OBU celebrates graduates during Spring Commencement on Bison Hill

Oklahoma Baptist University conferred degrees upon undergraduate and graduate students during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9. Two ceremonies were held in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus. Saturday's ceremonies marked the return of spring commencement to the OBU campus after events were held off campus in recent years due to damage to Raley Chapel caused by the April 19, 2023, EF2 tornado. Dr. Heath A. Thomas, president of OBU, presided over the ceremonies and welcomed guests, reflecting on the significance of the day for graduates and their families, friends and loved ones. "While we look forward to celebrating commencement in Raley Chapel in Winter 2027, we are delighted to celebrate this commencement back on Bison Hill," Thomas said. "I am grateful to have worked with OBU's Student Government Association to provide an elevated commencement experience today for our graduates and guests in the Recreation and Wellness Center. This is a phenomenal and fitting celebration of our graduates." The morning Commencement Ceremony included undergraduate students from the School of Nursing, the Angell School of Visual and Performing Arts, the Hurley School of Science and Mathematics, the Division of Language and Literature, the Division of Exercise Science, Sports and Recreation, and the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The afternoon Commencement Ceremony included undergraduate students from the Dickinson School of Business, the McCabe Family School of Education and the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry, as well as students representing all interdisciplinary majors and all graduate programs. Dr. Chris Wall, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Owasso, served as the commencement speaker for both ceremonies. Wall has 30 years of ministry experience marked by biblical conviction, Spirit-led leadership and a deep love for the local church. A graduate of OBU, he also holds degrees from Southwestern and Midwestern Baptist Theological seminaries. His passion is helping people know God and follow Jesus, equipping believers to live all of life for Christ, a vision he shares with OBU. He has served as president of Oklahoma Baptists and currently serves on the board of trustees for the International Mission Board, mobilizing churches for gospel mission among the nations. This occasion held special significance as his daughter graduated as a fourth-generation Bison, continuing a family legacy shaped by Christ-centered education. In his address, Wall centered his message on the acrostic "ALIGN," calling graduates to order both belief and action around their faith. He outlined two central challenges: to align their beliefs with what God has said and to align their lives with who God has called them to be. From there, he walked through each letter of the acrostic. "A" stood for Ambassador, drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 and the call to represent Christ in a world in need of reconciliation. "L" emphasized Lock, urging graduates, through Hebrews 10:24-25, to remain committed to Christian community and to encourage one another in love and good deeds. "I" pointed to Influence, rooted in Ephesians 4:1, challenging students to live lives worthy of their calling. "G" represented Guide, referencing Ephesians 3:20-21 and the assurance of God's power at work within believers to accomplish more than they can imagine. Finally, "N" stood for Navigate, with Ephesians 6:10-11 reminding graduates to stand firm in faith and rely on God's strength as they face future challenges. Following the address, undergraduate and graduate candidates were presented by university leadership. The graduates were then formally conferred their degrees. The milestone of commencement also reflects the broader vision of OBU's "Shape the Future" campaign, as the university continues investing in academic excellence, transformative facilities and a vibrant campus life to prepare graduates for lives of purpose and leadership. "Being back on Bison Hill for the Spring 2026 commencement is a big step forward to closing out the 2023 tornado response and a big step forward to renewing Raley Chapel by 2027, which will be a capstone to phase 1 of our Shape the Future campaign," Thomas said. "Our days are bright as the sun continues to shine on Bison Hill." The ceremony concluded with the singing of "The Hymn to the Alma Mater," followed by the benediction. Watch the video of OBU's May 2026 graduation ceremonies on the OBU YouTube channel: youtube.com/okbuedu. To learn more about the Shape the Future campaign, visit okbu.edu/giving/shape-the-future. If you would like to give to the campaign, visit okbu.edu/giving/shape-the-future/give. About OBU: With its campus located in Shawnee, OBU offers more than 80 fields of study. OBU has been rated as one of the top regional colleges and universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report for 34 consecutive years. The Princeton Review has named OBU one of the best colleges and universities in the Southwestern region of the United States for 21 consecutive years.