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Matt vandenBerg, Ed.D., became Ohio Wesleyan University's 17th president on July 1, 2023.
Ohio Wesleyan University is a powerful engine of social mobility, educational opportunity, economic growth, and cultural vitality. Our vast network of OWU alumni is making the world a better place through their leadership and contributions in every field, including business and finance, science and technology, medicine, law, education, the arts, public service, and so much more.
This family of active and engaged Ohio Wesleyan graduates grows each year, nurtured by a team of faculty, staff, and administrators passionately committed to and focused on student success and an academic program grounded in the breadth of the liberal arts and depth of hands-on experience.
This is a welcoming and incredibly supportive campus, with our efforts underpinned by the guidance and support of a distinguished Board of Trustees and loyal alumni.
Together, we are building mightily on OWU's rich history and pursue unprecedented heights with confidence, boldness, innovation, joy, vigor, and good humor. Now and forever, my mission and passion are to partner with OWU faculty, staff, students, parents, families, and alumni to help Ohio Wesleyan grow, expand its reach, and make itself more distinctive and more esteemed in a crowded higher education landscape.
Matt vandenBerg
President
Matt vandenBerg uses a variety of social media platforms to communicate with OWU students, alumni, families, colleagues, the community, and the world. With photos, videos, and words, he'll keep you informed, entertained, and smiling about the Oh-Woo world!
Below is a playlist of videos from Matt's social media. You can view the entire playlist by clicking on the link in the upper right. Or click the play button and watch them all!
To request President vandenBerg's attendance at an Ohio Wesleyan event, please submit the Presidential Participation Request Form.
For meeting requests, please email Carrie Abahazi, Executive Assistant to the President, at cmabahazi@owu.edu.
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Matt gets really excited about the OWU Connection.
Matt vandenBerg stands with a large group of international students in the atrium of the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center.
Matt vandenBerg and others take the stage in University Hall's Gray Chapel during his inauguration ceremony.
Matt vandenBerg (left) observes a female Northern Cardinal with student Evan Miller '24 during a behavioral endocrinology class at Kraus Wilderness Preserve.
Matt vandenBerg walks to the Community Tailgate location with OWU's football team and cheerleaders.
Matt vandenBerg speaks with local media prior to announcing three new collaborations with Columbus State Community College.
Matt joins the OWU football team, marching band, and cheerleaders as they march from the student center to Selby Stadium.
Matt and I Know I Can CEO Katina Fullen sign an agreement providing full-tuition OWU scholarships to 25 I Know I Can graduates a year.
(from left) Sylvia, Melissa, Matt, and Jackson vandenBerg, in front of Merrick Hall.
Matt vandenBerg (left) and Claflin University President Dwaun Warmack show off the sister school agreement they signed.
Matt discovers the truth of the legend surrounding the OWU Seal.
Delaware County Commissioner Gary Merrell (left), Matt vandenBerg, and Delaware City Manager Tom Homan before signing an agreement continuing their collaboration in the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at OWU.
Matt meets with students performing in OWU's Orchesis dance concert.
Matt vandenBerg stands with the platform party for OWU's 2024 Commencement
Matt vandenBerg speaks prior to announcing three new collaborations with Columbus State Community College.
(from left) Jackson, Matt, Melissa, and Sylvia vandenBerg, in front of Elliott Hall.
Matt vandenBerg and others take the stage in University Hall's Gray Chapel during his inauguration ceremony.
Melissa and Matt vandenBerg host a dinner for resident assistants at the Pritchard House.
Columbus State Community College President David Harrison (left) and Matt vandenBerg sign an agreement for the schools' three new collaborations.
On April 18, 2024, Matt and Claflin University President Dwaun Warmack signed an historic memorandum of understanding linking as sister schools Ohio Wesleyan and South Carolina-based Claflin, one of the nation's leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Matt vandenBerg stands with an OWU student at the annual Late Night Breakfast.
Matt (left), Sylvia, Melissa, and Jackson vandenBerg, standing on the stage in University Hall's Gray Chapel after his inauguration ceremony.
Matt vandenBerg (left) takes a selfie in Chris Wolverton's lab as part of the What Matters tour.
Matt vandenBerg delivers remarks in University Hall's Gray Chapel during his inauguration ceremony.