Oral Roberts University (ORU) a private, evangelical institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was established in 1963 and bears the name of its founder, the charismatic evangelist Oral Roberts.
Oral Roberts University large praying hands entrance from the air summer 2017
Moreover, the sprawling 385-acre campus is home to a diverse range of academic programs, offering more than 70 undergraduate and 20 graduate degrees across its six colleges. Recognized for its intensive master’s programs, ORU serves a student population of around 5,000.
The genesis of ORU was marked by groundbreaking ceremonies in 1962, and its charter was subsequently issued by the state the following year. Opening its doors in 1965, the university began with 300 students and a suite of seven major buildings. The inception of ORU was inspired by Oral Roberts’ divine vision to create a university built on God’s authority. This vision emphasized the university’s Prayer Tower, a central and at times controversial symbol due to its unique dedication to prayer.
CityPlex Towers, originally known as City of Faith Medical and Research in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The completion of the Prayer Tower in 1967, at the cost of $2 million, was marked by a significant prayer and fasting period. Billy Graham graced the university’s dedication ceremony as a keynote speaker. The following years saw the first graduations and the growth of ORU’s academic scope, including accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
Throughout its first decade, ORU saw the establishment of key facilities, including the Howard Auditorium and Christ’s Chapel. 1979 saw the addition of the O. W. Coburn School of Law, which later closed, transferring its library to what would become Regent University School of Law.
In later years, ORU experienced expansion alongside financial challenges, notably with the creation and subsequent closure of the City of Faith Medical and Research Center. The 1990s and 2000s were marked by leadership changes and efforts to bolster the university’s academic reach and resources, including the advent of Golden Eagle Broadcasting and expansions in arts education.
Howard Auditorium and the Prayer Tower (the gas flame at the top of the tower is barely visible in this photograph)
A bilingual Hispanic Center was established in partnership with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, targeting increased Hispanic representation within the student body. Despite controversy surrounding its stance on LGBTQ issues, ORU continued to grow its infrastructure with new buildings and centers, moving to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjusting campus life to maintain health protocols.
The university faced significant legal and financial hurdles in 2007, with wrongful termination lawsuits and allegations of misused funds leading to the resignation of then-president Richard Roberts. Despite these trials, substantial donations, notably from the Green family, enabled ORU to address its debts, advance campus renovations, and initiate scholarship funds, setting ORU on a path to financial stability and modernization.
The four “Towers” residence halls, Michael Cardone, Wesley Leuhring, Susie Vinson and Frances Cardone
Under the leadership of William “Billy” Wilson, ORU not only stabilized but also embarked on ambitious campaigns to ensure its impact on a global scale. This included the “Impact 2030” campaign aiming to bring a student from every nation to ORU, reflecting the university’s global outreach mission.
The campus itself, noted for its unique modernist architecture, underwent significant renovations, including the Prayer Tower and the addition of the Global Learning Center. The Global Learning Center represented ORU’s commitment to innovative learning environments, while the Global Leadership Center aimed to transform the existing library into a hub for international leadership training.
Throughout its history, ORU has maintained its commitment to the spiritual and academic growth of its students, aiming to foster an environment where the next generation can thrive and make an impact on a global scale. Despite challenges along the way, the university has emerged as a landmark institution in Tulsa, a hub for Christian evangelical education, and a testament to the enduring vision of its founder.
The Meadow Gold sign has greeted Route 66 travelers in Tulsa for decades.
ORU School Review
Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands out as a vibrant evangelical Christian institution, committed to integrating a thorough academic experience with deep spiritual growth. The university, bearing the name of its charismatic founder, boasts a broad array of programs spanning more than 70 undergraduate and 20 graduate degrees, attracting students seeking an education infused with a Christian worldview. ORU’s campus life is distinctive, encompassing a visually striking Prayer Tower and modern facilities that reflect its commitment to fostering an environment of holistic learning. The university’s dedication to the principles of the Charismatic Movement, combined with a focus on the ‘Whole Person Education’ philosophy, endeavors to produce graduates who are spiritually attuned, academically prepared, and socially adept.
Over the years, ORU has navigated financial and legal challenges, emerging with a fortified mission to impact the world. This is exemplified in its ambitious “Impact 2030” initiative, which seeks to expand its global influence by enrolling students from every nation. ORU’s commitment to community, both locally and globally, is further evidenced by its substantial financial aid programs, made possible through generous donations, and its continual campus enhancements to ensure state-of-the-art facilities for its students. The university’s concerted effort to blend faith with education resonates in its diverse student body, making ORU a distinctive choice for those pursuing higher education within a spiritually enriching environment.
The Philtower, built in the late Gothic Revival style, is surrounded by contemporary office buildings.
The Tulsa MSA’s location (red) in the state of Oklahoma with the Tulsa-Bartlesville CSA (pink)