

Teams of students led by Prof. Matt Decker, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling, are gaining valuable experience in the field. Last year nine OCU students joined Prof. Decker on a research trip to Ghana, West Africa. Their goal was to research rates of mental health symptoms among West Africans and to assess the level of Psychological Flexibility among Ghanaians. In May 2014, Decker and 12 OCU undergraduates returned to Ghana to continue the research and practice the skills they’ve learned in the classroom.
Prof. Decker uses the research trips to teach students interview skills used in ministry and apply lessons from the classroom. Students report that their lives are being changed, and some are even considering serving in this mission field in the future. Prof. Decker is known for his research and collaboration with Western Michigan University, and students love his academic research approach to ministry. Dr. Hank Kelly, OCU Provost, believes that Decker’s research is a milestone in enhancing the degree options at OCU.
The mental health symptom research is part of a larger catchment study of mental health in West Africa. Students interviewed nearly 100 participants and were part of the largest single data collection event of the entire multi-year, multi-site data collection process, which will continue for several years. The Psychological Flexibility data and the student interview results were shared and combined with data from other universities.
Archived Articles of Interest
Trailblazer Baseball Hosts Local Student Battling Cancer
Published: April 8, 2020
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Back in February, the Ohio Christian Baseball team helped
host a local student battling cancer in the community. Sam, who currenlty has
spinal ependymoma, came to campus on February 24th to hang out with the team
and experience a practice.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Back in February, the Ohio Christian Baseball team helped
host a local student battling cancer in the community. Sam, who currenlty has
spinal ependymoma, came to campus on February 24th to hang out with the team
and experience a practice.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Back in February, the Ohio Christian Baseball team helped
host a local student battling cancer in the community. Sam, who currenlty has
spinal ependymoma, came to campus on
Ohio Christian Hosts A New Leaf Inc. For Afternoon of Fun
Published: December 17, 2019
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - On December 8th, Ohio Christian University hosted an
afternoon of games and inflatables in the Maxwell Center gymnasium for A New
Leaf Inc., a local foster care center. In total, 400 kids attended the annual
holiday party.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - On December 8th, Ohio Christian University hosted an
afternoon of games and inflatables in the Maxwell Center gymnasium for A New
Leaf Inc., a local foster care center. In total, 400 kids attended the annual
holiday party.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - On December 8th, Ohio Christian University hosted an
afternoon of games and inflatables in the Maxwell Center gymnasium for A New
Leaf Inc., a local foster care center. In total,
Festival of Carols Shares Message of Christ
Published: December 10, 2019
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to audiences of almost 500 on both Dec.
7 and 8 in the Ministry
The Ohio Christian University Music Department shared an impactful message of
Christ’s birth in its annual Christmas concert, Festival of Carols. The
concert presented this story of glory to
Trailblazers Send Love Overseas For Christmas Season
Published: November 30, 2019
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent overseas as a part of Operation Christmas
Child.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent overseas as a part of Operation Christmas
Child.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent
Trailblazers Send Love Overseas For Christmas Season
Published: December 10, 2019
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent overseas as a part of Operation Christmas
Child.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent overseas as a part of Operation Christmas
Child.
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University Athletic Department spent the
month of November gathering supplies to show the love of Christ this holiday
season, packing 20 boxes to be sent