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Ohio State Highway Patrol's Generous Donation Enhances Campus Security

Ohio Christian University (OCU) is thrilled to express our sincere gratitude to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their generous donation of a 2020 Dodge Charger. This contribution significantly enhances our campus safety efforts and ensures that our security team is well-equipped to serve the OCU community effectively.“The donation is a game-changer for OCU’s security operation.” – Mark Leist, Chief of Campus SecurityThe 2020 AWD Dodge Charger comes as a fleet-maintained vehicle and is already equipped with essential law enforcement features, including a lightbar, spotlight, backseat cage, and several other necessary components. This not only saves us the cost and effort of adding these critical tools ourselves but also ensures that the vehicle is immediately ready for duty.This donation represents a major upgrade for OCU’s security team, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their generosity and support. Their dedication to public service goes beyond patrolling highways—it directly impacts and strengthens communities like ours.On behalf of Ohio Christian University, we deeply appreciate this partnership and look forward to utilizing this invaluable resource to continue our mission of providing a secure and welcoming campus for all.

Inauguration 2025

Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce the inauguration of its 13th president, Ryan D. Saunders. This momentous occasion will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Ministry and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Ohio Christian University. The university community, alumni, local leaders, and friends of OCU are invited to join in celebrating this historic event. As an alumnus of OCU, President Saunders returns with a deep commitment to OCU’s mission of preparing students to serve effectively in the church and society by providing a holistic, Christ-centered education. With a distinguished career in leadership, ministry, and community engagement, President Saunders is poised to lead Ohio Christian University into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation. The inauguration ceremony will include remarks from esteemed guests, faculty, and feature a keynote address from leadership expert and best-selling author, John C. Maxwell. A reception will follow, providing an opportunity for attendees to personally congratulate the new president and connect with the OCU community. "It is such an honor for Shelli and I to come home to Ohio and home to our beloved Ohio Christian University! We are so grateful for the board's confidence in us and so thrilled that God has clearly opened this door for us in this season of our lives. We can't wait to get to work on behalf of our students and build an incredible future, raising oaks of righteousness for God's glory at Ohio Christian University!" Said President Saunders. Event Details:What: Inauguration Ceremony of Dr. Ryan D. Saunders as the 13th President of Ohio Christian UniversityWhen: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:30 AMWhere: Ministry and Performing Arts Center, Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OH The event is by invitation only, we encourage those who cannot attend to join us online at www.ohiochristian.edu/live.

Ohio Christian University Presents: Anastasia

Young Anya must begin her journey to the past by teaming up with the crafty duo, Vlad and Dmitry, in their search for the long-lost princess, Anastasia. Enjoy the haunting mystery and undying hopefulness surrounding this real-life princess and a young girl's quest to find home, love and family.Running time should be 2 hours and 25 minutes.We'll have haze, moving lights and some loud sound effects. Friday April 11th 7:00 PM Saturday, April 12th 2:00PM Saturday, April 12th 7:00PM

New President Announcement

The Ohio Christian University Board of Trustees and the General Board of Trustees of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union are pleased to announce the selection of R.D. Saunders as the next president of Ohio Christian University.R.D. and his wife, Shelli, are both alumni of OCU and we are excited that he will be joining our team as the next Ohio Christian University President. We believe that God has been evident throughout the selection process, and we thank you for your continued prayers as we make this transition.Please welcome President Saunders and his wife, Shelli to our OCU and CCCU family.R.D. Saunders BioBorn in Central Ohio, R.D. Saunders was impacted spiritually by the strong witness of godly grandparents who brought him to Central Ohio church camps like Mt. of Praise and Stoutsville. R.D. began to sense God's calling to ministry and felt that God strongly led him to attend Ohio Christian University. His development at OCU not only provided outstanding classroom training but gave R.D. numerous practical ministry experiences in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Ohio Christian University also introduced R.D. to his bride of 38 years, Shelli Brown Saunders as well as lifelong friends and mentors.Following his college training, R.D. spent 22 years as a pastor with churches in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia. Early in his pastoral ministry R.D. became a daily student of personal growth and leadership from fellow OCU alum, Dr. John C. Maxwell. Because R.D. was growing, his churches did as well with his congregations often doubling or tripling in size.In 2002, when R.D. began to serve as an Associate Trainer for EQUIP Leadership, he saw firsthand the opportunity for multiplied impact in Christian non-profit leadership. In 2009 R.D. left pastoral ministry operations in numerous world areas. In addition to his duties at Network of Caring, he was the primary speaker for Leading With 20/20 Vision, teaching leadership and personal growth to hundreds of thousands of businesspeople around the world.In 2017 R.D. became the Vice President of Advancement for EQUIP Leadership and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, working closely with John Maxwell to resource ministry and transformation around the world. In the last 7 years at EQUIP, under R.D.'s fundraising leadership, the income has quadrupled. In 2022, R.D. completed a master's degree in organizational leadership. In December of 2024, R.D. Saunders was elected as the next president of Ohio Christian University. His calling as President is informed by Isaiah 61... to raise up students who are future "oaks of righteousness" for God' glory who transform the world for Christ as ministers, business people, and community leaders. Now after a lifetime of ministry and advanced leadership experiences, President Saunders is a transformational leader, a gifted communicator, and a creative thinker who brings passion and inspiration to all he does. R.D. loves college football, the Civil War, and smoking meat. He has two married adult sons, Landon and Logan, and he and Shelli are excited to have grandchildren soon."It is such an honor for Shelli and I to come home to Ohio and home to our beloved Ohio Christian University! We are so grateful for the board's confidence in us and so thrilled that God has clearly opened this door for us in this season of our lives. We can't wait to get to work on behalf of our students and build an incredible future, raising oaks of righteousness for God's glory at Ohio Christian University!"-R.D. Saunders, President of Ohio Christian University

Great Minds Fellowship

OCU is a participating institution for the Great Minds Fellowship which is an initiative from Gov. DeWine and the Department of Higher Education of Ohio that offers a scholarship of up to $15,000 for juniors and seniors who are pursuing their undergraduate degree in specific behavioral fields; at OCU that is the Substance Abuse Counseling degree program or the CDCA Certificate program.If a student is majoring in SAC or pursuing a CDCA Certificate and is an Ohio resident, he/she is eligible providing the student commits to working a minimum part-time in the behavioral health field for 12 months. In addition, the student will receive a $10,000 sign-on bonus for becoming employed in the field. This scholarship is available for online and traditional students regardless of age.https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/workforce-development/great-mindsPlease contact Darren Johnson for additional information.