Oklahoma Christian University Announces New Leadership Appointments

Oklahoma Christian University (OC) today announced the appointment of the Chief Enrollment Officer as well as the hire of a new Associate Chief Enrollment Officer.

University leadership is thrilled to share the promotion of Lisa Gonzalez to serve on the President's Cabinet as the Chief Enrollment Officer to oversee the Admissions Department and continue leading Student Financial Services. She most recently served Oklahoma Christian University as Director of Student Financial Services and Executive Director of the Student Advocacy Center where she has created an environment of exceptional customer service to OC students and parents. Within the first year, her vision quickly created a positive culture throughout the organization thus accelerating the growth of the Student Financial Services Department. She is the recipient of the Second Mile Service Award given to employees who go above what is expected and beyond what is common in their service to OC.

“Lisa’s passion for students is unmatched,” said Dr. Brandon Tatum, Executive Vice President of OC. “She is an incredible team member and an even more remarkable person. Her commitment to making OC attainable for all students is honorable, and she is perpetually seeking ways to solve challenges for our students and their families. We are thrilled to have her on board in this new elevated leadership role.”

Lisa Gonzalez holds a Masters in Education Administration. During her decade of service as an assistant principal in underperforming inner-city schools at the middle and high school levels, Lisa gained an understanding of how to effectively navigate challenging circumstances and build teams that ultimately resulted in recognized status. Lisa and her husband Trey have one son and reside in Edmond.

Jeff Abramson comes to OC as the new Associate Chief Enrollment Officer to oversee the day-to-day operations of our admissions department with nearly 14 years of higher education admissions and recruitment experience under his belt. During his tenure with Grand Canyon University, Jeff served in several admissions roles. These roles ranged from Admissions Counselor to Senior Admissions Manager. Upon arriving at GCU, there were approximately 1,000 ground students. Over his tenure, GCU saw unprecedented growth. Before leaving GCU in 2021, enrollment for the ground campus was exceeding 24,000 students.

Dr. Brian Simmons served on the interview committee to represent faculty as a member of the newly created Faculty Task Force.

"Jeff is both passionate and creative as he approaches the recruitment of students,” said Simmons. “It is evident that we have hired a professional admissions leader but more importantly a Christian man, husband and father who understands Christian Higher Education."

Upon leaving GCU, Jeff went to work for The Kings College in New York City as Associate Vice President of Admissions where he developed a Global Rotation Program and assisted with campus growth.

“Having worked with Jeff as a teammate and colleague in this industry for over a decade, I am quite confident he will bring a hungry, but humble ‘we can achieve’ mindset to any admissions department inside higher education,” said Mat Marquez, Vice President of Admissions at the King’s College. “When I think of the emerging class of young executives our industry is going to need for the next twenty years, Jeff is first on my list.”

Jeff and his wife Marlee, along with their two children Wyatt (8) and Maxlee (16 months) currently reside in Elkhorn, Nebraska and are excited to be in Edmond and be a part of the future of OC. Jeff is also an avid golfer and sports fan.

“As OC continues to elevate its academic offerings and diversify its opportunities for students from all backgrounds, we are enthusiastic about these new roles, and more pleased by the individuals filling them,” Dr. Tatum said. “Lisa and Jeff are incredibly high-caliber individuals who will be influential in the future of OC’s success.”

Please join us for a reception to welcome Jeff and congratulate Lisa on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gaylord Room!