Our people and programs are making news every day.

Newsroom

At Otterbein, our president is focused on college affordability. Our professors are leading the way in curriculum development. Our Center for Community Engagement is winning awards for its dedication to serving others. These are only a few of the people and programs you’ll read about in our Newsroom.

Media inquiries can be directed to:

Jenny Hill 
Director of Communications
jhill@otterbein.edu 
(614) 823-1284
(614) 370-3221 (cell)

Media Resources

Otterbein Fast Facts:

Location: Westerville, Ohio
Founded: 1847
Control: Private not-for-profit
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities
Size & Setting: Four-year, small, highly residential
Enrollment: 3,000
President: John Comerford, Ph.D.
Colors: Tan and Cardinal
Mascot: Cardinal

News Stories:

Otterbein New Teacher of the Year Inspires Students and Colleagues Alike


News - May 28, 2021
The Otterbein University 2021 New Teacher of the Year award has been awarded to Aida Odobasic, assistant professor of economics. This peer-nominated award is given to Otterbein faculty members in their first three years who exemplify excellence in five principles of teaching: knowledge, design, praxis, relationship, and assessment.  Professor Aida Odabasic "She has such an infectious passion for teaching economics that it re-ignited my own passion for teaching," wrote one nominating colleague.  Odobasic describes her teaching philosophy as being centered on creating an…

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Experiential Learning at Otterbein Leads Alumnus to Stanford University Sports


News - May 27, 2021
By Felicity Boykin ’24  Otterbein alumnus Elijah Gonzalez ’17 always knew he wanted to have a career that revolved around sports. The journalism and media communication grad has found a home in Stanford University’s athletic department as assistant director of technical operations.  Gonzalez always took on any job that would lead to his Stanford opportunity. At Otterbein, he came in search of a career in basketball, but quickly took on responsibilities that led him down a different path. He began working with Tan & Cardinal Media and broadcasting games on 97.5 FM WOBN, Otterbein’s campus radio station…

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Support and Scholarships Biggest Draws for Columbus State Transfers to Otterbein


News - May 25, 2021
Otterbein University and Columbus State Community College are longtime partners in providing affordable options for students seeking a college education in central Ohio. Through our Dual Admission Program (DAP) and 2+2 Pathway, students can earn associate and bachelor’s degrees for less than half the cost of a public university education.   "The DAP degree plans are a great option for students who are confident that Otterbein is their ultimate goal once they earn their associate degree from Columbus State,” said DAP Coordinator Amanda Talbot. “Students within the cohort are provided a four-year academic plan and can rely…

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Otterbein Junior Chosen as National Athletic Trainers’ Association Representative


News - May 20, 2021
Junior athletic training major Leah McNutt will be representing not only Otterbein, but athletic training students across the country in her new role as a representative to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).  Leah McNutt '22 The Wadsworth, Ohio, native learned she was a finalist for the District 4 student athletic trainer representative in December 2020, just before Christmas. NATA held virtual interviews with all the finalists and McNutt was officially offered the position in January 2021.   McNutt will represent athletic training students across institutions in Ohio, Indiana,…

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For the Love of Otterbein Campaign Supports Students’ Success


News - May 18, 2021
While the academic year may have come to an end, the For the Love of Otterbein fundraising initiative continues to see positive results as donors match their passions with a variety of university needs.  For the Love of Otterbein was an important call to action for many of our supporters. One alumna knew that she was donating as much as she could each month but wanted to do something to respond to the urgent circumstances. She already had a planned gift to create endowed funds for the Library and Department of Equine Science. After…

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Otterbein Counseling Center Offers Summer Services to All Students — Wherever They Are


News - May 17, 2021
The Counseling Center at Otterbein University offers year-round mental health services to Otterbein students — even during summer break — no matter where they are located.   “When students leave campus, they don’t leave their mental health needs here. That’s why we are committed to providing services any time of day or night, wherever they are,” said Dr. Kathy Ryan, director of the Counseling Center.  According to the Counseling Center website, “Students come to counseling when something is not quite right in their world.…

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Otterbein PRSSA Wins Recognition at National Competition


News - May 14, 2021
Otterbein University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has received an honorable mention for their submission to the 2021 Bateman Case Study Competition. Members of the group are Brea Galvin, Julia Grimm, Carley King, Jacob Russell, Emily Steinberg, and Jarod White.  “It has been several years since we entered this competition, but the topic was compelling for students, and they organized an outstanding campaign,” said Senior Instructor Denise Shiveley, Department of Communication. “I am very proud of their…

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National Symposium Presentation Fostered by Otterbein Support


News - May 13, 2021
By Paige Skaff ’22  Paige Skaff is a junior majoring in sociology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies with minors in political science and race and ethnic studies. Her research paper on U.S. government-led forced sterilization in Puerto Rico was selected for presentation at the 2021 Latin American and Latinx Studies Symposium and for publication by The Johns Hopkins Journal of Latin American Studies.   Paige Skaff '22 The writing, publication, and presentation journey of No Más Bebés began in a political science course, Latin American Politics, taught by Professor Rachel Schwartz. For our final course project, I…

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Otterbein Common Book Program Offers Summer Reading Suggestions


News - May 11, 2021
Otterbein’s Common Book program is designed to enhance the interdisciplinary curriculum for first-year students, but it also provides a wealth of summer reading suggestions for people interested in books that challenge their views on contemporary topics.  Each year, the Common Book is chosen by a committee of faculty, staff, and students who each bring unique perspectives to the selection process. This summer, first-year students will be reading Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think, a book…

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Otterbein is Still Accepting Applications and Granting Scholarships


News - May 7, 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the college search process for most high school seniors, impacting opportunities to visit campuses of interest, engage with faculty and current students, and feel prepared to make their final decisions. Two national polls conducted in March and April indicated that 20-40% of high school seniors are uncertain about their final college choice.  Otterbein University wants students who are still searching for the right college home that not only are we still accepting applications, but that we still…

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