Oklahoma Baptist University students to return to Shawnee campus for class after tornado

Jana Hayes, Oklahoman
·2 min read

SHAWNEE — A week after a tornado tore through the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University, leaving damage in some form to every building, the school announced a return to in-person classes scheduled for next week.

University President Heath Thomas said contractors have given the go-ahead for all students to return to campus, though some classes will be relocated. Every academic building will welcome students for class on Monday, except for Shawnee Hall, which took significant roof damage, and a few areas in buildings that aren't able to be used at this time.

"God’s been really good to us and we are really excited to make this announcement," Thomas said in a statement. "We are in Hallelujah territory right here.”

Raley Chapel was among the many structures damaged April 19 when a tornadic storm tore through Shawnee.
Raley Chapel was among the many structures damaged April 19 when a tornadic storm tore through Shawnee.

When students return on Monday, they'll have two weeks of classes left, followed by a week of final examinations.

Classes were canceled the Thursday and Friday after the tornado and were moved online this week while the campus was cleaned up and damages were assessed.

Some Shawnee schools students returning to class, high schoolers not so lucky

The return to class for OBU students comes at the same time Shawnee Public Schools announced its high schoolers will finish the school year online due to damage at the high school building.

Middle schoolers could return to in-person learning next week, depending on the severity of roof leaks, while elementary students returned to class Thursday.

An April 19 storm heavily damaged some areas of Shawnee.
An April 19 storm heavily damaged some areas of Shawnee.

Superintendent April Grace said April 19 storms inflicted more than $20 million worth of damage across Shawnee Public Schools.

How to help OBU, Shawnee after tornado

OBU is hosting a volunteer cleanup effort Saturday on campus, called "Big Serve." The day will start at 9 a.m., and volunteers can check-in on the lawn of Raley Chapel.

Anyone planning to help should bring work gloves, rakes, brooms and shovels, if possible. RSVP by email to volunteer@okbu.edu by Friday morning.

Stubblefield Chapel near Oklahoma Baptist University sustained damage during a storm that hit Shawnee on April 19.
Stubblefield Chapel near Oklahoma Baptist University sustained damage during a storm that hit Shawnee on April 19.

For those who want to help but can't make it in person, OBU is accepting donations online to its Tornado Relief Fund.

The United Way of Pottawatomie County also is accepting donations for recovery in Shawnee and Pottawatomie County through its Disaster Relief Fund.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OBU Shawnee campus to reopen for students, class after tornado damage