by Aubrey Marjason
Oklahoma Baptist University’s Student Spotlight recognizes junior Christian studies major Christopher Ribertone, a student in OBU’s Prison Divinity Program at the Lexington Campus.
Ribertone is originally from Toms River, New Jersey, and graduated from Brick Township Memorial High School in 2012. Growing up, he played and refereed hockey, enjoying both the competition and the physicality of the sport. He also frequently visited New York City with friends and family and was raised alongside his two older brothers.
Since arriving at the Lexington Campus in June 2025, Ribertone has enjoyed building relationships with classmates and others on campus. His favorite course is Christian Worldview, which he said has taught him to “look deeper into lessons and see the meaning between the lines.”
After graduation, Ribertone hopes to become a field minister and start ministries in New Jersey. He is also interested in exploring opportunities in childhood education, a field he studied previously.
Ribertone said he grew up in a Christian home, but his understanding of the Gospel deepened after a conversation with his father about the origins of the world following a lesson on evolution in school. He credits that moment as pivotal in his decision to follow Christ and says his curiosity continues to drive his interest in Christian education.
He said he enjoys being an OBU student and strives to serve as a positive example on the Lexington Campus. Ribertone is expected to graduate in May 2027 at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the Shawnee Campus.
Student Spotlight: Brent Cisco
Oklahoma Baptist University also recognizes junior Christian studies major Brent Cisco, a student in OBU’s Prison Divinity Program at the Lexington Campus, from Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Cisco graduated from Anadarko High School in 2012. Growing up in a small town, he enjoyed fishing and skating, as well as competing in wrestling, track and cross country. He credits athletics with teaching him valuable life skills. He also took family trips to destinations such as New York City and Niagara Falls. Cisco has two brothers and one sister.
Cisco has studied at the Lexington Campus since enrolling at OBU. His favorite courses include Western Civilization and English Composition I. He said Composition I helped him “look at the Gospel from a different perspective and bring ideas to life,” while Western Civilization taught him how Christianity has influenced history across cultures and generations.
After graduation, Cisco hopes to serve as a field minister in the prison system and eventually become a youth minister in his hometown. He is particularly passionate about mentoring others and training leaders within prison ministry.
Cisco said he did not grow up in a Christian home but was introduced to church by his grandmother. He credits his high school counselor, along with his best friend, for helping lead him to Christ through youth group. He said his life was changed at Falls Creek, though he struggled to live consistently in his faith for a time.
After high school, Cisco served five years in the U.S. Army. While living in Colorado, he became a father to his son, Jordan, now 9. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cisco said he fully committed his life to Christ and now feels called to be both a strong father figure and a servant in ministry.
Cisco said he looks forward to becoming an OBU alumnus and continuing to share the Gospel beyond the Lexington Campus.
