OBU Officially Re-Opens the New Shawnee Hall

October 24, 2025

OBU officially re-opened Shawnee Hall during a well-attended public kickoff event in the new Mabee Lecture Theatre at The Weekend celebration, marking a pivotal moment in the university’s storied history.

Local, state and federal officials offered personal messages of support during the ceremony and an OBU student and a faculty member shared heartfelt comments. These powerful remarks reflected a shared commitment to the university’s renewal and future.

The event was also simulcast to another large room in Shawnee Hall to accommodate the overflow crowd of students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff and other friends of the university.

Reflecting on the past 30 months, OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas expressed excitement about Shawnee Hall’s transformation and future as well as the many remaining opportunities through the Shape the Future campaign.

Thomas began by honoring the deep partnership that has long united the university and the community:

“It was 115 years ago,” Thomas said, “that our founders forged OBU in partnership with the city of Shawnee and Oklahoma Baptists. This is why our first building, in which we stand today, is named Shawnee Hall. City and University bound together for the common good.”

He then reflected on OBU’s enduring promise and mission since its founding:

“From our beginnings in 1910,” Thomas said, “we whispered a promise – fragile, ephemeral, contested – the promise of a Christian university. The whisper that OBU would ensure our common good with Christian education and our graduates would add value to the city, the county, the state, the nation and – indeed – the world, all of life, all for Jesus. 115 years since its fragile beginning, that whisper has grown to a triumphant shout resounding throughout the world.”

Transitioning to the present, Thomas spoke about the university’s resilience and renewal following the devastating 2023 tornado.

“Today, in these hallowed halls that have been raised from the rubble of our Shawnee tornado of April 19, 2023,” Thomas said, “our students are living testimony to the promise of the power of our Christian education. Our future shapers are leaders, difference-makers, promise-keepers, hard-workers, problem-solvers and industry innovators for our businesses and communities. It is for them and for our future and for our God, that we stand here today.”

He then recognized the generosity of those who made the building’s rebirth possible:

“The tornado was devastating,” Thomas said. “But broken things were meant to be mended. And true to the spirit of Oklahomans, our partners and friends joined us to rebuild. We received a gift of $2 million from the J. L. Mabee Foundation for the Mabee Lecture Theatres, a gift of $1.5 million from Lingo Construction for the Lingo Labs. And we received a series of significant gifts from a family who wishes to remain anonymous in the amount of over $5 million. These gifts were matched with so many others who are identified in the facility on donor plaques and the over 4,200 donors who have given to the Shape the Future campaign have made this day possible. Thank you, friends.”

Thomas then reflected on the deeper meaning behind the building’s restoration and the university’s enduring mission.

“This is more than steel, stone and students,” Thomas said. “Shawnee Hall’s renewal is testimony that God still provides miracles as we live all of life, all for Jesus. Future shapers will be equipped here and every investment in this facility is an investment in the lives of students, communities and eternity. Our work does not stop here today, nor does our renewal. But we bring our eyes to heaven to thank our God for divine favor and to thank you for celebrating with us. May God bless you and may God continue to bless OBU.”

OBU has completed extensive renovations to Shawnee Hall, preserving its historic architecture while introducing modern design and technology. The renewed facility now houses the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education and the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, including the Marriage and Family Therapy program.

Shawnee Hall features a 259-seat auditorium with advanced audiovisual systems and a motorized partition for flexible use. The building also features modern classrooms, collaborative student centers and offices designed to enhance academic engagement. Gathering areas feature exposed brick, a greenery wall and reclaimed-wood bison sculptures, blending tradition with innovation. Students will soon return to classes in the building.

A new Lingo Lab supports OBU’s growing graduate health sciences programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology and Physician Associate Studies.

The graduate health sciences programs—offered in hybrid formats and completed in two years or less—equip students for careers in healthcare and service.

The building’s design fosters learning, reflection and community, while also providing a welcoming new home for OBU’s admissions offices, where prospective students and families begin their visit to Bison Hill.

The “Shape the Future Campaign” features strategic priorities including academic investment, facility transformation and enhancing campus life.

In the coming months, key facilities such as Raley Chapel and Thurmond will undergo extensive renovations to provide world-class learning and spiritual environments.

Recognizing that a vibrant campus experience extends beyond the classroom, the campaign will also improve residence halls, dining, outdoor spaces and athletics facilities to foster a Christ-centered, holistic environment.

Throughout the event, Thomas emphasized that the heart of the campaign is people—the students, faculty and staff who make OBU a uniquely life-changing institution.

To learn more or to join the “Shape the Future” campaign, visit okbu.edu/shape.