OBU Faculty Hall of Fame Induction Honors Legacy of Excellence during The Weekend on Oct. 18

October 15, 2024

OBU will honor two esteemed faculty members during the 2024 Faculty Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 18 during The Weekend. This year's inductees, Dr. James Woodward and Dr. Norris Russell are being recognized for their profound impact on the university and their enduring contributions to their respective fields.

The induction ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. On the back lawn of the Cargill Center. The event will celebrate these educators' enduring legacies and lasting influence on OBU.

Dr. James Woodward

A legendary figure in OBU’s history, Woodward is celebrated for his leadership in music and his transformative role as Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 1973 to 1986.

Woodward influenced many church musicians and countless students with his consummate choral conducting and dedication to teaching. He served as music minister for several churches, and he was guest conductor and conference leader for music clinics and festivals in more than 30 states.

Following his time as dean, Woodward served as artist-in-residence at OBU. He conducted the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma and organized and conducted the Singing Church Women of Oklahoma. At the time of his tragic death in a plane crash in 1991, he was returning home from having directed a concert of the Singing Church Women.

Tom Willoughby, one of Woodward's former students, expressed deep admiration for his mentor, stating, "Jim Woodward influenced a generation of church musicians. He was a consummate choral conductor, always modeling excellence. Through 50 years as a church musician, each time I enter a rehearsal room, I think, 'How would Jim do this.'”

Dr. Norris Russell

A respected member of the OBU community for multiple decades, Russell served as a professor and athletic director, shaping the lives of countless students. In 1999, Russell received OBU's Distinguished Teaching Award, presented in recognition of "classroom excellence."  In 2012, his dedication and service to the university were recognized with OBU’s Meritorious Service Award.

His service at OBU included that of professor, chair, athletic director and coach. Known for his commitment to student success, Russell has been instrumental in helping many young people find their passion and achieve their career goals.

Russell is a member of the OBU Athletics Hall of Fame and a former Sooner Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year. He also coached tennis during the 1981 through 1984 seasons, winning four conference titles and two district championships and advancing to the NAIA national meet in 1981 and 1984.

Lane Cooper, a supporter of Russell's induction, highlighted his impact on students, saying, "Dr. Russell has helped many OBU students find their passion. He has provided knowledge and direction to enable students to excel in their careers."

The OBU Faculty Hall of Fame named its first inductees in 2010. The award continues to recognize those individuals who have exemplified high standards of teaching and upheld OBU’s ideals and mission through noteworthy service to students and the betterment of the university.