Survey Of Faculty Finds Little Support For Richard Roberts

The full faculty at Oral Roberts University was surveyed on Monday on their feelings about Richard Roberts continuing as the university's president. The News On 6's Emory Bryan reports 80% of those surveyed were against Roberts continuing his tenure.

The tenured faculty voted no confidence in Richard Roberts last week. Monday's vote was presented to the full faculty. In all, 147 members were surveyed. The survey also shows the faculty overwhelmingly believes the financial accountability for Oral Roberts University is not adequate.

The faculty of Oral Roberts University met for two and a half hours Monday to discuss how the school is governed and who should lead it into the future. Sam Dyk, a junior business major at ORU, welcomed the news that the full faculty is engaged in the discussion.

"It shows they're trying to get things moving. The students are sick of it they want it to be over," said ORU student Sam Dyk.

Last week, the tenured faculty approved a vote of no support against President Richard Roberts, who at his own request, is on leave while he fights the allegations.

At Monday's meeting, the faculty was surveyed with three questions on governance, three on leadership and one on ORU's finances. The results will be forwarded to the ORU Board of Regents, and discussed again at a faculty meeting next Monday.

The regents will meet next Tuesday, where sources indicate they'll get the results of ORU's independent investigation of the claims in the lawsuit.

At the same time, the alumni are being surveyed for their opinions.

Student Sam Dyk believes the more discussion, the better, which is why he's encouraging students to ask questions, and seek out answers. He says most students just want the truth, regardless of what it is, but are already forming opinions based on what they hear around campus and from the media.

"You get a mixed bag, a lot support Richard because they like him, but once you dig and when you get the students who are asking questions, they support the faculty because they've been here," said Sam Dyk, ORU student.

Monday's faculty survey is not binding on the school, but is likely to have an impact on the regents' decisions. The faculty surveyed also believes the school and ministry should have separate leadership. And, 74% believe if Richard Roberts continues as president, the alumni will not continue to support Oral Roberts University.