He proposed that the Baptists work with Native Americans in the area, who might be willing to sell some of their land in order to create a college.

After discussions with Native American leaders—who were amenable to the idea— the parties agreed that 20,000 acres of land would be set aside for the express purpose of constructing a college.

On August 20, 1862, the first board of trustees (made up of four Native Americans and two white Baptists) met and decided to purchase 5,000 acres of the aforementioned land so as to establish a campus.

In addition to the residential locations, OU has adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; and Brookfield, Wisconsin, as well as online.

[8] The music department holds a number of concerts throughout the year, both on campus and in local venues, that are free and open to the Ottawa, Kansas, and surrounding communities.

Ottawa University is the Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Delta,[9] the national speech and debate honorary.

The Braves also previously competed as a founding member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) from its inception in 1971–72 to 1981–82.

Ottawa competes in 33 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams:[10] Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cross country, flag football, golf, lacrosse, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stunt, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling.

They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the West Region of the Division I level.

The school offers drama, music, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, campus ministry opportunities, and other activities.