OKWU News

Fall 2024 NEWS

Ward & Joetta Koeser

Koesers Honored with President’s Award
Ward and Joetta Koeser received the 2024 OKWU President’s Award in recognition of their faithful support and generous investment in the university’s mission. The Koesers have long championed Christian higher education, and their impact on OKWU is deeply felt by students, faculty, and leadership alike. Ward serves on the OKWU Board of Trustees.

Weaver Scholarship Honors Legacy
In August 2024, OKWU established the Diana Weaver Endowed Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Diana, beloved wife of Wendel Weaver, Dean of the School of Business.

OKWU Named Approved University of GMC
In October 2024, Oklahoma Wesleyan University was officially named an Approved University of the Global Methodist Church. This recognition affirms OKWU’s commitment to Christ-centered education rooted in the Wesleyan tradition. Learn more at www.okwu.edu/gmc.

Nursing Program Earns Top State Ranking
OKWU’s online MSN program was ranked #2 in Oklahoma for 2025 by RegisteredNursing.org, recognizing excellence in nursing education and career preparation.

Spring 2025 NEWS

Kings honored at Student Life Room Dedications

Students Serve Community Through Weekly Projects
Throughout the semester, students engaged in weekly service at three local ministries— B the Light, City Compassion, and On the Rock. Led by Joseph Pedraza and Valerie Baughman, these projects gave students meaningful, hands-on experience in servant leadership.

Give Week Raises
Over $235K
The OKWU community united during Give Week to raise more than $235,000 for the Annual Fund and Scott Hall renovations. The campaign included a generous $100,000 matching gift launched by Janice and Charles Drake.

Spiritual Life Room Remodeled and Dedicated
University Pastor Rev. Torrey Martin unveiled the newly renovated Spiritual Life Room, made possible by the generosity of Spencer and Camie King, the Lyon Foundation, and the Bartlesville Community Foundation. The multi-purpose space now serves as a vibrant hub for community and discipleship.

Faculty & Staff News

Yearly Faculty and Staff Celebrated
During May graduation ceremonies, Team OKWU was recognized by both student-focused awards and honors from their peers. (L to R) Prof. Brian Turner received the Excellence in Teaching Award, and Prof. Kelly Chisum received the Promising Teacher Award. Dr. Jonathan Ensor (‘05) was named Faculty Member of the Year, and Melissa Little (‘02), Office Manager for the Department of Nursing, was named Staff Member of the Year.

Students baptized during chapel

Made for More: Students Baptized on Campus
Nine students publicly committed their lives to Christ through baptism, boldly declaring their commitment to OKWU’s community. Rev. Torrey Martin had the honor of baptizing each student.

Church Leaders Resourced at Dunn Institute
OKWU hosted the annual Dunn Institute in March, with keynote speaker Rev. Keith Loy, lead pastor at Celebrate Community Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for 25 years. OKWU professors also led sessions, creating a meaningful time of growth and connection.

SGA President Honored
2024-25 Student Body President Connor Walcher received the inaugural Student Government Association stole at commencement, celebrating his leadership and student impact.

Class of 2025: Be One Sent
This academic year, 173 new alumni joined the ranks of OKWU graduates. Congratulations to the Fall ‘24, Spring ‘25, and Summer ‘25 graduates as they step out to Be One Sent.

Dr. Craig & Tammy Dunn

Dr. Craig Dunn Presented Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Craig A. Dunn (BWC ‘80, ‘82) delivered the May 2025 Commencement address and received an Honorary Doctorate. A lifelong servant leader, his work through the Wesleyan Investment Foundation has empowered countless organizations and ministries. At the conferral ceremony, OKWU President Dr. Jim Dunn honored his brother, Craig, not with a list of accolades, but with ten two-word phrases that captured his Christ-centered character and legacy as a servant leader.

Faculty Milestones

Dr. Deborah Cheater and Dr. Melissa Morris earned their Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in Education, with projects advancing faculty development and simulation-based learning. Dr. Jason Flick successfully defended his dissertation, The Rise of Alternative and Emergency Certified Teachers, earning his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Meanwhile, Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken published The Creed We Need: Nicene Faith for Wesleyan Witness (Aldersgate Press, 2025), offering timely insight into historic doctrine and modern discipleship.

Academic excellence remains a key pillar of the OKWU experience. This year, our Nursing program was ranked #2 in Oklahoma, and our Criminal Justice program launched dynamic new partnerships with Tulsa Police Department that are equipping students to lead with excellence in their fields.

Parsons House opening Fall 2025

Summer 2025 News

Campus Housing Expands with Parsons House Dedication
In August 2025, OKWU celebrated the dedication of Parsons House, the first completed building in the new Eagle Village housing development, located on Silver Lake Road across from campus. Each of the four apartment units feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a shared living room, kitchen, and laundry area. A $500K grant from the Parsons Foundation launched the project in October 2024, with future buildings planned to complete the village.

Scott Hall Renovations Summer 2025

Scott Hall Renovations Underway
Thanks to a $100K matching gift challenge and generous support from the OKWU community, renovations were completed for Scott Hall—home to generations of students since 1974. The upgrades include modernized bathrooms, expanded laundry facilities, and key infrastructure improvements. With just $35,000 remaining to fully fund the project, every dollar given continues to make double the impact.

None of this would be possible without your faithful prayers and support. Every student story, every renovated space, every life changed for the Kingdom—it’s all part of what you make possible when you invest in OKWU