Campus Safety Chief ‘Lived at the Intersection of Justice and Love’

John Ojeisekhoba spent his life preparing for the worst — and bringing out the best — in the world around him.

A larger-than-life presence at Biola University for nearly three decades, Ojeisekhoba (M.A. ’00, M.A. ’04) was recognized internationally for his leadership in campus safety — offering training and tactical guidance to help universities prepare against threats and respond to emergencies. Yet, along with his commanding presence, he was also known for being a source of infectious joy and encouragement to a Biola community who embraced him as “Chief O.”

“The chief was a highly decorated, consummate professional, but he never took himself too seriously to don a Santa suit, to take a silly selfie, to dance in a Mock Rock performance,” said Jason Camorlinga, a longtime colleague in Biola’s Department of Campus Safety. “He regularly told us that he would do whatever it takes to make a student smile. He truly cared for each student.”

Ojeisekhoba’s death from apparent cardiac arrest on Aug. 31, 2025, at the age of 54, drew an outpouring of tributes from students, colleagues and law enforcement colleagues around the world. At a memorial service on Sept. 13, thousands of attendees on Metzger Lawn and viewers of an online livestream honored the associate vice president and chief of campus safety for his legacy of service and commitment to Christ.

“Chief O was passionate about law enforcement and campus safety, but he wasn’t passionate about it because it was his job,” said Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “He was passionate about it because he saw it for what it actually was: his ministry.”

Born in a small Nigerian village as the 11th of 19 children, Ojeisekhoba earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ilorin before securing a U.S. visa and enrolling at Biola as a graduate student in 1996. Four years later, he married Heidi, whom he met on Biola’s track and field team, completed a master’s degree in intercultural studies and joined the campus safety department. In 2004, he earned a second master’s, in organizational leadership.

He quickly rose through the ranks at Biola, becoming the chief in 2009. On the side, he served as a reserve officer with the Garden Grove Police Department — where he earned recognition as “Reserve Officer of the Year” award in 2012 — and taught self-defense classes to hundreds of students as an adjunct professor.

As chief, his passion for campus safety extended far beyond the borders of Biola. He built partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, advised other universities and served in leadership within several organizations — including a term as president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators in 2024. Just two months before his death, he was elected president of the California College and University Police Chiefs Association.

“Chief was known across the country and around the world as one of the world’s distinguished strategists and administrators on campus safety,” said Biola President Barry H. Corey. “He spoke far and wide, he consulted with presidents, advised campus police forces and was sought after by peer captains of countless organizations. I am convinced that no one understood the technical and the tactical side of campus safety more than Chief John Ojeisekhoba.”

Among Ojeisekhoba’s many accolades were recognitions as “Campus Safety Director of the Year” by Campus Safety Magazine in 2015, “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2024, and an appointment to the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in 2025.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ojeisekhoba is remembered for the personal mark he left on countless Biola students, parents and staff members.

“John lived at the intersection of justice and love,” said Fitsum Mulat, vice president for enrollment management and a longtime friend, noting Ojeisekhoba’s clear sense of right and wrong, but also his deep care for the people around him.

He spread joy and laughter as a fixture at campus events — carving turkeys at Biola’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, hurling rubber balls during the Nationball competition and showing off dance moves in Mock Rock cameos. Away from the spotlight, he offered strength and support to students and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“Whether in the spontaneity of fun with crowds of students or in the moment of deepest need with an individual, he was so fully himself — fully present with what the moment required,” said Deann Decker, Biola’s assistant dean of student care and conduct. “He brought the core of who he was to both the playful whimsy and the person in crisis.” 

Ojeisekhoba is survived by his wife of 25 years, Heidi, and their five children, John Oziegbe Jr., Joshua Ifidon, Natalie Tare, Nicole Seme and James Ihekwe. A fund to support the family has been established at biola.edu/chief-o-memorial.