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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.
Nondiscriminatory Policy
Nondiscriminatory Policy: Ohio Christian University admits students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, or other protected classifications to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate and will not tolerate harassment on the basis of age, veteran status, sex, race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
©2025 Ohio Christian University. All Rights Reserved.
Dionne Bennett: A Passion for Music, the Arts, and Education
Dr. Dionne Bennett's love for music and the arts is more than just a career — it's a calling. As an accomplished musician, educator, and advocate for artistic expression, she has dedicated her life to both performing and inspiring others. Her talents were recently showcased on WOSU's Broad & High, where she shared her journey and creative process with a wider audience. Bennett's impact extends far beyond the stage. As a faculty member at Ohio Christian University, she pours her passion into her students, helping them cultivate their own artistic voices. Her approach to teaching is rooted in encouragement and excellence, ensuring that each student not only hones their technical skills but also discovers the deeper meaning behind their craft.Her appearance on Broad & High offered a glimpse into her dedication to the arts, as well as her belief in the transformative power of music. Whether in the classroom or on stage, Dr. Bennett continues to inspire and shape the next generation of artists, leaving an indelible mark on both her students and the broader arts community.
Ohio State Highway Patrol's Generous Donation Enhances Campus Security
Ohio Christian University (OCU) is thrilled to express our sincere gratitude to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their generous donation of a 2020 Dodge Charger. This contribution significantly enhances our campus safety efforts and ensures that our security team is well-equipped to serve the OCU community effectively.“The donation is a game-changer for OCU’s security operation.” – Mark Leist, Chief of Campus SecurityThe 2020 AWD Dodge Charger comes as a fleet-maintained vehicle and is already equipped with essential law enforcement features, including a lightbar, spotlight, backseat cage, and several other necessary components. This not only saves us the cost and effort of adding these critical tools ourselves but also ensures that the vehicle is immediately ready for duty.This donation represents a major upgrade for OCU’s security team, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their generosity and support. Their dedication to public service goes beyond patrolling highways—it directly impacts and strengthens communities like ours.On behalf of Ohio Christian University, we deeply appreciate this partnership and look forward to utilizing this invaluable resource to continue our mission of providing a secure and welcoming campus for all.
Inauguration 2025
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce the inauguration of its 13th president, Ryan D. Saunders. This momentous occasion will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Ohio Christian University. The university community, alumni, local leaders, and friends of OCU are invited to join in celebrating this historic event.As an alumnus of OCU, President Saunders returns with a deep commitment to OCU’s mission of preparing students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic, Christ-centered education. With a distinguished career in leadership, ministry, and community engagement, President Saunders is poised to lead Ohio Christian University into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.The inauguration ceremony will include remarks from esteemed guests, faculty, and feature a keynote address from leadership expert and best-selling author, John C. Maxwell. A reception will follow, providing an opportunity for attendees to personally congratulate the new president and connect with the OCU community."It is such an honor for Shelli and I to come home to Ohio and home to our beloved Ohio Christian University! We are so grateful for the board's confidence in us and so thrilled that God has clearly opened this door for us in this season of our lives. We can't wait to get to work on behalf of our students and build an incredible future, raising oaks of righteousness for God's glory at Ohio Christian University!" Said President Saunders.Event Details:What: Inauguration Ceremony of Dr. Ryan D. Saunders as the 13th President of Ohio Christian UniversityWhen: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AMWhere: Ministry and Performing Arts Center, Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OHThe event is by invitation only, we encourage those who cannot attend to join us online at www.ohiochristian.edu/live.
Ohio Christian University Presents: Anastasia
Ohio Christian University is excited to present Anastasia on April 11th at 7:00 PM and April 12th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM in our Ministry and Performing Arts Center. Come enjoy the new musical adapted from the beloved animated film, featuring beloved songs like "Journey to the Past" and "Once Upon a December." Young Anya must begin her journey to the past by teaming up the crafty duo, Vladand Dmitry, in their search for the long-lost princess, Anastasia. Enjoy the Haunting mystery and undying hopefulness surrounding this real-life princess and a young girl's quest to find home, love and family.Our incredible cast includes Alyna Whitmire '25 as Anya, Brady Olson '26 as Dmitry, Abraham Heimbach as the comedic Vlad, along with many other incredible actors in the supporting roles, and their musical theater experience combined brings a tremendous amount of talent to these leading roles. Vocal Director, Dr. Dione Bennett, has been training with our vocalists and ensemble, and Professor Erin Meissner will be conducting our first live orchestra for an Ohio Christian University musical production. This show will be a magical experience thanks to our talented vocalists and instrumentalists, and we're so excited for our audiences to hear them!We're excited to bring together OCU students, alumni, and community members for this production, and we're especially excited to have our young actors featured as Young Anastasia, Young Dmitry, and Alexi Romanov. We invite you to come see this incredible collaborative production and journey with us to the past to discover a brighter future together!Tickets can be purchased by selecting your desired date below. Friday April 11th 7:00 PM Saturday, April 12th 2:00PM Saturday, April 12th 7:00PM
New President Announcement
The Ohio Christian University Board of Trustees and the General Board of Trustees of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union are pleased to announce the selection of R.D. Saunders as the next president of Ohio Christian University.R.D. and his wife, Shelli, are both alumni of OCU and we are excited that he will be joining our team as the next Ohio Christian University President. We believe that God has been evident throughout the selection process, and we thank you for your continued prayers as we make this transition.Please welcome President Saunders and his wife, Shelli to our OCU and CCCU family.R.D. Saunders BioBorn in Central Ohio, R.D. Saunders was impacted spiritually by the strong witness of godly grandparents who brought him to Central Ohio church camps like Mt. of Praise and Stoutsville. R.D. began to sense God's calling to ministry and felt that God strongly led him to attend Ohio Christian University. His development at OCU not only provided outstanding classroom training but gave R.D. numerous practical ministry experiences in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Ohio Christian University also introduced R.D. to his bride of 38 years, Shelli Brown Saunders as well as lifelong friends and mentors.Following his college training, R.D. spent 22 years as a pastor with churches in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia. Early in his pastoral ministry R.D. became a daily student of personal growth and leadership from fellow OCU alum, Dr. John C. Maxwell. Because R.D. was growing, his churches did as well with his congregations often doubling or tripling in size.In 2002, when R.D. began to serve as an Associate Trainer for EQUIP Leadership, he saw firsthand the opportunity for multiplied impact in Christian non-profit leadership. In 2009 R.D. left pastoral ministry operations in numerous world areas. In addition to his duties at Network of Caring, he was the primary speaker for Leading With 20/20 Vision, teaching leadership and personal growth to hundreds of thousands of businesspeople around the world.In 2017 R.D. became the Vice President of Advancement for EQUIP Leadership and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, working closely with John Maxwell to resource ministry and transformation around the world. In the last 7 years at EQUIP, under R.D.'s fundraising leadership, the income has quadrupled. In 2022, R.D. completed a master's degree in organizational leadership. In December of 2024, R.D. Saunders was elected as the next president of Ohio Christian University. His calling as President is informed by Isaiah 61... to raise up students who are future "oaks of righteousness" for God' glory who transform the world for Christ as ministers, business people, and community leaders. Now after a lifetime of ministry and advanced leadership experiences, President Saunders is a transformational leader, a gifted communicator, and a creative thinker who brings passion and inspiration to all he does. R.D. loves college football, the Civil War, and smoking meat. He has two married adult sons, Landon and Logan, and he and Shelli are excited to have grandchildren soon."It is such an honor for Shelli and I to come home to Ohio and home to our beloved Ohio Christian University! We are so grateful for the board's confidence in us and so thrilled that God has clearly opened this door for us in this season of our lives. We can't wait to get to work on behalf of our students and build an incredible future, raising oaks of righteousness for God's glory at Ohio Christian University!"-R.D. Saunders, President of Ohio Christian University
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Dionne Bennett: A Passion for Music, the Arts, and Education
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Ohio State Highway Patrol's Generous Donation Enhances Campus Security
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Inauguration 2025
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Ohio Christian University Presents: Anastasia
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New President Announcement
