December 2025 Stories and Features
From Raley Chapel to Leadership: The OBU Moment That Redirected Jonathan Pickett’s Life
December 18, 2025
It happened in Raley Chapel. Sitting in the iconic sanctuary on commencement day in May 1999, Jonathan Pickett listened as S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc., delivered the address to OBU graduates. Pickett remembers the moment…
From Lab to Launch, OBU’s Engineering Students Excel in Drone Challenge
December 16, 2025
On a snowy December day, the OBU Engineering Program launched its annual drone competition, bringing energy and innovation to the frozen soccer fields on campus. Forty-five students across nine teams tested their custom-built drones in a…
OBU Celebrates Winter Commencement; Loughridge Delivers Address
December 13, 2025
OBU conferred degrees during Winter Commencement on Dec. 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. in the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC) on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. The ceremony marked the first OBU commencement held on campus since the April 2023…
Campus Construction Updates
December 10, 2025
Hello Bison Nation, Here’s the latest on OBU’s ongoing construction projects and campus enhancements, including updates for Thurmond Hall, Raley Chapel, solar panel installation, Montgomery Hall, and campus tree planting.…
OBU to Honor Graduates During Winter Commencement
December 10, 2025
OBU will confer degrees upon undergraduate and graduate students during Winter Commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC) on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. A live stream will be available for…
Dr. Jeff Paul Named Dean of Traditional Undergraduate Education at OBU
December 5, 2025
OBU has announced the appointment of OBU alumnus Dr. Jeff Paul as dean of traditional undergraduate education, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The dean of traditional undergraduate education serves as the academic leader for OBU’s residential…
OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas and Co-Provost Dr. Matthew Emerson Earn Prestigious Book of the Year Honors
December 5, 2025
Reflecting OBU’s commitment to shaping thoughtful Christian scholars, the Southwestern Journal of Theology has recognized two books, each co-authored separately by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas and Co-Provost Dr. Matthew Emerson,…