Oklahoma Christian University history

Oklahoma Christian adopted their Eagles mascot around 1952.

James O. Baird became the school's second president in 1954.

Baird oversaw the college’s move from Bartlesville to Oklahoma City in 1958.

During Baird's twenty-year tenure OCC became a leader in the field of automated education with the opening of the Mabee Learning Center in 1965.

In 1966 the American Citizenship Center, a by-product of the Cold War, was established with three primary goals: to support the principle of constitutional government, to promote an appreciation of the private-enterprise economy, and to emphasize the preservation of personal freedom.

In 1974, Baird stepped down as president and J. Terry Johnson replaced him.

Oklahoma Christian expanded its reach when it became the sponsor for The Christian Chronicle in 1981.

To reflect the college's growth the name was changed to Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts (OCUSA) in 1990.

Johnson retired in 1994 and was succeeded by Kevin Jacobs.

Kevin Jacobs became the next president in 1996.

Michael W. Casey, "The Closing of Cordell Christian College: A Microcosm of American Intolerance During World War I," The Chronicles of Oklahoma 76 (Spring 1998).

Alfred Branch started his Oklahoma Christian career as the executive vice president and chief operating officer in 1999.

In 2002 Mike O'Neal began his presidency after having completed twenty-six years in finance and development at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

OCU Mabee Learning Center(2012.201.B0957.0998, photo by Jim Argo, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS).

In 2014, OC began the innovative Ethos spiritual development program where students can earn "kudos" for attending any of the 26 small chapels which foster community, discipleship, and servanthood.