Oklahoma City University, also known as OCU, is a treasure trove of academia tucked within the heart of the United Methodist Church. A private university steeped in history, it has been illuminating the path of knowledge for eager learners for over 120 years. Renowned for a diverse portfolio of offerings in the fields of humanities, fine arts, and commerce, it never compromises in bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. Its mandate is unambiguous - honing the abilities of its student community, catapulting them into the realm of significant personal and professional development. The driving force behind such a dynamic educational institute is its faculty - a diverse alliance of academicians drenched in a love for knowledge and propelled by the satisfaction of mentoring future leaders. With their collective experience, they've mastered the craft of imparting education that sticks. The environment is further enriched by smaller classroom sizes, ranging from 13-17 students, this catalyses individual attention, ensuring no student is sidelined. Another feather in the OCU cap is its broad range of courses. With over 70 undergraduate, close to 20 master's and MBA degrees, two doctoral programs, and vocational training courses on offer, the university opens a multitude of avenues for learners to explore.
As a student in OCU, the benefits are multilayered. The comprehensive curricula are meticulously fashioned to not only expound the chosen discipline but also to foster a broad spectrum of applicable skills. The one-on-one focus, afforded by smaller class sizes, keeps students firmly tethered to the learning process, fostering better understanding and retention of pedagogic materials. While academic prowess is at the core of OCU, additional emphasis is given to holistic development. Students are encouraged to partake in extracurricular activities, straddling religious, business, performance and visual arts, sports, and a host of other domains. This ensures they graduate not just with a degree in hand, but also with an assiduously cultivated skill set ready to take on the world.
Situated in the heartland of the United States, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) stands as an esteemed educational institution with an enrapturing aura of transforming lives. OBU strives to equip its students holistically, merging academic excellence with faith, folks comprehensively prepared to engage with the world’s diversity. Being in Shawnee, Oklahoma gives students a unique exposure to wholesome American culture as well as avant-garde academics. It's an institution with a strong Christian foundation, true to its Baptist heritage, thus making it an excellent choice for Indian students passionate about diversifying their cultural and educational experiences.
Stepping into the academic arena, OBU steers educational programs spanned across traditional arts, science and other disciplines. With a distinguished focus on preparing students for leadership roles and service in various vocations, the university lays the groundwork for future leaders. The faculty, brimming with experience and comprehensive knowledge, acts as the catalyst in this transformation. Whether you are an aspiring scientist, a trigger-happy artist, or have a knack for any other intellect, OBU’s varied programs and world-class faculty are ready to mould your career and future.
Delving into OBU's student life, it paints a vibrant and diverse picture. Students from multifarious backgrounds come together to work, learn, and evolve. As for international students, they find OBU to be a great cultural melting pot and a platform to explore and enrich their perspectives. Indian students specifically find the university’s embracing atmosphere highly conducive to personal and academic growth. Life on campus pulsates with a myriad of activities that mould students into community-aware individuals.
Oklahoma Baptist University never falls short of extending financial aid to deserving students. For international students specifically, there are numerous scholarship opportunities to lessen the load of tuition fees. These scholarships often cover a notable part of tuition costs, sometimes even reaching up to 100% for exceptionally meritorious students. This commitment to financially assist its students sets OBU apart as an institution that upholds its students' dreams regardless of their financial circumstances. Every potential international student, including those from India, are encouraged to explore these financial aids and make their dream of studying in the U.S. a tangible reality.
Establishing Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) wasn't a spontaneous decision. It took years of careful planning and dedicated efforts by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). As early as 1906, this diligent group came together to map out a feasible blueprint for a co-educational Baptist University in the budding state of Oklahoma, a year before statehood was officially declared. In November 1907, they reaffirmed their earnest commitment at Ardmore with a unanimous resolution to bring this new university to life.
The next key step was the election of a board of trustees in 1907 to steer the university's formative years. One of their first tasks was finding the perfect location. Their search explored the possibilities in El Reno, Lawton, Chickasha, and Oklahoma City but dominos didn't fall into place just yet.
Then finally, a breakthrough at the BGCO's annual meeting in 1910, held in Enid. Shawnee, they decided, was the optimal location for their vision and a state-sanctioned incorporation certificate followed soon in February 1910. By June of the same year, drawn plans for an impressive administration building ended up on an architect’s table, ready for construction. The ambitious project, with a price tag of $140,000 (which equals around $4.4 million today), showcased their commitment to their vision.
In 1915, the newly minted Shawnee Hall, found itself bustling with academics and students, offering classrooms, a library, an auditorium-cum-gymnasium, and the women's dormitory. While male students found accommodation in off-campus homes, a need was quickly recognized for additional space for women.
Only in 1916, spurred by this urgent need, the foundation was laid for a new women’s dormitory — Montgomery Hall. Named in honor of philanthropic couple – Dr. and Mrs. D.M. Montgomery, it opened its doors in 1917. Serving variously as a dormitory, fine arts center, student center, and administrative location, Montgomery Hall became a central hub on campus.
The University continued to grow from 1919 to 1928, the Shawnee Hall, Montgomery Hall and a men's dormitory with an attached gymnasium transformed into the campus's signature sights. But the journey was far from over. Berta K. Spooner, the influential Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Oklahoma Women's Missionary Union, incited fervent support for a new women's dormitory. After successful fundraising, the WMU Memorial Dormitory was opened in 1928, equipped with lavish facilities.
However, the 'Great Depression' applied the brakes on any further construction. It wasn't until 1964 that Shawnee Hall faced an unprecedented catastrophe; a man suffering from mental health issues flew a small airplane into the college building. The miraculous result was damage to property but not a single injury to the people inside.
The university continued to grow, with an unprecedented enrollment of 2,000 students in 1989, and a record 2,440 students in 1994. With a real estate portfolio that grew exponentially under President Mark Brister, the university was also enabled to offer a master's degree in business administration in 2007.
The university, however, faced protests from student LGBT group Bison 4 Equality over its Title IX exemption granted in 2014. In addition, the university’s ranking among the "Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth" by Campus Pride in 2021, marked a significant stain on its reputation.
On a brighter note, 2019 brought the expansion of the campus with the acquisition of the St. Gregory's University campus, courtesy of Hobby Lobby. The next year, the outreach grew even further with a new campus wing established in Lexington prison. Unfortunately, this progressive momentum was brutally disrupted by a massive tornado on April 19, 2023, causing extensive damage to the campus structures but failing to quell the resilient spirit of the OBU community.
Despite history’s hard knocks, the University's mission to provide a quality education continues to burn bright, reflecting their students’ unyielding will, as much as the Baptist community's unwavering dedication to the mission established over a century ago.
This is where things gets exciting! the university hosts a ton of cultural events which allows its international students to share their traditions and learn about others. it's not just study but also a whole lot of fun!
Definitely! oklahoma baptist university has a diverse cohort of international students, and it fosters an inclusive community. trust me, you won't feel out of place for long!
Well, aren't you in luck! the university has various on-campus housing options, from dormitories to apartments. just one more thing off your mind, isn't it great?
You bet it does! oklahoma baptist university strongly values hands-on learning and encourages its international students to seek internship opportunities. there's a dedicated internal office who'll be guiding you the process, a real blessing i tell you!
Yeah, it's gotta a be a big yes. oklahoma baptist university strives to offer a safe campus environment. it has various safety measures in place, including 24-hour security, emergency telephones, and campus police presence.
For those who prefer small class sizes, no worries - oklahoma baptist university has a 13:1 student to faculty ratio. it's means you'll get plenty of individual attention and support from your professors.
Of course! as an international student at oklahoma baptist university, thou are eligible for different type of scholarships. just ensure you apply early, there's plenty of paperwork to deal with, as you can imagine.
Pretty straightforward to tell you! first, you need to submit an online application. then, your high school transcripts and proof of english proficiency will be needed. the last bit includes financial documents and student visa details. remember to ask for help if you're facing difficulties, the admissions office staff are a helpful bunch.
Oklahoma baptist university indeed has a diverse range of programs to offer to international crowd. from liberal arts to nursing and business, there are deals for everyone! you'll get a rich array of both undergraduate and graduate level courses embedded with practical learning opportunities.
Dive in and see a 360-degree view of the university! campus life at oklahoma baptist university is fun and enriching. you'll have access to plenty of activities, clubs and on-campus events. it's truly a melting pot of varied experiences.
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Hi. I want to connect with Indian students in Penryn campus. Please help me to connect. I will travel to penryn in September to start my undergrad course.