Oral Roberts University Names New President

William "Billy" Wilson has been elected as the fourth president of Oral Roberts University. He will officially begin in his new role in July, the university announced on Thursday.

Wilson was selected as the result of a nine-month search process led by the ORU Presidential Search Committee made up of representatives from the ORU Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and students. The Board utilized the expertise of CarterBaldwin Executive Search.

More than 170 prospects were nominated for consideration.

Wilson currently serves as Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal in Cleveland, Tenn. He served on the ORU Board of Trustees as vice-chair until his election as president. He has also served in leadership positions with the Mission America Coalition, the Pentecostal World Fellowship and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

With more than 30 years of extensive leadership experience, Dr. Wilson served with the Church of God of Prophecy and the Church of God. He is a renowned speaker and author, writing several books including "Father Cry," "Foundations of Faith" and "Fasting Forward."

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University in Secondary Education. He also holds a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Lisa, currently reside in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have one daughter, Sara, who presently serves as a missionary in Paraguay with her husband, Shaun, and their three children. The Wilsons' son, Ashley, is currently a pastor in Lexington, Kentucky, is married to Jamie and the couple have three children.