OC Humanities and Bible alumnus Jacob Preston inspired so many through his life of defiant hope

After surviving a life-altering accident while at OC, Preston inspired many to stay persistent when facing hardships. Preston passed away last fall, and he was recently honored in a sermon by OC alumnus Kent Risley.

February 14, 2021

Vibrant 19-year-old Oklahoma Christian University student David "Jake" Preston often found himself in the aquatic center he managed in Edmond, now known as Pelican Bay. However, one day as Preston dove into the pool, he hit the bottom and suffered the unimaginable. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors discovered that his injuries left him paralyzed from the neck down.

One year later, a determined Jake returned to OC. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology and Bible, and he met the love of his life, OC alumna Stephanie Bolton, who soon became his wife. The two were married by their college minister at the Edmond church of Christ, Kent Riseley. As part of the ceremony they recited their favorite Bible verse, Romans 15:5-6.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

While adapting to his immobility and working full-time, Preston also earned a master's degree and completed his doctoral coursework in Higher Education Administration. With Stephanie by his side, he created a career that led to work at several universities: OC, Oklahoma State University, University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Kansas.

Preston passed away in August of 2020. He was remembered as someone who had a gift for working with college students. His love for people was known throughout his career, and Preston was admired and respected by many. He was a living example of never, ever giving up.

During a recent sermon, Risely, now a preaching minister at Edmond, honored Preston by sharing fond memories about the type of person he was. Preston was a Christian who lived with a defiant hope.

“When life’s circumstances indicated otherwise, Jake and Stephanie chose to hope against hope,” Risley said. “We are called as Christians to have the same kind of faith, a defiant hope against hope. In the midst of the unfairness of this world, we need to have a defiant hope.

“When life throws unfairness at you, and you find yourself overwhelmed and about to drown, don’t give up, don’t give in, don’t just try to get away. Dare to hope in God. He is working even if you don’t believe it and even if you don’t see it. God blesses those whose hope is in Him.”

To be inspired, view Risley speaking of Preston’s story of faith on YouTube here until the 40:16 mark in the video (an 8-minute clip) and again here until the 1:02:45 mark (a 6-minute clip). Even more about Preston’s faith-led life is available online via his obituary. 

To learn a little more about Risley’s 34-year ministry career in Edmond, read this feature story by OC journalism alumna Tamie Ross here and scroll down to the middle of the page.