Oral Roberts University
10/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2024 08:14
ORU Unveils Exciting Student Life Reorganization Bolstering Student Spiritual Growth
Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 28, 2024 - In a move to enrich the spiritual journey of its students, Oral Roberts University's (ORU) Office of Student Life is thrilled to announce a dynamic reorganization. Starting November 4, 2024, Augustine Mendoza will step into the pivotal role of Senior Director of Spiritual Life and Student Experience.
Mr. Mendoza will now lead a diverse array of programs, including the Spiritual Life Office, Chaplain Program, Student Association, Esports, clubs and organizations, and intramural activities. This strategic consolidation aims to create a more cohesive and vibrant student experience. The reorganization will allow for resources to be put into more aggressive discipleship initiatives that will engage a broader cross-section of students.
He shared his thoughts about this reorganization saying, "This new season presents a wonderful opportunity to unite our teams and create innovative programs, experiences, and opportunities that will engage and empower our students. This is what truly excites me and is most important to me. We are so excited to provide initiatives to engage students and assist with their spiritual growth and discipleship."
The reorganization amends and strengthens the Chaplain Program. Each residence hall will have dedicated chaplains, with upperclassmen halls featuring dorm chaplains and freshmen floors having their own chaplains. This ensures every student has access to a chaplain for spiritual guidance and support.
In addition, several innovative spiritual life initiatives are on the horizon, promising to offer fresh and engaging opportunities for student involvement and growth. In future semesters, there will be an implementation of robust spiritual life initiatives to include Men's and Women's Discipleship Days; Weekly Bible Studies for the student body; Recharge Retreats; Discipleship Outlets; Spiritual Growth Track Plans; NextGen Leadership Conference; and new Digital Engagement Strategies.
Students are encouraged to apply for leadership opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year. Positions available include Resident Advisor, Chaplain, and Peer Success Program leaders, with Student Association team applications opening in Spring 2025.
Lori Cook, Vice President for Student Life, shared her enthusiasm, saying, "I am excited and grateful for the Holy Spirit's guidance to develop innovative and strategic discipleship opportunities for the student body."
This reorganization is a testament to ORU's commitment to developing Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education, enhancing students' spiritual integrity and providing new avenues for growth and discipleship.
For more details, please contact the Office of Student Life at Oral Roberts University.
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 160 nations from 2019 to 2024 to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West