Mark Rutland was elected president of the Oklahoma university today.
The board of trustees of Oral Roberts University unanimously elected Mark Rutland, president of Southeastern University, according to a news release.
The Ledger in Florida includes a bio of Rutland, who has been president of Southeastern for the past 10 years. From Cary McMullen:
Since becoming president of Southeastern in January 1999, Rutland has presided over dramatic growth. Enrollment has expanded from 950 to 3,079 students in September 2008. The school has undertaken 16 construction or renovation projects, including two new dormitories and a proposed office and classroom building, totaling more than $50 million, according to information released by Southeastern.
Rutland is the author of 13 books, hosts a syndicated radio program and is the founder of ministries in Ghana and Thailand. He is noted for his interest in leadership education, and in 2006 he began an annual conference, The National Leadership Forum, that has attracted nationally known speakers, including former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.
In October 2008, Oral Roberts settled with two professors who alleged that they were forced out after detailing financial and ethical wrongdoing by Richard Roberts, the school's former president who resigned. It also announced that it will cut 100 jobs, about 10 percent of its workforce this year.
Yesterday, icy weather postponed hearings in two lawsuits against the school. An ORU accountant alleges that he was forced to commit fraud and a former student claims that he was unable to complete his degree.
Christianity Today has followed the developments at ORU on the higher education section of liveblog, and CT also published an article in September 2008 detailing the school's path to healing.
Posted by Sarah Pulliam Bailey on January 28, 2009 2:27PM
Comments
Mark Rutland is a great choice for ORU. He will bring even more quality to this great institution. We are praying for you.
Dr. John Hedgepeth
Pastor--Northwood Temple in Fayetteville, NC
910-488-7474
Posted by: John Hedgepeth at January 29, 2009
Hi all,
When Mark Rutland spoke here in Adelaide some 15 years ago (or even more) he came across as a humble and sincere man with a passion. One comment I recall specifically: "God did not create Adam and Steve". Here was a man speaking out on an issue many church leaders put in the too hard basket.
I noted that - From the CT Liveblog (1/30) - the first item was about the anti-abortion ad ban.
Thinking this through I see a very young child, pulling a piece of cloth over it's face and really believing, mum can no longer see him or her.
God sees, God knows, God griefs! But still - God loves!
Posted by: Dieter Fischer at January 30, 2009
I have known of Mark Rutland's ministry for over twenty years. He is a man of integrity and faith. ORU is in good hands. Mark was ordained in the United Methodist Church, North Georgia Conference. While serving in our state, he boldly proclaimed the words of Jesus. He served as a teaching pastor at Atlanta's Mount Paran Church of God in the 1980s and was a key leader in the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship. His work at Southeastern University has been remarkable.
May God Bless Dr. Mark Rutland.
Sincerely,
Marty Baker, D.Min.
Stevens Creek Church
Augusta, Georgia
Posted by: Marty Baker at January 31, 2009
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