Former Oklahoma Baptist University President Bob R. Agee Dies At Age 87-years After A Life Of Faith And Christian Service
A longtime Baptist educator, pastor, author and former president of Oklahoma Baptist University, Dr. Bob R. Agee has reportedly died at the age of 87.
87-years-old Agee reportedly died Saturday, September 26, 2026, a historical death, because it just four days to his 88th birthday. Oklahoma Baptist University further announced his death and remembered him as a leader whose influence helped shape the structure of the university for generations. Agee served as OBU’s 13th president from 1982 until 1998 and was later named president emeritus.
According to his bio records, during his 16-year presidency, OBU experienced a major period of growth. The university enrollment said to have increased by more than 70 percent, while the university expanded its campus, strengthened its endowment and gained greater national wide recognition. Also, three major capital campaigns during his lead and administration helped fund new buildings, renovations, scholarships and academic positions.
Reports also state that, several prominent facilities were completed and dedicated during Agee’s presidency, including the W.P. Wood Science Building, Sarkeys Telecommunication Building, Jent Alumni Center, Williamson Nursing Education Center, Bailey Business Center and Doris and Jim Taylor Residence Center.
Agee also helped in expanding OBU’s international reach. Under his leadership and management, the university developed programs connected with China, Russia and Brazil while continuously increasing opportunities for students to participate in missions including international studies. OBU also received its first recognition from the U.S. News & World Report in 1985 and maintained a presence among the publication’s recognized liberal arts colleges in the western region during the 1990s.
OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas described Agee’s legacy as deeply connected to the university’s story. Thomas said Agee loved OBU and its students and, above all, loved Christ and devoted his life to serving Him. He also highlighted Agee’s conviction that academic excellence and faithful Christian discipleship belonged together.
Agee’s career in Christian higher education began long before his arrival at OBU. A native of West Tennessee, he graduated with honors from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1960 with a degree in history and religion. He later earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. He also received honorary doctorates from California Baptist University and Oklahoma Baptist University.
Before becoming OBU president, Agee served as a pastor in Tennessee and Kentucky and held leadership positions at Union University, including vice president for religious affairs and special assistant to the president for institutional planning.
After leaving OBU, Agee continued serving Christian higher education. He spent nine years as executive director of the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools, which later became the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. He was also involved with the Consortium for Global Education.
Agee was recognized for his contributions to education and athletics. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 1999 and Union University’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. As a student at Union, he earned eight athletic letters in cross country, track and tennis and helped lead the university’s cross-country teams to four conference championships.
His Christian convictions remained central throughout his career. David Dockery remembered Agee as “always a preacher and churchman at heart” and said he loved proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dockery also recalled Agee’s influence across Baptist higher education and his ability to work constructively with people from different parts of Baptist life.
Agee was also an author whose works included Faithful Learning and the Christian Scholarly Vocation, The Reason for the Season and his memoir, An Unlikely Story: Memories and Reflections on Life’s Journey.
Agee was married to Nelle Hulme, whom he married while they were students at Union University. Their marriage lasted 62 years before Nelle died in 2020. They had two children and four grandchildren. Nelle also served as an assistant professor of education at OBU. The university later honored the couple through the Bob R. and Nelle H. Agee Residence Center and scholarships supporting international study, missions and leadership.
Agee remained connected to OBU after his presidency, including returning to campus for university events and delivering the Founder’s Day chapel address in 2020. In 2022, he was inducted into Union University’s Bicentennial Hall of Honor.
Memorial service details had not been announced in the reports available as of September 29, 2026. OBU said additional information would be shared when available.
