Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University stands as a unique institution, founded in 1963 by evangelist Oral Roberts with a profound spiritual mandate: to raise up students who hear God's voice and bring healing and light to the farthest corners of the earth. This mission is embodied in its distinctive motto, "Educating the whole man" encompassing "Mind, Spirit, Body," preparing students not just academically, but holistically for global impact.

The university's history is marked by rapid development and a clear vision. Ground was broken in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1962, and by 1965, ORU officially opened with 300 students and seven completed buildings. A centerpiece of the campus, the iconic Prayer Tower, was completed in 1967, symbolizing the university's unwavering spiritual core. This era also saw significant structures like the Mabee Center and Christ's Chapel emerge, setting the stage for ORU's growth and eventual accreditation by the North Central Association (now the Higher Learning Commission) in 1971, affirming its academic rigor.

Academically, ORU has expanded its offerings, including the establishment of the O. W. Coburn School of Law in 1979, demonstrating an early commitment to diverse professional education, though it later closed. Today, ORU continues to hold accreditation from both the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, ensuring a high standard of education. With a vibrant community of 5,051 students, the university fosters an environment where intellectual pursuit is integrated with spiritual formation.

Prospective students and their families will discover a university deeply committed to its founding principles, offering an engaging educational experience where students are empowered to grow in all aspects of their lives. ORU is a place where faith and learning converge, preparing graduates to excel in their chosen fields and to make a meaningful, positive difference in the world.