Staff Report
The La Mirada community and Biola University are grieving the sudden loss of John Ojeisekhoba Sr., Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety, who passed away from apparent cardiac arrest on August 31, 2025, at the age of 54. The announcement was made by university leaders on September 1, leaving a profound void in the hearts of students, staff, and the broader community.
Affectionately known as “Chief O,” Ojeisekhoba was a cornerstone of Biola University since 2000, serving as a dedicated leader whose commitment to campus safety and student well-being was deeply rooted in his faith. “I believe the Lord is at work and has been at work in my life. I want students to draw from this and build and feel encouraged,” he once shared in Biola’s student newspaper, reflecting his heart for inspiring others.
Ojeisekhoba’s influence extended far beyond Biola. He served as president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) in 2024 and was recently appointed president of the California College and University Police Chiefs Association (CCUPCA). His expertise earned him prestigious honors, including the 2024 Veterans of Foreign Wars Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the 2025 U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Academic Partnership Council appointment, and La Mirada’s 2025 Community Spotlight Award for his exceptional service to the city. Other accolades included the 2021 NOBLE Achievers Award, the 2025 IACLEA President’s Award, and the 2015 Campus Safety Magazine’s Director of the Year.
Born in Nigeria as one of nineteen children, Ojeisekhoba’s journey to America was marked by resilience and determination. Raised in a family that valued integrity, inspired by his father, a local police chief, he developed a strong work ethic through early mornings on the family farm and long walks to school. His talent for track and field brought him to Biola in 1996 as a student and long jumper. After earning a master’s degree in intercultural studies in 2000 and another in organizational leadership in 2004, he joined Biola’s Campus Safety team, rising to Chief in 2009 and Associate Vice President in 2019.
Biola University President Barry H. Corey described Ojeisekhoba as a “paragon of college safety professionalism” and a beloved friend. “Because he spent his days and nights working to protect our university, we slept soundly knowing our students were protected and cared for,” Corey said. “He was a trusted counsel for leaders seeking to keep America’s campuses safe.”
In addition to leading Biola’s campus safety efforts, Ojeisekhoba taught self-defense classes as an adjunct professor since 2003 and served as a reserve police officer with the Garden Grove Police Department. His national consulting work further solidified his reputation as a leader in higher education safety.
Ojeisekhoba is survived by his wife of 25 years and their five children. In his honor, Biola’s campus flags will fly at half-staff.
On Saturday September 13 all are invited as the Biola community will gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Chief Ojeisekhoba. The event will take place on the Metzger Lawn within the university campus from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Ojeisekhoba family requests donations to the Chief O Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.
Randy Chung, assistant chief since 2008, will serve as Interim Chief of Campus Safety, carrying forward Ojeisekhoba’s legacy of excellence and service.
The La Mirada community joins Biola in remembering a man whose life exemplified faith, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Partial information from Brenda Velasco-Biola University
