ORU Professors: Oral Roberts Will Be Missed

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Those who spent decades working with Oral Roberts say he will be greatly missed, but the university will move on while remaining committed to his vision.

Tenured professors say joining Oral at his new university was a leap of faith, but it was one that paid off, and they will always be grateful for the opportunity.

Doctor George Gillen is the only remaining founding faculty member who still teaches full time. He started the school of business after arriving in 1963. While the school was in its infancy, many predicted it would fail.

"Many people predicted that it would never last, that it would just be a bible school. And Oral was determined that it would not just be a bible school, that it would be a full fledged, accredited university," Dr. Gillen said.

Doctor Nathan Melleen arrived several years later saying he was attracted to ORU by its potential and charismatic leader.

"I saw this as an opportunity to be part of a world-class university. That to me was very exciting," Dr. Melleen said.

Both men say they believed deeply in Oral's vision for ORU and still do.

"I was so impressed with Oral. He was a very strong leader, and he convinced all of us that it was going to be an outstanding Christian university," said Dr. George Gillen.

The professors say ORU remains a unique university, a "special jewel." They say one of the most important pieces of Oral Roberts legacy was his passion for educating the whole person, the mind, body and spirit.

"And now it's our responsibility, and those who follow us, to continue that dream and make it be all God wanted it to be," said Dr. Nathan Melleen. "If the vision isn't understood, if it isn't implemented, if it isn't kept in front, we could lose it easily."

While it will be difficult, the professors say they are looking forward to Monday's memorial. After all, it will be a celebration of Oral's life and commitment to his school.

"We loved Oral. He built a great university, and now it's time to build on the foundation he set forth," Dr. Gillen said.

"You realize that the memories of the past are exactly that. You never get to relive them but you're thankful for the past at the same time, but you're hopeful for the future," said Dr. Melleen.

Doctors Gillen and Melleen say they were involved in recruiting ORU's new president Mark Rutland. They believe he is a perfect fit so far, and will be able to further Oral Roberts' vision.

Oral Roberts will be remembered at his namesake university on Monday. The memorial service begins at 2 p.m. at the ORU Mabee Center.

The News on 6 will broadcast the service live and NewsOn6.com will have live streaming coverage.

12/20/2009  Related Story: Memorial Service Monday For Oral Roberts