Dr. Jon Kulaga has been hired to be the 11th president for Ohio Christian University (OCU). Kulaga will start August 1st and comes from Asbury University, Wilmore, Kentucky, where he has been the chief operating officer and chief academic officer for 10 years. He received unanimous approval by both the OCU and Churches of Christ in Christian Union boards. Kulaga fills the role vacated by Dr. Mark Smith, OCU's president since 2006, who will become the president of Columbia International University, Columbia, South Carolina, on July 1st.

Kulaga has nearly 30 years of higher education experience that includes academics, advancement (fund raising), and student life/development. He has also worked at Spring Arbor University, Kansas State University, and Central Christian College of Kansas. Kulaga is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist denomination. He holds a Ph.D. from Kansas State University, M.A. from Michigan State University, and B.A. from Spring Arbor College. He has written or contributed to writing six published books.

During his interview with the University's Board of Trustees, Kulaga expressed his vision to continue to grow OCU's enrollment and influence by offering more programs and opening new locations for evening classes—while keeping true to its Christian mission.

"We are honored to be asked to serve the OCU community in this capacity," said Kulaga. "The vision, mission and core values of Ohio Christian University position the institution to transform lives and impact the world for Christ, and we are humbled to be called to be a part of this process."

The Chairman of OCU's Board of Trustees, Dr. Tom Hermiz, said "Dr. Kulaga matches the profile and leadership characteristics established by the search committee after listening to Ohio Christian University's stakeholders. I couldn't be happier with his selection as OCU's 11th president."

Kulaga and his wife Lena have been married for 30 years and have four children.