OBU President Thomas Delivers Annual Convocation Address on Aug. 28

August 28, 2024

OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas delivered the annual Convocation address Aug. 28 during chapel. The service took place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee.

Dr. Ben Myers, director of the OBU honors program, led the opening prayer. Dr. Bobby Kelly, chair of the faculty council, then offered greetings from the faculty.

Following a scripture reading by C. Alex Webster, assistant professor of theatre technology and design, Student Government Association President Evan Ashmore delivered the call to convocation.

Dr. Kelly read the litany, with interactive audience response. Co-Provosts Dr. Larinee Dennis, chief academic officer and dean of business, health, science and education, and Dr. Matthew Emerson, dean of theology, arts and humanities, introduced new faculty.

Thomas introduced new staff and presented faculty and staff awards. Dr. Rich Rudebock, the Robert L. and Sara Lou Cargill Professor of Business, received the Distinguished Teaching Award, Dr. Meredith Bailey, assistant professor of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation, received the Promising Teacher Award and Kyle Rudek, accounting manager, received the Meritorious Service Award.

Thomas then delivered the Convocation address. His speech was themed “The Neglected Goal of Education.”

Thomas welcomed the 2024-2025 academic year by expressing his joy in receiving over 430 new students and welcoming back returning ones.

He emphasized that the university staff and faculty are committed to the students’ growth and success, saying, “We believe in you… We have given our very lives to be a part of your story.”

He assured them that their presence at OBU is not by chance but by divine providence, urging them to seize the opportunity of education, a privilege not afforded to many globally.

In addressing the purpose of education, Thomas acknowledged the various common goals associated with it—skills, jobs, self-discovery and even fun—but challenged the OBU community to aim higher.

He introduced what he called the “neglected goal of education”: becoming a better person. Through a cautionary tale of a distinguished scholar whose moral failings led to disgrace, Thomas illustrated the emptiness of success without virtue. He stressed that education at OBU should lead students to embody Christian virtues such as justice, kindness, honesty, and self-control, which are deeply rooted in biblical wisdom.

Thomas urged the OBU community to pursue a life of virtue, not merely knowledge or success.

 “Aspire to the virtuous life, be a better person,” he said, calling on everyone to strive for moral and spiritual growth as the ultimate goal of their education.

Following the convocation address, Dr. Stephen Sims, associate professor of music, led the congregation in “The Hymn to the Alma Mater.” Dr. Dawn Westbrook, associate professor of nursing, delivered the benediction.