OBU Launches President’s Leadership Class to Shape Next Generation of Christ-Centered Leaders

October 16, 2025

Twenty-two OBU freshmen have been selected as the inaugural members of the President’s Leadership Class, a new initiative designed to cultivate Christ-centered leaders ready to impact their communities and professions with integrity, vision and service.

The President’s Leadership Class of 2025 officially began its journey Sept. 9 following a two-day kickoff retreat at Carlton Landing on Sept. 6-7. Meeting twice monthly through April, the group will engage in real-world leadership experiences that connect classroom learning with practical application—bringing leadership theory to life. Additionally, PLC students will engage in service and travel experiences to enhance and enrich their learning.

The program marks the fulfillment of a goal OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas envisioned when he assumed office in 2020. The launch was delayed as the university navigated challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the April 2023 tornado that struck the Shawnee campus.

“One of my friends, John Maxwell, has said that ‘everything rises and falls on leadership,’” Thomas said. “This is true. We are passionate about developing the next generation of self-aware, servant-leaders who know how to chart the future, create buy-in, communicate the destination and execute toward goals with the right processes. This is why I established OBU’s President’s Leadership Class. If we raise them up, our world will be better.”

The President’s Leadership Class—known as PLC—focuses on learning to lead oneself by gaining self-awareness and personal development, learning to lead others through intensive leadership training, and learning to lead the world by gaining experiences in community and beyond. Prospective students can apply for the PLC through the Office of Admissions, which is a partner in the PLC. Janis Rasnic serves as the director of the PLC, who coordinates speakers and travel annually and invests in the students with passion. Members of the PLC will represent OBU and the president’s office at select university events while taking part in leadership engagements with business, government and nonprofit leaders across the state.

Throughout the year, students will hear from guest speakers, visit corporations and government agencies and participate in a “Day at the Capitol” for firsthand exposure to leadership in action. The program also emphasizes mentoring and networking opportunities, allowing students to connect closely with nationally recognized leaders in small-group settings.

The 22 members of the inaugural class were chosen based on academic achievement, leadership experience, character, community service and involvement in extracurricular activities. The first class includes: Addison Barnhill, Edmond; Addisyn Miller, Skiatook; Asher Hoover, Yukon; Caden Johnson, Oklahoma City; Caroline Chan, Moore; Deacon Pickett, Lawton; Eli Laird, Ashburn, Virginia; Ella Simek, Prague; Gavin Sheaman, Ardmore; Hannah Holmes, Duncan; Jalee Meyers, Shawnee; Judah Motley, Hollis; Kaleb Bailey, Purcell; Kassidy Baker, Earlsboro; Katie Mayes, Wagoner; Kaylea McNeely, Newalla; Kyle Harjo, Edmond; Levi Haynes, Norman; Logan Austin, Edmond; Nolan Broge, Ada; Rose Karrer, Tulsa and Thomas Gage, Graham, Texas.

Students in the program represent a variety of academic interests—from engineering and finance to nursing, early childhood education and international business—but share a common desire to grow as leaders who will serve others.

“PLC has shown me that I aspire to be a leader who genuinely cares and leads with a heart centered on Christ,” Holmes said. “The unique aspect of OBU’s PLC is that faith integration is a major part of shaping us as leaders and gives us practical and helpful tools to equip us as Christian leaders. PLC has not only shown me what type of leader I want to become through the different speakers and classes we have, but also through the other students I share this experience with. With a group of such diverse people, I learn something new every time we’re together. Dr. Thomas is doing an exceptional job teaching realistic leadership skills and how we can apply them to our lives with a scriptural aspect. PLC has shown me that in order to be a leader, I need to love others and lift them up. PLC is only beginning, but I can already see the difference it’s making in my life and I can’t wait to see what it does throughout the coming years.”

Hoover said, “It is an honor to be a part of the President Leadership Class and learn from the best of the best. I hope to absorb wisdom from each of the incredible people giving up their time to pour into us. I don't want to waste the blessing and opportunity we've been given to even just sit in the same room with some of these extremely successful people. I hope to be encouraged and challenged in my own life by hearing from these awesome leaders of what God has done in them and through them.”

Through the President’s Leadership Class, OBU continues its mission to educate and equip the whole person—mind, heart and hands. For the university and for Thomas, this inaugural group represents more than just a cohort of promising freshmen; it represents the future of leadership—shaped by faith, guided by purpose and ready to lead with wisdom and humility.

Sheaman said, “This inaugural President’s Leadership Class has been nothing short of spectacular. The leadership skills and serving techniques that have been presented to our class provide insight and experience that it often takes people years to learn and our mission is to utilize this unique opportunity to become future shapers now. The applications for the skills that we strive to gain from PLC are endless and, with no shortage of creativity and innovation, this inaugural PLC class plans to impact the world through our lives, our leadership and our desire to make a difference for Christ. I believe PLC will be a staple of OBU’s education and leadership for years to come.”