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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist UniversityShape the Future

Construction Updates

July 18, 2025

Here’s the latest on OBU’s ongoing construction projects and campus enhancements, including updates for Shawnee Hall, Raley Chapel, Thurmond Hall, Agee Residence Center, campus tree plantings and a new solar installation project. Thanks again to OBU Project Manager Ryan Grider for providing these updates!

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Shawnee Hall

With an extended break from rainfall, exterior construction has resumed and continues to progress. The new pergola is nearly complete and installation of sidewalks, irrigation sleeves and bases for site and building lighting is underway. Site work is expected to conclude in early September, with landscaping and irrigation scheduled for late September and early October when planting conditions improve.

Inside, the first and second floors have reached substantial completion. Furniture installation is in progress on the first and second floor. The Teacher Education and Behavioral and Social Sciences Division offices will be relocating to the first floor. The Admissions Team is expected to move to the second floor by early August. Third-floor flooring is nearly complete, with auditorium seating, a drop-down partition, furniture and custom artwork to be installed in the coming weeks. Shawnee Hall will be open at the start of the fall 2025 semester, though no classes are currently scheduled in the building.

Also, University Police announced that due to the ongoing construction project at Shawnee Hall, Lingo Construction Services has requested the Oval to be closed. The Oval will be closed beginning July 14 and could remain closed for the next two weeks. University Police will make a notification when it reopens.

Pergola and Sidewalk
Education Classroom
Therapy Simulation Classroom
Therapy Simulation Classroom
Second Floor Multipurpose Space
Third Floor Auditorium
BASS Offices
Bass Offices
First Floor Bathroom

Raley Chapel

OBU Administration and Facilities Services have completed final reviews of the Raley Chapel construction documents, with updates now being incorporated. Additional renovation projects within the Raley Chapel scope are also in development. Construction on Potter Auditorium remains on track to begin this fall.

Thurmond Hall

Interior framing for the second and third floors is nearly complete. Once framing wraps up, plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in work will begin. The renovation remains scheduled for completion by the start of the spring 2026 semester.

Thurmond Hall Second Floor
Thurmond Hall Second Floor
Thurmond Hall Third Floor
Thurmond Hall Third Floor

Agee Residence Center

Work is underway to install a new chiller system, with completion expected by August 1. This upgrade will separate Agee’s HVAC system from Raley Chapel’s, allowing for improved and independent temperature control in both buildings.

Agee Residence Center

Tree Plantings

Due to high summer temperatures, all tree planting and landscaping efforts are temporarily on hold. Planting will resume in early fall to ensure better survivability of trees and other plant materials.

Rooftop Solar Panel Installation

OBU’s solar panel installation project is currently under FAA review. Buildings slated to receive solar panels include:

  • RAWC
  • Noble Complex
  • Football Laundry and Storage Facility
  • Coats Baseball and Softball
  • Facilities Services Warehouse
  • Village Apartments
  • Kemp Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic
  • Science Annex

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we work to shape the future of OBU! Stay tuned for more updates as these projects progress.