OBU trustees approve faculty contracts, discuss upcoming academic reorganization The Shawnee News-Star The Oklahoma Baptist University Board of Trustees gathered for the spring semester meeting Friday, March 5, on the OBU campus in Shawnee. Trustees approved recommendations for senior faculty status and faculty contracts and continued their review of academic reorganization plans for 2021-22. Trustee meeting dates for 2022 were approved following a recommendation from the executive committee chaired by Shawnee businessman Sam Garlow. They are March 3-4, 2022; May 5-6, 2022; and Nov. 3-4, 2022. From the academic services committee, chaired by Dr. Eric Costanzo, senior pastor, South Tulsa Baptist Church, the Board of Trustees approved the recommendation for senior faculty status for Dr. Jonathan Callis, assistant professor of English. Recommendations are made based on evaluations from senior faculty, the academic unit, and the deans, in the areas of teaching effectiveness, professional development, service to the university, and Christian commitment and service as defined in the faculty handbook.