Ten GEAR UP students from Pittsburg High School recently traveled to Shawnee, OK, to tour the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). Admissions Counselors Ashlynn Philpot and Namaan Henager greeted the students and gave a brief overview of college life and the advantages of attending a private university.
After the introduction, students took a walking tour of the campus, where they visited Shawnee Hall, Bailey Business Center, Noble Complex, and the Recreation and Wellness center. Students had the opportunity to explore Raley Chapel while the guides explained chapel attendance requirements and the benefits of a faith-based university.
The tour concluded in Thurmond Hall with a question and answer session with Philpot and Henager. They assisted students with the application process and presented information on specific programs available at OBU. They also discussed financial aid and the fast-track program where undergraduate students can begin graduate work during their senior year.
Before enjoying lunch in the Geiger Center, students were reminded to begin preparing for college now and to consider a private university as an option for post-secondary education.
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP program. Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant in 2017, and will serve more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.
