Ottawa University

Ottawa University Hires New Director of Church Relations

OTTAWA, Kansas - In an effort to "rebuild the legacy" of Ottawa University's American Baptist heritage, OU has hired alumnus Reverend Dave Davis as director of church relations.  In this role, Rev. Davis will serve as an interface between the University and more than 200 churches in the American Baptist Church Central Region (ABCCR), which encompasses Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.   Rev. Davis plans to reach out to churches beyond the ABCCR, as well, in an effort to connect with the many denominations represented by OU students.

Rev. Davis will be working closely with Campus Pastor Bud McCluney in reconnecting with the churches, visiting with alumni, providing current OU information, and encouraging high schoolers to consider Ottawa University for their undergraduate studies.  "Ottawa University produces well-rounded students," said Rev. Davis.  "And within the realm of ministry, we turn out skilled servant-leaders.  That's what businesses and churches today are looking for, and that's what we provide," he observed. Two of Rev. Davis's three children have graduated from OU; the third is currently a sophomore.

Rev. Davis comes to the position with over 30 years' experience as an American Baptist pastor.   After graduating from OU in 1974, he went on to earn his Masters of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 1977.

In addition to his pastoral experience, Rev. Davis is currently the president-elect for the ABCCR and is set to become president in 2008.  He has been involved with the ABC camp program for many years by training OU students to lead Bible studies at high school camps, and was instrumental in creating a retreat for youth pastors that is still being held annually 20 years later.

If you would like Rev. Davis to visit your church, feel free to contact him at 785-242-5200, or email him at dave.davis@ottawa.edu.

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University's educational mission brings together a residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeffersonville, Indiana; as well as multiple international instructional sites.  For more information, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/.

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