 Find your Place
BU
okbu.edu
Your
Place     is Here to find your future to find your voice to find your passion to find your purpose to find your way to find your heart to find your home
To Find a Place of Your Own.
BU
Welcome Week is OBU’s orientation for new students.
It happens right before fall semester, and begins with upperclassmen swarming your vehicle and carrying every ounce of your belongings to your room. On the final night of Welcome Week, students take The Walk, similar to the walk they will take at graduation. The Walk ends at the steps of Raley Chapel (shown here) where upperclassmen cheer on incoming students in typical Bison spirit. Freshmen wear the traditional beanie throughout Welcome Week.
Welcome Week Recap 2016
College is MORE than securing a career path. It is about finding a place to experience personal growth that will prepare you for your future. Our liberal arts curriculum and exceptional faculty will help you develop strong communication skills, global awareness and the ability to think critically and creatively from a Christian perspective. Whether you dream of being an artist, a healer, a thinker, a servant, a life-changer or a community leader – you can find your place at OBU.
At OBU you can ‌ Pursue Academic Excellence........................6-11 Explore the Colleges....................................12-17 Engage in Athletics..................................... 20-21 Belong to a Community.............................. 22-29 Get Started on the Path to your Future............ 30
THIS IS OBU These five core values represent the convictions, passions, and beliefs of Oklahoma Baptist University.
Christ Centered Jesus Christ is the center of all things, and as such is the ultimate goal of an OBU liberal arts education.
Community Directed OBU strives to create and nurture a university community where persons relate to one another in Christian charity and compassion.
6  ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Excellence Driven Because the Lord cares about our work, OBU strives to be motivated in humility to excellence in all things for the glory of God.
Learning Focused OBU seeks to promote the virtue of a life of learning and to fulfill the Great Commandment.
Missional Purposed As a Christian liberal arts university, OBU exists to transform l ives for missional purpose in global engagement.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE   7
Find Your POTENTIAL We believe faith and knowledge work together. Our broad-based approach to learning challenges you to think critically and communicate clearly. We believe God has a unique plan for you, and your education should equip you to live out that plan. For more than 100 years, our students have found a supportive place to grow and learn while preparing to fulfill their purpose. Experience an OBU education and find your potential.
8  ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Studying both at OBU and abroad in Spain were amazing opportunities for me. Traveling is a learning experience already, and combining it with your actual field of study is an experience that anyone coming through OBU should not overlook.
Study Abroad
Employers prefer graduates with international experience. Imagine discovering world cultures through a Christ-centered perspective. • Soak up world history in Germany, France and Austria. • Practice your Italian over authentic pizza and cappuccinos in Italy’s patio cafés. • Absorb C.S. Lewis’s “Mere Christianity” or “The Chronicles of Narnia” on the author’s home turf in England. • Catch the sights and sounds of London and experience British culture. • Walk where Jesus walked. Learn about his life and ministry on earth, and encounter glimpses into the current situation of the nation of Israel.
NICOLAS
Finance and International Business Major | São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Honors Program
Students in the Honors Program are afforded the opportunity to enrich their academic experience through unique course offerings and special symposiums. The curriculum allows students to complete a research project culminating in the presentation of a thesis, to take part in a service practicum and to study abroad.
okbu.edu/honors
okbu.edu/study-abroad
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 9
At OBU, we pursue academic excellence TOGETHER Our entire community has a powerful effect on learning and achievement. Our faculty members go beyond challenging you. They walk alongside you with leadership and guidance to help imagination become reality.
ď ˝ The Milburn Center provides academic support for students of all majors and
classifications. Students are offered one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions and writing support. The Center also facilitates academic advising, guiding students as they explore fields of study and make course selections.
ď ˝ Learning Communities are made up of 17-20 freshmen who take several courses together.
The groups are designed to help students transition to college life by promoting engagement and success in academics.
Majors, Areas of Study and other Academic Programs
Being involved in a learning community instantly connected me to a group of students and professors who wanted to invest in me.
Tracks are flexible and can be tailored to your strengths and interests. PAUL DICKINSON COLLEGE OF
Business [ PAGE 12 ]
TOREE
Nursing Major | Tulsa, Oklahoma
Student Body Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25
13:1 23.5
Average Class Size
Average ACT
OBU Rankings & Affordability Rated by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 10 Regional Colleges in the West for 25 consecutive years.
Ranked #5 Best Regional College in the West in 2017 by U.S. News and World Report.
WARREN M. ANGELL COLLEGE OF
Fine Arts [ PAGE 13] Art and Design Art (BA) Studio Art (BFA) Graphic Design
Communication Arts Communication Studies Digital Media Arts News and Information Theatre Music Church Music Composition Music (BA) Musical Arts (BMA) Music Education • Instrumental Certificate • Vocal Certificate Piano Performance Theory Vocal Performance COLLEGE OF
Humanities & Social Sciences
OBU has been on the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges for eight consecutive years. Named a Best in the West University by The Princeton Review for 12 consecutive years. Ranked fifth Most Beautiful Christian College Campus in the West by Christian Universities Online. The only private university in Oklahoma listed in the 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Midwest by Great Value Colleges.
Graduate in Four!
Accounting Computer Information Systems Computer Science Finance International Business Management Marketing Social Entrepreneurship
the
OBU pledges to help you graduate in four years. If you keep your part of The Bison Pledge and are unable to complete your degree within four years, OBU will provide the additional course(s) needed to complete your degree at no tuition cost or offer acceptable substitute courses.
Bison Pledge
okbu.edu/bison-pledge
[ PAGE 14 ]
Behavioral and Social Sciences Anthropology Criminal Justice Family and Community Service • Community Service • Family Life Sociology Global Studies History Political Science • International Relations Psychology • Pre-Counseling • Forensic Psychology Social Sciences Education, Secondary Health and Human Performance Health and Human Performance • Health Track • Performance Track Sports and Recreation • Camp Administration • Sports / Recreation Management • Sports Ministry Health and Physical Education, P-12 Athletic Coaching Certificate Language and Literature Creative Writing English English Education, Secondary Multilingual Communication Spanish Teacher Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education
Special Education Early Childhood Special Education Elementary COLLEGE OF
Nursing [ PAGE 15 ]
Nursing (BSN) RN Option LPN Option
JAMES E. HURLEY COLLEGE OF
Science & Mathematics [ PAGE 16 ]
Biochemistry Biology • Forensic Emphasis Chemistry • Forensic Emphasis Mathematics (BA) Mathematics (BS) Mathematics Education, Secondary Natural Science Physics Science Education, Secondary HERSCHEL H. HOBBS COLLEGE OF
Theology & Ministry [ PAGE 17 ]
Religion • Biblical Languages • Biblical Studies • Religion Christian Ministry • Children’s Ministry • Christian Ministry • Pastoral Ministry • Student Ministry • Women’s Ministry • Worship Ministry Christian and Cross-Cultural Ministry • Cross-Cultural Emphasis • Church Planting Emphasis • Orality Emphasis Philosophy • Apologetics Emphasis
Pre-Professional Programs
• Pre-Dentistry • Pre-Engineering • Pre-Law • Pre-Medicine • Pre-Occupational Therapy • Pre-Physical Therapy COLLEGE OF
Graduate and Professional Studies
okbu.edu/graduate
Associate of Arts • Christian Studies Bachelor of Arts • Christian Studies Master of Arts • Christian Studies • Intercultural Studies Master of Business Administration • Energy Management • International Business • Leadership • Project Management Master of Science • Marriage and Family Therapy • Global Nursing • Nursing Education
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 11
okbu.edu/ business
College of BUSINESS Success in the board room begins on Bison Hill. The Paul Dickinson College of Business produces leaders, technology gurus and creative professionals. But our graduates are more than just professionals -- they're innovators. Students are taught to use business as a means for social change and are challenged to lead in the 21st century with creativity and vision.
Freshmen business majors create their own small business, and profits are donated to a charity.
Our accounting graduates consistently have the highest CPA exam pass rates in the state.
Finance students control $50,000 in a student-managed investment fund, providing significant industry experience.
BAILEY
OBU business graduates have scored in the
TOP 10 percent in the nation on major field exams.
The core business curriculum requires
15
technology hours, compared to six at most universities, preparing students for today’s technology-driven world. 12 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
ES BU SIN
SC
EN
TE
R
okbu.edu/ fine-arts
College of FINE ARTS Finding creative academic pursuits at OBU is easy – choosing one is the challenge. The Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts offers the most diverse degree options on Bison Hill, all designed to prepare students to “communicate a story.” Our programs prepare you to live out your high calling in the varied fields of service and leadership in industry, teaching and the performing arts, all while receiving individual attention from exceptional faculty members.
Art and Design students
will create through all artistic mediums – pen and ink, pencil, paints, fabrics, ceramics, computer-aided, graphic design, animation and art.
Theatre alumni have landed careers in acting, stage management, playwriting and education worldwide. Three OBU students won awards at the 2015 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.
News and Information
students can expect to be involved in award-winning campus publications including OBU’s student newspaper – The Bison, and OBU’s television newscast – News30.
The Division of Music offers performance opportunities through vocal and instrumental ensembles, staged musical productions and private instruction.
Digital Media Arts
graduates are working in television production, advertising, church media, private studios, sports and news broadcasting, or are attending graduate school.
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS 13
okbu.edu/ humanities
College of HUMANITIES and SOCIAL SCIENCES Exploration of the world and self is at the heart of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students will widen their understanding of and sensitivity to themselves and the world around them, all in preparation for a multitude of educational and professional options. This College is our largest and offers a variety of degrees within four divisions:
Behavioral and Social Sciences prepares students for a wide variety of careers. This division includes degrees in anthropology, criminal justice, psychology, history, political science and sociology.
Health and Human Performance prepares students to pursue careers within the area of the movement and exercise sciences. Students may choose between a health track leading to clinical careers and a performance track leading to non-clinical careers.
Language and Literature helps students develop critical thinking skills while enhancing
their abilities to communicate and write effectively and analytically. Some of the areas of study in this division are English, multilingual communication and foreign language.
Teacher Education prepares teacher candidates to function as professional teachers and to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to assist school children in reaching their potential. 97% of our teacher education graduates find full-time positions immediately following graduation.
14 COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
okbu.edu/ nursing
College of NURSING Nursing affords the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. The College of Nursing at OBU has a rich history of training nurses who demonstrate Christ’s compassion while providing excellent care for patients. For decades, students have benefited from the expertise and strong tradition that comes with being part of Oklahoma’s oldest nursing baccalaureate program.
OBU Nursing graduates
work in local hospitals, large health care systems and on mission fields all over the world. Some of those areas include: OU Health Sciences Center Parkland Dallas U.S. Army/ Navy MD Anderson Houston Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN Duke University Hospital
STAVROS HALL is the new home of the College of Nursing. The 31,000-square-foot facility contains classrooms, a 109-seat lecture hall, a computer lab and six state-of-the-art, high-tech skills simulation labs, with 22 beds.
COLLEGE OF NURSING 15
okbu.edu/ science-math
College of SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS God is a God of order, not chaos. OBU students uncover this truth daily in the James E. Hurley College of Science and Mathematics. Our students take their research beyond the lab to the real world, traveling as far as Costa Rica and Hawaii to engage in field experience. Our graduates make a difference in the world as explorers, visionaries and critical thinkers.
Mathematics graduates work in a variety of fields including the aerospace and petroleum industries, U.S. military, FBI and education.
Students majoring in the sciences, may study science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry and physics.
OBU graduates have a 95% acceptance rate into medical school.
16 COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS
The United States Navy recently identified OBU’s physics and mathematics majors as the
ONLY TIER ONE academic majors in the state of Oklahoma and the North Texas region for the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program (NuPOC).
okbu.edu/ theology
College of THEOLOGY & MINISTRY God intends for all of us to serve as followers of Christ, but some He calls to serve in a ministry vocation. The Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry prepares students to learn the profound truths of the Bible, live out their Christian faith, serve in the 21st century church and take the Gospel to the nations. Students are exposed to a rigorous study of religion and philosophy, as well as the applied discipline of Christian ministry.
1
#
There are more OBU graduates serving as active field missionaries within the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention than graduates from any other university.
Ministry majors gain practical experience serving in a variety of contexts. COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY & MINISTRY   17
OBU’s
226-acre
campus is fondly known as
Bison Hill.
•
Colorado Springs 9 hours
•
Wichita
less than 3 hours
TULSA •
•
Santa Fe 8 hours
•
Amarillo
90 min.
OKC •
35 min.
less than 5 hours
•
Dallas / Fort Worth less than 4 hours
• Springfield 4 hours
• Fayetteville 3 hours
Find your BISON SPIRIT When you join OBU Athletics, you’re joining good company – the company of champions. OBU has earned a strong reputation for athletic success. This is your chance to join a community of sports lovers, a world-class coaching staff and committed athletes. Whether you want to cheer from the stands or score the winning goal, you can find your place at OBU.
obubison.com 20 BISON ATHLETICS
LADY BISON SPORTS
BISON SPORTS
Basketball Cheer Cross Country Golf Indoor Track & Field Lacrosse Outdoor Track & Field Pom Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis Volleyball
Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Indoor Track & Field Outdoor Track & Field Soccer Swimming & Diving Tennis
125
All-America
recognitions in 2016-17
61
Scholar Athlete awards in 2016-17
31
National Championships within the past 12 years
BISON ATHLETICS   21
Find Your PURPOSE Spiritual life is at the core of the OBU experience. We are committed to helping you know Christ and develop an ever-growing relationship with Him. Chapel, Bible studies, mission trips, religion courses – these are all tools to facilitate your spiritual growth. At OBU, you will find a network of encouraging mentors and an array of opportunities to worship, serve and engage the local community and the world.
GLOBAL OUTREACH
“GO” TRIPS OBU’s Avery T. Willis Global Outreach Center sends hundreds of OBU students around the world each year on Global Outreach (GO) Trips. Find out more about these trips and receiving academic credit for missions by visiting okbu.edu/go. Traveling to Uganda strengthened not only my relationship with Christ, but also my relationships with others. CHELSEA
Psychology Major / Cross-Cultural Ministry Minor Wetumka, Oklahoma
22 COMMUNITY
Ministry Opportunities
Connect Groups Discover your God-given gifts while connecting with others in their walk with Christ. Refuge Enjoy a time of worship and Bible study for women.
Advance Gather in the context of biblical brotherhood during this time specifically for men.
Noonday Join friends for a free lunch and devotion each week.
Chapel Services Participate in mid-week times of worship and biblical instruction. Canterbury Worship during this student-led event incorporating creative arts and outreach.
Prayer for the Nations Join other students nightly to pray for God’s activity in the world.
Age2Age Bridge the age-gap by providing nursing home residents a time of worship and fellowship. Hope House Hang out with high-risk youth at a Shawnee youth shelter. Spero Project Help refugees adjust to the U.S. by teaching conversational English and basic life skills.
COMMUNITY 23
Find Your HOME OBU’s close-knit community is reflected in our housing and dining options. OBU is a residential campus where you will live and learn among your peers. You will find study partners, social activities and genuine friendships in your residence hall. OBU continues to expand its residential facilities adding nearly 400 beds over the past three years. Our Residential Village includes three new apartment buildings and one in-suite style dormitory.
Located in the
heart of campus, the Geiger Center is home to: • Café on the Hill (pictured right) • Coffee shop • Bison Grill • Chick-fil-A • Patio area for al fresco dining • OBU bookstore • Lounge areas • Convenience store
24 COMMUNITY
Some of my best friends are the girls I met in the residence hall. I’m grateful for the relationships I have built at OBU. MEGAN
Psychology Major Midwest City, Oklahoma
Agee Residence Center, (named for former OBU president Bob Agee and his wife Nelle, and formerly known as Brotherhood Dormitory), includes rooms with movable furniture, accommodates 365 men, and features its own laundry facilities, fitness center, big screen television viewing area, and a computer lab. COMMUNITY   25
Find Your COMMUNITY OBU student engagement is not limited to the classroom. OBU’s community provides you with opportunities to foster and build relationships, develop your leadership skills and create lifelong friendships. A variety of student organizations, activities, athletics and performances keeps campus exciting. Each day brings new experiences that allow students to engage their passions. TWITTER
26 COMMUNITY
@go2obu FACEBOOK OklahomaBaptistUniversity INSTAGRAM @obunews
Austin Canfield Student Ministry
Luke Fornea Student Ministry
Hear what life on Bison Hill
Kalyne Henrichsen Major Undecided
Karsten Ladner Computer Science
Selena Pascual Elementary Education
Jackie Stone Math Education
is like directly from some of our students. bisonblog.okbu.edu. Jillian Murphy Nursing
Isabel Palos Communication Studies
Therapy Dogs: The library brings in four-legged, furry
friends to help students de-stress during finals week.
COMMUNITY 27
Find Your Way to FITNESS OBU encourages a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit.
THE RAWC
(Recreation and Wellness Center) The RAWC is the most popular gathering place on campus. You can participate in a group fitness class or ask a trainer to tailor a workout specific to your needs. Our staff is qualified to help you attain and maintain your health goals.
The Bison Spirit
A life-sized bronze sculpture,
represents OBU’s mascot and proudly stands in the RAWC’s atrium.
CLUB SPORTS
An alternative to varsity athletics, Club Sports provide students the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Club Sports also offer learning experiences through involvement in fundraising, administration and skill development. Limited scholarships are available. • Men’s Basketball • Women’s Basketball • Men’s Volleyball • Women’s Volleyball • Men’s Soccer • Women’s Soccer
Coed Teams • Shotgun • Archery • Ultimate Frisbee • Disc Golf • Rock Climbing
okbu.edu/student-life/club-sports 28 COMMUNITY
theRAWC
60,000 square-foot facility • Indoor running track • 29-foot rock climbing wall • Three basketball / volleyball courts • 50 cardio and weight machines • Three racquetball courts • Junior Olympic indoor pool
INTRAMURALS
Intramural sports offer something for everyone. It is a great way to have fun, meet people and stay fit. Our students participate in a variety of team and individual sports ranging from flag football to miniature golf.
okbu.edu/student-life/intramurals COMMUNITY 29
Find Your Place at OBU We can’t wait to welcome you to Bison Hill. OBU encourages traditional and transfer students to apply. Your application can be submitted online at okbu.edu/apply.
Finding the right fit is a
crucial part of the decision process. Schedule a campus visit at okbu.edu/visit.
Admissions 101
You will find the next steps of the application process at okbu.edu/steps. For more information, or to request a paper application, email admissions@okbu.edu or call 800.654.3285.
We think you will be surprised how affordable OBU truly is. 99% of our students receive scholarships and financial aid. Check out our cost calculator at okbu.edu/calculator. OBU is ranked #6 Best Value College in the West in 2017 by U.S. News and World Report.
30 GETTING STARTED
Beyond OBU
We prepare you for what’s next. OBU's Career Development Office provides career services for students and alumni. Our purpose is to effectively equip students to build resumés, secure references, prepare for interviews and more.
okbu.edu /career-development OBU 2016 graduates reported a
98% placement outcome six months after graduation. (self-reported results)
OBU hosts over 200 employers on campus during career fairs and interview days.
When you graduate from OBU, you join a network of alumni. Jonathan, ‘15 |
Digital Media Arts major Sports Anchor KSNT in Topeka, Kansas
Lucas, ’16 }
Chemistry and Mathematics major Postbaccalaureate Fellow, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
Taylor, ‘11 BS & MSN in Nursing ICU nurse, Oklahoma Heart Hospital, south campus
~ Mandi, ‘13 Secondary English Education major English Teacher, Bethel High School
|
Austin, ‘14 Applied Communication major Regional Manager, Community Relations ONE Gas
okbu.edu