Oakland City University Celebrates 140 Years of Academic Excellence

Oakland City University will celebrate 140 years of academic excellence on Friday, November 7, 2025, honoring its legacy as a Christ-centered higher education institution committed to fostering a professional atmosphere of faith, service, and scholarship. 

Founded in 1885, Oakland City University (OCU) has stood proudly in Southern Indiana as one of the region's faith-based institutions, providing students with a personalized learning experience, smaller class sizes, and a supportive Christian community. 

Over the past five years, OCU has experienced significant growth in academics, athletics, and campus life, all while remaining steadfast in its mission to develop servant leaders grounded in Christian values. 

"As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the faith and dedication that built this university," said President Dempsey. "We are grateful for our history and excited for the future God has planned for Oakland City University." 

The university's longstanding motto, "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve," continues to inspire students, faculty, and alumni as they pursue their calling to make a difference in their communities and beyond. 

As part of the celebration, the university community will gather to honor past achievements, recognize the individuals who have shaped OCU's success, and look ahead to new opportunities for growth and service. The event serves as both a reflection on 140 years of faith and education, and a recommitment to the mission that defines Oakland City University. 

 
Oakland City University provides students with a Christian learning environment, giving students a hand- up and supporting them financially and academically as they pursue fulfilling careers and purposeful lives. OCU is ranked 19th nationally by U.S. News and World Report for social mobility and 4th by OnlineU for Online Forensic Science Degree program in the U.S. OCU is blessed with 38% student diversity and 29% first-generation college students, awarding over $13M in financial aid awards. In addition, OCU's student-athlete success rate is 88%, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty class ratio in over 50 career-focused concentrations. Enter to Learn - Go Forth to Serve. OCU is located at 138 North Lucretia Street, Oakland City, IN 47660, and can be found online at www.oak.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.