FaithSearch Partners is pleased to announce that Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) has named Julie Paul as Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni, effective October 6. Located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, OBU serves more than 1,500 students on a 200-acre campus. Under President Dr. Heath A. Thomas‘s leadership, the university is achieving record giving through the Shape the Future Campaign while breaking ground on new facilities and expanding high-demand academic programs.
“We are thrilled that Julie is returning to her alma mater, Oklahoma Baptist University,” said Kimberly Wiedefeld, Vice President at FaithSearch Partners. “Julie is joining OBU at a transformative time. Julie will strengthen the university’s existing foundation while introducing bold ideas and fresh momentum to drive its mission forward.”
Julie brings over two decades of leadership in advancement, higher education, business, and nonprofit development. She has a strong track record of transforming fundraising performance by aligning donor strategy with institutional priorities and building sustainable revenue systems. Most recently, she served as Chief Advancement Officer at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
Paul graduated from OBU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications. She is pursuing a master’s degree in classical studies at Southeastern University. She is expected to earn the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2026.
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is a premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, ministries, and faith-oriented businesses. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Durango, Redding, and Rochester, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions.
