CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - Ohio Christian University welcomed local, state, and federal officials along with investment and development partners this morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Southern Gateway Economic Innovation Development Center — a new job creation and workforce development center at Ohio Christian University’s Main Campus in Circleville, Ohio.
The Southern Gateway Economic Innovation Development Center is being developed as a public/private partnership to help attract new businesses and workforce opportunities to the tri-county region. It will link education in Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties, providing a seamless system of expertise and learning that will prepare the community for success in the local economy.
The Southern Gateway Center is a $5 million, 24,000 square foot business incubator; it will serve Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties.
Circleville Mayor Don McIlroy spoke to the goals and dreams surrounding the creation of the center, “It is designed around entrepreneurial success, workforce development…It is the dream of this community and this development center to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enhance their continued education and individual development”
Many local organizations, financial institutions, and government leaders played a role in developing this project. Partners in the project led by OCU include Pickaway Progress Partnership (P3), the City of Circleville, Columbus 2020, Pickaway County Board of Commissioners, Rev1 Ventures, the economic development offices of Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette counties, the EDA regional office, and federal and state representatives: U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, state Senator Bob Peterson, U.S. Representative Steve Stivers and state Representative Gary Scherer.
Ohio Christian University is one of the nation’s fastest growing universities and has approximately 4,000 students enrolled in traditional residential, online, and adult programs. OCU prepares students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic, Christ-centered, biblically integrated education. For more information about Ohio Christian University visit www.ohiochristian.edu.
Articles of Interest
Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory
Published: July 4, 2020
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
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
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
Ohio Christian Prepares for Potential Coronavirus Outbreak
Published: March 13, 2020
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we follow the guidelines set out by our state and national
leaders in response to this developing situation.
Our athletics programs are part of the National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics (
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of measures, including moving
classes online and canceling events on campus. The health and safety of our
OCU family is our utmost concern and we’re committed to doing all that we
can to ensure that we
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) international outbreak, Ohio
Christian University (OCU) has taken strides to ensure the safety of our
students, staff, and faculty through a variety of
Education Summit Draws Local and State Representatives
Published: November 30, 2019
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event featured government and
education professionals with insight on the new plan and how it will affect
education now and in the future.
The Ohio Department of Education’s vision for the plan is for each child to
be challenged to discover and learn, prepared to pursue a fulfilling
post-high school path, and empowered to become a resilient, lifelong learner
who contributes to society. The plan
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event featured government and
education professionals with insight on the new plan and how it will affect
education now and in the future.
The Ohio Department of Education’s vision for the plan is for
On Friday Nov. 15, teacher education students and professionals gathered on
the campus of Ohio Christian University where they discussed Ohio’s new
“Each Child Our Future” education plan. The event
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted Speaks on Campus
Published: November 8, 2019
Almost 100 people gathered in the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center at
Ohio Christian University to attend a Rural Development Forum on Oct. 31. The
event was organized by The Montrose Group LLC and the keynote address was
made by Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.
The morning consisted of a number of panel discussions addressing economic
development and challenges facing rural communities. The panels were chaired
by local business leaders, academic professionals, and state and local
representatives. Ohio Christian University’s Chief Relationship Officer,
Craig Brown, also
Almost 100 people gathered in the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center at
Ohio Christian University to attend a Rural Development Forum on Oct. 31. The
event was organized by The Montrose Group LLC and the keynote address was
made by Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.
The morning consisted of a number of panel discussions addressing economic
development and challenges facing rural
Almost 100 people gathered in the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center at
Ohio Christian University to attend a Rural Development Forum on Oct. 31. The
event was organized by The Montrose Group
Ohio Christian Extends Support to Cincinnati Christian University Students
Published: November 8, 2019
Ohio Christian University was saddened to learn that Cincinnati Christian
University would close at the end of the semester. The loss of campus
community and the uncertainty this news brings must be an incredible burden.
Ohio Christian is prepared to welcome CCU students into our family and has
made a transfer agreement with CCU to help current students complete their
education as easily as possible. Additionally, we have created a special
scholarship for CCU students who transfer full time to Ohio Christian
University to ease the financial burden of transferring.
The administration
Ohio Christian University was saddened to learn that Cincinnati Christian
University would close at the end of the semester. The loss of campus
community and the uncertainty this news brings must be an incredible burden.
Ohio Christian is prepared to welcome CCU students into our family and has
made a transfer agreement with CCU to help current students complete their
education as easily as
Ohio Christian University was saddened to learn that Cincinnati Christian
University would close at the end of the semester. The loss of campus
community and the uncertainty this news brings must
Archived Articles of Interest
Ohio Christian University Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Published: January 18, 2019
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for which he ultimately sacrificed
his life.
This day offers an opportunity to consider the wisdom and enduring importance
of Dr. King’s contributions to establishing and maintaining liberty,
freedom, and equality for all -- regardless of race, religion, or gender, not
only in the United States but everywhere worldwide.
Some of King’s insightful and profound observations to recall on his
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for which he ultimately sacrificed
his life.
This day offers an opportunity to consider the wisdom and enduring importance
of Dr. King’s contributions to establishing and maintaining liberty,
On January 21, Ohio Christian University will close to honor the memory of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his essential leadership in achieving victory
in the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle
Behind the Scenes: Inside Festival of Carols
Published: December 3, 2018
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
effortlessness.
Learning choreography with live choirs singing was a challenge that Movements
from the Heart (MFTH), the creative movement team, met in the practice time
afforded before the first
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative
Partnership Provides Online Higher Education for Missionaries
Published: November 16, 2018
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers, staff members, retirees, and
their children. The partnership provides a tuition discount for OCU’s
online programs: Adult and Graduate Studies Program (AGS) for adults and
OCUOnline Plus for 18-24 year-olds.
"The AGS program is perfect for missionaries in their second career who want
another degree to help them in their field and for missionaries who followed
God’s call before completing
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers, staff members, retirees, and
their children. The partnership provides a tuition discount for OCU’s
online programs: Adult and Graduate Studies Program (AGS) for adults and
OCUOnline Plus for 18-24
Ohio Christian University (OCU) and World Gospel Mission (WGM) are pleased to
announce a new partnership that provides education opportunities for WGM
full-time missionaries, missionary volunteers
A Proclamation and Prayer of Thanksgiving
Published: November 14, 2018
By George Washington
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly
to implore His protection and favor and--whereas both Houses of Congress
have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of
the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by
acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty
God, especially by affording them an opportunity peacefully to establish a
form of government for their safety and
By George Washington
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly
to implore His protection and favor and--whereas both Houses of Congress
have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of
the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by
By George Washington
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of
Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly
to implore His protection
Thank You Veterans
Published: November 6, 2018
Each Veterans Day, Ohio Christian University remembers the sacrifice of our
patriots who serve in the United States Armed Forces to protect and secure
our nation's freedom and safety.
The Gospel of John reminds us particularly of those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice: John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this that he
lay down his life for his friends."
President Donald Trump proclaimed November to be National Veterans and
Military Families Month, saying “I encourage . . . all Americans to
acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans
and
Each Veterans Day, Ohio Christian University remembers the sacrifice of our
patriots who serve in the United States Armed Forces to protect and secure
our nation's freedom and safety.
The Gospel of John reminds us particularly of those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice: John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this that he
lay down his life for his friends."
President Donald Trump
Each Veterans Day, Ohio Christian University remembers the sacrifice of our
patriots who serve in the United States Armed Forces to protect and secure
our nation's freedom and safety.
The Gospel
