Ibrahim Gardner
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Christian liberal arts university in Shawnee, Oklahoma, founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The university offers over 80 areas of study, five master's degrees, and a supportive, Christian community. OBU's Bison student athletes compete in 15 varsity sports and have won a total of 33 National Championships. The university has a long history, deep traditions, and great academics, with students from 66 of Oklahoma's 77 counties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1910 |
| Founder | Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma |
| Location | Shawnee, Oklahoma |
| Campus Size | 200+ acres |
| Number of Buildings and Facilities | 46 |
| Number of Areas of Study | 80+ |
| Number of Varsity Sports | 15 |
| Number of National Championships | 33 |
| Number of Counties in Oklahoma from which Students are Enrolled | 66 |
| Percentage of Students who Receive Financial Aid | 99% |
| Number of Residence Halls for Men | 2 |
| Number of Apartment Complexes for Men | 3 |
| Number of Residence Halls for Women | 3 |
| Number of Suite Complexes for Women | 1 |
| Number of Apartment Complexes for Women | 2 |
| Number of Apartment Complexes for Married Students | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Oklahoma Baptist University student body: demographics and beliefs
As a Christian liberal arts university, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has a student body with a largely shared belief system. The university was founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and is located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, 35 miles east of Oklahoma City.
The student body is predominantly female, with a gender ratio of 56% women to 44% men. This is comparable to the US average of 56% female students. The ethnic makeup of the student body is mostly white, with a small multiracial population. 29% are minorities or people of colour (BIPOC). The university serves a low number of students from outside Oklahoma, with 71% of the student body residing in-state.
Students at OBU are drawn to the local campus life, with the Residential Life Department providing free concerts, plays, and other events several times a semester. Intramural sports are also popular, with students competing in 15 varsity sports, including basketball, football, and women's volleyball. OBU has a total of 33 National Championships across these sports.
Academically, OBU offers over 80 areas of study, including nursing, education, and biblical studies. The university's Christian ethos is reflected in the curriculum, which incorporates faith and learning. Students report engaging in deep spiritual, ethical, and philosophical conversations, as well as frequent Bible studies.
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Oklahoma Baptist University's campus and facilities
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Baptist university located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The university offers nearly 90 undergraduate areas of study and five master's degree programs across eight colleges. Popular majors include nursing, education, and business. The OBU campus spans over 200 acres and includes 46 buildings and facilities.
One of the notable facilities on campus is the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC), which was completed in 2007. The RAWC offers a variety of recreational and wellness activities for students, including cardio and weight training equipment, a rock-climbing wall, an indoor running track, basketball and volleyball courts, and a lounge. It also houses the department of Bison Recreation and Wellness and serves as the home for various intramural and club sports programs.
The university's athletic facilities have undergone expansions and improvements over the years. In 2008, the Eddie Hurt Jr. Memorial Track was opened, hosting the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships. The track and field and cross-country teams are based in the Jay P. Chance Track Building. Additionally, OBU added football, lacrosse, and varsity swimming teams to their athletics program in 2010.
The campus also includes the OBU Noble Complex, which features the Mabee Arena. The complex became the home of the Bison basketball team starting in the 1982-83 season, and the team has since won several NAIA championship games. The Clark Craig Fieldhouse, originally a military recreational facility during World War II, was reconstructed on the OBU campus in 1948 and served as the basketball team's home until 1982. However, due to its deteriorating condition, it was demolished in 2006 to make way for the RAWC.
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Oklahoma Baptist University's sports teams and athletics
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Christian liberal arts university in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. OBU offers nearly 90 undergraduate areas of study and five master's degrees across eight colleges. The university's popular majors include nursing, education, and business.
OBU's Bison student-athletes compete in 15 varsity sports, including football, men's and women's basketball, cross country, women's golf, track and field, women's soccer, baseball, softball, and women's volleyball. The university's mascot is the Bison, and its colours are green and gold. OBU has a total of 33 National Championships across its athletic programs, including one for softball, one for men's tennis, one for women's tennis, two for baseball, two for men's basketball, three for women's swimming and diving, four for men's swimming and diving, seven for men's track and field, and 12 for women's track and field.
OBU's athletic programs have been very successful over the years, with its men's and women's track and field teams combining for 19 national championships. The university's football team is also well-known, with the school announcing the winners of its annual Harvest Court during halftime of a football game as part of its homecoming celebration. OBU was approved for NCAA Division II in 2017.
In addition to its traditional sports programs, OBU has also embraced the world of esports. In the fall of 2024, the university launched its esports program with the opening of the Brant and Leslie Hill Bison Esports Arena. This signifies OBU's commitment to providing modern recreational opportunities for its students.
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Oklahoma Baptist University's history
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Baptist university in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma under the original name of The Baptist University of Oklahoma. The Baptist Education Commission, an arm of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, was established in 1906 to plan the founding of a co-educational Baptist University in Oklahoma. The commission passed a resolution in 1907 stating its intention to establish a new Baptist University as soon as practicable. A board of trustees was elected in the same year, and negotiations for a university site took place from 1908 to 1909.
Shawnee was eventually selected as the site for the university, and in 1910, an incorporation certificate for "the Baptist University of Oklahoma" was issued by the State of Oklahoma. Construction plans for the administration building were drawn up, and a contract for its construction was signed on June 3, 1910, at a total estimated cost of $140,000 (approximately $4.4 million in 2023). Shawnee Hall, constructed in 1915, housed faculty, staff, classrooms, a library, an auditorium that doubled as a gymnasium, and the women's dormitory. Male students were housed in two privately owned off-campus homes known as "Hill Hall" and "Douglas Hall."
From 1919 to 1928, the campus facilities consisted of three buildings: Shawnee Hall, Montgomery Hall, and the combination men's dormitory and gymnasium. In the mid-1920s, Baptist women in Oklahoma recognised the need for a new women's dormitory on campus, which was constructed with the support of D.M. Montgomery, who provided significant financial support for the project. Montgomery Hall served multiple purposes, including a dormitory, fine arts centre, student centre, and location for administrative services.
Today, OBU offers nearly 90 undergraduate areas of study and five master's degrees across eight colleges. Popular majors include nursing, education, and business. OBU's honours programme requires students to participate in at least two capstone experiential activities, such as studying abroad, service, or a senior thesis. Students can also participate in over 40 organisations, including Greek life. The university's Bison student athletes compete in 15 varsity sports and have won a total of 33 National Championships across various sports.
OBU has a rich history and traditions, including the blue and gold beanie, representing Oklahoma wildflowers, worn by freshmen during Welcome Week. The Ka-Rip! cheer is yelled by OBU fans and cheerleaders during sporting events, and new students learn this cheer during their orientation.
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Oklahoma Baptist University's academic offerings
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private Christian liberal arts university in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Founded in 1910 by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, OBU has consistently ranked among "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes.com. The university offers a broad range of academic degree programs with more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations across eight colleges. Students can choose from nearly 90 undergraduate areas of study and five master's degree programs. Popular majors include nursing, education, and business. OBU's honours program includes studying abroad, service, and a senior thesis. The flexible curriculum allows students to customise their education and achieve their personal and academic goals.
OBU's 226-acre campus includes 46 buildings and facilities and is recognised as an arboretum. The university is home to a diverse student body, with students from 66 of Oklahoma's 77 counties and a majority of students receiving some form of financial aid. OBU's Bison student-athletes compete in 15 varsity sports, including football, basketball, cross country, golf, track and field, soccer, baseball, softball, and volleyball. The university has won 33 National Championships across these sports.
At OBU, students learn how all knowledge connects and how a thoughtful Christian worldview can inform their understanding. The university provides a supportive, intellectual, social, and spiritual community dedicated to the highest ethical and academic standards. Students have the opportunity to work and study abroad and engage with faculty mentors. OBU's academic offerings are designed to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen careers or callings, guided by Christian tradition and values.
The university complies with federal laws, including Title IX, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ensuring non-discrimination in its policies, programs, and employment practices. OBU fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, promoting intellectual growth and cultural exchange within a Christian context. With its diverse academic offerings, focus on student development, and commitment to Christian values, Oklahoma Baptist University provides a well-rounded and transformative educational experience for its students.
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