Otterbein’s Alpha Lambda Delta chapter received the 2026 Maintaining the Flame Award, the annual award for the organization’s most outstanding chapters. Otterbein was one of six universities to receive the honor. Alpha Lambda Delta has more than 400 chapters nationally.
Otterbein has once again been approved as a United Methodist affiliated higher education institution by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church following its 10-year comprehensive review. The Senate shared its “deep appreciation for the strong and historic role Otterbein University has played and continues to play in the life of The United Methodist Church and the larger community….”
Washington Monthly has recognized Otterbein University for its contributions to the public good in its 2026 College Guide and Rankings. Among 1,504 peers nationwide, Otterbein is ranked in the top 7% in the service category and in the top one-third overall. Among 397 peers in the Midwest, Otterbein is ranked in the top 5% in the service category and top quarter overall.
The rankings can be viewed at www.washingtonmonthly.com/2026-college-guide/.
In the 2026-2027 U.S News Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein is ranked second for Undergraduate Teaching Programs and in the top 12% overall among 171 peers in the Regional Universities – Midwest category. It is ranked one of the top four regional universities in Ohio. Additionally, Otterbein was recognized as a Best Value School, Top Private School, and Top Performer on Social Mobility.
The entire survey can be viewed at www.usnews.com/best-colleges.
Two years after reactivating, Otterbein’s Mortar Board chapter earned four national honors, including the 2026 Freeman and Fox Most Improved Chapter Award. Otterbein also received the Gold Torch Award, celebrating chapters that exemplified the core values of excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service; the Outstanding Achievement Award for Campus Visibility; and advisor Bill Fox, vice president for student affairs, received the Excellence in Advising Award. Mortar Board has 236 chapters nationwide.
Mortar Board student members at the 2026 Mortar Board National Conference.
Pictured left to right: Bill Fox, vice president for student affairs and Mortar Board Advisor, Raegan Dudzinski, vice president, Stephanie Deibel, president.
