President’s Award: Dr. Stephen Babby
Dr. Babby has served an incredible 41 years (and counting) as a dedicated member of the Oklahoma Wesleyan Board of Trustees which speaks for itself as to his loyalty and commitment. Little more need be said, but pages could be filled with what Dr. Babby has done for the Wesleyan Church and for Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He has led for decades and he continues to do so as a voice of wisdom, common sense, and biblical faithfulness on the OKWU board.
Steve and his wife, Barbara, have been married for fifty years, and have two daughters, Robin and Laurel, who both have raised their own beautiful families. Ordained by The Wesleyan Church in 1970, Dr. Babby has also been a leader in the denomination for decades, first as an assistant pastor for Skyline Wesleyan Church in California and then, from 1976 until his 2015 retirement, as District Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest District of The Wesleyan Church. He has also been a member of the Wesleyan Church General Board, the Wesleyan Pension Fund, the board of ministerial standing, and many other roles.
“It’s our honor to thank Steve for his loyalty, partnership, and belief in OKWU and its mission,” said Dr. Piper. “I know of no one who is more determined to defend the Primacy of Jesus Christ, the Priority of Scripture, the Pursuit of Truth, and the Practice of Wisdom than he. Steve’s life exemplifies this mission, and his legacy is a textbook example to our students. Dr. Babby is passionate about the global church. He has given his entire professional life to building it and expanding it. He has been instrumental in the establishment of numerous multi-cultural ministries and new mission fields both in the United States and elsewhere. He has been part of the leadership team of this University for almost half a century! But perhaps most admirable is Steve’s passion for his pastors and all others under his guidance and care. No one has ever taken better care of the “flock” under his charge better than Dr. Babby.
“Marci and I, as well as hundreds of others, are grateful for his many years of service to OKWU. Dr. Babby’s leadership on the Board of Trustees has been unmatched in bringing the University to where it is today!”
Dr. Babby will be honored at this year’s Foster Bonanza on October 11th, 2018 in Bartlesville, OK. For more information about the event, visit OKWU.edu/bonanza