OC Diversity
OC understands power, privilege and opportunity are unfairly shaped by history and social structures. So we seek to be a place that empowers and fosters inclusiveness for all students of color without fear of bias or prejudice.
Gary Jones
Assistant Dean of Students
Part basketball coach and diversity advocate, part historian and mentor, Gary Jones influences OC far beyond his title of Assistant Dean of Students. He connects our campus to the city and connects students to African American history.
History Speaks brings civil rights icons to campus. Each year Gary invites well-known activists to speak to sold out crowds about the importance of love, respect and learning from others. History Speaks is Gary's legacy.
History Speaks
Conceived, planned and executed each year by Assistant Dean of Students Gary Jones, OC launched History Speaks in February 2014. History came alive when Carlotta Walls LaNier and Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine spoke on their civil rights experiences. Gary and OC have since hosted prominent civil rights leaders who have taught us the importance of community, respect and taking time to listen.
Civil Rights Tour
Travel the south exploring important civil rights landmarks.
Oklahoma Christian University’s annual Spring Break Civil Rights Movement Tour goes to important sites in Little Rock, Memphis, Montgomery, Jackson, Tuskegee, Birmingham and more.
OC students have the opportunity to touch history at the National Civil Rights Museum, the Rosa Parks Center and Museum, Little Rock Central High School, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, the home of Medgar Evers in Jackson and other stops on the tour where they experience the place, atmosphere and feeling of key civil events.
John Thompson Scholarship
The John Thompson Leadership Program is named for one of Oklahoma Christian University’s most beloved and remarkable scholars. It will provide you with leadership training, mentoring and opportunities to engage in service learning and important campus, church and community initiatives. The required reading program helps you develop into a well-rounded, conscientious, spiritual leader.
Faculty Spotlight
We have long recognized the need to add African American Studies courses,” said Dr. Tina Winn, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “We are blessed that an award-winning historian and leader such as Robert Edison will bring his personal and professional experiences with civil rights history to OC.
Robert Edison / Visiting Professor of American Studies in Racial and Ethnic Diversity
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Black Student Union
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OC’s Black Student Union is an organization that advocates for OC’s black student population. They host events celebrating Black History Month and weekly chapels. On social media, OC’s BSU posts about civil rights leaders, black history, upcoming events and leaders in the community.
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OC’s 18
March 6, 1969, 18 students courageously stood up to administration to seek equal rights. The group staged a sit-in in the President's office. As a result they were arrested and expelled.
Fifty years later, Oklahoma Christian University honored those who had been punished. On March 6, 2019, seven of the 18 students returned to campus and were received with a standing ovation and an apology from President John deSteiguer.
“And to you, as president of Oklahoma Christian University, I apologize for the way that you all were treated 50 years ago this morning.”
