August 2026 Stories and Features
OBU welcomes Walsh and Payton to the School of Nursing
August 28, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome two new faculty members this fall in the School of Nursing. Sarah “Katy” Walsh and Claressa Payton are joining the School of Nursing as assistant professors of nursing. Both…
Oklahoma Baptist University Presents Top Employee Honors During Convocation
August 28, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University presented its highest employee awards during Convocation chapel on Aug. 26 on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Each year, OBU presents three awards recognizing excellence in teaching and faithful service: the Distinguished…
August Campus Construction Updates
August 26, 2026
Progress continues across campus as several projects near completion and work advances on Raley Chapel. Here’s a snapshot of what’s taking shape on Bison Hill this month. Raley Chapel Exterior Raley Chapel, Aerial View Site…
OBU Welcomes 575 New Undergraduates at Annual Convocation
August 26, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University officially opened the 2026-27 academic year and welcomed 575 new undergraduate students during Convocation chapel Aug. 26 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Combined freshman and…
OBU welcomes Smith and Carver to Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation
August 26, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome Christa Smith as assistant professor of exercise science and Christopher Carver as visiting professor of exercise science in the Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation. Smith and…
OBU Welcomes Dr. Kevin Gao
August 25, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University has named Dr. Chaoyang “Kevin” Gao assistant professor of mathematics. He joins the Division of Mathematics to teach undergraduate courses and advise students. His appointment supports…
OBU Announces Faculty Appointments in Language and Literature Division
August 24, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University has announced three appointments to its Division of Language and Literature, strengthening its programs in English, literature, composition and creative writing. Dr. Jonathan Callis joins the division as associate…
OBU Students Serve Community During Annual Serve Shawnee Event
August 24, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University students volunteer throughout the Shawnee community during the annual Serve Shawnee event on Aug. 24. About 450 Oklahoma Baptist University students, including freshmen, transfers, returning students and OBU…
OBU’s Continued Enrollment Growth Celebrated With New and Returning Students During Move-In Day
August 22, 2026
Move-In Day marks the beginning of Welcome Week, one of OBU’s longest-standing traditions. Oklahoma Baptist University welcomed new and returning students to campus Aug. 22 during its annual Move-In Day, marking the beginning of…
STEM Day to bring high school students to OBU campus
August 19, 2026
Oklahoma Baptist University will host STEM Day 2026 on Tuesday, Sept. 22, welcoming high school students to campus for a day of hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The free event is open to students in grades…