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December 1, 2020
Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News
U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Ohio Christian University (OCU) as the #1 Top Performer on Social Mobility in the Regional Universities Midwest category. The social mobility indicator measures how successfully colleges graduate economically disadvantaged students who receive need-based federal Pell Grants. According to U.S. News, “Economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college. Some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Students receiving these grants typically come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually, though most Pell Grant money goes to students with a total family income below $20,000.” Provost Dr. Bradford Sample explains that OCU has aimed to continually improve the student experience. “We have worked diligently to expand academic support, improve the online and onsite classroom environments, hire diverse instructors, restructure for improved service, and increase academic rigor,” said Sample. “Although we want to assist all students, we’ve taken care to especially focus on activities that would help first-generation students, economically disadvantaged students, and second-chance students returning to college.” In addition to academic support, students receive quality financial aid guidance as well. “We work hard to counsel and provide every student with all the financial resources at their disposal,” explains Director of Financial Aid Brandon Ritchey. “We strive to keep OCU affordable for students from any economic background.” OCU even offers Payback Promise Loan Repayment Assistance to qualified students. OCU students can study entirely online, onsite or a combination to meet their needs. Submit our free Fast Application to get started. The U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings are released yearly and analyze U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 measures of academic quality. Click here to see Ohio Christian University’s ranking.
November 13, 2020
29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students
Ohio Christian University’s 29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament occurred on Friday, October 2nd at the Pickaway Golf Course. Twenty-five four-person teams enjoyed a round of golf raising over $30,000 to fund scholarships for current students. These OCU Scholarships are awarded to current campus students each spring at the Annual Scholarship Banquet. "The golf tournament is one our major fund-raising events for student scholarships,” explained OCU President Dr. Jon Kulaga. “The engagement and generosity of each of the golfers is critical to our ability to assist OCU students with financial needs as they seek to acquire a Christ-centered, Biblically-based education.” Eighteen OCU alumni attended, including 2013 graduate Chris Thompson. “It’s just a great time when you can come and raise money for a good cause,” Thompson said. “Plus, you get to have fun doing it. I enjoy getting out there with alumni of OCU. We laugh, talk about old times, and compete hard to win the prizes.” 1st Place went to the Wint Financial Services Team consisting of Team Leader David Wint, Ty Pell, Chad Wilson and OCU’s Mark Taylor. The Proshield Team, made up of Team Leader Tim Stonerock, Brian Chaney, Gary Young and OCU Golf Coach Brent Martin earned 2nd Place. Neil Uhrig’s team, including Jason Uhrig, Kyle Uhrig and Jerry Mowery, took 3rd Place. Neil is a recently retired member of The Guardians gospel quartet. 2011 graduate Joshua McGrady explained it is important for him to support the Scholarship Golf Tournament because of his experience at OCU. “My time at OCU was so valuable to me. Being able to play four different sports during my time there and the lifelong friends I made because of it are something I can’t put time or a dollar amount to. Being able to reunite and enjoy a day with some of those friends is a highlight of the year for me.” The continuing generosity, camaraderie and goodwill of this tournament’s sponsors and donors is greatly appreciated. OCU would like to extend a special thanks to: All sponsors (to see list, click on pdf below) Corporate Sponsor, Prasco Laboratories Abby Huggins, Manager of the Pickaway Golf Course, for her excellent assistance. Gary Burns, Owner of Circleville Buffalo Wild Wings, for providing a delicious lunch. Kyle Miller of the Arington Foundation for his assistance before, during and after the event. The 30th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on June 19, 2021 at the Pickaway Golf Course in Circleville, Ohio. Learn more about how to support Ohio Christian University. 5x7 Sponsor Sheet.pdf (.pdf size: 296.69 KB)
November 2, 2020
An Election Message from President Kulaga
Last week, Dr. Jon Kulaga, President of Ohio Christian University, sent an email to all faculty, staff, and students regarding the upcoming election. We thought it fitting to share his thoughts today with you, the public. We are so thankful to have this wise man at the helm of the university and hope you are as challenged by his words as we, the university family, were. Dear All, Next week we will be entering another national General Election that will determine who will be the next President of the United States for the next four years. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 is voting day – so be sure to vote and let your voice be heard. It’s a great privilege many citizens of other countries do not enjoy. I am writing because, as you may have noticed, the rhetoric leading up to this year’s election has been divisive and toxic. Both sides can take credit for adding to that evaluation. Friends, and even family members, have been divided by something as secondary to our Christian identity – as who we will be voting for. No doubt, our nation will remain divided long after November 3rd comes and goes – no matter who gets to live in the big White House come January 2021. And that divisive attitude is our potential as well, at Ohio Christian University. But it need not be our destiny. Christian author Philip Yancey has observed that almost all the crimes committed in Christian history have come about when religion is confused and intertwined with politics. Probably because most of the time, politics runs by rules of ungrace – and there is an allure and temptation to trade grace for power. And, we, as fallen creatures, can also be tempted to give in to that temptation. But we need not. Next week our Chapel time on Monday, November 2, 2020 - will be a time of guided prayer (no speakers) – to reflect and to pray for all our local, state and national leaders. And our country. We will also want to pray for friends who have surrendered their primary identity in Christ, for a secondary identity in politics, for they will suffer great emotional distress over the election’s results. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – will be the day to cast your vote. On Wednesday, November 4, 2020 – our Chapel time will once again be a time of guided prayer. To once again, pray for our local, state and national healing. Post-election Day. Our destiny is not to be a campus divided by politics – but a community united by grace. So, let’s lean into next week – together – and walk as a community of grace. And let’s be a LIGHT to a dark world. And SALT, to a culture that has lost its taste. Praying with, and for, you all, Jon S. Kulaga, Ph.D. President
October 30, 2020
Music Department Revamps Music Education Degree
The Ohio Christian University Music Department is pleased to announce that campus students can major in a newly revamped Bachelor of Science in Music Education. The new program began with the start of the Fall 2020 Semester and is a state-approved program leading to initial licensure with the Ohio Department of Education to teach K-12 Music Education. It has been streamlined to prioritize courses that Music Education majors need to be successful in their careers. Students in the Music Education Program can choose an Instrumental or Vocal/Choral Concentration and will hone their skills in that area. “Music majors have the opportunity to study with gifted teachers for their band instrument(s) or singing voice,” explains Lead Music Faculty Dr. Brent Nolte. “We are blessed to have Music Faculty with advanced degrees and a wealth of teaching and performing experience.” The Bachelor of Science in Music Education consists of Music Theory, Music History, Music Performance and Education classes. In addition, students earn many hours of field experience in classrooms to ensure they are very well prepared for their final semester when they will be student teaching. The Music Department offers significant renewable Performing Arts Scholarships to students studying a music major or participating in Band, Choir, Drama or Worship Teams. Through these groups, students can be involved in the Festival of Carols Christmas Concert, Choir Tour, theater productions, leading worship, and additional band activities including Pep Band and Jazz Band. Rebecca Oyer graduated in 2018 with a double major in Music Education and Worship Leadership. She is now the Worship and Emerging Generations Director at Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union in Winchester, OH. Rebecca said, "My time with the OCU professors and staff fostered relationships that have provided amazing mentors and friends. It's amazing to be able to call them for wisdom and guidance even now.” Andrew Compton graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He works with the U.S. Air Force Band of The Golden West at Travis Air Force Base in California. Andrew said, “I loved my time at OCU because it was a small university with faculty that genuinely cared about their students in an environment centered around Christ. The music faculty were very knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matters and I learned much of what I know about music theory, performance, and teaching from them.” Learn more about the Music Education degree, fill out the Performing Arts Interest Profile to connect with the Music Faculty, or apply online.
October 19, 2020
Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day
On Thursday, October 15th, over 315 Ohio Christian University students and staff served the community through Ohio Christian University’s 22nd annual Ralph C. Starkey Community Action Day. A beloved tradition at OCU, classes were canceled and students were able to implement the service attitude taught at OCU by engaging in projects at several sites throughout Circleville and the surrounding community. “Community Action Day is an important tradition because it sets a precedent for students to reach outside of themselves and serve the community they are in,” said Brooklyn Vander Hill, OCU’s Spiritual Formation Graduate Assistant. “It reminds us all that we are a part of the community and the value of going out of our normal circles and doing good for the Lord!” To promote safety, groups served in mostly outdoor spaces such as Mary Virginia Crites Hannen Park, A.W. Marion State Park, Downtown Circleville and around campus while following COVID-19 precautions. Additionally, athletics teams served together led by their coaches to prevent excess overlapping of students. Groups worked together cleaning up trash, renovating local parks and facilities, and building relationships with those in the community. Ohio Christian’s Director of Spiritual Formation Kevin Bennie emphasized the impact of the student’s service and how it reflected Christ to the community. “The students always serve with a smile and love to give back to the community that is their home away from home,” Bennie said. “All in all, we value service because Jesus challenges his followers to ‘be a servant of all’ (Mark 10:44) and we want to train students not only in their field of study but to follow Jesus with their whole lives.” In the spring, students and staff will again partner with the community to assist local churches with OCU’s annual Church Service Day. To hear more about the day and how Athletics participated in this massive service project to the community, click here.
October 9, 2020
Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health
On Wednesday, October 7th, eight students in Ohio Christian University’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program assisted Pickaway County Public Health with a Drive-Through Flu Vaccine Clinic. Students learned about coordinating a mass vaccination effort as they assisted with traffic flow, pre-screening, registration and helping the nurses. “I really appreciated the experience,” said OCU Student Caraline Ferguson. “It gave me a wonderful idea of real careers I could use with my major.” OCU Student Jacob Werkmeister said, “I learned real-life experience on how to manage an event or situation. I enjoy the amount of real-life scenarios that we are put in to help prepare us for our future.” “Our goal is to get our students hands-on experience to help them determine what area of Emergency and Disaster Management they could see themselves working in after graduation,” according to Dr. Anthony Dillard, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Management at OCU. Public health is one area in which graduates of OCU’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program could decide to work. Several OCU graduates are Emergency Response Coordinators for public health departments, while others assist public health departments as directors of county emergency management agencies. When asked what she enjoys most about OCU’s Emergency and Disaster Management Program, OCU Student Rachel Schneider said “I enjoy getting hands-on experience. I also really like that the professors have had years of experience and really know what they are teaching their students.” Explore OCU’s Emergency Management Programs: BA in Emergency and Disaster Management (campus or online) BA in Business with Emergency Management Concentration (campus or online) Emergency Management Certificate (online) Grant Writing Certificate (online)
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December 1, 2020
Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News -
November 13, 2020
29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students -
November 2, 2020
An Election Message from President Kulaga -
October 30, 2020
Music Department Revamps Music Education Degree -
October 19, 2020
Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day -
October 9, 2020
Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health
November 27, 2020
OCU Athletics COVID-19 Update
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the State of Ohio, along with its surrounding states, Ohio Christian University has made the decision to suspend all athletic activities, effective immediately. This suspension will be tentatively lifted on December 27th. Once the season resumes, all River States Conference matches will be rescheduled by the conference office, with competitions tentatively scheduled to resume on January 7th, 2021. For further updates on OCU Athletics as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay tuned to all Trailblazer media outlets. Ohio Christian University Athletics would like to wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas!
November 18, 2020
Crusaders Come From Behind To Defeat Trailblazers
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Opening their home slate of games much later in the season than normal, the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers hosted the Crusaders of Great Lakes Christian College on Wednesday night. After a sizzling start, the Trailblazer saw their lead go away in the second half, as Great Lakes took the 85-77 win. Looking for their first win of the year, the Trailblazers came out hot, forcing turnovers and hitting shots to build an early 11-0 advantage over Great Lakes. The Crusaders finally broke through with a bucket at the 16:25 mark. After seeing their lead diminish to 17-12, the Trailblazers went on a 22-10 run to lead 39-22 with 8:29 left in the opening half. The Crusaders then cut away at the lead over the final stretch before halftime, trailing by only seven entering the break. In the second half, the Crusaders' defense took over, holding the Trailblazers to limited looks while outscoring OCU by 15 in the final 20 minutes. At the 8:28 mark, the game was tied 62-62 before Great Lakes ended the night on a 23-15 run. Offensively, Ben Casey (SO/West Jefferson, OH) led the way for OCU with 20 points and five rebounds. Devon Miller (FR/Grove City, OH) had his best performance of his young career, scoring 15 and grabbing seven rebounds. Justin Barksdale (JR/Fishers, IN) led the team in boards with 10, while also scoring 10 for his first double double of the season. Next up, the Trailblazers will travel to the University of Rio Grande to participate in the Bevo Francis Classic. They will face Campbellsville Harrodsburg at 4:00 PM, then will return home to host Trinity International University on Saturday at 4:00 PM. For more on the Trailblazer Basketball 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)
November 14, 2020
Woods Drops 20 In Loss To Maple Leafs
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Looking for their first win of the early 2020-21 season, the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers faced off with the Maple Leafs of Goshen College on Friday night. The game was a part of the Domino's Classic, hosted by the University of Rio Grande. For the majority of the night, the momentum stayed on OCU's end of the court, as the Trailblazers spent most of the night in front with a lead as big as seven down the stretch. In the opening half, both teams traded the lead back and forth, as Justin Barksdale handed his squad a two-point halftime advantage, scoring with 0:36 left on the clock. In the second half, OCU continued to hold their own, as the Trailblazers found themselves up by six with just over six minutes remaining in the game. From then on, the Maple Leafs finished the night on a 13-2 run to snag a comeback victory. Juan Woods led the Trailblazers with 20 points on 5-15 shooting, going 8-11 from the line. Justin Barksdale finished right behind him with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Ben Casey (11) and Keason Lowe (10) were the final two players to finish in double figures for Ohio Christian. Five Maple Leafs finished in double figures on the night, led by Michael Bowers with 23 points. Tahj Curry ended up one rebound shy of a double double, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. "I thought our guys fought hard for stretches tonight," said Head Coach Casey Coons. "There are things I wish I could go back and do over as far as coaching strategies, but I am hopeful our guys will build on this. It will be nice to finally play at home on Wednesday." Ohio Christian will host Great Lakes Christian College on Wednesday night in their home opener, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. For more on the Trailblazer Basketball 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)
November 13, 2020
OCU Campus Update
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Due to the rising COVID-19 crisis, Ohio Christian University has made the decision to send the student body home early, the school announced on Friday. All students must move off campus no later than Wednesday, November 18th at noon. This will not affect the men's and women's basketball programs, as they will remain on campus to participate in their seasons. All face to face classes will end on Tuesday, November 17th and will transition to virtual online learning the following day (18th). All students must follow checkout protocol prior to leaving. As you transition home for the Thanksgiving and Advent holiday season, please remember:-Stay ENGAGED - Classes are still up and running through the end of the semester.-Stay SAFE – Social distance, wear a mask, wash your hands.-Be SMART – About where you go, and who you are with.
November 12, 2020
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE UPDATE
CIRCLEVILLE, OH – Due to a direct exposure to the COVID-19 virus, the Ohio Christian University women's basketball team has been placed under quarantine until further notice.Due to this, the following contests will be postponed, with make-up dates to be announced as they are decided upon. Depending on the timeline of return to play, future games may also be postponed.Novermber 14 vs. St. Mary of the Woods CollegeNovember 15 vs. University of Rio Grande (JV)November 22 vs. University of Rio Grande (JV)Stay tuned to all OCU Athletics social media platforms for news updates as they become available.For more on the Lady Trailblazer Basketball 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)
November 11, 2020
Trailblazers Battle Bears On The Road
PORTSMOUTH, OH – Facing a tough Bears squad receiving votes in the NAIA polls, the Ohio Christian University Trailblazers played 25 solid minutes of basketball on Tuesday night. Following a bucket by Keason Lowe (JR/Grove City, OH) at the 15:49 mark in the second half that cut the deficit to four, Shawnee State went on a tear, outscoring the Trailblazers 47-17 down the stretch in the 96-62 loss for OCU. Ohio Christian played quality basketball in the opening 20 minutes, holding a strong Bears' offense to only 38 points while also going 9-12 from the free throw line. It was after a slow start to the second half that Shawnee State found their groove, turning turnovers into points and finishing with 13 second half assists. Ben Casey (SO/West Jefferson, OH) led the Trailblazers offensively, tallying 17 points on 8-11 shooting. Juan Woods (SO/Pickerington, OH) and Devon Miller (FR/Grove City, OH) also finished in double figures with 13 and 12 respectively. Three Trailblazers tied in the rebounding column with five a piece. "Our guys really fought hard and executed for 24 minutes," said Head Coach Casey Coons. "Against a good team like Shawnee State, that won't get it done. I am proud of our growth from game one to game two, but we have to keep growing in our ability to maintain effort and focus." Now standing at 0-2, Ohio Christian will travel to face Goshen College at the University of Rio Grande on Friday night. Tip time is set for 5:30 PM. For more on the Trailblazer Basketball 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)
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November 27, 2020
OCU Athletics COVID-19 Update -
November 18, 2020
Crusaders Come From Behind To Defeat Trailblazers -
November 14, 2020
Woods Drops 20 In Loss To Maple Leafs -
November 13, 2020
OCU Campus Update -
November 12, 2020
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE UPDATE -
November 11, 2020
Trailblazers Battle Bears On The Road
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Ohio Christian University Ranked #1 on Social Mobility by U.S. News - Published: December 1, 2020 29th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament Raises $30,000 for Students - Published: November 13, 2020 An Election Message from President Kulaga - Published: November 2, 2020 Music Department Revamps Music Education Degree - Published: October 30, 2020 Students and Staff Serve in 22nd Annual Community Action Day - Published: October 19, 2020 Emergency & Disaster Management Students Serve Local Public Health - Published: October 9, 2020athletics
OCU Athletics COVID-19 Update - Published: November 27, 2020 Crusaders Come From Behind To Defeat Trailblazers - Published: November 18, 2020 Woods Drops 20 In Loss To Maple Leafs - Published: November 14, 2020 OCU Campus Update - Published: November 13, 2020 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE UPDATE - Published: November 12, 2020 Trailblazers Battle Bears On The Road - Published: November 11, 2020“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.
