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:

Mathematics Influences Neural Research on “Deep Learning”


News - September 29, 2020
Deep neural networks are likened to vast, complex computing systems and can be analyzed using formal methods and techniques. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed its focus from fundamental decision-making to rigorous mathematical reasoning. As a result, the Department of Defense and The Office of Naval Research has granted a team of mathematicians, engineers and statisticians more than $7 million over the next five years to study artificial neurons as they navigate and process information to make improper decisions. Although…

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Exercise Your Joy


News - September 29, 2020
Physical activity and exercise are touted as the modern elixir for preventing chronic disease, enhancing well-being and improving both health and lifespan. However, many Americans simply dread daily activity and may currently be facing additional barriers due to access, time and public health concerns.  Exercise can enhance personal wellness and increase the sense of connection with a community, which is essential in light of the increased prevalence of mental health concerns, particularly amongst young adults in recent months (CDC, August…

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Otterbein Debate Team Advisor Weighs in on First Presidential Debate


News - September 28, 2020
The presidential debate season is kicking off on Sept. 29. The first debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will be held in Cleveland, but here in Westerville, we know a thing or two about debates.   In October 2019, Otterbein hosted the fourth debate in the Democratic primary race. Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, faced off with 10 other candidates on a stage in Otterbein’s Rike Center as millions watched on CNN.   Susan Millsap is a professor of communication and advisor of Otterbein’s…

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NBC News asks Professor Susan Millsap about what voters will look for in debate


News - September 28, 2020
'The clash': Trump, Biden bring very different skills to first debate, experts sayNBC NewsPublished Sept. 27, 2020

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Otterbein mentioned as a Best Colleges for Student Voting


News - September 28, 2020
Cleveland debate co-host Case Western doesn’t make the grade on helping students vote: Stefan HankinCleveland.comPublished Sept. 27, 2020

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Otterbein University Awarded National Science Foundation Grant for STEM Education


News - September 24, 2020
STEM faculty at Otterbein University were recently awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM grant of $999,348 to support recruitment and retention of students from under-represented populations in STEM fields through Otterbein’s Cardinal Science Scholars (CSS) program.  This five-year program will support two cohorts of 11 students each for four years of undergraduate education in STEM subjects — a total of 22 four-year scholarships for students majoring in biology, environmental science, zoo and conservation science, biochemistry and molecular biology, chemistry, engineering or physics. Associate Professor of Chemistry Brigitte Ramos leads the project team of professors including Joan Esson, professor of chemistry; David Sheridan, associate professor of biology and earth science; Meredith Meyer, associate professor of psychology; Elena Caruthers, assistant professor of engineering;…

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Otterbein Gets Creative to Provide Safe Campus Activities


News - September 22, 2020
Safe campus activities have taken on a new look this fall with Cardy’s Pop-Up Events, the brainchild of a group of staff working hard to make sure students have fun.   "We knew our students would still need to build a sense of pride, excitement, kindness and joy about going to class under different circumstances. This is when Cardy’s Pop-Up Events was created,” said Matthew D’Oyly, director of events and conferences.  Cardy’s Pop-Up Events will offer a variety of programs and activities throughout…

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Students Launch otterbeinVOTES


News - September 18, 2020
Getting students ready to voteWCMH-TV NBC4Published Sept. 17, 2020

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Otterbein Students Talk About the Impact of Virtual and Outdoor Classes


News - September 18, 2020
College Students Talk About the Impact of Virtual and Outdoor ClassesSpectrum News1Published Sept. 18, 2020

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Otterbein Launches #otterbeinVOTES Initiative in Time for November Election


News - September 18, 2020
The Otterbein University Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is partnering with groups across campus to encourage student voter registration, awareness, and electoral participation with its new #otterbeinVOTES initiative this fall. The kick-off for #otterbeinVOTES on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, brought more than 100 people to table to learn more about voting in Ohio.  “The #otterbeinVOTES campaign is a cross-campus, non-partisan effort to mobilize our students to participate in the political process, educate themselves about the candidates and issues, and vote in 2020,” said CCE Director Melissa Gilbert. “During the pandemic, our students…

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