Oklahoma Baptist University conferred an honorary Doctor of Ministry upon Nick Garland during a special service November 10 at First Baptist Church in Broken Arrow.

The service was a celebration of Garland’s 33 years as the church’s senior pastor. He is retiring at the end of December.

Dr. Pat Taylor, OBU’s interim president, presented the honorary doctorate and was assisted by Dr. Susan DeWoody, provost, and Dr. Will Smallwood, senior vice president for advancement and university relations.

“Nick Garland has served faithfully as senior pastor at First Baptist Church Broken Arrow for more than 33 years,” Taylor said. “During this time, he has preached the Gospel, ministered to, and shepherded God’s people. He has led First Baptist Church Broken Arrow to be a global focus church in home and international missions, adopting the Acts 1:8 model as its vision. This has resulted in more than 200 members annually going on mission trips around the world.

“In honoring Nick Garland today, Oklahoma Baptist University is keeping faith with the high ideals we have set for granting such degrees. His life exemplifies high standards, excellence in achievement, and genuine concern for others.”

Prior to the conferring of the honorary doctorate, Smallwood presented Garland with the J.M. Carroll Award. The award is given in recognition of outstanding denominational service in the state of Oklahoma.

 It is named for Dr. J.M. Carroll, who served as OBU’s first president, helping establish the foundation upon which OBU’s tradition of excellence has been built.