President’s Letter – Sending Servant Leaders Beyond OKWU

When I think about what defines Oklahoma Wesleyan University, one phrase rises above the rest: servant leadership.

Jesus modeled it perfectly. He didn’t lead with flash or fame, He led with a towel and basin, putting others first in every moment. That’s the kind of leadership we’re working to instill in every OKWU student and every person in our university community.

This past year, I’ve seen that kind of leadership take root and flourish in powerful ways. Students like Joseph Pedraza and Valerie Baughman didn’t wait to be asked—they saw a need and stepped in. Early in the fall, they created a plan for how students could regularly serve our community. Because of their initiative, OKWU now has three weekly serve opportunities—B the Light Mission, City Compassion, and On the Rock Ministries—all led by students for students. Joseph and Valerie haven’t just organized these opportunities; they’ve shown up week after week to serve. That’s what it means to be one sent for Christ, making a difference in our world.

This spirit of servant leadership is changing our culture—for good. It’s helping students, staff, and faculty see beyond themselves. It’s building habits of compassion, humility, and gratitude. All of this is counter-cultural in the best possible way.

There are many details to celebrate this year. We welcomed more mission-fit employees, raised a record $235,000 during Give Week, saw a historic rise in financial support for the NOW Campaign reaching

$18 million, and experienced athletic success like never before. Our traditional enrollment is up, our first apartment building in Eagle Village is finished, and a renewed sense of life is echoing across campus.

But beyond all these wins, I’m most grateful for the ways our students and team members are learning to lead like Jesus—with open hands, humble hearts, and a vision for serving others.

As we look ahead, my prayer is that OKWU continues to be a place where servant leaders are shaped, sent, and used by God to transform the world.

For the Transformation of all,
Dr. Jim Dunn, President