News


  • Tom Ward to Speak at SNU’s Peer Learning Network

    BETHANY, OK (February 2, 2012) – On Thursday, February 9th, The Peer Learning Network at Southern Nazarene University will be hosting Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sandridge Energy, Tom L. Ward at The Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City.


    “Mr. Tom Ward is a leader of leaders in the Energy field and the corporate community at large.  Our Peer Learning Network partners and guests will benefit greatly from his insights into building and sustaining great businesses of integrity,” said Dr. Terry Toler, VP of University Advancement and Church Relations.

    Prior to Sandridge Energy Ward served as President, Chief Operating Officer, and a Director of Chesapeake Energy Corporation from the time he co-founded the company with Aubrey K. McClendon in 1989 until February 2006.  In 2000, Mr. Ward and his son, Trent, co-founded White Fields, Inc., a home for severely abused and neglected boys.  

    Ward will be speaking from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Petroleum Club Downtown Oklahoma City as a part of SNU’s Peer Learning Network speaker series. To register for this event or find additional information on the Peer Learning Network click here, or contact the office of University Advancement at (405) 491-6311.


    Southern Nazarene University's mission is to transform lives through higher education in Christ-centered community. As a Christian community of scholars, we model the hospitality of grace, the pursuit of truth and the practice of discipleship, all within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, as we prepare graduates who THINK with clarity, ACT with integrity and SERVE with purpose.

  • SNU Announces Launch of Campaign for the Sciences and Mabee Challenge Grant

    BETHANY, Okla. (January 31, 2012) – Southern Nazarene University, has recently announced the public phase of the $8.7 million dollar, multi-year, multi-phase, Campaign for the Sciences.

    Phase I of the Campaign for the Sciences includes construction of a new Science laboratory that will house teaching and research labs, classrooms and support space. The project is being completely funded by private donations, including a lead gift of $1.5 million from benefactors J.D. and Mary West, of Rogers, Arkansas, and the acceptance of an $800,000 Challenge Grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. The University expects to break ground on the new 25,891 square feet facility in 2012.

    The construction of the new laboratory is the latest step in the University’s plan to strengthen its legacy of academic excellence in Science and its commitment to long-term investment in the infrastructure of its campus facilities in Bethany, as well as its Tulsa, Oklahoma campus.

    University president, Dr. Loren Gresham, expressed his support of the Campaign by stating, “SNU is poised to provide the next generation of scientists with the skills, vision and moral responsibility to provide care and education to the underserved, steward and preserve our natural resources, and positively impact the quality of life for untold persons near and far, for generations to come.”

    Future phases of the Campaign for the Sciences call for an elevator tower with common areas that will connect the new and existing facilities, as well as renovation of the structure which now houses the University’s nationally recognized pre-professional programs in biology, chemistry and nursing, as well as outstanding undergraduate programs in physics, science education, network engineering and environmental science, among others.

    “We are working vigorously to secure the remainder of the funding needed from our supporters to meet the Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant and begin construction as soon as possible,” Gresham said, “and we are deeply grateful to the Mabee Foundation, the West family, and our many alumni and friends who believe in the mission and vision of SNU.”

    For more information on the Campaign for the Sciences, a virtual tour of the J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory, and Southern Nazarene University’s legacy of excellence in Science education, visit us on the web at www.snu.edu.



  • SNU Receives Grant to Fund Biggest User Program

    BETHANY, Okla. (January 25, 2012) – SNU has been awarded a $500 grant from the UnitedHealth HEROES program to fund the Biggest User program in conjunction with Bethany Public Schools.

    The UnitedHealth HEROES program is a service-learning, health literacy initiative developed by UnitedHealthcare and YSA (Youth Service America). The program awards grants to help youth, ages 5-25, create and implement local, hands-on programs to fight childhood obesity.

    SNU’s Biggest User! Project will serve 150 elementary to middle school aged children enrolled in the free after school community program offered by the Bethany Community Foundation, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and Bethany Public Schools. The Biggest User! Project will provide nutrition education and activity related experiences for the students.

    “This grant enables our SNU students to engage in community service in an effort to support health and wellness behaviors in the public school aged student population,” said Stephane Shellenberger, SNU Professor and director of the Biggest User! Project.

    The program runs from January 16, 2012 to April 20, 2012 and will be used to employ college students in the community to assist in an exercise mentoring program. The grant will also be used to provide four nutrition seminars by a professional nutritional specialist (one each month) for the students that enroll in the program.

    Southern Nazarene University's mission is to transform lives through higher education in Christ-centered community. As a Christian community of scholars, we model the hospitality of grace, the pursuit of truth and the practice of discipleship, all within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, as we prepare graduates who THINK with clarity, ACT with integrity and SERVE with purpose.



  • SNU Alumnus Tragically Killed
    BETHANY, Okla. (January 20, 2012) – Rev. Wally Renegar, an alumnus and long-time friend of Southern Nazarene University, was tragically killed Thursday night while leaving an SNU basketball game.  

    Renegar was walking south across N.W. 39th Expressway about 6:30 p.m. Thursday when he was struck by a van traveling eastbound.  The accident occurred near Donald Avenue, just south of the Sawyer Center, where Renegar was leaving after watching his beloved Crimson Storm.  

    "The Southern Nazarene University community lost a valued alumnus, former colleague, and friend to many when Rev. Wally Renegar was taken from this life suddenly and tragically recently,” said Dr. Loren Gresham, President of Southern Nazarene University.   

    Renegar served in many roles within the Nazarene Church including 25 years as a pastor, district leadership in youth ministry, as a District Secretary, and he and his wife, Waulea, served three years as missionaries to Native Americans.  In 1991 he joined the staff of Southern Nazarene University and served in several capacities, including serving as the Assistant to the President for Church Relations at SNU until he retired in 2001.  At the time of his death he was the Chaplain for the Bethany Police Department.

    “His devotion to God and family was the core of his life. Close behind those priorities was his love for his alma mater and the people he befriended and encouraged. We will miss him greatly even as we pray for his family through these difficult days of transition in their lives," stated Gresham.  

    Funeral services for Renegar have not been set at this time.    

    Southern Nazarene University's mission is to transform lives through higher education in Christ-centered community. As a Christian community of scholars, we model the hospitality of grace, the pursuit of truth and the practice of discipleship, all within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, as we prepare graduates who THINK with clarity, ACT with integrity and SERVE with purpose.

  • Crabtree Secures 400th Endowed Scholarship
    BETHANY, Okla. (January 19, 2012) – J. Michael Crabtree, Associate Vice President for University Advancement at Southern Nazarene University, reached a significant milestone in his career recently by writing his 400th endowed scholarship.  

    “J. Michael Crabtree's milestone achievement is not just a result of his longevity at SNU.  His forty years of service is remarkable; however, his passion for helping students, his love for the mission of SNU and his service through the years to those who have generously established these 400 endowments is the real story,” said Dr. Terry Toler, Vice President for University Advancement and Church Relations.  

    Crabtree began his 40-year career at SNU in 1972. After joining the Development staff in 1989, he wrote his first endowment in August of that year with the establishment of the O.B. & Alice Imel SWISP Endowed Scholarship Fund. Since that time, Crabtree has been committed to securing scholarships, endowments and major gifts for SNU. His 400th endowed scholarship was finalized in December of 2011.

    “Michael has not focused so much on raising gifts, as he has on raising givers.  Through his dedicated work, he continues to help secure the future for SNU through the establishment of endowments, which will continue in perpetuity,” stated Toler.  

    Crabtree’s impact is not just felt on campus but also in the surrounding community.  He has served on governing boards of civic, regional and national organizations supporting libraries, athletics, education and the arts.  His work over the years has enabled hundreds of students to attend the University and his legacy will continue for generations to come through these financial gifts.  

    Southern Nazarene University's mission is to transform lives through higher education in Christ-centered community. As a Christian community of scholars, we model the hospitality of grace, the pursuit of truth and the practice of discipleship, all within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, as we prepare graduates who THINK with clarity, ACT with integrity and SERVE with purpose.