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Oklahoma Baptist University

Shawnee, OK

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Eruditione Religioneque Veritas

1910
Founded
Private university
Type
1,292
Total Students
$140M
Endowment
(2019)
$34K
Tuition (In-State)
$34K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
56%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
6-year
69%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Heath Thomas

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU: Cultivating minds and spirits with a century of Baptist tradition.

Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), established in 1910, stands as a distinguished private institution guided by its inspiring motto, "Eruditione Religioneque Veritas" – Truth through Scholarship and Religion. For over a century, OBU has been a beacon of faith-integrated learning, committed to developing students' intellect, character, and spiritual lives. With a current student body of over 1,500, OBU offers a vibrant academic environment where personal growth is nurtured within a close-knit community.

From its early days, born from the vision of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, OBU quickly took root in Shawnee. Iconic structures like Shawnee Hall, the original multi-purpose building, and Montgomery Hall, one of the first dedicated women's dormitories, defined its evolving campus. The university has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout its history, navigating challenges from the Great Depression to a dramatic plane crash into Shawnee Hall in 1964, and more recently, a significant tornado in 2023, each event underscoring its enduring spirit and commitment to its mission.

Academically, OBU has continued to expand its offerings, including the establishment of its International Graduate School in Oklahoma City in 2007, providing advanced studies such as the Master's of Business Administration. The campus itself has grown substantially, from 125 to 200 acres, reflecting a steady commitment to providing exceptional facilities. OBU consistently strives to provide a transformative educational experience, preparing students to lead lives of purpose and impact, grounded in both rigorous scholarship and steadfast faith.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1910, a cornerstone of Oklahoma's educational landscape.
  • "Eruditione Religioneque Veritas" (Truth through Scholarship and Religion) serves as its guiding motto.
  • A vibrant private university serving 1,514 students.
  • Rapid campus expansion, growing from 125 to 200 acres by 2008.
  • Achieved a record enrollment of 2,440 students in 1994.
  • International Graduate School in Oklahoma City offers a Master's of Business Administration degree.
  • Endowment surpassed US$80 million by 2005.

Timeline

1906
A commission is established to plan the founding of a co-educational Baptist University in Oklahoma.
1910
Incorporated as "the Baptist University of Oklahoma" and Shawnee is selected as the site.
1917
Montgomery Hall, a new women's dormitory, opens.
1928
WMU Memorial Dormitory opens, significantly expanding facilities for female students.
1964
Shawnee Hall narrowly misses disaster when a small airplane crashes into the building.
1994
Reaches a record enrollment of 2,440 students.
2007
The International Graduate School opens in Oklahoma City, offering an MBA degree.
2010
The university celebrates its first centennial.
2023
Campus sustains heavy damage from a high-end EF2 multiple-vortex tornado.
🏛️
116 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Oklahoma Baptist University

🎓

International Graduate School

Offers a Master's of Business Administration degree in Oklahoma City, established in 2007.

Leadership

Heath Thomas
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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