On Saturday, April 30, 2016, Ohio Christian University held its 66th Commencement Ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Circleville, Ohio. A record 810 associate, bachelor, and master level graduates participated a total of four ceremonies: three in Ohio and one in Georgia earlier this month.
Kelvin J. Cochran of Atlanta, Georgia, was the 2016 Commencement speaker. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Cochran followed his childhood dream and became a firefighter in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he was appointed Fire Chief of the Shreveport Fire Department in 1999. In 2008 he was appointed Fire Chief for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department under Mayor Shirley Franklin. In August 2009 he was appointed by President Barack Obama to head the United States Fire Administration in the Department of Homeland Security. In June 2010 he was recruited back to serve as Fire Chief under Mayor Kasim Reed and served until January 2015.
Kelvin is a member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia where he serves as a deacon and teacher/facilitator. He has been married to Carolyn Marshall for thirty-two years. They have three adult children and one granddaughter.
Mr. Cochran’s speech to the graduates addressed the importance of dreams in reaching one’s full potential, saying, “Dreams provide the schematic – the road map – for our future.” Cochran also emphasized that hard work and dedication are crucial components for achieving those dreams.
“Dream big dreams and rehearse those dreams throughout your life. God is not afraid of big dreams. After all, he’s the one who places them in our hearts,” he said.
The crowd came to its feet to honor the life and legacy of Josias Rodriguez, whose parents were awarded an honorary degree in his name. Josias was a ministry student at OCU in 2013, when he was tragically killed in a hiking accident. Each year the community comes together for a 5k run in his memory. All proceeds from the annual event towards the Josias Rodriguez scholarship fund.
Each year, OCU Honor Graduates are selected by the faculty. These graduates represent all the ideals of Ohio Christian University and must have distinguished themselves in academic achievement, Christian service, and leadership potential. Six 2016 Honor Graduates for the traditional program were selected, representing each academic discipline: Nancy Ann Wilcox, Religion; Whitney Condit, Psychology; Alyse Copeland, Music; Jacob Gideon, Business and Government; Joshua Harshbarger, General Studies; and Allyson Jones, Teacher Education. Kay Ringhiser was chosen as the Honor Graduated representing the AGS program.
View photos from the 2016 Commencement Ceremonies on Facebook or join the OCU Alumni Network on LinkedIn.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
