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Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve

1885
Founded
Private university
Type
655
Total Students
522
Undergrad
143
Graduate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Ron D. Dempsey

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oakland City University

Oakland City University: Cultivating minds for service since 1885.

Nestled in Indiana, Oakland City University stands as a testament to enduring education, guided by its inspiring motto: 'Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.' As a private institution, OCU fosters a close-knit academic community for its 655 students, emphasizing both rigorous learning and dedicated service. It's a place where students are prepared not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact.

The university's rich history began in 1885 when the Educational Board of General Baptists laid its foundation. Despite early funding challenges, Oakland City College opened its doors in 1891, quickly becoming known as 'the college on the hill.' The mid-1920s saw a golden era of growth, with enrollment exceeding 1,000 students and a robust expansion of academic and vocational programs, including industrial and agricultural arts, to meet the community's needs. Though tested by the Great Depression, OCU resiliently rebounded after World War II, continuing its mission of education.

Under the leadership of President James Murray, the institution achieved university status in the 1990s, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. Today, Oakland City University is fully accredited, offering an impressive array of over 40 undergraduate programs alongside five distinct graduate degrees, ensuring a diverse range of academic pursuits for every student.

With its legacy of resilience and a forward-looking approach, Oakland City University continues to invest in its future, evidenced by the construction of two new buildings in the last five years. It remains a vibrant community dedicated to holistic student development, where academic excellence intertwines seamlessly with a commitment to serving others.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1885 by the Educational Board of General Baptists.
  • Guided by the motto: "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve."
  • A private university with a current enrollment of 655 students.
  • Offers over 40 undergraduate programs and five graduate degrees.
  • Fully accredited, ensuring high academic standards.
  • Achieved university status in the 1990s under President James Murray.
  • Invested in recent growth, with two new buildings constructed in the last five years.

Timeline

1885
Educational Board of General Baptists organized and gained a charter for a college.
1891
Oakland City College opened its doors for classes.
1920
Mid-1920s enrollment often exceeded 1,000 students per semester.
1973
Enrollment dropped considerably; successful fundraising efforts by General Baptists.
1974
James W. Murray began his tenure as college president.
1990
College moved to university status under President Murray's leadership.
2019
Ron D. Dempsey began his tenure as university president.
Last 5 years
Construction of two new buildings on campus.
🏛️
141 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Ron D. Dempsey
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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