The Board of Trustees of Oklahoma Wesleyan University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Osborn as the University’s seventh president. The presidential search, led by the Executive Board of Trustees, was a season of prayer, discernment, and careful evaluation of highly qualified candidates.
Dr. Osborn assumes the presidency following the election of former President Jim Dunn as General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church. Building on the strong foundation established under Dr. Dunn’s leadership, Dr. Osborn will lead the University as it continues its mission of developing and sending servant leaders who advance the Kingdom of God.
“Throughout this process, we sought more than an accomplished leader,” said Dr. Yorton Clark, Interim President and Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We prayed for someone whose life demonstrates a deep love for Christ, unwavering commitment to biblical truth, and a clear calling to Christian higher education. God has faithfully led us to Dr. Kevin Osborn.”
Dr. Osborn brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education, serving in executive and academic roles at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Fuller Theological Seminary, Friends University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. Since joining OKWU in 2019, he has served on the University’s executive leadership team, helping lead strategic initiatives, strengthen enrollment growth, and provide continuity as OKWU enters its next chapter. Throughout his career, he has championed Christ-centered spiritual formation, academic excellence, faculty development, and strategic enrollment growth while helping institutions strengthen their mission and long-term sustainability.
An ordained minister with deep roots in the Wesleyan tradition, Dr. Osborn is known for his thoughtful leadership, pastoral heart, and conviction that Christian higher education exists to strengthen both the Church and the Kingdom through transformed lives. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science from Friends University.
The Osborn family’s connection to OKWU is also personal. Their oldest daughter is an alumna, and another daughter is currently a student, deepening Dr. Osborn’s appreciation for the University’s mission and community.
“I am humbled by the confidence the Board of Trustees has placed in me and grateful for God's faithful leading throughout this journey,” said Dr. Osborn.
“Michelle and I are honored to answer God's call to serve Oklahoma Wesleyan University and to serve this community in a new way that has already meant so much to our family. It is a tremendous privilege to lead an institution with such a rich legacy of biblical truth, academic excellence, and Kingdom impact. I believe our best days are ahead because of the extraordinary people God has brought together at OKWU. I look forward to serving alongside our faculty, staff, students, coaches, alumni, churches, and supporters as we prepare servant leaders who will strengthen the Church and faithfully influence the world for Jesus Christ.”
“The mission of Oklahoma Wesleyan University has never been stronger,” Clark said. “We are confident Dr. Osborn will build upon that momentum with humility, wisdom, and faithful leadership.”
Dr. Osborn will officially begin serving as President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University on August 17th.
