Chicago Cubs second baseman and Olivet alumnus Ben Zobrist to serve as partnership ambassador
Olivet Nazarene University has announced a formal partnership with the Chicago Cubs, naming Olivet the official education partner of the Cubs organization. As part of this collaboration, Ben Zobrist — a member of Olivet’s class of 2004 and an established Major League Baseball veteran — will serve as the university’s public ambassador for the agreement.
Ben Zobrist brings both a high-profile athletic background and a personal connection to Olivet. A 12-year Major League veteran and World Series champion, Zobrist attended Olivet for three years before completing his collegiate baseball career at Dallas Baptist University. During his time with Olivet, he played multiple positions including pitcher, second base and shortstop. In the major leagues he made notable contributions with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Kansas City Royals, where he was part of the Royals’ 2015 World Series championship team, before later joining the Chicago Cubs.
As the partnership ambassador, Zobrist will appear in promotional materials highlighting Olivet’s academic initiatives, with a special emphasis on ONU Global — the university’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. His role will focus on raising awareness of flexible academic pathways that serve working adults, service members, athletes and others looking to advance professionally or personally through convenient, career-relevant degree programs.
Ryan Spittal, Olivet’s vice president for strategic expansion, praised the new relationship and Zobrist’s involvement, noting that the university is excited to work with the Cubs organization and to have an accomplished alumnus represent Olivet. Spittal highlighted Zobrist’s leadership, faith and team-oriented character as qualities that make him an ideal ambassador for the university and for the partnership’s goals.
Zobrist himself emphasized the impact Olivet had on his life and career, expressing gratitude for the education and opportunities the university provided. He pointed to the variety and flexibility of programs available through the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, saying those options allow students to balance work, family and other responsibilities while pursuing meaningful advancement in both career and life.
ONU Global oversees Olivet’s graduate and continuing studies offerings and operates multiple locations across the Midwest. The school offers more than 30 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs and serves students through more than 150 learning locations, including five regional centers. ONU Global’s network extends beyond the United States: the school maintains an international presence in Hong Kong and partnerships in China, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Dubai (UAE) and Israel. Domestically, ONU Global partners with more than 200 organizations to expand access to higher education for diverse communities.
The Chicago Cubs organization welcomed the partnership as well. Allen Hermeling, senior director of corporate partnerships for the Cubs, said the team is pleased to have Olivet as its official education partner and is looking forward to collaborating with Ben Zobrist to inspire fans and future generations to pursue their educational and professional goals.
This partnership aims to create new pathways for people connected to the Cubs and their communities to access flexible degree programs and continuing education, while also showcasing Olivet’s commitment to faith-informed, career-focused learning. Through joint promotions and outreach, the collaboration will highlight options for undergraduate completion, graduate study and doctoral-level work available through ONU Global and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
For more information about ONU Global and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, visit graduate.olivet.edu.