Oklahoma Baptist University celebrated the arrival of new and returning students on Aug. 16, 2025, during its annual Move-In Day. The day kicks off Welcome Week, a special tradition in which new students are welcomed into the Bison family.

As new students and their families arrived at their residence centers, upperclassmen greeted them with cheers and excitement, often shaking cars to celebrate the moment. These enthusiastic upperclassmen, known as Welcome Week Workers or Tri-Ws, helped carry students’ belongings into the residence centers, allowing families to enjoy the experience of joining the OBU community.

“Their excitement makes today so much easier,” said incoming freshman Addison Willson of Kingfisher, who is studying children’s ministry. She was among the first to come around the oval and arrive at the WMU Residence Center. “Everything about coming to OBU just lined up in ways that I didn’t even know they could line up. So now, being here is just like an overwhelming peace. I know this is where I’m supposed to be and what the Lord’s told me to do.”

Another early-arriving incoming freshman was Gabe Hillis of Moore, who is studying worship studies.

“At first, I was nervous, and now I am just so excited to move on to this next chapter in my life; I’m pumped,” said Hillis, who was moving into the Agee Residence Center. “The Lord kind of got ahold of my heart and said, ‘This is where I want you, this is the path I want you to take.’”

Upperclassmen also experience the excitement of Move-In Day in a different way. Cole Raymick, a senior majoring in biblical studies with an emphasis in language, was among those helping to unload cars.

“We’ve been praying, we’ve been preparing the whole week, so the energy comes from us wanting them to know that we are excited for them,” Raymick said. “When that first car comes by, we go crazy because we are excited for the new students and we’re excited for them to join this community that we love.”

Amy Elam, a 2002 OBU graduate in elementary and early childhood education from Colorado Springs, Colo., was at the wheel while her daughter, Emily Elam, an incoming freshman studying marketing and management, was taking everything in.

“I am so excited for her,” Amy Elam said, “because I know that student life here is really great and I know the academics are great. I’m still friends with a professor who is still teaching here. “

Then she glanced over at her daughter and with a big smile said, “She was like, ‘You need to drive so I can video everything.’”

Later in the day, students and parents participated in separate orientation sessions, followed by a special time of prayer and goodbyes. From there, students began their full Welcome Week experience, including activities such as President’s Vision and Worship, Ka-Rip Wars, Serve Shawnee, The Walk and Spotlight on Shawnee.

Fall classes begin on Aug. 20, 2025.