R.D. Saunders Named New President of Ohio Christian University
Article Presented By Kingston National Bank…
(Circleville) – The Ohio Christian University Board of Trustees and the General Board of Trustees of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union have announced the selection of R.D. Saunders as the next president of Ohio Christian University.
According to a press release on the OCU website, “R.D. and his wife, Shelli, are both alumni of OCU and we are excited that he will be joining our team as the next Ohio Christian University President. We believe that God has been evident throughout the selection process, and we thank you for your continued prayers as we make this transition.
Born in Central Ohio, R.D. Saunders was impacted spiritually by the strong witness of godly grandparents who brought him to Central Ohio church camps like Mount of Praise and Stoutsville. R.D. began to sense God’s calling to ministry and felt that God strongly led him to attend Ohio Christian University. His development at OCU not only provided outstanding classroom training but gave R.D. numerous practical ministry experiences in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Ohio Christian University also introduced R.D. to his bride of 38 years, Shelli Brown Saunders as well as lifelong friends and mentors.
Following his college training, R.D. spent 22 years as a pastor with churches in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia. Early in his pastoral ministry R.D. became a daily student of personal growth and leadership from fellow OCU alum, Dr. John C. Maxwell. Because R.D. was growing, his churches did as well with his congregations often doubling or tripling in size.
In 2002, when R.D. began to serve as an Associate Trainer for EQUIP Leadership, he saw firsthand the opportunity for multiplied impact in Christian non-profit leadership. In 2009 R.D. left pastoral ministry operations in numerous world areas. In addition to his duties at Network of Caring, he was the primary speaker for Leading With 20/20 Vision, teaching leadership and personal growth to hundreds of thousands of businesspeople around the world.
In 2017 R.D. became the Vice President of Advancement for EQUIP Leadership and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, working closely with John Maxwell to resource ministry and transformation around the world. In the last 7 years at EQUIP, under R.D.’s fundraising leadership, the income has quadrupled. In 2022, R.D. completed a master’s degree in organizational leadership. In December of 2024, R.D. Saunders was elected as the next president of Ohio Christian University. His calling as President is informed by Isaiah 61… to raise up students who are future “oaks of righteousness” for God’ glory who transform the world for Christ as ministers, business people, and community leaders. Now after a lifetime of ministry and advanced leadership experiences, President Saunders is a transformational leader, a gifted communicator, and a creative thinker who brings passion and inspiration to all he does. R.D. loves college football, the Civil War, and smoking meat. He has two married adult sons, Landon and Logan, and he and Shelli are excited to have grandchildren soon.
Saunders expressed his thoughts on the new position at OCU- “It is such an honor for Shelli and I to come home to Ohio and home to our beloved Ohio Christian University! We are so grateful for the board’s confidence in us and so thrilled that God has clearly opened this door for us in this season of our lives. We can’t wait to get to work on behalf of our students and build an incredible future, raising oaks of righteousness for God’s glory at Ohio Christian University!”
