William G. Tanner

William G. Tanner (10 March 1930 – 10 June 2007) was a Southern Baptist pastor, educator, administrator, and denominational leader.

He was married to Ellen Yates Tanner. They had four children: William Tanner, Jr., Keith Tanner, Mark Kyle Tanner, and Kimberly Salter.

Education

• Bryan High School, Bryan, Texas, 1947
• English and Religion, Baylor University, 1951
• Master's of Administration, University of Houston, 1953
• Doctorate in Administration and Guidance, University of Houston, 1956.
• Bachelor of Divinity, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1958
• Doctor of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1967

OBU President

During Tanner's presidency, Oklahoma Baptist University's enrollment grew from less than 1,600 to a university record of 1,818 in 1975. The University's budget grew from $3.6 million to $5.2 million. He also oversaw the Mabee Learning Center capital project garner $1.8 million in gifts and contributions. He resigned as president of OBU to become president of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (now the North American Mission Board).