OC Bible launched a new master’s degree cohort in honor of Dr. Jack Evans Sr.

The program launched in 2021 and will continue to expand this year.

Last fall, Oklahoma Christian University’s Division of Bible partnered with Gary Jones to launch the Dr. Jack Evans, Sr. Ministry Cohort for Christianity and Culture. A group of six students are pursuing a Master of Arts in Christianity and Culture degree. They meet monthly with Jones and others to become equipped to deal with social justice issues specific to minority communities and the churches that serve them. Jones serves OC as the assistant dean of students, and he is also a deacon at the Eastside church of Christ in Oklahoma City. 

The program launched last year and will expand by eight students each fall.

Jack Evans Sr., whom the degree is named after, was an influential figure in the Church of Christ. According to The Christian Chronicle, “Evans led Southwestern, the only historically black college associated with churches of Christ, from 1967 to the end of 2016, making him one of the longest-tenured presidents in American higher education history.” He received three honorary doctorate degrees from Abilene Christian University, Harding University and Pepperdine University.

His impact on the world for Christ, churches and students will not be forgotten. OC’s new cohort program is just one small way to honor Evans’ legacy.  

Additionally, OC’s Division of Bible is developing a new certificate program to be offered in Spanish. It, too, will be based on the Master of Arts in Christianity and Culture degree courses. Dr. Amanda Madrid, a current student in the Master of Arts in Christianity and Culture degree program, is doing the translation.