In the fall of 2021, we celebrated an 8.4% enrollment increase in our traditional undergraduate program, leading to the second-best enrollment in our 117-year history. This is only possible with the hard work of so many in our admissions team, who faithfully serve well as they engage with potential students and families looking for their next step. 

We launched our first-ever doctorate program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), then quickly followed it with our second, the Doctor of Business Administration, which is the first program of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. Both of these programs allow us to serve adult and graduate students as they take the next step of their academic journeys. This is just a small part of the innovation our Graduate and Professional Studies program continues to make. 

We were blessed to receive the Buell “Mission Ranch” house, adjacent to campus, with a $133,000 grant. After renovations, the house will host missionaries, university guests, and small events after the remodeling is complete. I believe it will be used by God in the coming years to impact our campus community. 

On OKWU Give Day, we exceeded our goal of raising $150,000 – a God-sized goal that we met thanks to the incredible generosity of our community all around the world. Our team continues to make strides in fundraising that will impact current and future students who set foot on our campus.

The next time you visit campus, you’ll probably notice some changes. We’ve made renovations to our student center, classrooms, and the chapel – all possible thanks to generous donations. We’d love to show you around. It has been a joy to host events again, with over 150 high school students attending college for a day at our brand new Engage Conference. The Dunn Institute hosted pastors and ministry leaders for biblical financial training. And of course, we welcomed our OKWU alumni and families back for Homecoming 2021. Plan now to join us this October 7-8!

OKWU athletics put together another strong year, with three conference championship teams, three conference coaches of the year, and nine NAIA All-Americans. We also introduced a new sport, beach volleyball, and had three teams make the NAIA Tournament in their sport. Go Eagles!  

We are focused on the Eagle Campus Expansion, which will give all students at OKWU a place to train, learn, and grow during their time on campus. The expansion includes a multipurpose field house, a new track and field, a cross-country course, and turf fields for soccer, baseball, and softball. We’ve already received a $500,000 pledge which will enrich the lives of every student and OKWU community member—from physical wellness to academics and spiritual growth.  

Thanks to our Student Development team, campus life is thriving and students are enjoying a near-record number of activities. We also appointed our first-ever university pastor – Rev. Torrey Martin, who will officially begin her tenure in July. Her focus will help equip our community with the tools needed to spiritually flourish through discipleship, small groups, chapel, and connection with local churches in Bartlesville.

As you can see, a lot of good things are happening at OKWU – and more are on the horizon. You can share in these moments by reviewing some of our favorite photos. For today and for generations to come, OKWU stands strong in its mission of advancing the Kingdom of God. Thank you for your partnership with us this past year.

For the transformation of all!
President Jim Dunn