Follow Christ, Lead the Way
Academic Programs
Vibrant and
caring community.
campus
Achievable
on your time.
online
Virtual Classes
Plus Optional Experiences
onlineplus
About Ohio Christian University
We are committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. We achieve this by providing accredited degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, adult, and online students. In addition, our Trailblazer Academy allows high school students to complete college classes. All of our programs are designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and the world.
Ohio Christian University Names Interim President
The Ohio Christian University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that they have selected and appointed Dr. Ron Smith as Interim President. Smith brings decades of experience in Christian higher education to the post. He will begin serving the university Monday August 8th. Smith has had a burden for mentoring Christian higher education students, and for years hosted weekly meetings for spiritual growth and study with college and seminary students in his family home. In addition, Smith has served the local church as a youth pastor, associate pastor, senior pastor, and church planter. He is an ordained deacon and elder in the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1982. Currently, he serves as president of the Francis Asbury Society. Smith served The Francis Asbury Society from 1993–1998 as a Fellow and for two years as Executive Director. In 1998, he was elected as the fifth president of Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, MS, where he served for thirteen years. Upon retiring from the presidency, Smith rejoined The Francis Asbury Society in January of 2011, serving as Executive Director, as President, then as a speaker, a Board member, and in 2020 as President again. Smith’s testimony and credentials led the board to a unanimous vote to appoint him as Interim President. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ron Smith to our community. We look forward to his leadership during this time of transition at the university. Located in Circleville, Ohio, 30 miles south of Columbus, Ohio Christian University is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution that integrates faith and learning, preparing students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic education with a Christian worldview in the Wesleyan tradition.
Announcing Upcoming Theater Productions
The Ohio Christian University Drama Team and Performing Arts Committee are excited to announce the Fall 2022 play production of Peter Pan and the Spring 2023 musical production of Aida. This comes on the heels of the successful spring production, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. On Nov. 4th and 5th, relive the childhood classic of Peter Pan with a trip to Neverland where Peter and Wendy navigate the thrills and dangers of fighting pirates, appeasing Tinkerbell, rallying the Lost Boys and avoiding adulthood. Peter must avoid the clutches of the infamous Captain Hook and find a way to return Wendy home. On March 31st and April 1st, experience the timeless love story of Aida. An enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that she faces as the leader of her people. Auditions are open to all current students of any cohort, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of OCU! Please visit www.ohiochristian.edu/dramateam for more details!
Ohio Christian University Welcomes Vice President of Academic Affairs
[Circleville, OH] Ohio Christian University (OCU) is pleased to announce that Donald Tucker, Ed. D, has been appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs and will be overseeing faculty, curriculum, and university accreditations. He started in his new position Monday, July 11th. Tucker brings a wealth of experience in higher education, having served as chief academic officer (CAO) of three universities prior to accepting the position at OCU. In addition to his experience as CAO, Tucker has served as a consultant to over 50 colleges and universities, including large public, elite privates, and small specialized institutions in addition to consulting on governance issues to non-profit religious organizations. Of the opportunities that lie ahead, Tucker said, “Having spent the majority of my career in CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities), Ohio Christian University’s focus on the integration of faith and learning in a rigorous academic environment resonates with my own commitments and sense of calling.” Tucker earned his undergraduate degree from Trinity Bible College, he holds M.Div. and M.A. degrees from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, his Doctor of Education from University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate in Management and Leadership in Education from Harvard University. When asked about Tucker, Matt Hunnell, Vice President of Advancement & Marketing Communications, said, “We are blessed to have Don join us in mission here at Ohio Christian. His wealth of experience and knowledge will most certainly have an impact on our faculty, students, and the future of our university.” Located in Circleville, Ohio, 30 miles south of Columbus, Ohio Christian University is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution that integrates faith and learning, preparing students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic education with a Christian worldview in the Wesleyan tradition.
Volleyball Team Awarded RSC Women's Team of Character
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- The Ohio Christian University (OCU) volleyball team was selected as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) River States Conference (RSC) Women's Team of Character Award winner for 2021-22. The Trailblazers' volleyball team was chosen after a vote from the RSC Champions of Character Committee. The RSC Team of Character awards honor one men's and one women's team each year for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community. Teams are selected by demonstrating the NAIA's five core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. The award is patterned after the national team of character award presented by the NAIA. "I could not be more proud of my team," said Ally Coyle, OCU head volleyball coach. "They all chose to buy into our core values this past year, and they truly were an amazing examples of how to love, serve and encourage others." The Trailblazers were involved in multiple community service projects during the 2021-22 academic year. The team participated in a service project each month of the year. Each project embodied the NAIA five core character values but with an added emphasis for servant leadership toward the campus as well as toward the community. In October of 2021, OCU volleyball hosted a "Yellow-Out" game in support of Mason Roese, a cancer patient from the local Circleville area. The event brought in over $2,000 in support of Mason and raised awareness for Ewing's Sarcoma. Sadly, Roese passed away Nov. 29, 2021. The team is planning another game in his honor this coming year.
Ohio Christian University Celebrates 72nd Commencement
This article is reprinted with permission from the May 9th issue of the Circleville Herald. To view the article on The Herald web page click here CIRCLEVILLE —Ohio Christian University held its 72nd commencement ceremony to honor those 401 Trailblazers who earned their diplomas on Saturday at the Ministry and Performing Arts Center. Naming each graduation class is a unique tradition for OCU with this year’s class being called “The Proclaimers” — a name inspired by a Bible verse that comes from Luke 4:18-19, which says: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Along with naming the class, these scholars receive a Bible verse from which their name, identity and the logo come from. Ruth Edmonds and Kelly Kullberg served as the commencement speakers. As Director of Christian Engagement at the Center for Christian Virtue, Edmonds congratulated graduates in a ceremony dedicated to adult learners along with those hardworking students who earned online and master’s degrees. Echoing Scripture from the Book of Corinthians, Edmonds spoke of the importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ. “I say to you graduates, eyes have not seen, ears have not heard nor has it entered into the hearts of man what God has in store for those who love Christ,” she said to loud applause. “And I hope you love Him because I do.” Applying a Biblical reference from the Book of Matthew, Edmonds said to be a follower of Christ, one must not be afraid to step out of the boat to walk on water so as go “boldly where you’ve never gone before.” “I want to congratulate you on your academic excellence and successful student orientation,” said Edmonds, who serves on the Board of Trustees for the J. Jireh Development Corporation, a faith-based inner city ministry to benefit youth and homeless men. “You got out of the boat and you walk on water. I want to challenge you to set your head by Flint and focus leadership in a Christ centered way, because you are about to board another new boat and head out to water. Again, I want to charge you to remain biblically worldview based and ministry motivated all the rest of your days because this Christian life will forever present thresholds of getting out of the boat and walking on water.” Edmonds encouraged graduates to remain strong, steadfast against darkness. “There’s no time to get nauseated or sick of the wind and the waves of life,” said Edmonds, an ordained minister. ‘We must be strong and of a good courage and pursuing the call when our lives and the war against darkness. Now, the first trial part you’ve accomplished — you’re here and it’s graduation day, but in the days to come, the degree to which you embrace the challenge of leadership and the Christ centeredness, and be true to the charge of remaining biblical worldview based and ministry motivated will testify to the value you place on your own destiny.” As chaplain with the Harvard Graduate School of Christian Fellowship, Kullberg established the Veritas Forum. Veritas means “truth” and Kullberg envisioned the Forum as a place for students to raise and explore their hardest questions in relation to the person and worldview of Christ for whom Harvard College was originally founded. Kullberg addressed traditional graduates who earned associates and bachelor’s degrees. “You are going forth, comencing, into your future in an epic time of American history,” she said. “You have the opportunity to be a leading light into a hurting and confused world.” OCU is a private Christian college in Circleville, Ohio. The school is denominationally affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union.
-
Ohio Christian University Names Interim President
-
Announcing Upcoming Theater Productions
-
Ohio Christian University Welcomes Vice President of Academic Affairs
-
Volleyball Team Awarded RSC Women's Team of Character
-
Ohio Christian University Celebrates 72nd Commencement
Explore Academic and Athletics News
news
Ohio Christian University Names Interim President - Published: August 5, 2022 Announcing Upcoming Theater Productions - Published: July 21, 2022 Ohio Christian University Welcomes Vice President of Academic Affairs - Published: July 15, 2022 Volleyball Team Awarded RSC Women's Team of Character - Published: July 11, 2022 Ohio Christian University Celebrates 72nd Commencement - Published: May 13, 2022
