Oral Roberts Celebrates 50 Years of Impact
Oral Roberts University President William M. Wilson announced the university’s seventh consecutive year of enrollment growth for the 2015-2016 academic year for the globally focused, Tulsa-based institution. This announcement comes as the university is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary during a Global Celebration Week, October 19-24.
Total enrollment is 3,611, an increase of 130 students from last year. These students embody a diverse population, representing 50 states and 85 nations around the globe.
“Oral Roberts University is in a strong position to dream again,” said ORU President William M. Wilson. “Seven years of continuous enrollment growth speaks to the excellent education and sense of community offered by the university. We will continue to focus on expanding ORU’s global presence, allowing students from around the globe to access our unique, Whole Person Education.”
This academic year ORU is welcoming its 51st freshman class. In addition to record-breaking enrollment numbers, freshman retention remained strong at over 80 percent for the sixth straight year.
Over the last seven years, ORU has witnessed more than $100 million in campus improvements and renovations, an operating budget in the black and the elimination of all indebtedness. Additionally, Wilson announced a 50th anniversary campaign that is slated to raise $50 million for the globalization of Whole Person Education, enhancements to the physical campus, Quest Whole Person Scholarships and a strengthened university endowment.
As a part of the 50th anniversary campaign, the university began construction on a new Global Learning Center, which will offer the latest in educational technology and pave the way for satellite learning centers around the globe. ORU will also build its first-ever track and field facility and replace the existing tennis courts with a Tennis Complex that features state-of-the-art surfaces, fences and lighting.
“This is an exciting time in the history of ORU,” Wilson noted. “God has used this university to change lives around the globe these past 50 years and we look forward to seeing what He has in store for the next 50.”
