Southeastern remembers Dr. Michael Travers

The community of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Southeastern joins with the wider Christian community in mourning the death of Michael Travers, who served Oklahoma Baptist University as associate provost, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, chair of the Division of Language and Literature and professor of English.

Travers was a vital part of Southeastern’s community where he served for several years as professor of English and associate vice president for institutional effectiveness. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Southeastern in 2013. 

In a statement given to OBU as part of their tribute to Travers, Southeastern President Danny Akin reflected on the impact that Travers made on the school and on him personally.

“Michael Travers was my colleague for many years at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. More than that, he is my brother and friend,” said Akin. “He was the quintessential Christian gentleman and scholar who pursued excellence in everything that he did. I will miss him greatly, but I rejoice in the hope that is ours in Christ that I will see him again.” Read the full OBU tribute here.

Provost Bruce Ashford said Travers was known as “an extraordinary classroom instructor, noted mentor of students, an impeccable and conscientious administrator and the consummate Christian gentleman.” 

“We are grateful for the life he lived, for his years of fruitful service, and for the example he was to us. With his passing, Southern Baptists have lost one of our best men. We have lost, but the heavenly city has gained,” Ashford said.

Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, will host a memorial service for Travers on Monday, March 6, at 10 a.m. The family requests donations to the Gideons International in lieu of flowers. To give, visit www2.gideons.org/donate.

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