BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Robert Arnce (Chairman) • Joplin, Missouri
Rob Brust • Bentonville, Arkansas
Mark Christian • Oronogo, Missouri
Brian Jennings • Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jim Johnson • Stillwater, Oklahoma
Dr. Leanna Rierson • Dallas, Texas
Karolyn Schrage • Joplin, Missouri
Joe Simmons • Bixby, Oklahoma
Lito Solorio • Wichita, Kansas
Don Steen (Secretary) • Eldon, Missouri
Roger Storms • Chandler, Arizona
Jim Vasey • Wichita, Kansas
Clifford Wert (Vice Chairman) • Webb City, Missouri
Tim Whelan • Joplin, Missouri
ADMINISTRATORS
Matt Proctor • President
Dr. Chad Ragsdale • Executive Vice President of Academics
Jim Dalrymple • Executive Vice President of Advancement
Damien Spikereit • Executive Vice President of Administration
Doug Miller • General Counsel
Dr. Teresa Roberts • Vice President of Institutional Research and Effectiveness
Amy Storms • Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Andy Storms • Vice President of Student Affairs
Robert Witte • Vice President of Enrollment Management
A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT MATT PROCTOR
As an OCC student, I learned a proverb, “Methods are many, principles are few. Methods always change, principles
For over 80 years, Ozark has stayed true to one unchanging mission: training men and women for Christian service. We protect that mission—as former Academic Dean Mark Scott once said—“like a junkyard dog,” and under the leadership of our trustee board, we guard against mission drift.
But we constantly evaluate our strategies to see if they remain effective. As needs change, methods change. We see this in Scripture. Moses shifted from a centralized judicial system to a delegated one (Exodus 18), David left behind traditional heavy armor to fight Goliath with lighter, more mobile weapons (1 Samuel 17), and Paul moved from targeting smaller cities in the eastern Roman Empire to larger cities in the west (Acts 12-28).
Through the years here at Ozark, classes on chalk art became classes on video production. A performance group (Impact Brass) gave way to a worship group (Frontline). A college which once chose to forgo endowment is now building one, but the guiding principle in both decisions—the desire to remain doctrinally faithful—remains unchanged.
As you’ll see in the pages ahead, the 2023-2024 year at OCC was a busy one. We celebrated the first graduates of our master’s program. On June 1, 2024, we officially launched Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College, and we’ve nearly completed our 2018-2025 Strategic Plan. You’ll notice many activities described are part of that plan’s five initiatives:
1. Increase Enrollment.
2. Expand Resource Base.
3. Launch Graduate Programs.
4. Modernize Campus Facilities.
5. Promote the College with Targeted Initiatives.
Each initiative includes certain changes in our methods, but all five are helping us accomplish our one fixed mission— training men and women for Christian service.
As you read this report, I trust you’ll do two things. First, I hope you’ll thank God for his watchcare over this school and for the amazing group of men and women he has gathered to accomplish the work. Second, I hope you’ll ask God to guide us as we head into the 2024-2025 school year and complete this strategic plan.
“Lord, give us the wisdom to know what should be changed and the courage to hold fast to what should never change. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
In Christ,
Matt Proctor President
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENTS MISSION, VISION, STATEMENT OF FAITH, GOALS, AND VALUES
The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
VISION
The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Ozark Christian College has its roots in the Stone-Campbell heritage (Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ) that began in the United States in the early 19th century. This heritage seeks the unity of all Christians based on the authority of the Bible for the evangelization of the world. OCC recognizes that creeds and confessions of faith have at times been more divisive than unifying, but in light of its commitment to Scripture, OCC believes that agreement on certain matters of the faith is essential to carry out its mission. Therefore, to avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation, the following statements are given and all trustees, administrators, and faculty affirm their unqualified acceptance
GOD:
There is one, holy God who eternally exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created all things visible and invisible. God is perfect in wisdom, power, and love, knowing all things past, present, and future, and his sovereign plan of redemption was set in place before the foundation of the world. (Gen 1:1-2; Dt 6:4; Heb 11:3; Eph 1:9-10; Rev 13:8)
JESUS:
Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son, born of a virgin, fully divine and fully human, and our Savior and Lord. Jesus, who was without sin, died in our place as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, bearing divine wrath, and reconciling to God all who trust in him. Jesus was bodily resurrected in victory over sin and death. He ascended to the right hand of the Father where he presently reigns as our king, high priest, and advocate until his glorious return. (John 3:16; Col 1:15, 2:9-15; 1 Cor 15:3-8, 20-28; 2 Cor 5:18-21; Heb 4:14-15)
HOLY SPIRIT:
The Holy Spirit is fully divine and active in the church and the world. The Holy Spirit draws all people to Christ by illuminating the gospel and convicting of sin. The Holy Spirit dwells in the life of a believer to transform, guide, assure, and empower living a fruitful Christian life. (John 16:8-11; Acts 2:38; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Gal 3:2)
BIBLE:
God is revealed in the Bible, the uniquely inspired written Word of God and infallible in all that it affirms. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21)
HUMANITY:
God creates all humans, male and female, in his image, and therefore all people have intrinsic value and purpose. By the sin of the first man and woman (Adam and Eve), death entered the world. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, alienated from God and without hope apart from the blood of Jesus Christ. (Gen 1:26-27, 3; Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1-3)
SALVATION:
Salvation can be found in Christ alone and is offered to all by grace through faith. A living faith is demonstrated through repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life of obedience. (Rom 3:23, 5:12; Acts 2:38; Gal 3:26-29; Eph 2:4-10)
CHURCH:
The church is the body of Christ on earth, with Christ as the head. God’s church is comprised of a priesthood of all believers, serving as minister of the gospel according to the gifts which God has given them. Together the church is called to make disciples of all nations until Christ returns. (Matt 28:18-20; Eph 3:10, 4:11-13; Col 1:18; 1 Pet 2:9-10)
RETURN OF CHRIST:
Christ will visibly return to restore creation and judge the world. There will be a bodily resurrection for the believers to eternal life with God in heaven and for the unbelievers to eternal judgment in hell. In heaven, sin will be no more and those in Christ will live in fellowship with God forever. (Acts 1:11; 2 Thess 1:5-12; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 20:11-15)
INSTITUTIONAL GOALS
Ozark Christian College is committed to: exceptional academics. OCC provides qualified, innovative, and biblically faithful instruction to prepare our students to serve Christ and his church. engaging experience. OCC offers quality co-curricular and extra-curricular programs to grow students in Christian maturity and equip students for Christian ministry. transforming community. OCC cultivates a life-changing community marked by personal holiness, joyful diversity, gracious honesty, and loving service. distinctive resources. OCC offers Christ-centered events, materials, and personnel to encourage and equip our constituents. strategic stewardship. OCC manages physical, financial, and human resources to honor Christ and advance the mission of the college.
CORE VALUES
The Word of Christ Taught in the Spirit of Christ (Col 1:28)
We are a biblical community, grounding our curriculum and life in God’s Word.
Not to Be Served, but to Serve (Mark 10:45)
We are a serving community, looking to others’ interests, not our own.
Speaking the Truth in Love (Eph 4:15)
We are an honest community, practicing maturity through careful truth-telling.
Trusting in the Power of God (1 Cor 4:20)
We are a dependent community, leaning not on our own strength, but on God’s.
An Atmosphere of Grace, Trust, and Freedom (Rom 15:7; 1 Pet 4:10)
We are a gracious community, maintaining unity in mutual acceptance and trust.
Making Christ Known through the Church (Matt 28:19-20; Eph 3:10)
We are a witnessing community, partnering with the Church in the Great Commission.
Worshiping in Spirit and Truth (Jn 4:23-24)
We are a worshiping community, pursuing God and the praise of his glory.
COLLEGE LEARNING GOAL
Graduates of Ozark Christian College will be grounded in Scripture, growing in Christlikeness, practicing cultural discernment, and vocationally prepared for Christian service.
In support of the institution's mission, vision, institutional goals, and student learning outcomes, the college is divided into three major functions:
Academics: To educate and equip students to become more like Christ and serve in leadership ministry.
Advancement: To advance the mission of the college with external constituents through mutual partnership, service, and resources.
Administration: To recruit and retain students, maintain the financial integrity of the college, and continually improve the effectiveness of the personnel and operations.
ACADEMIC REPORTS
ACADEMICS OFFICE, ACADEMIC SERVICES, AND MINISTRY DEPARTMENTS
ACADEMICS OFFICE
The Academics Office is dedicated to overseeing faculty, academic services, and curriculum that supports the training of men and women for Christian service.
In August 2023, the president of Lincoln Christian University approached the leadership of Ozark Christian College regarding the future of LCU. After several weeks of discussions between the leaderships of both institutions, along with their respective boards of trustees, plans were announced regarding the future of both institutions. In October 2023, Lincoln Christian University announced they would cease academic operations at the conclusion of 2023-24. In conjunction with future strategic planning, OCC leadership petitioned HLC and ABHE to expand the graduate program to add three programs offered by Lincoln Christian Seminary (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and Master of Arts in Bible and Theology) in order to continue current LCS students in their program of study. LCS petitioned ATS for Ozark Christian College to continue LCS under the name Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College. All three accrediting agencies approved the proposals of the two institutions during the 2023-24 academic year.
FACULTY OVERVIEW
Faculty
The faculty experienced changes at the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year, with the retirement of David Fish and Randy Gariss. Additionally, Dr. Rick Cherok resigned his position in spring 2024 to serve as the publisher for Christian Standard. To address the needs of retiring faculty as well as the expansion of Lincoln Seminary, three full-time positions were offered to Seth Hart, Andy Nichols, and Michael Hinnen for the 2024-25 academic year. To support new and adjunct faculty, an update onboarding process was created under the leadership of Assistant Academic Dean Jessica Scheuermann.
DEGREE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT
*Seminary enrollment for these degrees at LCS 2017-2023
DEGREES CONFERRED
Undergraduate Studies
As part of the commitment to continuous improvement, the department continues to evaluate academic assessment data in an effort to improve student learning and curricular alignment. The faculty approved changes to the Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Interdisciplinary Studies to provide an opportunity for students to add a ministry focus within the professional education curriculum. An initial review of the possibility of an accelerated pathway between undergraduate and graduate studies was explored. Program reviews were conducted in the areas of Biblical Communication (Preaching), Christian Formation, Bible and Ministry (online), and Christian Ministry degrees. At the conclusion of the 2023-24, 147 students had completed their undergraduate degrees. This is the highest number of completions in the past decade. This demonstrates that the institution’s efforts in the area of curricular alignment, retention, and academic support have had a positive impact on completion rates.
Graduate Studies
In fall of 2023, the OCC Graduate Studies program enrollment increased to 89 students. Dr. Michael DeFazio was named Dean of Graduate Studies during fall 2023. In conjunction with the graduate studies council, curricula for the three programs to be continued under Lincoln Seminary at OCC were developed and approved by appropriate councils. This included modification to the current Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree to adhere to ATS standards (36 credit hour requirement for all degrees). Additional work was completed to update academic policies and create a revised shared governance structure for seminary oversight. In May 2024, 11 students became the initial graduating class of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree at OCC.
2024-25 Plans for Academic Offices
Create an accelerated pathway from BA to MA/MDiv
Execute a strategy for continued classroom renovation
Work with Advancement in creation of OCC Academy
Evaluate the BA in Bible and Ministry (online) and explore additional online degree programs
Prepare for ABHE, ATS, and HLC visits
Execute plans for Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College
Evaluate future faculty needs, especially in the area of ministry faculty
ACADEMIC SERVICES AND MINISTRY DEPARTMENTS
Digital Learning
Digital Learning personnel provides oversight to the approximately 60 online courses, support to online instructors and students, academic advising to online campus students, and specific curricular oversight of the BA in Bible and Ministry (formerly the BA in Biblical Studies) degree. New online courses were developed in conjunction with changes to the curriculum, additional courses were revised to continually improve course content. The Digital Learning Office oversees the administration, training, and support of the Canvas LMS for undergraduate residential, online, and graduate/seminary courses, along with all non-academic resource and training modules. During the 2023-24 academic year, modules for the ARC and Library were launched to support all student populations. This department also partnered with the Advancement Office to support the creation of OCC Academy and additional academic personnel to update faculty onboarding.
Registrar’s Office
During the 2023-24 academic year, leadership of the Registrar’s Office passed from Jennifer McMillin to Paula Stanley. Sarah Jordan was hired as the new assistant registrar in spring 2024. The digitization of transcripts since 1982 was completed in 2024. Additionally, the Registrar’s Office coordinated with Lincoln Christian University personnel to facilitate the transfer of academic records.
Academic Resource Commons (ARC)
Under new leadership, the ARC enhanced interventions for students, established a systematic feedback mechanism, and expanded support to graduate students. In conjunction with library personnel, the ARC added workshops specific to the changing academic needs of students. These workshops were recorded and made available to all students through Canvas.
Seth Wilson Library
Library personnel and resources support students and faculty through training in information literacy and providing research support. During the spring 2024, a software change was implemented making database access easier for all patrons. Additionally, new signage and other aesthetic changes were made to promote student engagement in the library. In conjunction with the expansion of graduate programs and the closing of Lincoln Christian University, the library received 50,000 specialized titles in electronic resources, over 8,000 physical books, and also library furnishings to provide additional study spaces for students. An Archive Reading Room was created to display historical materials published by the Stone-Campbell Movement.
Ministry Center
The Ministry Center connects students to local Christian service opportunities. ministry internships, and job placements. This includes hosting annual events throughout the year, providing resume writing and interview assistance, and maintaining the Ministry Openings webpage on the Ozark website. During the 2023-24 academic year, 49 area ministries, 13 mission organizations, 14 church camps, 13 church residency programs, and 16 church internship programs participated in expos hosted by the Ministry Center throughout the year. During the previous year, a recommendation was made to reduce the Christian service requirement from 30 hours to 15 hours/semester. As a result, 95% of students reported they completed their Christian service requirements (15 hours/semester of 8 hours/online term) during the academic year.
Spiritual Formation Team
The Spiritual Formation Team continued to support and assess the various activities across campus that support students’ ongoing spiritual growth. Specifically, the team continued to evaluate the Formation in Scripture retreat created for sophomore students and made suggestions for continued improvement. The team also reviewed the chapel attendance policies and procedures (such as transcripting chapel attendance) of sister institutions as part of a continuous review process. A review of student feedback provided by various survey instruments demonstrate that student satisfaction with the spiritual activities across campus remains high.
Intercultural Studies Department
The Intercultural Studies Department introduced the Global Ambassador Program as a replacement for the Visiting Intercultural Professor program. The revised program provided a larger number of missionaries for students to connect with through a variety of seminars and pop-up training opportunities throughout the academic year which was well received by the OCC community. The Missionary Residence was renovated for current and future Global Ambassadors (missionaries) staying on campus. Since the International Conference on Missions was held nearby in Oklahoma City, OCC dismissed classes and provided transportation and meals for 130 OCC students to attend. Additionally, the Intercultural Studies Department worked to connect international students with faculty, staff, and students through international dinners.
Worship and Creative Arts Department
The Worship and Creative Arts Department gave attention to a variety of projects including the creation of a podcasting studio, improving the production quality of chapel services and livestream experience, and the scheduling of a special guest speaker/artist for a campus wide event. The Christmas musical hosted over 2,000 guests for the production It’s a Wonderful Life. The Creative Arts Academy grew to 163 high school students (17% attendance growth over previous year) and the Art Collective for residential campus students has grown in regular participation. Frontline worship teams continue to lead in weekly chapel worship services along with a worship choir that participates monthly. This team continues to provide opportunities for students to develop and use their musical and creative talents.
2024-25 Plans for Academic Services and Ministry Departments
Explore options to open residential courses to online students through hybrid format
Build and launch the first class in the OCC Academy catalog
Digitize all academic paper records for permanent storage
Explore strategies for the ARC to support graduate students/Lincoln Seminary
Process all library materials received from LCU
Continue to improve infrastructure and aesthetics of chapel basement
Host a worship/creative arts event at OCC
Continue to promote the new Global Ambassador Program
Continue to review the spiritual formation curriculum and activities across campus
COST OF ATTENDANCE: TUITION, FEES, ROOM AND BOARD
Admissions
The Admissions Department actively recruits a national and diverse group of prospective students through accurate and effective communication to enroll students ready to train for Christian service. Their goal for the 2023-24 academic year was to recruit 250 academically prepared students (160 first-time freshman, 30 undergraduate transfers, 15 undergraduate online, and 35 seminary students) who were called to a vocation in Christian service and desire to study in a Christian community. Though the enrollment for first-time freshman and transfer students fell slightly short of the target, the number of undergraduate online and seminary students exceeded the goal. This team continues to refine their recruitment and admission strategies, including improving communication campaigns, revamping Ozark Welcome, implementing a virtual option for Ozark Welcome for long-distance students, and adding a summer “Preview Day.”
UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT FUNNEL
*Funnel does not include international students.
SEMINARY ENROLLMENT FUNNEL
*Funnel does include both domestic and international applications. Applications include those who did not complete the application process.
**Fall 24 enrolled numbers do not include students who continued from Lincoln Christian Seminary.
Student Financial Services (SFS)
The SFS Department works with all prospective and current students to review financial aid packages and maintain compliance with the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). A challenge during the 2023-24 academic year were the delays related to the new FASFA form. As a result of the issues in the system, financial aid award letters were delayed significantly which may have impacted fall enrollment. This department also worked with the bursar for Lincoln Christian University in transferring financial aid records in conjunction with the agreement between the two institutions. Additionally, with the EVP of Administration, this team distributed scholarships from the endowment gifted to OCC and ensured all LCU students continuing in the seminary or completing an undergraduate degree through a teach-out agreement would receive appropriate financial aid packages so that they did not incur a net tuition increase.
2024-25 Plans for Enrollment Management Departments
Recruit 240 prepared undergraduate and seminary students for the fall 2025
Restructure the roles and responsibilities of recruitment and admissions personnel
Create procedures related to the awarding of endowment funds received from Lincoln Christian University
Review policies and processes for communicating and distributing aid in conjunction with updates from the USDE
Student Affairs
STUDENT AFFAIRS REPORTS
CAMPUS LIFE ACTIVITIES, LIFE & MINISTRY PREPARATION, STUDENT SUCCESS, COMMUNITY STANDARDS, CAMPUS SECURITY, LIFE & MENTOR GROUPS, MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, ATHLETICS, DINING SERVICES, MAIL CENTER, AND AND HEALTH CENTER
The Student Affairs Department provide services and activities focused on residential undergraduate campus students and for undergraduate online students as needed. The Student Affairs Department supports and promotes student wholeness and a positive experience for residential undergraduate students through proactive and strategic leadership in all non-academic student services and departments. The multi-year project of residence hall renovations continued with the second phase in Williamson Hall. Williamson Hall also welcomed new residence directors, Jon and Christy Bailey, in summer 2024. During the 2023-24 academic year, a Student Advocacy Committee was formed. Their first action was to create a “donation bin” system where students could donate goods rather than throwing them away. This committee also provided additional ideas for activities and future plans. The Student Affairs Department also connects students with local counselors to address mental health needs. Through these connections, students met with 23 area counselors for over 354 appointments during the 2023-24 year.
RESIDENCE HALLS
Alumni Hall was closed in 18-19 for renovation, reducing the number of occupancy.
Campus Life Activities
A variety of student activities are provided throughout the year to encourage community and foster a sense of belonging for residential campus students. This includes annual events like Welcome Week, Open Dorms, FallZark, President Proctor’s Pancakes and PJs, and finals week activities. Additional activities are held in conjunction with other departments or student groups, such as Mosaic Lunches and the Lumies. This team is consistently reviewing student interest and participation in annual planning.
Life and Ministry Preparation Center (LAMP)
The LAMP Office was actively engaged in providing valuable support and guidance to students in 2023-24. Personnel conducted over 800 individual student sessions, with special focus on all freshman and transfer students. This department organized the dating seminar with 150 participants and the Growing Healthy Relationships seminar, involving 20 couples. With the retirements of Randy and Julie Gariss, leadership in this area will come under the direction of Dave Porter as campus minister.
RETENTION, PERSISTENCE, AND COMPLETION RATES
Student Success
Though every department and staff member across campus contributes to student success, this department leads in strategic retention efforts by collaborating with the ARC, residence directors, and others to retain students. During 2023-24, the Student Success Director met with all students on Academic Concern or Warning and collaborated with the ARC in the creation of a dashboard to identify at-risk students through an early alert system. These efforts had positive results for the fall 2023 students returning for fall 2024.
Community Standards
The personnel of the Community Standards department works to ensure compliance with the student policies and guidelines, including Title IX, Clery Act, and VAWA. This includes training across campus departments and personnel. Student conduct violations remained low, with six written warnings, one probation, and three suspensions during the academic year.
Campus Security
Though crimes on campus are minimal, due to student concerns from the previous year, security services as well as preventive measures were enacted. This included improving the services from Securitas, on-campus security personnel, installing Z-lock devices on doors across campus, and adding a secured area for bicycle storage.
Life and Mentor Groups
Residential campus students continue to participate weekly in Life and Mentor groups. First-year students are gathered into small groups with an upperclassmen student leader, while all other students are led in groups by faculty, staff, or area ministry leaders. A special event was added during 2023-24 with the “Serve Your City” event. Student groups served over 49 area ministries on a Thursday morning in October.
Multicultural Affairs Department
The Multicultural Affairs Department cultivates spaces of belonging for multicultural students and increases cultural agility throughout the institution. This department partnered with students and staff to organize and implement events that create cross-cultural experiences and honor a diversity of ethnic cultures and history. This included Mosaic lunches, Coffee Is Culture events, Engaging Culture trips, and the Forum on Cultural Engagement. The IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) assessment was administered in Essentials for Christian Mission and Culture classes to provide feedback to students and college leaders about student cultural engagement and intelligence. In alignment with the Supreme Court and state of Missouri rulings, the Mosaic Leadership (undergraduate) and Revelation 7:9 (seminary) scholarships applications were revised to allow any applicant who reflects a background of multicultural experiences.
Athletics Department
The Athletics Department rostered 77 students in varsity athletics (men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball) during the academic year. Staff and student participation in intramural sports (volleyball, basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and weekly campus fun runs) exceeded 420 students. Summer sports camp attendance decreased slightly, primarily due to the decision to not provide overnight housing for middle school students. Also in the summer, the Athletics Department members along with five students traveled to Poland for a mission trip.
VARSITY AND INTRAMURAL ATHLETICS
*No fall intramurals due to COVID
Dining Services
Under the leadership of Kyle Kleespies, the Dining Services Department continues to explore ways to provide high quality food and excellent service while keeping costs low. This department has given attention to standardizing their rotation of recipes, adding new menu options, and maintaining health safety requirements. In addition to serving 18 meals weekly, this team also provides meals for on-campus events, including Convocation Banquet, President’s Banquet, and Women’s Event as well as summer activities. Attention continues to be given to upgrading equipment and special recognition needs to be given for their additional work during many weeks without a working elevator.
DINING HALL MEAL PLANS
Mail Center
The Mail Center remained committed to accommodating students’ needs and preferences, including actively enhancing communication with both students and staff regarding special deliveries. Throughout 2023-24, the Mail Center continued to offer mailing services, adapting to trends including the increase of package deliveries and changing USPS rates.
Health Center
The Health Center responded to a variety of health requests, provided free COVID/Flu A&B tests, and provided a clinic for flu vaccines. This department responded to 491 emails and 19 office visits over the year. Staff also developed an Infectious Waste Plan, consent for testing process, and met with other staff to discuss the creation of a Mental Health Team.
2024-25 Plans for Student Affairs Departments
Create policies around the utilization of the new campus Quad
Build a team to assist in the planning and execution of student activities
Continue to offer singleness, dating, and marriage seminars as well as sexual integrity support groups
Refine Clery and VAWA prevention training for new & current employees and students
Integrate the use of the IDI across faculty and staff
Finalize action plans to increase ethnic diversity among faculty in next five years
Provide Title IX training to all campus employees
Continue to address and respond to the safety needs of students
Improve dining services with extended dinner hours, rotation of food items, and faster food service
Create a “Mental Health” Team
Create a success and retention plan for student athletes
Upgrade athletic facilities for recruitment and retention of students
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS AND FINANCIAL REPORT
ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS
Office of Executive Vice President of Administration/CFO
The mission of the office of EVP/Administration is to support the institution by providing resources for student recruitment and retention, maintaining the college’s technological, financial, and physical integrity, improving operational effectiveness, and, as CFO, overseeing the financial operations to ensure viability and implement fiscal strategies set by the trustees and president. This includes the oversight of the six financial key performance indicators: Financial health: OCC received a clean financial audit of the 22-23 fiscal year with a 3.0 composite score, receiving the highest score in all three core ratios: primary reserve, equity, and net income.
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Mission-centeredness: The Core Functional Report to IPEDS shows that 63% of expenses were spent on instruction, academic support, and student services which meets the goal of 60%
Physical campus investment: $596,549 was spent on capital improvements with an additional $114,800 spent on regular maintenance and repairs. Special campaigns funded additional campus improvements, including the renovation of Williamson Hall, installation of a quad, and improved recreational facilities.
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Affordability indicator: OCC allocated $156,000 from the endowed scholarship fund to underwrite general fund scholarships equaling $2,374,587 which is a 30.5% discount rate. Market research continues to demonstrate that OCC is an affordable option for students interested in a Bible college education.
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Indebtedness indicator: OCC finished the fiscal year without debt, marking the 14th year in a row.
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Fiscal year indicator: The end-of-year financial report finished in the black.
This office also provided oversight in the plans to transfer the endowment funds from Lincoln Christian University and other projects related to the continuation of Lincoln Seminary at OCC.
Marketing and Communications
The Marketing and Communications Department implemented a strategic advertising plan to promote the college externally. Marketing and Communications also partnered with several other departments internally to communicate and promote announcements and events. This internal collaboration included sending regular Admissions communications to diverse audiences and employing a measured digital and print advertisement strategy for prospective students. Bimonthly emails to the Advancement audience yielded above-average open and click rates. The department hired a new graphic designer, held monthly meetings with OCC departments to improve communication and collaboration, took on the oversight of campus environments, and oversaw messaging and production of various deliverables. Marketing and Communications staff received training in digital marketing and crisis communications and updated digital and print advertising strategies for Advancement and Admissions. The department led the creation of a new occ.edu website and the launch of a new OCC logo.
Information Technology
During 2023-24, the IT Department was actively engaged in monitoring and optimizing various aspects of technological infrastructure. This included installing new wireless access points, new software for the VPN, and new video recording servers for all 60 cameras on OCC’s campus. Classrooms in the IMC were furnished with additional technology to create hybrid classrooms for immediate use with graduate classes and future opportunities for residential undergraduate classes.
Human Resources
This office assists all departments in hiring skilled employees, ensuring legal and internal compliance with personnel policies and process, and overseeing employee benefit programs. During the 2023-24 year, this office communicated with all campus employees about changes to 401(k) plans, FSA, and the collection of EOBs for HRA. This department led in the administration of the Employee Engagement Survey from the Best Christian Workplaces. This resulted in OCC receiving certification as a Best Christian Workplace.
Physical Plant Department
Each year, PPD gives attention to ongoing maintenance of campus facilities as well as continuous improvements to the grounds and buildings. During the year, PPD oversaw the completion of the Mabee Hall renovation, the second stage of renovations in Williamson Hall, and additional offices and classroom renovations. A drainage project for the parking lot around the MPB was completed as well as plumbing updates and roof repairs. Student recreation improvements included the tennis/pickleball courts and added seating by Turkey Creek.
General Counsel/Legacy Giving Office
The mission of the Office of General Counsel is to promote the college by coordinating all legal services, including risk management, contract review, and legal counsel for all departments. Additionally this office helps oversee the college’s compliance with various governmental regulations including: Title IX, SaVE, VAWA, Clery, ADA, FLSA, DFSCR, and SEVIS. This office also provides oversight for estate planning and legacy gifts to the college.
Bookstore
The bookstore continues to provide textbooks, biblical resources, and official school merchandise for students, staff, alumni, and the public. During 2023-24, this department worked in conjunction with the Marketing and Communications Department to update the online store with new in-stock merchandise, added new Lincoln Seminary merchandise, and updated OCCbranded merchandise with the new logo. During the summer, the bookstore layout was reorganized to better display schoolbranded merchandise.
Institutional Research and Effectiveness
During the 2023-24 academic year, the IRE office, in conjunction with the President’s Office and Academic Offices, filed all of the appropriate paperwork with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) regarding the expansion of graduate programs so as to continue Lincoln Seminary at OCC. This included hosting a focused visit from HLC peer reviewers to approve two additional graduate programs. Additionally, this office worked with officials at Lincoln Christian University to file the appropriate paperwork with Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to allow the accreditation to be transferred.
2024-25 Plans for Administrative Departments
Complete Williamson Hall renovations
Assess results of Best Christian Workplaces survey, listening groups, and annual review feedback for continual improvement
Assess results of compensation study
Transition from 401(k) to 403 (b)(9) plan for employees
Transition payroll processing from Jenzabar to Paycor
Complete purchase of adjoining 87 acres
Host focused visits with ATS and ABHE regarding Lincoln Seminary
Host HLC for reaffirmation visit
Continue to upgrade technological infrastructure
Complete Quad for student use
Integrate new OCC and Lincoln Seminary logos across campus departments
Create and implement a cohesive crisis communications plan
ADVANCEMENT REPORTS
DONOR ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY
ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT
In the past fiscal year, the Advancement Department achieved significant progress across various fundraising and engagement initiatives. This team surpassed their fundraising goal of $2.4 million goal by receiving $2,629,546 in gift income during 2023-24. These gifts were received from over 1,000 individual donors and 330 churches. Among churches, first-time gifts were received from churches in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Additional gift income was received from estate gifts with a growing amount being received from IRA gifts. In a revised approach instituted in 2022-23, student workers reached 2,318 alumni through calls, voicemails, and notes. This replaced the previously utilized Phonathon strategy.
Though Lincoln Christian University ceased academic operations at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, a partnership between the two institutions will continue through the support of Lincoln Christian Institute. This includes helping to support two annual events for Illinois area ministry leaders. Additionally, David Upchurch, former advancement leader for LCU, was hired by OCC to help connect OCC to churches and donors that were previously connected to LCU
GIFT INCOME
OCC Resources
NextLevel continues to provide new content. Ten faculty members contributed to 16 new series during 2023-24. During the year there were over 700,000 views of the 60 series available through YouTube, RightNow Media, and ChurchApps (formerly LiveChurch Solutions).
OCC Press was established with its first release, Holy Grit, authored by Chad Ragsdale. This first release provided an opportunity to establish a trademark, publication committee, and establish policies and procedures. The Disciple’s Mind, coathored by Chad Ragsdale and Daniel McCoy, was co-released by OCC Press and Renew.org. An “Everyday Exposition” series concept was designed and initial author requests for the series were identified for future publications.
OCC Academy will serve to provide church leaders and members with a new educational opportunity through non-credit courses taught by OCC faculty. In preparation for this new resource, the OCC Academy studio was designed and created which allowed for pre-production test recordings and concept feedback. Advancement personnel will partner with the Online Learning Department in using Canvas Catalog as the platform for learning engagement.
Events and Hospitality
The Events and Hospitality Department works every year to produce high quality events to serve the church while also managing hospitality requests to serve campus departments and off-campus guests. The two fall events for teens, Getaway and The Event, continued to see a growth in attendance and positive feedback. The Preaching-Teaching Convention was well attended and had continued virtual engagement, while the Women’s Event had exponential growth (750 on-campus participants) over previous years. With the increasing use of campus facilities and growing summer event attendance, this department continues to improve policies and processes to ensure clear communication and event execution across college personnel.
EVENTS
2024-25 Plans for Advancement Departments
Cultivate relationships with midwest churches formerly connected to Lincoln Christian University
Produce and launch 2-4 OCC Academy Courses
Release 2-4 additional OCC Press books
Partner with Admissions Department to develop new Pursue event for high school juniors and seniors
Create and refine hospitality procedures to serve guests and the institution
STRATEGIC PLAN
2018-2025
2018-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN
Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, OCC’s strategic plan includes the following five initiatives. The Board of Trustees approved the extension of this strategic plan through 2024-25 due to the COVID pandemic. Some of these initiatives have been completed, while others are ongoing through this final year. The impact of these initiatives can be identified through departmental annual reports and plans.
Increase Enrollment
1.
Implement an annual strategic enrollment plan for student recruitment and admittance to increase student enrollment for residential, online and graduate studies.
Continue to evaluate the student success process to improve retention and degree completion.
2. Annually evaluate and revise the institutional scholarship program for improved effectiveness in recruitment and retention of students.
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3. Continue to develop current programs to reach new student populations and evaluate programs in order to support retention and completion.
Expand Resource Base
Create strategies for engagement and cultivation of new donors.
1. Align staff and systems to increase the general fund from $1.9 million in 2018-2019 to $2.3 million by 2023 (2025).
3.
2. Implement a comprehensive major donor strategy (capital campaign, legacy society, planned giving).
4. Expand the donor engagement team and increase input by trustees and other advisors.
Reevaluate strategies for funding the Endowment Fund with a goal of reaching $8 million by 2027 (President’s Gathering, Living Room gatherings).
5.
Launch Graduate Programs
Continue planning of graduate programs.
1. Market and recruit for the first group of graduate students. 2. Launch graduate programs.
4.
3. Develop additional graduate programs and/or extension campus.
Modernize Campus Facilities
1. Renovate dorms in three phases: environmental improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and furniture replacement.
Upgrade campus technology including educational and classroom technology as well as campus infrastructure. Improve and add student environments.
2. Improve campus accessibility including walkways, entryways, and access.
3.
Promote the College with Targeted Initiatives
1. Leverage the NextLevel program and resources.
Implement a comprehensive and integrative marketing strategy toward building a national brand.
2. Promote faculty service through targeted opportunities. 3.
