OKWU Headlines
FALL 2022
NOW Campaign Launched
During Homecoming 2022, President Dunn shared the $68M vision for the largest capital campaign in the history of OKWU. The 2030 goal includes new athletic facilities, campus improvements, scholarships, and endowments. During the first year of the campaign, over $6 million has been given and pledged.
Over 200 MWC Alumni Celebrate at Homecoming
It was as a joyous celebration welcoming more than 200 Miltonvale Wesleyan College alumni. Highlights included celebrating the 90th birthday of La Quinta Mansion, honoring Alumni Award winners, and the baptism of eight students.
The Daniels Receive President’s Award
The Daniels Honored at Foster Bonaza
The President’s Award was presented to Charlie and Julie Daniels in October for their strong support of the university for more than 20 years, including an instrumental role in raising funds for the OKWU Soccer Complex.
SPRING 2023
Four Tech-Focused Majors Take Center Stage
A new partnership with Rize Education introduced 4 new technology degrees: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Game Development, and Business Analytics.
John C. Maxwell Keynote Speaker
Generous Give Day Donors Move OKWU Forward
The OKWU community came together to raise $85,000 for the Annual Fund as part of Give Day 2023. Funds boost university-provided scholarships and financial aid to students.
Maxwell Shares Insights on Failure and Leadership
Renowned leadership expert and best-selling author John C. Maxwell was the keynote speaker at OKWU’s annual, two-day Dunn Institute. Over 500 community leaders, students, and employees participated, with a sold-out Tomorrow Needs Leaders Dinner. “The Dunn Institute has never failed to add value to the pastors I bring. It was phenomenal,” said regular attendee Billy Wilson, the Superintendent of the Mountain Plains District of The Wesleyan Church.
Dradun Lucas 1 of 25 Students Baptized
New Life Celebrated with 25 Student Baptisms
At a chapel in April, 25 students made public confessions of their faith and were baptized here on campus. Throughout the year in chapels, devotions, and classroom discussions, OKWU’s campus community studied the Good News of the Gospel, spearheaded by campus pastor Rev. Torrey Martin (’22).
Professors Publish Works
Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken published
The Judas We Never Knew: A Study on the Life and Letter of Jude (Seedbed) in the summer of 2023. Dr. Joshua McNall published his latest book, How Jesus Saves: Atonement for Ordinary People (Zondervan Reflective and Seedbed, 2023). He was also a contributing writer for Sanctifying Theology: Explorations in Wesleyan Theology and Dogmatics (Pickwick, 2023) and wrote a chapter for Unlimited Atonement: Amyraldism and Reformed Theology (Kregel Academic, 2023).
Graduate Tommy Lindsly
Energetic Commencement Sends Out New Graduates
More than 200 graduates crossed the stage at our December and May graduations, completing their degrees and joining a legacy of OKWU Alumni sent into the world.
New Alumni President Serving OKWU
The Alumni Association welcomed new Alumni President Janell Westveer. She previously served on the alumni board, along with her predecessor Sandra Kent. In related alumni news, OKWU honored the retirement of Charissa Dunn as Director of Alumni Relations. Stay connected on the alumni Facebook page and okwu.edu/alumni.
Janell Westveer Alumni President
New Online Bookstore Improves Student Services
OKWU announced a partnership with eCampus.com for the official online bookstore beginning in the Fall of 2023. This partnership focuses on providing students with affordable and accessible course materials and an easy and efficient online shopping experience. Students can even enjoy free shipping directly to the campus post office.
Yearly Honors Earned at Celebration Service
During May’s graduation ceremonies, OKWU members were recognized by both student-focused awards and honors from their peers. Dr. Rosa Ketchum received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Alex Young (’19) was named Staff Member of the Year. Nathan “Freddy” Bompuku (’22) received the Eagle Scholar Award. Dr. Jonathan Ensor (’05) was named Faculty of the Year, and the Promising Teacher Award was received by Prof. Sandy Lynn (’18).