OUKS News

Ottawa, Kan. – Ottawa University is proud to announce the establishment of the Mary Elizabeth Martin Scholarship & Emergency Use Fund for students in our nursing programs who are experiencing hardship.

The fund is administered through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF), with U.S. Bank serving as trustee.

OU recognizes that not only are nurses the backbone of health care, but that there is a critical shortage.  Ottawa has offered BSN degrees since 2013, as well as a master’s, and recently launched a BSN Pre-Licensure program in January 2024. 

“We’re committed to addressing the healthcare shortage, not just in Kansas City, but nationally,” Dr. Kevin Maret, President of OU Professional & Online, said. “We understand the burden that some of our students face outside the classroom, and the creation of this fund is designed with that in mind. Educating students is our goal but supporting them in their personal lives is a big part of that. We’re so thankful to GKCCF for joining us in this endeavor and making this a possibility.”  

Students will be able to apply for assistance each year, with a maximum amount of $500 per student awarded annually.

More details will be released in the coming months regarding application details and requirements. For further information on our nursing programs, visit: www.ottawa.edu/nursing.

Partnership Offers Scholarship Opportunities to Kansas City Area Residents 

Ottawa University and Great Jobs KC’s KC Scholars Program, a leading college access and scholarship program, announce their partnership as Ottawa University joins the KC Scholars College Network. The KC Scholars Program is designed to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for low-to-modest-income students that are looking to continue their educational journey. Joining the KC Scholars College Network puts Ottawa University in the company of 25 other regional institutions in the Kansas and Missouri region. 

 Annually, KC Scholars awards over 800 scholarships to qualified applicants in the Kansas City area. 250 Traditional Scholarships are awarded to 11th grade applicants, with a scholarship value of up to $50,000 per scholarship. 150 Adult Learner Scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants aged 24 or older, with a scholarship value of up to $25,000. More than 400 College-Specific Scholarships are awarded to qualified scholars, to be used solely at the awarded institution, with a value of at least $50,000 per scholarship. Scholarship awardees across the six-county Kansas City metro region can now use their KC Scholars Scholarship to enroll and attend Ottawa University. 

Additionally, for high school juniors who qualify but are not awarded a Traditional Scholarship, these students will have the opportunity to select Ottawa University as a preferred institution during their scholarship application process and if qualified, may receive a separate scholarship graciously funded by Ottawa University, named KC Scholars Ottawa-Specific Scholarship. This scholarship is valued at up to $115,000 and can only be utilized at Ottawa University’s Ottawa Campus or Kansas City Campus (located in Overland Park, Kansas). 

“Our partnership with KC Scholars is a powerful extension of Ottawa University’s mission to prepare liberal arts graduates for lives of significance and service in a Christ-inspired caring community of grace and open inquiry. KC Scholars helps us reach students with the talent and drive to make a difference, and together we’re creating pathways for them to pursue their purpose and professional goals through education, faith, and service.,” said Bambi Burgard, Campus President, OUKS 

The collaboration will leverage Ottawa University’s robust institutional aid to supplement the substantial financial support from the KC Scholars awards. The KC Scholars Program provides 1:1 Scholar Advocate support for each student awarded, aiding in removing barriers to success and providing the necessary support for the Scholars in this program to succeed. This holistic approach ensures that Scholars awarded these generous scholarships can focus primarily on their studies, as the scholarship funding significantly reduces the burden of college costs, thereby driving degree completion and long-term career success in the region. 

 Natalie Lewis, Great Jobs KC COO, commented, "We have every faith that Ottawa University will be an outstanding partner, and this commitment of nearly unlimited opportunities is truly transformative. Ottawa University is setting a powerful example for educational access. This guarantees that more of our Scholars, whether they are high schoolers looking for a traditional university experience or adults seeking career advancement, can secure a degree and contribute to the economic growth of Greater Kansas City.” 

Interested students and adult learners must first apply to and be awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship during their respective application windows in order to utilize their scholarships at Ottawa University. 

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Great Jobs KC (www.greatjobskc.org) is a 501(c)(3) college scholarship and tuition-free job training program. Its goal is to support persistence and increase the college completion rate for low- and modest-income students across the six-county, bi-state service region and secure family-sustaining careers. The organization was designed to change thousands of individual lives and transform the region by preparing the local future workforce and contributing to the regional economy. 

The Great Jobs KC Program provides tuition assistance to approved career training programs in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, logistics/warehousing, manufacturing, and service careers. With the support of Great Jobs KC, adults 17+ and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to secure a career making at least $45,000 per year. 

Great Jobs KC supports all its Scholars throughout their college or job training, with employment assistance, and into their first year of employment. 

Ottawa, Kan. (October 8, 2024) – Ottawa University has named Dr. Bambi Burgard as the Campus President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus. Dr. Burgard will begin her service effective today.
 
"Following a comprehensive national search, Bambi Burgard emerged as the clear choice to lead our campus forward,” said Dean of Student Life and Services Donald Anderson who chaired the search committee. “Her extensive experience, commitment to collaboration, and student-focused approach align seamlessly with the goals of Ottawa University. We are confident that her vision and leadership will inspire continued growth and success for both our students and the institution as a whole."

"I am incredibly honored to serve as campus president and to work collaboratively with our community. Together we will work to advance our mission to prepare students for vocational fulfillment and lives of service and significance,” says Dr. Burgard. “Ottawa University’s distinctive history and foundation of open inquiry allows us to reflect and learn from the past while envisioning and planning for the future. It has been a joy and privilege to serve as the interim campus president for the past four months, and I will continue to prioritize how we can elevate the student experience and ensure a sense of belonging for all."

Dr. Burgard joined Ottawa University in 2023 as an associate professor of counseling and the graduate counseling program director. In addition, she is a licensed psychologist and maintains a small private practice. Dr. Burgard is a member of the Kansas Psychological Association. Since joining the University she has expanded the counseling program offerings on the University’s Kansas City campus, as well as teaching courses for OU Online. Most recently, she has been serving as the Interim Campus President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus since June 1, 2024.

Chancellor Bill Tsutsui stated that “Even in her short time as Interim President, Dr. Burgard has impressed students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the larger Ottawa community with her warm, inclusive personality and her ability to take on tough issues directly but collaboratively.  With a history of leadership at a small, liberal-arts-focused residential college and a deep appreciation for the history, mission, values, and strategic vision of Ottawa University, she brings experience, passion, and integrity to a critical leadership role.”

Prior to coming to Ottawa University, Dr. Burgard served most recently as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). There she led all academic programs and functions for college of 750 student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and managed all faculty search, hiring, evaluation and promotion/tenure processes. In addition, Dr. Burgard participated in annual budget planning and oversaw an $8.2 million academic programs budget. She initiated the development of the diversity working group of faculty assembly and IDEAS Council, and served on the President’s Action Council to advance the Institute’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion. During Dr. Burgard’s 22-year tenure at KCAI, Dr. Burgard also served in roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Achievement, Associate Vice President for Student Achievement, Dean of Academic Resources and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs / Student Achievement.

Dr. Burgard earned her PhD in counseling psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was awarded the Hellen Kemper post-doctoral fellowship. Her graduate training included practicum experiences at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and a community mental health agency. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at University of Missouri-Kansas City’s counseling center. Dr. Burgard earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University (ISU) with magna cum laude honors. She was recognized as the Robert G. Bone Scholar, which is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate at ISU; in addition, she was the recipient of the Walter M. Vernon Scholarship for Psychology and Writing.

Dr. Burgard and her family reside in Shawnee, Kansas. Her husband is a senior research associate at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and they have two college-age daughters, one of whom is a student-athlete.

Ottawa, KS – Ottawa University (KS) Braves Athletics is proud to announce a partnership with Opendorse, a nationally recognized leader in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape and a 2023 Time Magazine Top 100 Most Influential Companies, to create an all-in-one NIL platform for the department.

As the exclusive NIL partner of the NAIA, Opendorse is the leader in athlete marketplace and NIL technology. Their comprehensive NIL solutions are designed to help athletes understand, build, protect, and monetize their brand value, in addition to streamlining deals, compliance disclosures, and secure payment. This collaboration aims to empower student athletes to effectively build and manage their personal brands while navigating the dynamic world of collegiate sports.
 

“This is new territory for Ottawa University. Embracing the learning curve while intentionally educating our student-athletes on the ever-evolving landscape of NIL is very important to us,” says Janet Eaton-Smith, Ottawa University’s Kansas Campus Director of Athletics. “Colleges and universities our size don’t have the budget for an NIL department and Opendorse will serve that role, providing brand protection, deal brokering, and student-athlete guidance as we navigate the process.”

Through an online hub and mobile app, Opendorse provides the technology and services to cover student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff with compliance, content and educational tools that will be used to help them navigate the rapidly evolving industry. The University is among 30+ NAIA programs nationwide to provide a single marketplace to send supporters to access student-athletes and offer compliant opportunities.

The partnership will ensure student-athlete eligibility by enabling OU Braves student-athletes to disclose any NIL deals with the University compliance office and the NAIA. The University is working diligently with Opendorse to finalize an institutional NIL policy to launch for fall 2024.

Equipping the OU Braves athletic department with the best in-class NIL education resources, Opendorse will provide in-person education sessions on-campus and virtually for our athletes, coaches, department staff, external stakeholders and supporters. Student-athletes will also have access to on-demand education in the app to ensure holistic and personalized development for every athlete.

Ottawa University plans to launch a campus-specific NIL marketplace this fall. This marketplace will allow fans, brands, donors and sponsors to directly support and maximize NIL success for OU Braves student-athletes. Each student-athlete will have their own fully customizable Opendorse profile.

 

Why Opendorse

• Opendorse maximizes NIL opportunities for student-athletes, while delivering security and simplicity for all involved parties.
• Opendorse is the exclusive NIL partner of the NAIA, establishing the first-ever association-wide deal in college athletics.
• The Opendorse-powered marketplace is built on a decade of athlete marketing technology and experience. Opendorse has facilitated hundreds of thousands of NIL deals and endorsements with athletes at every level of sports. The marketplace is used by over 100,000 athletes to manage deals from pitch to payment, and even tax prep, every day.
• The NIL company launched its initial school-specific NIL marketplaces with partners including Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Oregon State and Memphis throughout the spring of 2022. Student-athletes at these institutions experienced a 193% increase in NIL opportunities in the first month after the marketplace's launch.

About Opendorse
Opendorse is the leading athlete marketplace and NIL company, providing technology and services to the athlete endorsement industry. More than 100,000 athletes use Opendorse to build and monetize their name, image, and likeness with support from the world's top brands, colleges, NIL collectives, and partners including Team USA, LEARFIELD, Keller Williams Real Estate, and more.

Ottawa, Kan. (March 20, 2024) – Ottawa University has named Dr. Bambi Burgard as the Interim President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus following the departure of Dr. Reggies Wenyika. Dr. Burgard will begin her service on June 1, 2024.
 
"It is an honor and privilege to step into the role of Interim President on the Ottawa, Kansas campus,” says Dr. Burgard. “During this time of transition, I am committed to working collaboratively to advance the mission and vision of the University."

Dr. Burgard joined Ottawa University in 2023 as an associate professor of counseling and the graduate counseling program director. In addition, she is a licensed psychologist and maintains a small private practice. Dr. Burgard is a member of the Kansas Psychological Association. Since joining the University she has expanded the counseling program offerings on the University’s Kansas City campus, as well as teaching courses for OU Online.

 “Dr. Burgard is a seasoned teacher and administrator with deep experience on a small, liberal-arts-focused residential campus,” said Ottawa University Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “With a warm personality and an open, collaborative style, she will be a committed servant-leader for students, faculty, and staff as well as an engaged partner for the larger Ottawa community.”

Prior to coming to Ottawa University, Dr. Burgard served most recently as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). There she led all academic programs and functions for college of 750 student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and managed all faculty search, hiring, evaluation and promotion/tenure processes. In addition, Dr. Burgard participated in annual budget planning and oversaw an $8.2 million academic programs budget. She initiated the development of the diversity working group of faculty assembly and IDEAS Council, and served on the President’s Action Council to advance the Institute’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion. During Dr. Burgard’s 22-year tenure at KCAI, Dr. Burgard also served in roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Achievement, Associate Vice President for Student Achievement, Dean of Academic Resources and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs / Student Achievement.

Dr. Burgard earned her PhD in counseling psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was awarded the Hellen Kemper post-doctoral fellowship. Her graduate training included practicum experiences at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the VA Medical Center, and a community mental health agency. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at University of Missouri-Kansas City’s counseling center. Dr. Burgard earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University (ISU) with magna cum laude honors. She was recognized as the Robert G. Bone Scholar, which is the highest academic honor awarded to an undergraduate at ISU; in addition, she was the recipient of the Walter M. Vernon Scholarship for Psychology and Writing.

Dr. Burgard and her family reside in Shawnee, Kansas. Her husband is a senior research associate at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and they have two college-age daughters, one of whom is a student-athlete.

Ottawa University will launch a national search for a new President of the Ottawa, Kansas campus in late summer 2024.

(Ottawa, Kansas) – After 6 years at the helm of Ottawa University’s campus in Ottawa, Kansas, Dr. Reggies Wenyika, has stepped down from the role, effective March 6, 2024.

“Serving at Ottawa has been an incredible journey filled with growth and remarkable achievements,” said Wenyika. “I express my deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, and the Ottawa University community for your unwavering support throughout my tenure. Your commitment to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge has been truly inspiring. We have achieved significant milestones together, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished as a team. As I embark on a new chapter in my professional journey, I carry the invaluable experiences and memories we shared. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. OUKS will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to its continued success and prosperity.”

Dr. Wenyika’s leadership at Ottawa University began in 2018 as the Campus President for the Ottawa, Kansas campus. During his tenure, the campus has experienced growth and success, including the achievement of the largest enrollment in school history, dramatic increases in international population, and the establishment of the University’s first doctoral program. In addition, the construction of the Braves Athletic Performance Center and Creed Family Greenhouse were also during his tenure.

Dr. Wenyika’s leadership has expanded the offerings for study-abroad and travel-abroad experiences for students. Recently student groups have traveled to and served in locations such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, India, Australia, Guatemala, and the Orkney Islands. These experiences have enriched the lives of not only the students and sponsors, but also the communities in which they served.

Dr. Wenyika has done exceptional work investing personally in students and supporting student success. In 2023, he established a committee to launch the inaugural Brave Discovery Undergraduate Research and Creative Works Day. During the event, 31 students opted to share their research and creative works with the entire student body and received resounding accolades from the jurors who provided feedback and encouragement.

Under his direction, the campus Top Scholars program has expanded to include all Presidential, Provost and Dean scholar students to write pieces that are published annually in a book that is available for purchase.

During his tenure, five athletic teams were started on campus to bring the total varsity teams to 33 programs. Some standout accomplishments for those new teams include the women’s flag football team is the three-time reigning National Champions since the program started in 2021. The Braves esports teams are the 2021 National Call of Duty Champions, 2022 and 2023 KCAC Call of Duty Champions, and the 2023 Overwatch Champions. The men’s and women’s powerlifting teams had two athletes named All-Americans in 2023 and three athletes competed in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Championship in Romania in September 2023.

Dr. Wenyika has elevated faculty and staff morale and engagement by supporting professional development, creating and nurturing the Staff Assembly, and leading faculty study trips internationally.

Within the Ottawa community, Dr. Wenyika has made a lasting impact with his involvement in a number of organizations and groups which have strengthened the relationship between the University and the community. He was selected as the “Person of the Year” by readers of the Ottawa Herald in 2023. Under his leadership, the University has hosted and sponsored a variety of events such as the annual Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Awards banquet and the Ottawa Community Arts Council Art Gala auction.

“Dr. Wenyika will leave a lasting legacy on the Ottawa campus, in the City of Ottawa, and among Ottawa University alumni, and for that we are thankful,” said Ottawa University Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

An Interim Campus President will be announced by the end of the semester. Ottawa University will be launching a national search for a new Campus President this summer.

OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University Campus President, Dr. Reggies Wenyika is pleased to announce the hiring of Janet Eaton-Smith as the Ottawa campus’s next Director of Athletics. Eaton-Smith will begin her tenure at Ottawa University on March 1.

“With her impressive background in athletic administration and wealth of experience, Janet will bring a fresh perspective to our athletic department,” said Dr. Wenyika. “A professional in the field, I am confident she will play a pivotal role in elevating our athletic programs to new heights, enhancing the student-athlete experience and overall well-being. I look forward to Janet’s positive impact on our athletic department and the broader campus community.”

Before coming to Ottawa university, Eaton-Smith was the Vice President of Athletics and the Senior Woman Leader at Lourdes University (NAIA) in Sylvania, Ohio. While at Lourdes, she was named the 2023 Nike NAIA Executive of the Year by Women’s Leaders in College Sports and was the 2020-21 Terry Bocian Athletic Director of the Year.

Under her leadership at Lourdes, the Gray Wolves were a five-time NAIA Gold Five-Star Institution, she added five athletic teams to the LU lineup, increased the department fundraising and worked to secure grants for facility improvements.

At Lourdes, Eaton-Smith became a member of the NAIA RISE (Respect, Inclusivity, Support, Education) program, providing an avenue for NAIA membership to participate in training and programming aimed at influencing positive change in the Association where all people are valued and provided equal opportunity in all aspects of life. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
 
Eaton-Smith is also heavily involved in the NAIA at the national level. She was selected to serve a three-year term as a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC) in an at large position that began in 2021-22. The NAC serves as the primary leadership council in the NAIA related to postseason policies and competition regulations.  Eaton-Smith is also a member of NAC Champions Competition subcommittee.

“I'm truly humbled to be selected as the next Director of Athletics at Ottawa University,” said Eaton-Smith. “I'm extremely excited and eager to continue my journey in the world of sports by moving the needle forward, particularly in NAIA. I'm very thankful to Dr. Regg and the OU search committee for trusting me with the futurity for #bravenation.”

Before her time at Lourdes, Eaton-Smith spent four years as an assistant women’s basketball coach and adjunct professor at Indiana State University (ISU).
 
Prior to her time at ISU, Eaton-Smith spent six years at Wiley University (WU) where she was the head women’s basketball coach, an Associate Director of Athletics and the Director of Athletics. Eaton-Smith spent her final three years at WU as the full time Director of Athletics.

As the leader of the athletic department at Wiley, she was named the Red River Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year in 2013-14 and was appointed to the National Administrative Council for the NAIA in 2014. Eaton-Smith reinstated the men’s soccer program, along with starting the women’s soccer program and implementing the WU Hall of Fame. The athletics department won the RRAC GPA Award and the men’s track and field program was named a 2013 NAIA Outdoor Champions of Character Team.  Wiley also hosted the RRAC basketball tournament and cross country championships.

Eaton-Smith began her collegiate coaching career at Lamar University, where she was an assistant coach for the NCAA Division I women’s basketball program for four seasons.   

Before entering the college ranks, Eaton-Smith was the athletic director, women’s basketball coach, and a teacher at Xavier University Prep High School in New Orleans, La. Prior to that she was a teacher and a coach at St. Bernard High School in Louisiana. While at Xavier in 2001-02, she was the district’s Athletic Director of the Year, named Metro Coach of the Year, selected as the Co-Catholic Coach of the Year, and the Orleans Parish Coach of the Year. Eaton-Smith was also the sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Eaton-Smith graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, La. with a degree in health and physical education in 1994. She earned her master’s degree in education administration with an emphasis on diversity from the University of Phoenix in Kenner, La. in 2001.

(Ottawa, Kansas) – After 18 years at the helm of Ottawa University’s Athletic Department, Arabie Conner, who was the University’s first female athletic director (AD), is stepping down from the role, effective September 8, 2023.

“It is with a deep sense of gratitude mixed with a lot of emotions that I announce the close of my tenure with Ottawa University,” said Conner. “This 27-year journey has afforded me the best years of my career, with the opportunity to collaborate with incredibly dedicated coaches, administrators, faculty, and athletes to grow OU and the OU athletic department into what it is today. I’m thankful for our incredibly loyal and dedicated coaches and staff and to those who have supported me every step along the way.  I’m proud of what we’ve built and looking forward to the next chapter.”

Conner’s athletic leadership at Ottawa University began in 1996, when she was hired as head women’s basketball coach. She went on to become the all-time winningest coach in Braves history with 162 victories over 11 years. During that time, she earned the Kansas Basketball Coaches Associations (KBCA) Women’s College Basketball Coach of the Year award twice (2003-04; 2006-07). In 2004, 2006 and 2007, Conner led the Braves to the KCAC Basketball Tournament Championship and to the NAIA Division II National Tournament. She also helped OU to its first ‘Sweet 16’ appearance at the NAIA National Tournament in 2007.

When Conner transitioned to Director of Athletics in the fall of 2005, she remained the head women’s basketball coach for two additional years until devoting her full attention to the role of AD in fall 2007, where she carried on her tradition of outstanding performance. Throughout her tenure, Conner amassed more honors than any other AD in OU history:

• 33 Varsity Athletic Teams; plus, 18 Developmental/Reserve Teams
  • 17 New Athletic Teams Added
    • Women’s Teams - Golf, Tennis, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Bowling, Beach Volleyball, Powerlifting, Flag Football, STUNT
    • Men’s Teams – Wrestling, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Bowling, Powerlifting
    • Co-Ed Teams - Competitive Cheer, Competitive Dance, Esports
  • 3 Athletic Teams Re-introduced 
    • Men’s Indoor Track & Field
    • Women’s Indoor Track & Field
    • Men’s Tennis
• Student athletes increased from 278 to more than 900
• 6 National Championships including women’s flag football—2021, 2022, 2023, esports (Call of Duty)—2021, competitive dance (NDA)—2014, 2022
• 36 Teams have earned Regular Season KCAC Championships
• 56 NAIA National Tournament Appearances
• 23 Teams have earned KCAC Tournament Championships
• 160 NAIA All-Americans
• 146 NAIA Scholar Teams
• More than 502 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes
• 385 KCAC Players of the Week
• 1,416 All-KCAC Selections
• 12 Times named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution
• 41 Coaches named KCAC Coach of the Year
• 3 Regional Coaches of the Year.
• 3 Coaches named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) College Coach of the Year
• Assisted with the facility design and campaigns for a number of athletic facility additions and renovations, including but not limited to:
  • New turf fields for baseball, softball, and a multi-purpose field
  • The Braves Athletic Performance Center - a 9,000-square-foot weight room
  • New Press Box at AdventHealth Field at Ottawa University
  • Campus tennis courts
  • New turf design and track upgrades
  • Renovations to Wilson Field House
• Assisted with introduction of the University’s graduate assistant program

While at Ottawa University, Conner was also a leader within the KCAC and NAIA, serving on a variety of committees that facilitate change in the collegiate athletics landscape. She served as the KCAC representative on the Board of Directors for the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, on the KCAC governing council executive committee (including Chair), KCAC Sport Expansion Committee, KCAC Game Fees Committee, member of the KCAC Covid-19 Task Force, on the NAIA/NAC National Rating Oversight Committee for Football, Women’s Lacrosse and Women’s Basketball (NAIA Division II), and currently on the NAIA National Drug Education and Testing Committee, among others.

Conner’s impressive record has earned her a number of accolades throughout the years. She was named KCAC Athletic Director of the Year four times (2010-11; 2015-16; 2017-18; 2021-22). In 2016-17, she was also named the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year as the first KCAC recipient in the award’s 19 years of being presented. Ottawa University recognized Conner’s contributions when she was inducted into OU’s Braves Athletic Hall of Fame (BAHOF) in 2013.

“Arabie has been transformational for Braves athletics,” said Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “She has led the University’s athletic department through the expansion to 33 varsity programs during her tenure, has been instrumental in the department’s robust organizational structure, and has mentored generations of students and coaches. Arabie’s impact on Braves Nation is one that will be remembered for years to come. Please join me in thanking Arabie for her dedication and many successes while at OU and in wishing her continued success in all that her future holds.”

In addition to being OU’s AD, Conner served as an associate professor in the OU physical education department and taught in the liberal arts studies program. She earned a master’s degree in sports administration and sport psychology from the University of Kansas and her undergraduate degree with a double major in health/exercise science and English from William Jewell College, where she was a four-year letter winner on the basketball court for the Cardinals. Conner earned HAAC Player of the Year in 1991, was fourth all-time in career scoring (1,893), was named William Jewell Athlete of the Year twice, and was inducted into William Jewell’s Hall-of-Fame in 2004.

An Interim AD will be announced soon. Ottawa University will be launching a national search for a new athletic director. Conner will remain a part of Braves Nation as she pursues her Doctor of Business Administration degree with Ottawa University.

Ottawa, Kan. (Oct. 17, 2022) –Ottawa University has received approval from its institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, to offer a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MSAP) degree. The degree will be offered at the residential campus in Ottawa, Kan., and was available starting in the Fall 2 term which began on October 3, 2022.

The MSAP will have three tracks for students to choose from for specialization: Forensic Psychology; Culture, Inclusion and Diversity; and Generalist. Designed by Dr. Pilar Galiana Abal, Associate Professor of Psychology and Lead Faculty in Applied Psychology at OU, the program will offer multiple experiential activities and professionalizing experiences as well as supervised internships and research practicums. Dr. Galiana Abal holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a re-specialization in forensic psychology and neuropsychology. Apart from her vast clinical experience, she has worked as a consultant in multiple criminal cases involving sexual crime and homicides in the last 12 years. As a clinician, she also has extensive experience with diverse clients coming from geographically remote cultures, LGBTQIA+ communities, and correctional populations.

“The Master of Science in Applied Psychology aims to bring to graduate students exciting professionalizing experiences through internships, residency, and research practicums,” said Dr. Galiana Abal. “Students will have the opportunity to develop the skills required in their discipline and substantial knowledge of the best practices within their field in the US and beyond. International collaborations are on the horizon for research and other professionalizing opportunities.”

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply for positions in law enforcement, governmental and private agencies (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, US Marshalls, NGOs), to serve in roles such as diversity and inclusion consultants, case managers, crisis intervention advocates, victim advocates, community specialists, project coordinators, expert witnesses in criminal and civil cases, human resources managers, correctional agents, rehabilitation program designers, and community support managers.

The MSAP builds off the curriculum and experiences provided in both the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Applied Psychology. Interested students can contact admissions advisors for additional details.

Ottawa, Kan. (Oct. 11, 2022) – Ottawa University is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Joann Bangs as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Bangs brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to OU, most recently as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Cottey College, an independent women’s liberal arts institution located in Nevada, MO.

“I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join Ottawa University,” said Dr. Bangs. “I'm inspired by the mission to prepare 'graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity' and impressed by the breadth of what OU has achieved. With its strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of all students, OU has been able to build a thriving new residential campus in Surprise, Ariz., launch a new Doctor of Business Administration degree program, and support a wide variety of online and adult programs. I look forward to being part OU's future successes.”

Prior to Cottey, Bangs was the Associate Provost of the College for Women, Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, and Professor of Economics at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN, one of the largest private women’s universities in the nation.  She has also taught at DeVry University Online and at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.  She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Minnesota and holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  Dr. Bangs co-authored an annual research report on women in corporate leadership in Minnesota from 2008 to 2018 and has published numerous journal articles and textbook chapters on pedagogy in economics. In 2021, she participated in Bravely Confronting Racism in Higher Education, a workshop offered by the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

At Cottey College, Dr. Bangs led the self-study process for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, collaborated with faculty on a complete revision of the Faculty Handbook, and oversaw the creation of new academic programs in psychology, secondary education, and elementary education.  At St. Catherine University, she developed strategic initiatives for the School of Business and Professional Studies and the College for Women, implemented an academic program prioritization process, and launched a new MBA program.

“In an extremely talented pool of candidates, Joann Bangs quickly emerged as the very best choice for Ottawa University’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” shared Dr. Bill Tsutsui, Chancellor of Ottawa University. “Dr. Bangs impressed me and the community as an accomplished educator, a productive scholar, and a seasoned academic leader who will be able to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, University leadership, and the Board of Trustees to advance Ottawa University’s academic mission.”

Dr. Bangs will begin her duties on January 1, 2023. She will transition to succeed outgoing University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Terry Haines who announced he will be stepping into a part-time role with the University in anticipation of retirement after more than 17 years with OU.

“For almost two decades, Terry has served the University in a wide range of roles, leading many critically important projects and contributing to virtually every major initiative undertaken by OU,” said Chancellor Tsutsui. “Although I have only worked with Terry a short time, I have come to appreciate and respect his deep commitment to this University and its mission, his broad knowledge and experience of higher education, his good heart, his profound faith, and his wise counsel.  Although Terry will be leaving behind all the responsibilities of the provost, he will continue to serve OU and I am thankful the OU community will continue working with him on an ongoing basis on issues of significance to the institution.”