On April 3, Dr. Benjamin Kelch, Affiliate Professor in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, presented his research on the “Development of Acute Stress Reaction in Substance Abuse Counselors After Learning of the Accidental Overdose Death of Their Patients: A Series of Six Cases.” The presentation was attended by OCU faculty, students, and members of the community. While Kelch was pursuing his doctorate degree, the university was offering a service called “Therapy for the Therapist.” He was intrigued by the statistics on opiates being a leading cause of accidental death and wanted to know the effects those deaths might be having on the substance abuse counselors. Kelch was able to provide therapy to six counselors who each were experiencing an acute stress reaction after the accidental overdose death of a client.“Most counselors are trained to keep ’clinical distance.’ However that is often difficult because you tend to ’click’ with some clients,” Kelch said.His patients had various reactions to the deaths of their clients including: a sense of numbness, dreaming, avoidance, derealization, dissociative amnesia, and reduction in awareness. Even though their symptoms differed, after clinical evaluation they all met the criteria for acute stress disorder. Kelch used cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment.“The two techniques of challenging their irrational beliefs and cognitive restructuring to get them to see the events in a different light were those I feel helped these clients the most,” Kelch said.He conceded that stress in unavoidable and some professions have more than others. However, the question is relevant to all: how are you going to handle stress? Kelch believes building your Christian foundation is vital to a mental well-being.“One of the best methods of overcoming stress is to have an ongoing relationship with Christ and to turn your burdens over to him.”Dr. Kelch holds a degree in Osteopathic Medicine, and a master’s degree of community counseling from the University of Dayton. He has completed doctoral coursework for a degree in counselor education and supervision and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Kelch also is currently serving a Clinical Counseling Residency at an Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Chillicothe, Ohio.
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
