Oklahoma Baptist University

About the Organization

Organization category

School / University

Country / State

United States / Oklahoma

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.

Programs or services

Oklahoma Baptist University provides undergraduate and graduate education; student scholarships; academic and workforce development programs; health sciences education; Christian ministry and leadership development; performing and visual arts; STEM and engineering education; student success initiatives; community engagement; and campus improvement projects that enhance teaching, learning, and student well-being.

Detailed programs

Student Scholarships & Financial Access

Oklahoma Baptist University provides institutional, endowed, and donor-funded scholarships that reduce financial barriers to a Christ-centered education. Funding expands access for students with financial need, first-generation students, and those preparing for high-demand careers.

Academic Excellence & Workforce Preparation

OBU offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for meaningful careers through a Christian liberal arts education. Grant support strengthens curriculum innovation, experiential learning, research, and workforce readiness.

Health Sciences Education

OBU prepares future healthcare professionals through nursing and other health sciences programs that combine classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experiences. Funding may support equipment, technology, and expanded training opportunities.

STEM & Engineering Education

OBU equips students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through rigorous coursework, laboratory experiences, and undergraduate research. Grant funding may support laboratory improvements, research equipment, and STEM outreach.

Christian Ministry & Leadership Development

OBU equips students for Christian leadership through theological education, discipleship, worship, missions, and leadership development. Funding may strengthen ministry training, worship initiatives, and faith-based outreach.

Teacher Education

OBU prepares future educators through accredited teacher preparation programs that combine classroom learning with practical teaching experiences. Funding may support instructional innovation, classroom technology, and student teaching opportunities.

Student Success & Retention

OBU provides academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, career services, and student development programs that promote persistence and graduation. Grants strengthen retention initiatives, student support services, and wellness resources.

Performing & Visual Arts

OBU's performing and visual arts programs prepare creative professionals while enriching campus and community life through performances, exhibitions, and outreach. Funding may enhance facilities, equipment, and arts programming.

Community Engagement & Service

OBU partners with churches, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to address local needs through education, service, and collaboration. Funding may support partnerships, educational outreach, and leadership development.

Campus Infrastructure & Educational Resources

OBU invests in facilities, technology, laboratories, and learning environments that support teaching and student success. Grants may fund renovations, instructional technology, specialized equipment, accessibility improvements, and capital projects.

Target Audience

Undergraduate and graduate students, with programs that also benefit faculty, staff, churches, schools, and communities across Oklahoma.

Geographic Focus

United States, Oklahoma (USA), Pottawatomie County (OK), Shawnee (OK)

Current projects

Student Scholarships & Financial Access
Academic Excellence & Workforce Preparation
Health Sciences Education
STEM & Engineering Education
Business & Entrepreneurship
Teacher Education
Christian Ministry & Leadership Development
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Communication, Media & Digital Arts
Performing & Visual Arts
Exercise Science, Sports & Recreation
Student Success & Retention
Community Engagement & Service
Global Engagement & Study Abroad
Graduate & Professional Education
Online & Adult Education
Faculty Research & Academic Innovation
Campus Infrastructure & Educational Resources
Technology & Innovation
Spiritual Formation & Discipleship

Organization goals

Christian Worldview & Academic Excellence – OBU provides a rigorous, Christ-centered education that integrates academic excellence with a biblical worldview, preparing students to understand truth and live with purpose.
Faith Integration & Spiritual Formation – OBU intentionally integrates faith with every area of learning while fostering spiritual growth and Christian character throughout the university experience.
Love of God Through Learning – OBU encourages students to pursue scholarship and intellectual growth as an expression of loving God and engaging the world with wisdom and excellence.
Kingdom Leadership & Service – OBU prepares students to become servant-leaders who strengthen churches, communities, and the Kingdom through faithful leadership and service.
Professional Preparation Built on the Liberal Arts – OBU combines a liberal arts foundation with professional education to equip graduates for meaningful careers in fields such as healthcare, education, business, ministry, science, technology, and public service.

Leadership

Dr. Heath A. Thomas - President
Julie Paul - Vice President of Advancement and Alumni
Randy Smith - Executive Vice President for Business and Administrative Services

Funding Needs

Grant categories you're seeking

Arts and Culture, Business, Capital Funding, Children, College Scholarship, Community Services, Education, Entrepreneurs and Startups, Faith Based, Farming and Agriculture, Health and Medical, Higher Education, In-Kind Support, Operating Support, Research and Evaluation, Science, Special Education, Sports and Recreation, Students, Teachers, Technology, Workforce

Funding needs

Oklahoma Baptist University seeks grant funding to expand student access through scholarships, strengthen academic and workforce development programs, enhance STEM, engineering, health sciences, and arts education, support Christian leadership and community engagement initiatives, improve student success, and invest in facilities, technology, and educational resources that advance student learning and institutional impact.

Website & Social Media