This past year at Oklahoma Wesleyan University started out with a bang. The University had its largest incoming class move into the dorms in August. OKWU was named a Christian College of Distinction and was named in US News and World Report’s Top 10 for the 11th year in a row. Oklahoma Wesleyan University also received its 10 year NCA accreditation approval.
This fall, Oklahoma Wesleyan University was able to declare that it is completely debt free. This is momentous for any institution of higher education, particularly a private, Christian school that does not rely on tax dollars to supplement its budget. OKWU was able to reach this point because of generous donors who believe in the mission of the University.
September 20,, 2013, also marked an important day for the University when Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), on behalf of four Christian universities, filed a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act. On December 24, 2013, OKWU received a favorable ruling. Federal Judge for Oklahoma’s Western District Stephen Friot granted the schools a preliminary injunction. ADF Attorney Greg Baylor believes OKWU and the other universities will get a final ruling before July 1, 2014.
Many noteworthy speakers have visited the campus this year. Stephen Moore from the Wall Street Journal celebrated Constitution Day at OKWU, and Rick Santorum visited the campus to promote his new movie, The Christmas Candle. OKWU also hosted several nationally known Christian apologists for the inaugural Josh McDowell Institute Conference— Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell, Abdu Murray, Frank Tureck, and Alex Himaya.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University started out 2014 with a new financial program— PURSUE, a loan repayment assistance program available for all of our incoming students. We are committed to helping our students PURSUE their calling, and this program backs that commitment. It is the only plan of its kind in the state of Oklahoma.
In February, OKWU will be welcoming Abdu Murray back to our campus, with Stuart McAlister from Ravi Zacharias Ministries. We will be celebrating Orange Week in honor of Orange Scott and the fight against modern day slavery and will be launching the Booker T. Washington Institute in April.
For more news and updates of OKWU, be sure to check the News section of the website.