Church of Christ-affiliated private college in West Virginia that closed in 2022 after financial difficulties.
Ohio Valley University integrated Christian faith into its educational mission, requiring all students to complete a Bible component each semester. At its peak, the institution offered 35 degree tracks and 33 minor concentrations across the Colleges of Business, Biblical Education, Education, and Arts and Sciences. Notable programs included an Integrated Marketing and Communications degree (launched 2018) and a graduate education program introduced in 2005. The university also pursued energy-related initiatives tied to West Virginia's oil and gas industry.
The university operated two campuses totaling 267 acres: South Campus (original, 133 acres) and North Campus (acquired 1994, 134 acres, former St. Joseph's Seminary). All full-time students were required to attend daily chapel. The college sponsored four co-ed social clubs (Theta, Delta, Kappa, Sigma) and hosted performing groups including the OVU Singers, Jazz Ensemble, and contemporary Christian a cappella group Express. Strict behavioral policies governed alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and sexual conduct.
The Fighting Scots competed in 14 varsity sports across NCAA Division II (1999–2021) and NAIA (2021). Men's soccer reached the NCAA Division II tournament three times (2017–2019), with the 2017 team seeded No. 1 in the Midwest Regional. Women's soccer earned an NAIA national tournament berth in fall 2021 after an undefeated season. The program captured nine conference championships in golf, baseball, soccer, and other sports.
In July 2020, the Higher Learning Commission placed OVU on probation for inadequate financial resources. The Board of Directors voted to close in December 2021 due to ongoing financial difficulties; the final graduation ceremony occurred May 14, 2022. The university filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in spring 2022, and campuses were later acquired by West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Transcript records were eventually maintained through Oklahoma Christian University's registrar.