OCU Professor is Published

Ohio Christian University Professor of Substance Abuse Counseling Dr. Jim Smith contributed two chapters for the recently published collaborative work Nelson's Church Leader's Manual for Congregational Care, available from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The two chapters are on lay ministry care for those with substance abuse issues and mental disorders.  Smith is well qualified to write on these topics as he holds three graduate degrees and is a licensed counselor as well as an ordained minister.  Smith states, "The connection to be part of this collaboration was brought about by God." OCU President Mark Smith congratulated Dr. Smith on his recent publication, saying, "We are proud of Dr. Smith's efforts to provide resources for those in lay ministry." Dr. Smith joined the Ohio Christian University faculty full-time in 2003, and he teaches psychology, substance abuse counseling/chemical dependency, and pastoral counseling courses in the traditional and AIM adult undergraduate programs and the Master of Arts in Ministry program.  He was awarded OCU Faculty Person of the Year in 2007 and promoted to the academic rank of full professor in 2009.  Dr. Smith and his wife Diane live in South Bloomfield with two adult daughters, Kelly and Samantha. Ohio Christian University is one of the fastest growing universities in Ohio. Over the past five years enrollment has grown 400 percent. With a heritage dating back to 1948, Ohio Christian University offers a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally and spiritually. OCU offers degree programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families and in the world. Students enrolled in OCU's traditional undergraduate program attend classes at its main campus in Circleville, Ohio. OCU's AIM Adult Program offers 12 campus locations in the surrounding region as well as online degree programs.