Notable Alumni of Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University (ORU), a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, founded by Oral Roberts in 1965, has produced a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including religion, politics, entertainment, business, and sports. The university was founded "as a result of the evangelist Oral Roberts' obeying God's mandate to build a university on God's authority and the Holy Spirit." God's commission to Oral Roberts was to "Raise up your students to hear My voice, to go where My light is dim, where My voice is heard small, and My healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased'."
Prominent Figures in Religion and Ministry
Several ORU alumni have become influential figures in the realm of religion and ministry.
Joel Osteen, a prominent pastor, televangelist, and author based in Houston, Texas, is known for his weekly televised services and best-selling books. He is associated with prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement. Osteen is one of the more recognizable figures in the field.
Kenneth Copeland is an American televangelist associated with the charismatic movement. Copeland has also written several books and other resources and is known for his broadcast Believers Voice of Victory.
Carlton Pearson was an American Christian minister and gospel music artist. At one time, he was the pastor of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center Incorporated, later named the Higher Dimensions Family Church, which was one of the largest churches in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Read also: Shaping Minds at Oral Roberts University
Marcos Witt, a Christian singer and pastor, is considered one of the most influential Spanish-speaking figures in Christian music.
Don Moen is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter, specializing in Christian worship music.
Richard Roberts is an American television evangelist and faith healer who serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. He previously served fifteen years as the president of Oral Roberts University.
David Barton is an American evangelical author and political activist for Christian nationalist causes. He is the founder of WallBuilders, LLC, a Texas-based organization that promotes pseudohistory about the religious basis of the United States.
John Allen Chau was an American evangelical Christian missionary who was killed by the Sentinelese after illegally traveling to North Sentinel Island in an attempt to introduce the tribe to Christianity.
Read also: ORU Scholarship Information
Myles Munroe, who authored over three dozen books, ministered to leaders worldwide.
Paul Osteen was on ORU’s first missions team. He served as a surgeon before joining the pastoral team at Lakewood Church in Texas. He provides insight to the pastoral team and is a constant support for his brother Joel.
Robert Stamps served as ORU’s second chaplain for 13 years and helped to establish many ORU traditions, including the summer missions program.
Jonathan Trammell, pastor of the 7,000-member church, launched the Surge Project, an international church-planting venture. Surge has planted over 22,000 churches in more than 35 nations.
Political Leaders and Public Servants
ORU has also produced alumni who have served in various political and public service roles.
Read also: Architectural and Spiritual Significance of ORU's Prayer Tower
Michele Bachmann served as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 6th congressional district from 2007 until 2015. A member of the Republican Party, she was a candidate for president of the United States in the 2012 election.
Michael Cloud is an American politician representing Texas's 27th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2018. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Donald Olson is an American physician, attorney, commercial pilot, reindeer herder, and politician, currently serving as a member of the Alaska Senate since 2001. Olson represents rural communities in Western Alaska and Arctic Alaska including Nome, Kotzebue, and Utqiagvik.
Matt Pinnell is an American politician serving as the 17th lieutenant governor of Oklahoma since 2019. Pinnell is also serving as the first Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism & Branding. Pinnell is a member of the Republican Party.
Paul Gazelka is an American politician and small business owner from Minnesota. A Republican, Gazelka was a member of the Minnesota Senate and was previously a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. In the state senate, Gazelka served as majority leader from 2017 to 2021.
Kyle McCarter served as the United States Ambassador to Kenya from 2019 to 2021. He previously served as a Republican member of the Illinois Senate from February 2009 to January 2019.
Lora Reinbold was a member of the Alaska Senate. She was a member of the Alaska House from 2013 to 2019, representing District 26. In 2018, Reinbold was elected to the Alaska State Senate representing the G district. She served in the State Senate from 2019 until retiring in 2023.
Celebrities and Media Personalities
Several ORU alumni have achieved recognition in the entertainment and media industries.
Kathie Lee Gifford is an American television presenter, singer, songwriter, actress, and author. From 1985 to 2000, she and Regis Philbin hosted the talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. Gifford is also known for her 11-year run with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC's Today show (2008-2019). She has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 as part of the Today team.
Ryan Tedder is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder, frontman, and lead vocalist for the pop-rock band OneRepublic.
Karri Turner is an American television actress who is best known for playing Lieutenant Harriet Sims in the television series JAG (1997-2005).
Michael Graham is an American conservative media personality and commentator based in Boston. He is a political editor for NH Journal, a columnist for the Boston Herald, and a CBS News analyst.
Amick Byram is a recording artist and two-time Grammy nominee.
Achievers in Sports
ORU has a strong athletic tradition, and several of its alumni have excelled in professional sports.
Jordan Romano is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Mark Gottfried is an American men's college basketball coach, basketball podcaster, and former player who most recently served as head coach of the Cal State Northridge Matadors.
Max Abmas is an American professional basketball player for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns and Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. He is one of 12 players in NCAA Division I college men's basketball history to score more than 3,000 career points.
Tyler Saladino is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers, and in the KBO League for the Samsung Lions.
Haywoode Workman is an American former basketball player who is a referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Caleb Green is an American former professional basketball player. Standing at 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m), he plays at the power forward position. He played college basketball for Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.
Madeline Manning Mims is a former American runner and Olympic champion. Between 1967 and 1981 she won ten national titles and set a number of American records. She participated in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Summer Olympics.
Mike Moore is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher.
Kelvin Torve is a former Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball First baseman, and current head coach of the American Legion Baseball Post 22 Hardhats in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Reggie Moore was an American-born Angolan basketball player.
Larry Owens is an American professional basketball player. He played college basketball for Yavapai College and Oral Roberts University.
Keith Lockhart is an American former major league second baseman and third baseman who played for 10 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1994 to 2003.
Shawn King is a Vincentian professional basketball player.
Kevin Obanor is an American professional basketball player for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Bruna Honório da Silva is a Brazilian female volleyball player.
Doug Bernier is an American former professional baseball infielder. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins.
Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs
ORU alumni have also made their mark in the business world.
Mart Green is the Chief Strategic Officer for the Green Family businesses, including Hobby Lobby. He served as chair of the ORU Board of Trustees from 2008-2014.
Michael Cardone, Jr., along with the late Michael Cardone, Sr., founded CARDONE Industries in 1970.
S. Lee Braxton was the president of, or an official in, 22 companies. With humble beginnings, he attended Bible college and became an auto mechanic. Through hard work and business success, Braxton became a millionaire.
Other Notable Alumni
Daniel Amen is an American celebrity doctor who practices as a psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist. He is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Amen Clinics. He is a twelve-time New York Times best-selling author as of 2023.
Stephen Mansfield is an American author who writes about history, modern culture, religion, and men's issues. His books have appeared on the New York Times best-seller list.
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