University Culture

At OBU, kingdom diversity is important to us because it is important to God as evidenced in creation. Our commitment to developing a more hospitable campus culture is our response to the gospel. It is a way of living out our Christian faith in obedience to the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength”) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 – Make disciples of all nations). As we love God and love our neighbor; and strive to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, we will fulfill our Mission as a Christian liberal arts university:

OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Advancing Kingdom Diversity at OBU

We believe that God created the body of Christ to be both unified in Him and diverse in our cultural expressions, and we believe God is moving on Bison Hill in that respect. Therefore, the work of the newly established Office of University Culture is focused on cultivating unity within our diverse community at OBU, developing a compassionate and hospitable climate, and creating an inclusive environment through Christ-centered engagement among students, faculty, staff, community partners and other stakeholders. This work has the full support and participation of the highest levels of leadership on Bison Hill and it is our goal to cascade this positive engagement throughout the university.   

With faith and courage, we strive to become a model of God-honoring unity amidst diversity as we advance success for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. By designing and implementing strategies to identify and facilitate access to educational opportunities for all individuals on Bison Hill, we will improve and enhance the health, growth, and future of our University and our constituents.