Regional Focus–MemberSpotlight

Oakland City : ‘Ente r to Learn, G Organiz o Fort ation: Oakland City University h to Serv Address: 143 North Lucretia Street, Oakland City e’ T elephone: (812) 749-1222 Web site: www.oak.edu Founded: 1885 President: Dr. James W. Murray E nrollment: 1,900, including 600 on the Oakland City campus

Serv ice/product: Although offering more than 40 liberal arts majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Oakland City University (OCU) is best known as a “teacher and preacher .” Ange Humphrey, director of marketing, says university officials are proud of that mantra and that OCU provides a large number of teachers. ------History: Founded in 1885 by the General Baptists, OCU strives to train servant leaders no matter their course of study. Academic excellence in a Christian environment is the goal, with a motto of “Enter to -Learn, - - - Go Forth to Serve.” A commencement day tradition has all graduates walking beneath the campus arch containing the adage. Students go on to become leaders in their schools, churches, business and industry, as well as serving their families and communities. ------O a

Students: k l

OCU typically serves a General Baptist territory of , southeastern Illinois and a

parts of and Missouri. Students from a dozen countries “have really made our campus n

- - - - d

rich,” according to Humphrey. C ------C i t

O y ld and new: U

Built in an area once dominated by oak trees, the 34-acre campus includes historical buildings and U

more modern structures. A new student center and library have been recent additions. Soon to -open - - - n i

are a much-needed administration center and seminary facility. Humphrey notes that Murray, president v e

since 1974, also has a cultural arts center (“We want to educate people about this area and how rich r s

in heritage we are”) and additional student housing in his plans. i t y

46 BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – September/October 2004 The Murray Administrative Center (left) is among the latest additions to the Oakland City campus.

Athletics: Mighty Oaks teams participate in basketball, baseball, softball, cross-country, soccer, volleyball, golf and tennis. The university earned National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association national basketball championships in 1981 and 1999. Teams also compete at the NCAA Division II level. ------Different audience: Economic changes have caused many in Gibson and surrounding counties to upgrade their skills or seek positions in different fields. The School of Adult & Extended Learning has adult degree centers in Oakland City, Evansville, Bedford and . Flexible schedules allow the adult learners, who impress Humphrey with their dedication, to earn degrees or certifications in an accelerated timeframe. OCU has also served a number of people with military experience in recent years. ------Sizing it up: OCU is a small college with big results. Humphrey, a broadcast journalism veteran who also teaches some adult classes and works with the theater program, puts it this way: “The personal touch we’re allowed to have with colleagues and students is particularly rewarding. It’s a cliché, but we’re like a family. At the end of the day, you’re proud for having accomplished something.”

September/October 2004 – BizVoice/Indiana Chamber 47