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Qualifying students in Franklin & Pickaway County can save 50% off campus tuition  July 28, 2020

Qualifying students in Franklin & Pickaway County can save 50% off campus tuition 

How does it work?   Through a combination of Ohio Christian University scholarships and grants, 50% of each qualifying student's tuition will be covered with the Fall 2020 Commuter Scholarship. OCU also offers a  Payback Promise Loan Repayment Assistant Program.     Who qualifies?   New incoming students who live with their families in Franklin or Pickaway County within 30 miles from OCU's Circleville campus and will commute to classes. Students must be admitted and enroll as a full-time student in the  Campus Undergraduate Program  for the Fall 2020 Semester.    “OCU is seeking to aid local students from Pickaway and Franklin county who desire to attend college while staying close to home,” according to Alana Bradley, Director of Campus Undergraduate Admissions. “We want to ensure that commuter students have an economical opportunity to pursue Christian education without the additional stress of relocating for college.”    What's the next step?  Apply Submit Admission Requirements Visit    Questions?  Contact Admissions:  Call: 740-477-7701  Text: 740-495-6018  Email: enroll@ohiochristian.edu     

Refer-A-Friend Contest and Scholarship July 21, 2020

Refer-A-Friend Contest and Scholarship

The Ohio Christian University Community (Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Students, etc.) can refer a friend to OCU to win 1 of 10 $100 gift cards AND qualify their friend for a $500 Refer-A-Friend Scholarship!    Refer a recent high school graduate to attend OCU's Undergraduate Campus Program. Refer an adult student to attend OCU’s Adult Online Program.   How does it work? Send the person you are referring to the appropriate link above to fill out the form by August 15th. This will automatically qualify them for a $500 Refer-A-Friend Scholarship! When they enter your name as the person who referred them, you’ll be entered into a drawing for 1 of 10 $100 gift cards.   Rules/Conditions: If the person you refer is already in our system, you will earn 1 entry into the drawing. If not, you will earn 5 entries. If the person you refer is already signed up for an Orientation Day or registered for classes, they do not qualify to enter you into the drawing for the Refer-A-Friend Scholarship.

President's Report for 2020 Released July 17, 2020

President's Report for 2020 Released

Ohio Christian University President, Jon S. Kulaga, has released his annual report. To see some of the highlights of the 2019-2020 academic year, visit the President's page, and open the report link. Or click here to be taken directly to the report.

Incoming Campus Students Attend Summer Orientation July 13, 2020

Incoming Campus Students Attend Summer Orientation

On July 10th, Ohio Christian University welcomed 62 incoming students to campus for the first Orientation Day of the summer. Orientation Days are for incoming students to the Undergraduate Campus Program to register for classes and prepare for their first semester on campus. OCU had several COVID-19 procedures in place including taking temperatures, requiring masks, social distancing guidelines, and hand sanitizing stations to help ensure the safety of everyone on campus. OCU President Dr. Jon S. Kulaga welcomed the students and encouraged them to be part of God’s story. Students and their guests heard from various departments including Student Development, Financial Aid, Academic Services and Athletics. Parents attended a Parent Information Session while incoming students got to know some of their future classmates. Students were then guided to various locations to register for classes with their Academic Advisor, meet with Financial Aid, receive their OCU technology information, get their picture taken for their Student I.D., and learn about campus employment opportunities. At the end of the day, students could take another look at their dorm to help plan for living on campus. Why are incoming students choosing OCU? “Ohio Christian University will be an amazing university for me to continue the next chapter of my life as I strive to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, as well as being a member of the Men’s Basketball Team, all while being in an environment that will help me grow in my relationship with Christ!” – Jayden Akers “The environment and the wonderful values that the school has. I have never felt more excited to be going to a college before and Ohio Christian University really made me excited about enrolling in the music program.” – Isaac Allmon “I am excited to play softball and earn a degree in education, but I’m even more excited to become closer with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Kylee Bako “I am choosing OCU because it has the best option for the major I am going for (Worship Leadership/Christian Ministries). It has a beautiful campus, friendly/family vibes, and most importantly values my growth and relationship with God. Finding the right school has been hard in the past, but when I started to learn about OCU, I realized it was a the best fit for my needs in order to grow not only my education, but spiritually. I am so excited to pursue my calling and passions through Ohio Christian University!” – Grace Betts For incoming students who still need to attend Orientation, OCU will be having a Virtual Orientation Day on July 17th and another on-campus Orientation Day on July 24th.  Register for Orientation or Apply for Admission

Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory July 4, 2020

Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory

Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly man and raised him and his brother Millard to follow Christ no matter how hard the situation. On August 25, 1942, Maxwell married his wife, Laura. They had three children together: Lawrence (Larry), John, and Patricia. Despite an often-busy schedule, Maxwell always made a point to have a family mealtime with his wife and children. Taking a cue from his father, Maxwell was dedicated to teaching his children about Christ, faithfully leading his family's daily devotion time. He also invested heavily in his children's education and ensured they gained experiences outside of the church. In 1964 Melvin Maxwell was elected the sixth president of Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University) and served until 1980. Prior to serving as president, he was a pastor, church planter and district superintendent with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. During his sixteen-year tenure, Maxwell initiated and oversaw the college's rapid growth, beginning with the construction of a new administration and academic building in 1966 on a new 40-acre campus on Route 22, east of Circleville, which is Ohio Christian's current home. During the next three years, he supervised the construction of York Hall, the Campus Church (named Detty Chapel), Johnson Hall, Moore Hall, and the Campus Center. In 1970, the American Association of Bible Colleges granted the College applicant status and in 1976 full accreditation. In 1967, student enrollment grew to 150, and by 1978 it had reached 200. By 1980, enrollment had grown to 250. This dramatic increase in enrollment allowed Maxwell to eliminate the college's debt. Maxwell's success in leadership and effectiveness in growing the university was rooted in his strong faith in God and a keen eye for others' giftedness. Retired Ohio Christian University Religion Professor Joe Brown recalled that "Dr. Maxwell loved students and saw potential in a wide range of them. He understood how God uses gifts and talents of each individual for His purposes and glory. He applauded the potential of academically gifted students, as well as affirmed those who were not always at the top of their class. He recognized the Creator wraps up potential in all of His children and was careful not to overlook every student's possibilities." Maxwell and his family had great affection for the community of Circleville and fell in love with the college. He cared deeply for his students and was remembered by many he served as a compassionate leader and a man of prayer.  Janette Post '77 said, "The greatest thing I will always remember about Reverend Maxwell was his heart for prayer – and the power in which he would pray. Every morning during school, you could walk by his office and hear him calling out to the Lord, interceding on behalf of students." Others remembered Maxwell for his commitment to quality education and mentorship. Before his passing, Stan Toler '73 reflected, "Dr. Maxwell knew the importance of a practical education – one that included more than memorizing facts. The education he espoused combined earthly knowledge, biblical knowledge, and heavenly anointing to make a difference for Christ in the trenches of life. He is the most exuberant and enthusiastic person I have ever met. I always had a better day when I heard his booming voice calling me with a positive word for my life." Maxwell's presidency was filled with challenges and triumphs. However, three accomplishments stand out as part of his legacy: First, through his vision of what a Bible college should be, he led the school in self-studies that resulted in its full accreditation with the American Association of Bible Colleges. Second, keenly interested in connecting the college to the Circleville community, he promoted the need for a library building and sought community support to build it. Inspired by his enthusiasm, the community gave thousands towards this capital project. Today, the Melvin and Laura Maxwell Library sits at the center of the university's beautiful campus. Third, Maxwell recognized the importance of faculty with advanced higher education. Today's faculty all hold master's or doctorate degrees and are the foundation of the university's academic excellence. In 1980, Maxwell stepped down from the presidency and joined the advancement department for World Gospel Mission in Marion, Indiana, serving there for a number of years. After suffering a heart attack in 1985, he retired to central Florida. However, always being one to see opportunities for ministry wherever he went, soon established a successful ministry and chaplaincy for residents of mobile home parks near Winter Haven, Florida. Even after the passing of his wife Laura in 2009, he remained a dedicated evangelist, continuing his ministry into his 90's.  While we mourn the passing of such a great man of God, we celebrate the fruits of his decades of labor as a faithful minister and leader in Christ. It is with great joy that we consider that he is now with Christ receiving the accolade, "well done, my good and faithful servant." Dr. Jon Kulaga, Ohio Christian University President, said this of Dr. Maxwell, “When I arrived in the summer of 2017, as the new president of Ohio Christian University, one of the first visits I was told I “had to make” was to see Dr. Maxwell.  He was spoken of with such reverence and deep appreciation that I couldn’t wait to meet him.  When I visited him in Winter Haven, FL a few weeks later, the first thing he told me was that he was praying for me and OCU.   I came away from that time of conversation and prayer with a great appreciation for the depth of his love for God, and for the university. And why he is referred to as a “Leader of Leaders” on our campus.” In closing, we would like to share one final story of Maxwell's faithfulness. Mike Holbrook '78, General Superintendent of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union, recalled this encounter with Maxwell: "I heard him praying in his office. When he opened the door, I entered and told him I wanted to let him know how much I loved and appreciated him. As we were talking, I asked when he had come to his office that day. He said he had come in a couple of hours earlier to pray. As we shared, I realized that he had been to every building on campus and had prayed at each for every past, present, and future student. He had tears in his eyes as he shared how he prayed for the CBC family. After our conversation, he stepped out. I took the liberty of going into his office to look where he had been kneeling. I was moved to tears as I saw two worn-out holes in the carpet where he knelt. I realized the impact he had on my life, and I knew what truly made him a great man – a powerful man of God."   Melvin Maxwell President of Circleville Bible College 1964-1980   *Information and quotations are taken from "Melvin M. Maxwell: A Tribute" (2012).


  • Qualifying students in Franklin & Pickaway County can save 50% off campus tuition 


  • Refer-A-Friend Contest and Scholarship


  • President's Report for 2020 Released


  • Incoming Campus Students Attend Summer Orientation


  • Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory

2020 Lady Trailblazer Softball Camp A Success August 7, 2020

2020 Lady Trailblazer Softball Camp A Success

CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Perfect weather and a great turnout headlined Ohio Christian University's 2020 Softball Camp, led by the coaching staff and players for the Lady Trailblazers. Overall, the camp saw 43 girls attend from all over the country. Taking place over two days, the camp focused on skill development on day one, including instruction and feedback on hitting, bunting, pitching, and defensive technique. Campers had the opportunity to learn from OCU's student-athletes with hands on instruction while also developing relationships with other players. "Overall, it was a phenomenal camp and it could not have gone better," said Head Coach Jackie Huff. "We didn't have any hiccups, and the athletes worked well with the COVID-19 procedures we had put in place to ensure a safe environment. We also had a few alumni come back to work the camp and having the extra hands helped tremulously! We had a camper of the day on Friday: Chandler Hayes from Circleville High School." Following the first day of camp, the girls returned on Saturday for a mini-tournament featuring four teams of campers and one outside travel team, the Ohio Hawks. For more on the Lady Trailblazer Softball Program and the rest of Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers) 

RIVER STATES CONFERENCE FALL SPORTS UPDATE (AUG. 5, 2020) August 6, 2020

RIVER STATES CONFERENCE FALL SPORTS UPDATE (AUG. 5, 2020)

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The River States Conference released a statement on August 5, 2020, regarding return to play for this Fall. Please see below for the full press release. 

Fall Athlete Move In Set For Saturday, August 8th August 3, 2020

Fall Athlete Move In Set For Saturday, August 8th

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Following almost five months of an empty campus, Ohio Christian University is prepared to welcome back it's fall student athletes this Saturday, August 8th, to kick off the 2020-21 year. Below is a schedule of the day's activities as well as key information as it relates to how OCU will be prepared to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Each team will have a designated time for arrival, as listed below. Please adhere to the schedule so that we can welcome our 2020-21 student athletes back to campus safely and efficiently. Upon arrival, please enter through the main Maxwell Center doors where you will be greeted and begin the check in process. While checking in, the bookstore will be open for parents and students to stock up on Trailblazer gear for the coming year, as well as a Pitabilities food truck on site from 12 PM to 5 PM.  Saturday, August 8th12:00 PM – Women's Soccer Move In1:00 PM – Men's Cross Country Check In2:00 – Women's Cross Country Check In3:00 – Men' Soccer Check In4:00 – Women's Volleyball Check In7:00 – Mandatory All Athlete Meeting in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center (MPAC) In order to abide by state and local authorities, safety precautions will be put in place during the check-in process, including social distancing, masks, and hand sanitization available for everyone. For more on Ohio Christian University Athletics, follow us on Twitter (@OCUTrailblazers), Facebook (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers), and Youtube (Ohio Christian University Trailblazers)

NAIA UPDATE (JULY 28): FALL 2020 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS POSTPONED July 29, 2020

NAIA UPDATE (JULY 28): FALL 2020 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS POSTPONED

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - On Tuesday, July 28th, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) provided an update on the status of Fall 2020 National Championship Events. The full press release from the National Office can be found below. Please stay tuned for further updates from the NAIA, River States Conference (RSC), and Ohio Christian University.

2020 Volleyball Preview: Experienced Senior Class Ready To Lead Young Core July 20, 2020

2020 Volleyball Preview: Experienced Senior Class Ready To Lead Young Core

CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Coming off the squad's first year under new head coach Rachael Bailes, the Lady Trailblazers Volleyball program is set to grow to new heights in 2020. Powered by an experienced senior core of Dakotah Zaph, Brooke Mazzocca, and Autumn Paugh, the team will welcome in a large freshman class ready to make an impact. 


  • 2020 Lady Trailblazer Softball Camp A Success


  • RIVER STATES CONFERENCE FALL SPORTS UPDATE (AUG. 5, 2020)


  • Fall Athlete Move In Set For Saturday, August 8th


  • NAIA UPDATE (JULY 28): FALL 2020 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS POSTPONED


  • 2020 Volleyball Preview: Experienced Senior Class Ready To Lead Young Core

Explore Academic and Athletics News

“One of the best things about OCU is the professors. They not only care about your growth educationally, but they also want to see you grow spiritually.”
- Alex McCrary ‘18

“I enrolled in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) because it is attuned to helping working adults achieve their career goals.”
- Sharon Sharpe ‘18

“I got to know so many amazing people through Ohio Christian University.”
- Crystal Bethel ‘21

“The courses are useful and beneficial. Taking these courses hasn’t seemed like work.”
- Victoria Litteral ‘19

“I graduated college early because of the Trailblazer Academy! The atmosphere, courses, and people were all amazing and truly prepared me for college life.”
- Sarah Dorsett ‘18

“The school’s spiritual focus had a powerful positive impact, supported by fellowship with students. I was growing in God’s Word and was ministering, combining interests in ministry and athletics.”
- Mike Holbrook ‘78

“The Christ-centered focus here creates a supportive environment that encourages students to do the best they can.”
- Quentin Detillion '20

“OCU has taught me to take chances. Through Christ, we can do anything, even the seemingly impossible.”
- Clarissa Crowley ‘19

About Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. OCU offers degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, adult and Online student. The Trailblazer Academy allows high school students to complete college classes. All programs are designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and the world.