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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Campus Construction Updates

November 18, 2025

Hello Bison Nation,

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

Shawnee Hall

Shawnee Hall seating

Final adjustments and repairs are still ongoing, but Shawnee Hall is officially open for business as of October 24, 2025. Faculty and staff have moved into the newly renovated facility, marking a major milestone in OBU’s ongoing campus transformation efforts.

Thurmond Hall

Thurmond Hall wind tunnel
Thurmond Hall ductwork and drop ceiling progress

Landscape and irrigation work on Thurmond Hall is now complete, providing another welcoming outdoor space for the OBU community.

Inside, progress continues on schedule.

The wind tunnel for the engineering program was installed on November 17. It is an Aerolab Educational Wind Tunnel that can produce air speeds up to 145 mph. It will be used to support engineering’s aerospace focus and will be used specifically in the aerodynamics class.

Final ductwork and insulation have been completed and installation of the ceiling grid and lighting is next. On the third floor, the drop ceiling and fire suppression systems are finished, with ceiling tiles to follow in the coming weeks.

Millwork, hardware and quartz countertops are nearing completion across both upper floors, while finishing touches in restrooms and other areas are underway. Flooring installation will follow, along with final paint and touch-ups throughout the building.

Furniture delivery is currently scheduled for the week of December 15 and—barring unforeseen delays—Thurmond Hall will be ready for use by students and faculty at the start of the spring semester.

Raley Chapel

Protective fencing around the Survivor Tree sapling

Demolition of the light poles on Raley Chapel’s south lawn has been completed, marking the first milestone in the site work portion of the project. Tree protection has also been installed around the American Elm, a sapling of the Survivor Tree from the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, located on the southwest corner of the lawn. Interior demolition and abatements are wrapping up. The other construction trades will begin working in the upcoming weeks.

Tree Planting

OBU Grounds staff continue planting trees across campus as weather permits, in alignment with the university’s campus master plan and landscape initiatives. This long-term project focuses on diversifying the campus arboretum and replenishing the community’s urban forest, ensuring a thriving and sustainable environment for generations to come.

Solar Panel Installation

The solar panel installation project is well underway, with several smaller installations now complete on the following buildings:

  • Practice Football Laundry Facility
  • Harry Coats Sr. Baseball and Softball Building
  • Kemp Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic
  • Science Annex
  • Village Apartments
  • Facilities Services Warehouse
  • Upcoming installations will include:
  • Noble Complex
  • RAWC
  • Taylor Dorm
  • The Lodge

The project remains on track for completion by the end of December.

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