ORU Wants to Increase Hispanic Enrollment

TULSA, Okla.

Oral Roberts University and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference have signed an agreement that could make ORU the school of choice for many Hispanic Christians.

In an effort to increase diversity on campus, the university plans to establish the Jesse Miranda Center to serve as a recruitment center and fellowship hall for Hispanic students. It also will serve as a research and development wing for Hispanic Christian programs.

University President Mark Rutland said the university is ideal for the Hispanic Christian community and the school needs the students’ vitality. Minority undergraduate enrollment at ORU currently is at 22 percent, with just more than 5 percent being Hispanic.

“We’re intentionally trying to increase that,’” Rutland said, with a goal of 25 percent Hispanic enrollment in the next few years.

“We’re a multiethnic campus,” he said. “One area where we haven’t done as much as we should is the Hispanic community.”

The Jesse Miranda Center is named for the CEO of the NHCLC and the executive presbyter of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Its mission will focus on faculty and staff training, and to adjust the curriculum to address Hispanic issues.

ORU will join the NHCLC and pay a $75,000 membership fee.

According to the agreement, NHCLC will incorporate ORU’s logo on its Web site, formally endorse the university and distribute the school’s brochures and marketing information to congregations, state leaders and denominational heads.

The NHCLC will also assist in recruitment of students as well as Hispanic professors, staff and support personnel.

“Oral Roberts University has historically stood as the flagship of charismatic Christian universities,” said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, NHCLC president. “It’s the right school for the Hispanic Christian community.”

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