ADMISSIONS INITIATIVES SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF KINGDOM BUILDERS
Oklahoma Christian University isn’t settling for mediocrity in the competitive landscape of higher education. Instead, it’s blazing a trail as a Kingdom University, where academic excellence and faitH journeys intertwine.
Director of Admissions Amy Roberts (’04), inspired by Nehemiah 6:9, seeks divine strength for herself and her team daily. Together, they are redefining OC’s admissions process by spearheading innovative admissions initiatives focusing on early engagement, personalized support and tradition preservation.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Recognizing the pivotal role of strong foundations, OC reintroduced a call center and assigned an early recruiting counselor exclusively. Furthermore, OC enhanced its outreach to churches and youth groups with the addition of Associate Director of Church Relations, Rick Odell (’84). Initiatives like Lunch & Learns foster connections within faith communities. Events like Winterfest, Unite, National Christian School Association gatherings and OC’s Basketball Night at the Nest provide crucial opportunities to strengthen OC’s presence and reputation.
SERVING A BROADER RANGE OF LEARNERS
Likewise, OC increased outreach efforts by prioritizing intentional relationship-building with prospective students both near and far. One of their efforts involves a tailored homeschool program assisting homeschooled and online charter school students and guardians with accessibility in OC’s admissions process.
“Every name that is given to us is crucial, and every church we’re told to visit is important. There’s no insignificant moment that we spend with a student," Roberts said. “Every part of [the admissions process] is essential, and our priority is to ensure that [prospective students] feel welcomed and loved here.”
HONORING LEGACY AND TRADITION
Rooted in Christian heritage, OC values its history and legacy students. Special consideration is given to legacies in the admissions process, with campaigns specifically aimed at recognizing their important place in the university’s community. Various scholarships, including the Heritage Scholarship and Church Match scholarships, further honor and support OC’s Christ-centered culture.
TECHNOLOGY AS A BRIDGE
OC leads the way in leveraging innovative technologies to engage effectively with potential students. For example, OC uses Goodkind, a multifaceted platform featuring video, texting and chatbot capabilities, to connect with a wider audience.
“With Goodkind, having a more personable communication method that puts a face to the name and allows for direct communication with the individual by including their name in the video message aids in the likelihood the individual will follow through with our call to action,” Admissions Customer Relationship Management Specialist Denver Brackett said.
The impressive statistics underscore the effectiveness of this technology. OC’s Goodkind videos boast an average total engagement rate of 88.7%, demonstrating its role in maintaining the relevance and impact of the admissions team.
OC stays ahead in admissions by using innovative tools and techniques, which aid in engaging and recruiting individuals that fit the university’s mission and values.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
Faculty and staff actively promote OC’s unique active learning classes, distinguishing the university from larger institutions.
“Their role is to care for our prospective students and share their stories with me. By understanding [prospective students’] needs and experiences, we can tailor our approach to ensure their success, Roberts said.
The university's commitment to honoring its legacy, harnessing technology and fostering excellence emphasizes its mission to shaping the next generation of Kingdom builders.
“My prayer for every group visiting campus is that they will find a place where they belong, where they honor God and where they thrive,” Roberts said. “I want OC to be that for every student that comes here. But more importantly, I want them to find where they’re called to be. And if it’s OC, we’ll do everything we can to get them here.”