SHAWNEE–Kenneth Chapman, educator, pastor and higher education leader, was honored as the 2026 inductee into the Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), Walter O. Mason Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame during a ceremony held Sunday, April 12, on the OBU campus.
The event celebrated Chapman’s leadership and service advancing Kingdom Diversity. Friends, colleagues and community members attended the award-show-style ceremony, where guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres and remarks honoring Chapman’s impact on students, institutions and ministry.
The Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify a commitment to diversity and the Kingdom values described in Revelation 7:9, encompassing people from every nation, kindred, people and tongue.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” Chapman said. “It is dedicated to all the students, colleagues and friends whose lives we have touched on this journey to glorify God. Receiving this award not only affirms the work we did years ago, but it also reaffirms that when we do any work in any space according to God’s will and his way, then it will be successful. Kingdom diversity has always been about sharing the love of Jesus and living out the word of God.”
Chapman is an educator, higher education leader, pastor and consultant whose work sits at the intersection of academic leadership, faith formation and organizational strategy. He currently serves on the instructional faculty at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of leaders.
Throughout his career, Chapman has held significant administrative and leadership roles at OBU, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Dallas College, bringing experience across public, private and faith-based institutions.
Chapman also served OBU as the inaugural assistant dean of students and diversity, where he led campuswide efforts focused on Kingdom Diversity — the pursuit of unity in Christ that reflects the diversity of God’s creation.
During his time at OBU, Chapman helped revive the United Students of Color and other student organizations, expand international student services and strengthen support for international students. He also helped establish the OBU Gospel Choir, creating a space for worship and cultural expression within the campus community.
In addition to his work with students, Chapman served as chair of the Strategic Committee on University Relations, where he developed partnerships with churches and ministry leaders that strengthened the university’s Kingdom-focused mission. He also helped lead efforts to recruit diverse faculty across academic disciplines.
Chapman played a key role in honoring the legacy of Eric A. Mayes, the first African American graduate of OBU and longtime pastor of historic Unity Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He also led the committee responsible for the proposal establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official university holiday, marking the first time in OBU history that the university formally closed in observance of the day.
“Every day, my goal is simple,” Chapman said. “Live boldly for Jesus Christ and allow my actions, words, decisions to all reflect back to our Lord and Savior. Kingdom diversity work is less about an individual and more about a community of believers embracing what God has blessed us with to bring Him glory and benefit humanity. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church and Christian higher education can be a leader in demonstrating what Kingdom diversity truly is in the life of the believer.”
Born and raised in Del City, Chapman earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and mass communications from the University of Central Oklahoma before completing both a Master of Education and a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma.
Chapman and his wife, Kimberley, are the parents of five children: four sons — Kenneth III, Kole, Karter and Karson — and a daughter, Kenley.
The Chapman family are active members of Life Changing Christian Faith Fellowship in Frisco, Texas, where Chapman serves as executive pastor. In that role, he is committed to preaching and teaching the Word of God, equipping believers and demonstrating the love of Christ through faithful ministry.
The Walter O. Mason Jr. Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame was established to celebrate individuals whose lives demonstrate a commitment to diversity and God’s love. B.J. Glover, OBU’s vice president for university culture, created the award in 2024 and named it after Mason, the first Black tenured professor at OBU in 1968. She said Chapman’s life and work reflect the values the award seeks to recognize.
“Chapman was an outstanding recipient for this award,” Glover said. “Not only did he meet every qualification we required, but his life’s work embodies the qualities we seek to honor through this recognition.”
For more information about the Kingdom Diversity Hall of Fame, visit okbu.edu/events/kingdom-diversity-hall-of-fame/.
