On February 20, OCU Assistant Professor of Psychology Matthew Decker provided an academic presentation on “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Headache Pain.” The presentation was attended by OCU faculty, students and members of the community. The ACT treatment involves being in the moment and making sure your actions match your values.“For me, ACT and other ‘third wave’ treatments are improvements on the older treatments, but many of them are still being validated for various problems and disorders,” Decker said.Professor Decker led a study in which participants who suffered from migraines were treated with either the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) or the ACT method. The findings were that at the three-month mark participants benefited significantly with both methods in quality of life and pain; however, participants reported higher client satisfaction with ACT. Decker continues to research the long term benefits of ACT and how physicians can incorporate the treatment.“If you look at the future of medicine, interdisciplinary teams are where we are headed. I'd like our [psychology] treatments to be just as rigorously scientifically validated as those that the physician might use,” Decker said.Gretchen Meyer, a traditional psychology junior, came to the presentation to learn about a different kind of therapy. “It’s nice to come and see what your professors are interested in out of the classroom setting.”Aleta Noecker, a freshman in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, used to suffer from bad migraines and wanted to hear Professor Decker’s perspective. “Now I want to know more about ACT. I love psychology.”Professor Decker’s research on ACT was part of his dissertation towards a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Clinical Psychology that he is currently working towards from Western Michigan University. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Ball State University.OCU’s next academic presentation will take place on Wednesday, March 6th at 4:30 p.m. in the Science and Logistics Center, Rooms 102/104.
Articles of Interest
Tree of Life Assists Displaced Students
Published: March 19, 2020
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses have found ways to support those
impacted by the repercussions of the measures taken to slow down the spread
of the virus.
During this disruptive time for the university, Tree of Life worked hard to
contribute in a way that ensures that students have access to the materials
they need to succeed in their courses. This is especially important with the
transition to online learning. The company
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses have found ways to support those
impacted by the repercussions of the measures taken to slow down the spread
of the virus.
During this disruptive time for the university, Tree of Life worked hard to
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to surge, Ohio Christian University has
transitioned to all online courses through the end of the semester. In the
midst of these trying times, many businesses
Ohio Christian Ranked Among Best Online Logistics Management Programs
Published: October 16, 2019
Ohio Christian University was recently ranked as offering one of the best
online baccalaureate programs in Logistics Management. The university was
ranked 8th out of 15 by the Online Schools Report (OSR), which serves as a
resource for students pursuing online programs.
According to OSR, their rankings are based on six data points: three
schoolwide and three program-specific. For schoolwide, OSR uses student
satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers
online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from
that program, how many
Ohio Christian University was recently ranked as offering one of the best
online baccalaureate programs in Logistics Management. The university was
ranked 8th out of 15 by the Online Schools Report (OSR), which serves as a
resource for students pursuing online programs.
According to OSR, their rankings are based on six data points: three
schoolwide and three program-specific. For schoolwide
Ohio Christian University was recently ranked as offering one of the best
online baccalaureate programs in Logistics Management. The university was
ranked 8th out of 15 by the Online Schools Report
Trailblazers in Reading
Published: August 12, 2019
Submitted by Professor Scott Barr
American author Henry David Thoreau wrote, “How many a man has dated a new
era in his life from the reading of a book.” This holds true for many of
the young men and women in Professor Anita Conkel and Professor Scott
Barr’s English composition classes. On April 15, students marked their
participation in “The Great American Read” with a celebration sponsored
by the English Department and hosted by the Maxwell Library staff.
“The Great American Read” is a nationwide event started by the Public
Broadcast System (PBS) in 2018. One hundred influential and
Submitted by Professor Scott Barr
American author Henry David Thoreau wrote, “How many a man has dated a new
era in his life from the reading of a book.” This holds true for many of
the young men and women in Professor Anita Conkel and Professor Scott
Barr’s English composition classes. On April 15, students marked their
participation in “The Great American Read” with a celebration sponsored
Submitted by Professor Scott Barr
American author Henry David Thoreau wrote, “How many a man has dated a new
era in his life from the reading of a book.” This holds true for many of
the young men
On-Campus College or Online College: Which Fits You?
Published: April 26, 2019
by Dr. Lynn Lease, Director of OCUOnline Plus
Long gone are the days of being limited to simply deciding which college to
attend. Today’s incoming college freshmen have the choice of an on-campus
program, an online program, or a combination of the two. But which option
best fits you?
In order to choose what fits you best, there are important considerations for
each option.
Location and Setting
When you consider going away to college, it is important to not only consider
the qualities of the school but also the location and the setting. How far
away from home is optimal? Do you want
by Dr. Lynn Lease, Director of OCUOnline Plus
Long gone are the days of being limited to simply deciding which college to
attend. Today’s incoming college freshmen have the choice of an on-campus
program, an online program, or a combination of the two. But which option
best fits you?
In order to choose what fits you best, there are important considerations for
each option.
Location and
by Dr. Lynn Lease, Director of OCUOnline Plus
Long gone are the days of being limited to simply deciding which college to
attend. Today’s incoming college freshmen have the choice of an on-campus
2019 Georgia Commencement
Published: April 11, 2019
On Saturday, April 6th, Ohio Christian University held its fourth
commencement ceremony in Jonesboro, Georgia at the Clayton County Performing
Arts Center. This is the first year at this location.
OCU President, Dr. Jon Kulaga welcomed the record crowd of nearly 1,300
students, family and honored guests declaring, “We are living in a time
where Christians have never been more needed-to be out there in society being
salt and light.” He further challenged them stating that “your community
needs you, your city needs you and your country needs you”.
Terence Chatmon was the commencement
On Saturday, April 6th, Ohio Christian University held its fourth
commencement ceremony in Jonesboro, Georgia at the Clayton County Performing
Arts Center. This is the first year at this location.
OCU President, Dr. Jon Kulaga welcomed the record crowd of nearly 1,300
students, family and honored guests declaring, “We are living in a time
where Christians have never been more needed-to be
On Saturday, April 6th, Ohio Christian University held its fourth
commencement ceremony in Jonesboro, Georgia at the Clayton County Performing
Arts Center. This is the first year at this location
Archived Articles of Interest
4.0 Students Recognized in Chapel Service
Published: January 23, 2019
The January 23rd Chapel Service included a time of recognition for students
who achieved a 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester. Dr. Hank
Kelly, Provost, presented each awardee with a coffee mug loaded with candy.
Fellow Trailblazers cheered on their peers and helped recipients celebrate
their successes. Over 60 students were awarded.
4.0 Student Rachel Hicks says, “Last semester was my first semester taking
strictly pre-law courses, it was really tough. I worked extremely hard to
achieve a 4.0 and it feels really good to have accomplished this.”
Kevin Bennie, Director of
The January 23rd Chapel Service included a time of recognition for students
who achieved a 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester. Dr. Hank
Kelly, Provost, presented each awardee with a coffee mug loaded with candy.
Fellow Trailblazers cheered on their peers and helped recipients celebrate
their successes. Over 60 students were awarded.
4.0 Student Rachel Hicks says, “Last semester
The January 23rd Chapel Service included a time of recognition for students
who achieved a 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester. Dr. Hank
Kelly, Provost, presented each awardee with a
New Year Brings Opportunity and Challenge
Published: January 2, 2019
2019 brings opportunities to attain your educational goals. We would love to
help you with your fresh start.
In education, sports, work, and personal relationships, for Christians, the
difference is understanding the key to maturing spiritual development as
expressed in Christ’s parable in the Gospel of Luke 5:36-38 (NIV):
“No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise,
they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not
match the old. 37 And, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise,
the new wine will burst the skins; the
2019 brings opportunities to attain your educational goals. We would love to
help you with your fresh start.
In education, sports, work, and personal relationships, for Christians, the
difference is understanding the key to maturing spiritual development as
expressed in Christ’s parable in the Gospel of Luke 5:36-38 (NIV):
“No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one.
2019 brings opportunities to attain your educational goals. We would love to
help you with your fresh start.
In education, sports, work, and personal relationships, for Christians, the
difference
Hands-on Teaching: OCU Professor Keeps Science 'Fun'
Published: November 19, 2018
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her hands-on approach with her students who can
then pass it on to their students once they are in the classroom.
“We always try to have fun,” she said. “I want my students at OCU to
enjoy what we’re
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes a hands-on approach is a way to keep
both students and teachers interested and engaged.
Hurtt, an Affiliate Professor in the Teacher Education department at Ohio
Christian University, shares her
By Steven Collins, Senior Reporter, Circleville Herald
Photo by Nancy Radcliff, Chief Photographer, Circleville Herald
Circleville Herald, November 14, 2018
When teaching, Rolanda Hurtt believes
Chapel Speaker Touts Value of Liberal Arts Education
Published: November 19, 2018
By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional
Effectiveness
Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke
at Ohio Christian University’s Chapel Service on Wednesday, October 31. He
encouraged students to value their liberal arts education as the best way to
prepare for the future.
Dr. Bartlett reminded students of the speed with which technology has changed
in their lifetimes. They can recall YouTube videos that were so influential a
few years ago but have run their course. Likewise, many jobs like
telemarketer, paralegal, and
By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional
Effectiveness
Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke
at Ohio Christian University’s Chapel Service on Wednesday, October 31. He
encouraged students to value their liberal arts education as the best way to
prepare for the future.
Dr. Bartlett reminded students of the speed with which
By Cynthia Tweedell, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Institutional
Effectiveness
Dr. Rick Bartlett, Director of Theological Education at Tabor College spoke
at Ohio Christian University’s
Faculty Profile: Dr. Darren M. Johnson
Published: November 16, 2018
Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology
Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency
Counseling. He is currently teaching Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to
Substance Abuse Counseling, Diversity Issues in Counseling, Principles of
Counseling, and Physiological Psychology.
In 2017, ProQuest published Johnson’s “The Experience of Being an Atheist
in the United States,” a report on his study of interviews with twelve
atheists. He has presented on Coping with Stress in the Workplace, Good
Grief: How Grieving Properly Can Be
Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology
Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency
Counseling. He is currently teaching Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to
Substance Abuse Counseling, Diversity Issues in Counseling, Principles of
Counseling, and Physiological Psychology.
In 2017, ProQuest published Johnson’s “The Experience of
Dr. Darren M. Johnson joined Ohio Christian University’s Psychology
Department as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chemical Dependency
Counseling. He is currently teaching Abnormal
