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:

Happy Holidays! Offices are Closed, but You Can Still Enjoy Our Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert Choir


News - December 19, 2024
Otterbein University will be closed Saturday, Dec. 21, through Wednesday, Jan. 1. All offices will re-open on Thursday, Jan. 2, and classes resume Monday, Jan. 13.  While we are away, please enjoy a beautiful holiday concert by our talented Concert Choir and our annual tree lighting HERE.  We look forward to connecting with you in 2025! Please Note: Otterbein’s Police Department will remain open. For non-emergency calls, contact OUPD at 614-823-1222. In the event of an emergency, call 911. Year-End…

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Senior Combines Arts, Athletics, and Academics in Roller Dance Competition


News - December 16, 2024
By Maggie Nicol ’25 If you are looking for something to watch over winter break, check out Marshon Shepard ’25 competing in “Roller Jam.” All episodes are now streaming on MAX.  In a dazzling display of skill and artistry, Otterbein University's very own Marshon Shepard ’25 performed on HBO Max’s first-ever skating series called “Roller Jam.” The show reminds everyone why skating is more than a sport but an art form.  “Roller Jam” premiered on Oct. 10 and is hosted…

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Otterbein Art Students Present Keynote at Conference


News - December 16, 2024
On Nov. 22, 2024, Otterbein Art students Emily Rogers and Sarah Farmer, along with a group from Westerville Central High School led by Spanish teacher Pablo Chignolli, delivered a keynote presentation at the Ohio TESOL 2024 Conference (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) held in Columbus, OH.  Their collaborative presentation, The Ones Among Us, Exploring Student Voices, Collaborative Practices, Socioemotional Impacts and Equity in Education, was attended by approximately 820 people. The presenters received a standing ovation at…

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Interfaith America Funds New Pluralism Collaborative at Otterbein


News - December 16, 2024
By Maggie Nicol ’25 Nourishing an inclusive campus culture where everyone feels welcome and accepted is essential to a healthy Otterbein community. This year, the university received the Advancing Campus Pluralism grant from Interfaith America to facilitate more opportunities to bring individuals of different social, cultural, racial, religious, and ideological communities together.  With this grant funding, Interfaith America wants colleges and universities to help communities to bridge divides and maintain a common life together.   “By stepping outside of their usual…

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Otterbein Student Rolls on to Finale of National Roller-Skating Competition


News - November 13, 2024
The Otterbein community should tune into HBO/Max on Thursday, Nov. 14, for the finale of “Roller Jam,” the first roller-skating competition show, to see Marshon Shepard ’25 perform with his team, Haus of Sk8. The competition started with 10 teams from across the country. The top four are competing in the finale. A communication major, Shepard shows off his skating skills (and platinum hair) alongside three other members of the all-Black, gay skating team. Haus of Sk8 is known for…

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“Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812” Hits Otterbein Stage


News - November 8, 2024
Otterbein’s Department of Theatre & Dance and Department of Music are collaborating to bring you an exciting production, the likes of which have never hit the Fritsche Theatre stage before! In fact, Otterbein Theatre & Dance is one of the first collegiate theatres to receive permission to produce the work. The production runs Nov. 14-17 and Nov. 21-13. “Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812,” based on a scandalous 70-page slice of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” is an…

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From Dreams to Reality: Students Go Behind-the-Scenes in Washington, D.C., Thanks to Professor


News - November 8, 2024
By Ikra Koriyow ’25 with Jennatta Mensah ’25 When Communication Professor Nichelle McNabb asked us if we wanted to go on an insider’s visit to Washington, D.C., during fall break, I was ecstatic. I never thought this opportunity would present itself during my Otterbein educational career and the fact that she thought to bring me was really considerate. L-R: Jennatta Mensah ’25, Ikra Koriyow ’25, Professor Nichelle McNabb, Tony Bishop III ’15, MSAH ’18 Dr. McNabb explained that we would…

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Congratulations to Otterbein Psychology Graduate Recipients of 2024 Alumni Awards


News - November 8, 2024
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Otterbein University celebrated our 2024 Alumni Award recipients during Homecoming & Family Weekend. The psychology department extends a heartfelt congratulations to the following program alumni who were recognized for their accomplishments within their field: Melissa Briggs-Phillips ’95, Otterbein Alumni Award. Amanda Dakermanji ’14, Rising Star Award Otterbein University recognizes individuals across a wide range of professions who have demonstrated excellence in one or more of the following areas: Advancement of intellectual curiosity, either professionally or…

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Krendl Lecture Series: Rev. Tutu Talks about Healing after the Election on Nov. 6 


News - October 23, 2024
On Nov. 6, the election may be over, but "This is Not the End of the Story." Join Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, this year's Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecturer, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in Riley Auditorium at the Battelle Fine Arts Center (170 W. Park St., Westerville) to learn about social and political reconciliation. Get your free tickets here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. INST approved.   The lecture’s title, “This is Not the End of The Story,”…

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Otterbein Supports and Celebrates First-Generation Students 


News - October 23, 2024
Maggie Nicol ’25  As a college of opportunity, Otterbein University isn’t just about recruiting students from underserved populations but supporting them once they are here. Through mentorship, counseling, academic support, and financial aid, one of those groups, first-generation college attendees, discover not only a degree but also a community that empowers them at every turn.  Some of the biggest challenges first-generation college students face come from backgrounds additional demands beyond coursework, including work and family obligations. Additionally, parents or family…

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