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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

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. Thank you once again to OBU Project Manager Ryan Grider for providing these updates!

Thurmond Hall

Thurmond Hall, 3rd Floor
Thurmond Hall, cybersecurity lab

Thurmond Hall is quickly approaching substantial completion. Drop ceilings on the second and third floors are now finished, and ceiling tiles and flat panel LED lighting have been installed throughout the building. Accent lighting is in place in common spaces to highlight the renewed focus of the facility. Millwork is complete, decorative woodwork has been approved, and major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are nearing finalization. Flooring installation is wrapping up on both upper levels.

Upcoming project components include decorative wallpaper, completion of the men’s and women’s restrooms, and installation of artwork and donor walls. Furniture installation is scheduled for the week of December 15. OBU Facilities Services staff and Lingo Construction personnel continue to anticipate that Thurmond Hall will be fully open and operational for the start of the spring 2026 semester.

Raley Chapel

Raley Chapel, east wing framing
Raley Chapel grounds

Work is advancing quickly at Raley Chapel. Demolition is complete on the east and west wings, with framing and electrical rough-in underway on the first floor of the east wing—future home to OBU’s band program. The second-floor east wing will house the choir program while the second-floor west wing will feature the future Raley Drawing Room, serving as a small reception space and greenroom for performers and speakers. First-floor IT, fire suppression, and mechanical/electrical rooms are also being framed. Scaffolding adjustments are underway in Potter Auditorium to support continued progress.

Site work surrounding the chapel is also active. Necessary tree removal is nearing completion in preparation for grading and excavation of new stormwater detention ponds that will improve drainage through the area. The bronze statue of Dr. Raley and other monuments in the area have been removed for safekeeping and will be reinstalled according to the updated site plan.

Solar Panel Installation

Solar panels at The Lodge

Installation of the new solar panel systems is nearing completion. Solar panels are now located at the Village Apartments, The Lodge and Taylor Dormitory. The final and largest installation, at the Noble Complex/RAWC, is underway. All solar-related projects are expected to be complete by the end of December.

Montgomery Hall

The new seminar room for the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry on the second floor of Montgomery Hall is complete and ready for use in the spring semester. The project included updated paint and flooring to match campus standards, as well as new millwork. Minor updates to several upstairs offices have also been completed, continuing the phased remodel of the building that houses Academic Administration and the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry.

Tree Planting

OBU Grounds Staff continue planting new trees across campus as weather permits. These installations follow the campus master plan and support long-term efforts to diversify OBU’s arboretum and replenish the community’s urban forest.

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.