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Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) has made it three weeks so far on campus with in-person instruction this spring semester as they continue to follow through with coronavirus protocols.

OKWU President Dr. Jim Dunn said they still require students to wear masks and watch their physical distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. He said they're trying to keep everything as normal as possible in the chaos caused by the effects of the pandemic.

The university is still planning a regularly scheduled Spring Break in mid-March as well as an Easter Break around the first part of April. Dr. Dunn said they're still hoping to hold a spring commencement ceremony on Mother's Day weekend, May 7th and 8th.

Dunn said OKWU has different procedures in place if someone contracts the virus. If a student(s) contract the virus, Dunn said the university will have meals delivered to them, and they've ensured that all of their classes could be accessed remotely. He said they're doing everything that they can to get everyone through what has been a challenging season.

OKWU, like everyone else, was thrust into the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March without any idea how the next year would truly pan out. At the onset of the pandemic, Dunn, told the campus community that they would be back to normal and ready to go by Easter. Now fast forward almost 12 months later, and Dunn said they've navigated well under the circumstances and challenges COVID-19 and the world threw at them. He said they give a lot of praise and thanks to God for giving them wisdom and for helping them to avoid some catastrophes.

Students and staff alike have worked well together to get through a time that has been wearisome for everyone. Dunn said everyone is ready for this to end. He said they're ready for a new day.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University also grew in enrollment when it came to traditional on-campus courses in the fall of 2020 during the middle of the pandemic. Dunn said he saw in one survey where only 15-percent of universities across North America grew last fall. He said OKWU was one of those schools in the top 15-percent.

Dr. Dunn said they've had a solid entry into the spring semester as well. He said their retention has been good and people have been excited about being back on campus.

Dunn, who is wrapping up his second year at OKWU, said they're working on all sorts of efficiencies and developing new programs. Dunn added that the university just had a visit this week with the Higher Learning Commission for a proposed program called a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. He said they hope to offer the program soon, but they have to wait for approval first.

There is also a proposal for a Doctorate of Business Administration that OKWU is seeking approval for by the Higher Learning Commission. Dunn said there are good days to grow and do what they do at Oklahoma Wesleyan. He said their primary goal, however, is that they exist to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through education and co-curricular activities.

Dunn said the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program would be the first doctoral level program in Oklahoma Wesleyan University's history if it receives approval. He said OKWU was established in 1905.

If you are students that's looking for a great place to be well-equipped and receive an education in Christian mission, Dunn said they'd love for you to come to Oklahoma Wesleyan. He said they have over 50 majors to you to choose from.