ORU Elects New Board of Trustees Chair and Vice Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, April 21, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Stephanie Hill, Director of University Relations & Communications
Office: 918.495.7337, Mobile: 918.720.5548
sthill@oru.edu

Tulsa, OK – The Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees has elected a new Board Chair and its first female Vice Chair. Dr. Mike Rakes, D.M., D.MIN. succeeds Robert Hoskins. Ms. Holly Moore will serve as Vice Chair.

During the Spring 2017 meeting this week, the Board celebrated the university surpassing a $50 million comprehensive campaign, the university’s financial vitality, record-setting student admissions and retention, a positive Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, construction of the ONEOK Sports Complex debt-free, and a new PHD program.

“I come to this chair with deep humility and awe,” said Dr. Rakes. “It’s an historic time as ORU celebrates its 50th commencement. I’m excited to be a part of what’s next at this great university as we continue training Spirit-empowered leaders through Whole Person Education.”

Dr. Rakes is an educator, author and pastor. Since 2006, he and his wife Darla have served as Lead Pastors at Winston Salem First in North Carolina. Dr. Rakes completed his undergraduate degree in ministry at Central Bible College, has an M.A. in Biblical Literature from AGTS as well as an M.Div. and D.Min. from Biola University. After pastoring in Oklahoma and Missouri, Dr. Rakes focused on higher education becoming the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southeastern University in Florida.

Holly Moore steps into the Vice Chair role after serving on the Board of Trustee for 4 years. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve at my alma mater,” said Moore. “To be in this role and help with the future of the university is an honor. I look forward to putting all of my energy, experience and knowledge into this new role.”

Moore, who graduated from ORU with a degree in nursing in 1986, is the Vice President of Growing Leaders, a non-profit organization that creates events and resources to teach character, leadership and career skills to the emerging generation. Moore has over 12 years of executive experience with non-profit organizations including Mercy Ships and Eagle Ranch. She also spent a decade as a health care industry executive in both clinical and business settings.

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