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The Oakland City University Story

by Dr. Randy Mills, Professor of Social Science at Oakland City University
In June of 1885, the Educational Board of General Baptists organized and then gained a charter from the state of Indiana to operate a college at Oakland City. However, because of a lack of funds, the first building, a two-story brick structure housing the administration and classrooms, was not complete until 1891 - the same year Oakland City College actually opened its doors for classes. In those early days the school was called "the college on the hill."

By the mid 1920s, the school had reached a zenith for the first half of the century. There were now several college buildings gracing the grounds including: an expanded administration building, Wheatley Hall, a women's dorm, a field house, Memorial Gym, which housed a library in the basement, Cronbach Hall, a building used for agricultural and industrial arts classes, and a two-story brick building called the president's house. Beside the normal, liberal arts and theological school, the college had added a large industrial and agricultural department to respond to the vocational needs of the rural area which it served.

Sports teams of the 1920s, included basketball, baseball, football, and track. Teams regularly played Indiana State, Evansville College, University of Louisville, and Ball State. By the mid 1920s a legion of clubs could also be found on campus. Among them were the YMCA, YWCA, Phi Alpha Literary Society, Germanae Literacy Society, Athenian Literacy and debating team, a standard debating team, the ETOSCA club, the Dramatic League, the French Club, the German Club, the Glee Club, the college orchestra, and the college band. Enrollment during these prosperous times often broached 1000 students a semester.

Sadly, this comfortable world came to a screeching halt in 1930 with the coming of the Great Depression. Grimly the school held on with faculty and staff often forgoing paychecks in order to keep the school running. The end of World War II and the GI Bill saw a resurgence in enrollment and by the mid 1960s the "college on the hill" experienced an upswing comparable to the 1920s. Several new buildings now crowned the campus including four dormitories, a new library, Brengle Hall, a science building, and Stinson Hall, a classroom building containing an auditorium.

Our President

Ray G. Barber, D.Min.
Ninth President of Oakland City University

Inauguration Address (PDF)

Dr. Ray G. Barber, the ninth President of Oakland City University, acknowledges that his roots at the University run deep.  He stated, “The majority of our family’s life-story is intertwined with the story of Oakland City University.  Family members are all graduates. . .Our dreams, our passions, our daily lives have been submerged into the life and operation of this beloved school.”

Having been ordained by the New Liberty General Presbytery of the General Association of General Baptists, Dr. Barber received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree and a Master of Divinity degree from the Oakland City University Chapman Seminary and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, with Spiritual Formation as the major emphasis of his studies. 

Dr. Barber has long served the needs of the institution, holding numerous responsibilities on campus including, serving on the President’s Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, Chairing the Graduate Council, and serving on the Institutional Research Board.  He has been the Director of Denominational Affairs, served as the Campus Minister, and been Dean of the Chapman Seminary.  Since 2006, Dr. Barber has held the position of Executive (Administrative) Vice President of the institution.

His career as a pastor, academician, and administrator, has enabled him to understand all of the missions of a church affiliated institution of higher education.  His vision for Oakland City University is to “educate, equip, and shape servant-leaders for the church, the public, and the world.  Head, hands, and heart must all be readied as students enter the global arena.  This vision will require the active development of financial resources, faculty and staff, and marketing strategies.”

Dr. Barber is known by his colleagues as a caring and fair man who uses his pastoral skills in each encounter.  As he explained, “To be shaped in the image of Christ for the sake of others is my primary goal in life.  The personal commitment is sustained through daily scripture readings, prayer, and solitude.  It is further strengthened through corporate worship, service, and fellowship.  In all things and for all things my desire is for Christ to be preeminent.” 

The Barber family includes wife Beth Barber, daughter Charity Julian and her husband Chad Julian and grandson Brody Julian.

Mission Statement

Oakland City University in Oakland City, Indiana is a learning community dedicated to : academic excellence, technical preparation, and life-long learning; the preparation for gainful employment through academic excellence; the promotion of Christian ethical and moral values; the enhancement of each person's intellectual. spiritual and social development; and community service through positive leadership.

Oakland City University was formed in 1885 out of the persistent effort of a committed group of General Baptist pioneers. These founders set out to see that the gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed through education. Our founders would be pleased to know that the cause for which they struggled and sacrificed is still alive and well today.

While Oakland City University is conscious of the call of God, honoring our ties to the General Baptist denomination, and mindful of the church universal, we welcome all people from all faiths to realize their educational dream. Oakland City University stands for academic excellence in a warm, Christian environment.

Oakland City University's motto is "ENTER TO LEARN-GO FORTH TO SERVE." Not only do we stand proudly on the meaning of that phrase as individuals, but we go forth as a university to provide the highest quality Christian education!

Quick Facts

Maps and Directions

Oakland City University's Main Campus is located in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. within close driving distance of several metropolitan areas including: Evansville (30 minutes), St. Louis (182 miles), Louisville (100 miles), Nashville (162 miles), Cape Girardeau (177 miles), Cincinnati (213 miles), and Jonesboro (296 miles). The campus is ideally situated in the rural community of Oakland City, with a population of 3,000, just 14 miles North of I64 on Indiana Highway 57.
From the East:
Take I-64 west towards St Louis. Take IN-57 north at exit 29B towards Petersburg. Turn right onto IN-64 at stop light (sign posted Oakland City). Turn left at flashing yellow light onto Franklin St. University 1 mile down Franklin St.
From the West:
Take I-64 east towards Louisville. Take IN-57 north at exit 29B towards Petersburg. Turn right onto IN-64 at stop light (sign posted Oakland City). Turn left at flashing yellow light onto Franklin St. University 1 mile down Franklin St.
From the North:
Take US-41 South. Take IN-64 east towards Princeton. Continue through Princeton and into Oakland City (15 miles). Turn left at Flashing yellow light onto Franklin St. University 1 mile down Franklin St.
From the South:
Take US-41 (Pennyrile Parkway) north. Take I-164 east towards I-64. Merge onto IN-57. Turn right onto IN-64 at stop light (sign posted Oakland City). Turn left at flashing yellow light onto Franklin St. University 1 mile down Franklin St.
From Indianapolis:
Take I-70 west. Take US-231 south at exit 41. Follow signs to remain on US-231. Merge onto IN 57 south. Turn left onto IN-64 at stop light (sign posted Oakland City). Turn left at flashing yellow light onto Franklin St. University 1 mile down Franklin St.

Bedford Center
Bedford Center is located in the historic Indiana Limestone Building on the north side of Bedford. From the intersection of State Road 37 and State Road 58, go two miles east to I Street, then north one block. Classrooms are comfortable and well equipped. Parking is plentiful.

Bedford Center

The Bedford Center is a branch of Oakland City University located in Bedford, Indiana, which is approximately 70 miles south of Indianapolis. it was established in 1977 to meet the needs of the local community. Since its beginnings, the campus has grown in size, facilities, and programs. Enrollment is sufficient enough to offer both associate and bachelor's degrees. The Center is now located in a large, historic limestone structure located at 405 "I" Street. The University is continually adding to the facility. It ah's a computer laboratory, library, and learning resource center and classrooms. Cooperative graduate and undergraduate classes have been established with Purdue University and Ball State University.

Oakland City University is committed to the missions of its Bedford Branch which is to provide curriculum that meets the particular needs of the Bedford area and, to promote an academic program of integrity within the context of Christian values.

Oakland City University, Bedford
405 I Street, P.O. Box 455
Bedford, IN  47421
Phone:  (812) 279-8126 or (812) 855-4138
Toll Free:  (877) 707-6282
Fax:  (812) 279-6210

Evansville Center

Oakland City University offers Accelerated Adult Degrees at its Evansville Center located at 110 South Green River Road (by the Home Life Suites Hotel). This campus focuses on our School of Adult and Extended Learning. Courses may be completed in as little as five weeks, attending only one class each week. Degree programs may be completed in less than eighteen months.

Many working adults no longer have time for traditional college programs. Some hope to earn their college degree "someday." Others need college credentials to attain management and leadership positions within their companies. With just these people in mind, Oakland City University Evansville offers accelerated degree completion programs.

Students learn business techniques and communication skills that may be applied immediately in the workplace. Often, students are promoted or achieve new positions while still attending the program.

Oakland City University, Evansville Center
110 South Green River Rd.
Evansville, IN 47715
(800)559-9212 or (812)479-6808.

Indianapolis Center

Oakland City University also offers Accelerated Adult Degrees at its Indianapolis Center located on East 75th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Oakland City University, Indianapolis
6330 E. 75th Street,
Suite 136
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 842-6462
1-866-314-6462

 

Prison Ministries

The University was invited to establish extension centers at Branchville Correctional Facility in 1993, at Rockville Correctional Facility in 1999, the New Castle Correctional Center in 2003, the Indiana Women's Prison in 2005, Miami Correctional Facility in 2005, and the Madison Correctional Facility in 2006. Basic Adult Literacy Programs and GED programs are offered at Miami Correctional Facility and the Madison Correctional Facility. Associate and Bachelor degree programs are offered at all of these facilities.

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