Front Page - Ohio Christian University | Follow Christ, Lead the Way

Festival of Carols

Ohio Christian University is proud to present A Festival of Carols: Love’s Pure Light, live and in-person! Come out and enjoy both classic and new holiday songs that lift the spirits during such a joyous time of the year. Tickets are free, but required. There are two performances: Saturday, December 2nd at 6:00pm with a prelude at 5:30pm, and Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00pm with a prelude at 2:30pm in the Ministry & Performing Arts Center on campus in Circleville, Ohio. "Love’s Pure Light", also the title of an Elaine Hagenberg masterpiece, is a beautiful highlighting of God’s love shown in the birth of His Son. Filled with our favorite Christmas Carols in beautiful arrangements, we will reflect on the Light of the world, Jesus. The Ohio Christian University Chorale, Circleville Choral Society, University Strings, and University Band will come together to celebrate God’s pure love and the light that Jesus brings. What an incredible night when our Savior was born; born out of God’s love for us!! Love’s Pure Light!To find out more and to order tickets, go to www.ohiochristian.edu/Christmas - you will find links there to choose which performance you would like to reserve your free tickets.

Michelle Blanton Elected Circleville Mayor

Ohio Christian University’s very own University Registrar, Michelle L. Blanton, has been named Circleville, Ohio’s newly elected Mayor. Michelle officially takes office on January 1st, 2024.While Michelle is serving as Ohio Christian University’s current Registrar, the influence that OCU has had on her life began at birth. Her family began taking her to Sedalia Church of Christ and Christian Union just after she was born. Mount of Praise Camp Meeting, now held on OCU’s campus through the Church of Christ and Christian Union, was a huge part of her childhood. It was this very camp that led Michelle to invite Jesus into her heart at the age of 8 years old. In the coming years, she also attended Kids Camp and Junior Youth Camp (JYC). These camps, through their leaders and counselors, also had a tremendous impact on Michelle’s life.Following high school graduation, Michelle began attending Ohio Christian University as a student. Originally thinking she was called to Youth Ministry (due to the significant impact that the CCCU camps had on her), she changed her major twice before completing her degree. During her time as a student, Michelle met her soon-to be husband. (And yes, they did walk around the circle and across the bridge at the front of campus.) In the spring of 2008, Michelle graduated from OCU with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.Just after graduation, Michelle began working full time at OCU. She is a long-time employee and has now been serving at OCU for 15 years in several departments including AGS Academic Advising and Admissions, Advancement, now the University Registrar’s Office. Since graduating from OCU, Michelle has been hard at work, not only in the City of Circleville, but also in Pickaway County, and the State of Ohio by serving on multiple boards. At home, she is the proud wife to Travis, and mom to her 3 children, Treyton, Mackenzie, and Elijah.Ohio Christian University is proud to have been a part of Michelle growing up to be who she is today. We look forward to seeing the ways that she will help the city of Circleville to grow, and the ways that OCU students will be able to connect and grow in this small Ohio town.

Pizza & Points

Ohio Christian University is hosting our annual Pizza and Points for youth groups and prospective students to cheer on the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers during the Men’s Basketball game against the Brescia University Bearcats on January 20th at 3pm. Check-in begins at 2:30pm.The free event includes admission to the game, free pizza, and face painting. In addition, our visitors will have a chance to shoot a half-court shot to win different prizes!The deadline to register is Thursday, January 18th! REGISTER A STUDENT/FAMILY REGISTER YOUTH GROUP Watch our video from a previous Pizza & Points:

OCU 75th Anniversary Event Photos

Ohio Christian University was pleased and excited to host many students, families, and friends at the recent 75th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 12, 2023.We had a delicious Bar-B-Q meal that was enjoyed by over 350 people, followed by a worshipful Praise Fest with C J Davis friends and family leading in worship, the OCU Chorale gave an uplifting message in songs and Dylan Coyle and the worship band completed the evening of praise. Dr. Mike Holbrook, Churches of Christ in Christian Union General Supt and OCU Board Chair presented our President, Dr. Ron Smith with a picture of the OCU campus and a sculpture of the Word of God with an open Bible and sword with an embossed plaque reading: “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” Hebrews 4:12.Proclamations and resolutions from state and county government officials were received and presented to Dr. Smith. Past OCU Presidents sent their greetings through letters and a video which guests enjoyed.Thank you for all who participated and enjoyed this milestone. May God be the Glory and His name be praised.See below for pictures of the event.

Scholarship Awards Banquet

On Thursday, October 5th, OCU’s Scholarship Awards Banquet for the 2023-2024 school year was held in the gymnasium of The Maxwell Center. This annual event provides an opportunity for the university to honor our scholarship recipients, and to thank our donors. It also affords scholarship donors/guardians to share a meal with their student recipients and make a personal connection to their investment.Two outstanding student recipients, (Lane Hufford and Olivia Bennett), and a distinguished alumnus (The Rev. Dr. Steve McGuire) spoke at the event, expressing thanks and telling how the scholarship program has enabled their lives to be impacted by the OCU experience and prepared them for a future of service.We also heard from Dr. Dione Bennett and the OCU Chorale who performed two numbers with the excellence we’ve come to expect from them.Many thanks to our donors, organizer Mrs. Kathleen Kehl, and all who worked behind the scenes to make this year’s banquet a success.