By Aubrey Marjason
Oklahoma Baptist University marked a milestone before Spring Break with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of Thurmond Hall, which was extensively renovated after sustaining damage in a tornado in April 2023.
The renovation is part of OBU’s Shape the Future campaign and is designed to support the growth of science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.
The updated facility includes a new computer science and cybersecurity lab, an aerolab educational wind tunnel and a Firejet drone. University officials say the upgrades will provide students with hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world applications.
Thurmond Hall will house OBU’s engineering programs, offering enhanced resources for mechanical and electrical engineering students. The new facilities aim to better prepare students through simulations and practical lab work.
Dr. Chuck Baukal, director of the engineering program, emphasized the importance of applied learning.
“Really nice labs let students do things that apply to the real world,” Baukal said.
He also encourages students to integrate their academic and spiritual lives.
“Don’t take off your engineering hat when you read Scripture, because you may see some things that a theologian is not trained to see,” he said.
Faculty members at OBU emphasize faith integration, encouraging students to apply biblical principles in all aspects of life, including their future careers.
Senior Caleb Campbell, a mechanical engineering student, said the renovated space has already made an impact.
“We have a lab on the third floor where we do experiments and figure out how things actually work,” Campbell said. “It makes engineering practical. Without it, it’s all just theory.”
Campbell said the upgraded labs will better prepare him and future students for their careers.
Computer science students are also benefiting from the new facilities, which allow them to explore coding, cybersecurity systems and network protection in a hands-on environment.
University officials say the renovation is expected to attract prospective students. Admissions representatives report increased interest as visitors tour the updated building.
Kassidy Baker, a freshman student ambassador, said the new facility leaves a strong impression.
“The opening of Thurmond Hall shows that we’re growing as a campus,” Baker said. “It’s really appealing to bring prospective students into spaces like this.”
University leaders say the renovation represents progress following the tornado and reflects OBU’s commitment to academic excellence.
As OBU President Heath Thomas said during the ceremony, “Today we cut a ribbon. Tomorrow our students shape our world.”
