SHAWNEE—With over 10 years of experience shaping Christ-centered campus communities and 13 total years in higher education, Joseph (Joe) Wuest has been named vice president of campus life at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), effective Dec. 1, 2025.
“I am thrilled to welcome Joe Wuest to Bison Hill,” OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas said. “His proven leadership both in higher education and Oklahoma civic leadership is a winning combination for our present day and our future. Joe brings passion, experience, and a deep commitment to Christ to this role, and I know our Campus Life team and our entire student base will enjoy working with him as we shape the future of OBU together. I am excited to welcome Joe and his family to Shawnee!”
Reporting directly to the president and serving on the president’s cabinet, the vice president for campus life leads Oklahoma Baptist University’s work to provide an exceptional experience for every student. The position oversees all areas that shape student life outside the classroom, including campus ministry, student leadership and engagement, residence life, wellness, student conduct, international student services, global outreach, career development and parent engagement.
The vice president works closely with departments across campus to create a supportive and Christ-centered environment where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally. The role also provides direct supervision for the dean of students and the title IX coordinator, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and promoting a safe, inclusive and vibrant campus community.
“I am honored to join Oklahoma Baptist University and to serve as vice president for Campus Life” Wuest said. “From the moment I first connected with OBU, I was struck by the university’s deep commitment to forming students spiritually, academically, and personally. I am especially grateful to Dr. Thomas and the cabinet for their confidence and partnership in this new season, and I look forward to working alongside an incredible team to help students flourish both on campus and in their calling.”
Wuest brings broad experience in higher education, student development and civic leadership.
Since 2022, he has served the City of Glenpool, first as director of economic development and currently as chief operations officer (assistant city manager). In these roles, he led multiple departments, guided major capital projects and advanced community development initiatives that strengthened local growth and quality of life.
“I’ve also worked as a student pastor for over 10 years, most recently serving at First Baptist Church Glenpool,” he said. “Those have been bi-vocational callings in conjunction with my normal jobs.”
Before entering city leadership, Wuest held executive positions in higher education. At Ohio Christian University, he served as assistant vice president and dean of students, overseeing athletics, student development and spiritual formation. Under his leadership, the university saw improved student retention and a revitalized campus culture through expanded programming and mentoring initiatives. Earlier, at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, he served as resident director, Intramurals and student success advisor, supporting residence life and first-year student success.
He also served as general manager (vice president of operations) for Noodle Education, leading university partnerships and online program development for institutions including the University of Tulsa and Southern Methodist University.
Wuest earned a Master of Arts in ministry entrepreneurship and Innovation and a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication with a minor in marketing from Tabor College. He also holds professional certificates in adaptive leadership and economic development.
In his new role at OBU, Wuest will lead the university’s campus life division, guiding initiatives that shape the co-curricular and student experience on Bison Hill.
“OBU’s commitment to raising up ‘Future Shapers’ resonates deeply with me,” Wuest said. “I believe that the co-curricular experience is vital in shaping resilient, Christ-centered leaders who will make an impact wherever God calls them. It is a privilege to step into this role and help strengthen a campus culture where students can be known, grow in their faith, and step boldly into their future.”
About OBU: With its campus located in Shawnee, OBU offers more than 80 fields of study. OBU has been rated as one of the top regional colleges and universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report for 34 consecutive years. The Princeton Review has named OBU one of the best colleges and universities in the Southwestern region of the United States for 21 consecutive years.
