Go and serve our Lord. You have been equipped. So, go do something beautiful for God.”

Emerson stressed that as they do great things for “our God and Savior,” they will always be Bison and will always have a home at OBU.

Emerson’s charge was followed by “The Hymn to the Alma Mater,” led by Dr. Stephen Sims, Clair McGavern-Nancy Montgomery associate professor of music, accompanied by Marquardt on the piano.

The benediction was led by Dr. Rich Rudebock, Robert L. and Sara Lou Cargill Chair of Business and professor of business.

Watch the video of OBU's December graduation ceremony on the OBU YouTube channel.