Oklahoma Christian University’s newest senior leader is no stranger to campus. Chris Young, an Oklahoma Christian graduate and former Eagle tennis coach, has been named Senior Vice President for Advancement and Athletics, returning to the university after 16 years as director of tennis at Oklahoma State University.
Young previously coached at Oklahoma Christian from 2000 to 2004 before a long and successful tenure at OSU. He said coming back to Oklahoma Christian felt like a natural next step.
“I attended here, graduated here and coached here,” Young said. “This place was formative for me, and it’s meaningful to be back in a leadership role.”
Young said his return to Oklahoma Christian was the result of months of conversations with President Ken Jones and members of the board of trustees about the university’s direction and leadership.
“There was communication over the past several months with Dr. Jones, talking about where Oklahoma Christian is, the leadership now and where they’re taking it,” Young said. “What I could bring matched what the needs were.”
Young said his passion for Oklahoma Christian and confidence in its future made the decision an easy one.
“For the passion I have for Oklahoma Christian and the belief I have in where Oklahoma Christian is and where it’s going under Dr. Jones’ leadership, it was an easy decision,” Young said.
In his new role, Young oversees athletics, alumni relations, career services and advancement efforts, a combination that reflects how closely those areas work together.
“It’s a unique role,” Young said. “It brings together alumni relations, career services and athletics. All of those areas are deeply connected to how we grow as a university and support students.”
Young said his experience at a large state school has given him perspective as he transitions back to a private, faith-based university.
“Coming from a state school, the overall environment here is different in the best way,” Young said. “The mission of what’s happening on campus is exciting, and I think I can bring a healthy perspective to that.”
One of the aspects of Oklahoma Christian that has stood out most to Young since his return is the university’s emphasis on faith.
“It’s been nice to be in an environment where faith is a huge aspect of it,” Young said. “Even just things like going to chapel, when you’re here every day, you might not always appreciate it. Coming back, you realize how special that is.”
As he settles into his new role, Young said he is focused on serving the university that shaped him.
“I believe deeply in Oklahoma Christian,” Young said. “To be back and serve in this way is incredibly meaningful.”
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