Freshman Experience director departs from Oklahoma Christian

4 minute read

Trent Dobbs, director of freshman experience, is leaving Oklahoma Christian University to pursue another job opportunity. The Oklahoma Christian alumni joined the student life office as a freshman counselor in Aug. of 2017. 

Dobbs is headed to Lingo Construction Company. 

“I wasn’t really looking for another job, but I was sought out by them for a new position there as an Operations Coordinator … I’ve told Neil and other people, for me to leave, it had to be a really good circumstance … I’m not just going to leave just to leave, and I feel that about going to Lingo Construction, a lot of the owners and higher ups are really good Christian people and so that scenario has been comforting,” Dobbs said. “Obviously, it’s still hard to leave. I love this place, love the people I work with.” 

Dobbs said getting to know students is one of his favorite parts about working in freshman experience. 

“I get to see them come in as freshmen, maybe a little bit tentative, shy, just trying to figure it out, and then just watch them grow as students academically and socially and spiritually… It’s been a great time that I’ve been here. So to leave was not an easy decision, and it was gonna have to be the perfect situation,” Dobbs said. 

Even though he said it will be hard to leave Oklahoma Christian, Dobbs said he will attend events and not be a stranger. 

“I feel like God placed it out in front of me, like I said, I wasn’t really looking for it, but I feel like God puts things in front of you and gives you opportunities. It’s going to be really good for my family, and then kind of just the next phase for me to do something else,” Dobbs said.

Dean of students, Neil Arter, offered his remarks about Dobbs. 

“If you got to meet Trent, then you understand that he’s just the salt of the earth, just the best guy, and he’s the most loyal friend and employee,” Arter said. “We’re going to miss him really a lot because of that, but really happy for him and his family. I think this is gonna be a blessing to them. And so we wish the best to him that we’re gonna miss him like crazy, as he makes his transition.” 

Freshman counselor Peyton Merideth gave a farewell message for Dobbs.

“Trent brought me onto the freshman experience team as a student intern my junior year of college, and has guided me all the way to becoming a freshman counselor,” Merideth said. “Trent is a great mentor and friend, guiding me through all the fun and craziness of working in Student Life. We are sad to see him go, but so thrilled for his new adventures!” 

Dobbs said his experience as a freshman at Oklahoma Christian propelled a love for his work.

“I really enjoyed getting to know (students) one on one, being able to do dorm events and just help them navigate their first year of college,” Dobbs said. “I remember my first year of college, it was a very hard transition for me and just a lot of different aspects … I wanted to help freshmen avoid some of the mistakes I made as a freshman student.” 

Dobbs helped navigate freshman events during COVID-19 and created an online version of Take Flight for incoming students. Another achievement he is proud of is the OC Night at the Zoo which concluded Earn Your Wings 2024. 

“I have been wanting and dreaming about (the zoo) for a while … We had 2,200 people show up for that OC night at the zoo,” Dobbs said. “That was really cool, just to have everybody at the zoo, potential students maybe coming to OC, our current students, and then being able to see a bunch of alumni. It was just, it was a really fun night. I was excited that we were able to pull that off and do that.”

With Dobbs leading the team, an 80 percent student retention rate was met more than once. 

“Our goal is always to try to have retention of 80 percent or more at the end of the school year, it’s a very hard thing to do. We got it since I was here, we got 80 percent a couple times. And then there were a couple years where we were right at 79 and 78 percent,” Dobbs said. “I know a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, that’s boring,’ but it’s a hard goal to achieve. Our team works very hard to do it … I’m proud that we were able to do that and work hard and try to retain as many students as we can.”

To the person who takes his place, Dobbs said to have an open mind and let the students share ideas for fun activities. He also emphasized the role of Freshman Experience in assisting students with any aspect they may need help in, whether it be academics, spiritual life or social life.