Chris Young

Chris Young serves as Senior Vice President for Advancement and Athletics at Oklahoma Christian University, providing strategic leadership for advancement, alumni relations, career services, and athletics. A 2000 Oklahoma Christian graduate, Young returned to his alma mater in 2025 with a passion for advancing OC's mission as a Kingdom university and expanding its impact for future generations.

Before returning to Oklahoma Christian, Young spent more than two decades in collegiate athletics, including 16 years as Director of Tennis and Head Women's Tennis Coach at Oklahoma State University. There, he built one of the nation's premier programs, leading the Cowgirls to 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, multiple conference championships, and a national runner-up finish. His teams consistently achieved success at the highest levels of collegiate athletics, and he earned multiple conference and regional Coach of the Year honors throughout his career.

Prior to Oklahoma State, Young spent five seasons as Director of Tennis at Wichita State University, where he led the Shockers to multiple conference championships and guided the women's program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance and the Missouri Valley Conference's first NCAA postseason victory. Throughout his coaching career, Young became known for developing leaders, building high-performing teams, and creating cultures centered on excellence, accountability, and growth.

Young's connection to Oklahoma Christian extends far beyond his current role. He previously served as a coach at OC, is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, and has remained deeply committed to the university's mission throughout his career. Today, he works closely with university leadership, alumni, donors, and community partners to strengthen philanthropic support, expand engagement opportunities, advance student success, and position Oklahoma Christian for long-term growth and sustainability.

Young believes higher education is ultimately about developing people and building relationships that transform lives. Guided by Oklahoma Christian's commitment to being a Kingdom university, he is passionate about helping students discover their God-given purpose, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact in their communities, workplaces, and the world.

Chris and his wife, Sarah (English) Young, an Oklahoma Christian graduate, were married in 1998 and are the proud parents of two children, Braden and Kelsy, a current OC student.