Tulsa World: ORU taps trustees, interim president

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ORU taps trustees, interim president

FILLING IN

Ralph Fagin: The longtime ORU official will be its interim president.

By APRIL MARCISZEWSKI World Staff Writer
Published: 1/16/2008 1:22 AM
Last Modified: 1/17/2008 11:17 AM

For more: Read the latest ORU stories, view the lawsuit and other documents and watch slide shows and video.

All 13 proposed trustees of Oral Roberts University have agreed to serve on the school's new governing board, and ORU's $70 million benefactors have chosen one of the school's administrators to serve as interim president, donor Mart Green said Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, the board of regents named a transition board to help as ORU changes from its board of regents to a new model of shared governance, in which employees have input into decisions, Green said.

An ORU spokesman did not comment Tuesday, but said he expected to make information on developments available Wednesday.

On Monday, ORU's board of regents unanimously approved the Green family plan for shared governance and other changes that are accompanying a final $62 million donation. Attorneys are finishing revised bylaws and articles of incorporation; Green said officials probably will sign final documents Monday.

Two seven-day waiting periods, which end Jan. 28, remain before the Green plan and donation become official, but on Monday, Green and regents Chairman George Pearsons were emphatic that it was a done deal.

After the transition to the new board of trustees, ORU Executive Vice

President for Academic Affairs Ralph Fagin will serve as interim president, Green said. The Green family was looking for an interim who did not aspire to be president. Fagin is a longtime ORU employee who will be able to take care of the faculty and administration during the months of the presidential search, which the trustees will direct, Green said.

Although the new president will make personnel decisions, Green said he is not planning or expecting major changes to ORU's administration.

Various trustees will bring knowledge and institutional memory of ORU and experience with shared governance, Green said. A board of regents meeting is tentatively planned for Monday, when the board is expected to nominate six regents, from whom the Green family will choose three to serve as trustees.

Trustees must agree with common beliefs of Christianity and beliefs specific to ORU, such as speaking in tongues, according to the Greens' proposal.

"We feel like we'll keep going the same direction as far as the core mission of ORU," Green said.

All current regents are invited to transition to the forthcoming, non-voting board of reference, and Green said he hopes most will accept.

Financial accountability

The Greens' plan for ORU includes a requirement that ORU belong to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, which requires its members to make available to those who request them annual financial statements and reports for any projects that involve fundraising.

"It will give confidence to donors that the accountability is there," Green said.

The council's president, Ken Behr, said application for membership can take six weeks to years, depending on changes the organization needs to make. Usually, the hardest changes regard the governing board, which must be independent of the organi zation, but ORU's board already is changing under the Greens' proposal, he said.

"The board is there to make sure the organization has integrity long term," Behr said.

The council requires audited financial statements, a lack of conflicts of interest and a high level of accountability in fundraising, he said.

Membership in the council means a nonprofit group is following best practices, he said. The group has more than 2,000 members, including other Christian universities, he said.

Miscellaneous issues

Pearsons said Monday that ORU does not plan to make public an audit conducted by an outside law firm following allegations that former President Richard Roberts misspent ORU and Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association money. He said the board of regents heard the audit verbally given and continues to work with that information. Green said Tuesday, "We have never had access to that report."

Pearsons also said Monday that whether Richard Roberts and his family will continue to live in an on-campus house is being discussed. Roberts resigned the presidency Nov. 23 but remains CEO of OREA; he has denied wrongdoing.

ORU continues to look into selling its TV station, Pearsons said, but he and Green said that is happening at a slower pace. "These are assets that we think the university very well could use," Green said.

April Marciszewski 581-8475
april.marciszewski@tulsaworld.com

ORU board of trustees

Chairman Mart Green, founder of Mardel Christian and educational supply stores and Every Tribe Entertainment

Don H. Argue, chancellor of Northwest University outside Seattle

Freddy Boswell, an ORU graduate, Bible translator and executive director of the Summer Institute of Linguistics International in Dallas

Stanley M. Burgess, a professor at Pat Robertson’s Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.

Hal Donaldson, editor in chief of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel magazine in Springfield, Mo.

The Rev. Robert Hoskins, founder of the Christian missions organization Affect Destiny Teams and president and CEO of Book of Hope International in Pompano, Fla.

Lynette (Troyer) Lewis, a motivational speaker and ORU graduate who lives in New York City and Cary, N.C.

Ron Luce, ORU alumnus and founder of Teen Mania Ministries in Garden Valley, Texas

Charles W. McKinney, an administrator at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Fla.

Oral Roberts, founder of ORU

Russell P. Spittler, retired provost and professor of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

R. Lamar Vest, an executive of the American Bible Society in New York City

William (Billy) Wilson of Cleveland, Tenn., executive director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal, executive producer of Voice of Salvation Ministries and host of “World Impact” weekly TV show

By APRIL MARCISZEWSKI World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Grad, (1/16/2008 2:02:06 AM) Mr. Green is on the right track. Keep up the great work! Richard SHOULD NOT be allowed to live in a university owned house - unless he wants to purchase the home at market price!
	Report Comment insider 50+, Glenpool (1/16/2008 2:15:33 AM) I heard today that RR will move into the Chancellors house here in Tulsa and take that over, I also heard that the University and ORM does not own the Chancellors house that the Chancellor and his wife bought it. I also heard that RR has made an offer to buy the house once or twice before this and the university has turned him down, also it is rumored that they may purchase one of the smaller houses that the university owns because they don't need as big of a house with one daugther living on her own and the other two in college. I don't know which is true but my source says that they heard that the Chancellor told I think his daughter that RR can move in his house anytime he wants, which means RR will be living with the Chancellor when the Chancellor is in Tulsa. So I don't know which is true, but I wish I did and the rumors would stop.
	Report Comment M.S., (1/16/2008 3:47:28 AM) These are good steps, but two problems remain. ONE -- The past can;t be brushed aside. 'WE HAVE NEVER HAD ACCESS TO THAT REPORT." -- Mart Green About the audit that looked into wrongdoing by RR, then president, Green said Tuesday, "We have never had access to that report." And why not? It's clearly a bomb-shell waiting to go off. The stain of wrong-doing undoubtedly not only includes RR and Lindsey, but pinpoints the negligence of the BOR, and almost certainly key figures in administration ( who may still be there--who helped RR break into th ORU Piggy Bank, and burn up the endowment. THE COVER-UP SHOULD STOP. The new leadership should pledge that report will be released as soon as the legal cases are over. You can't build the future while covering up the past. ---------------------- THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED NEEDS TO BE MADE KNOWN. ----------- Two: Richard and Lindsey should not be living on campus. That sends all the wrong signals to those looking to see if ORU really is entering a new era. The entire cancer needs to be cut out.
	Report Comment That Was Quite A Takeover, (1/16/2008 3:57:37 AM) This has been quite a takeover/coup. I doubt that ORU knows what hit them. I think switching interim-presidents was a foolish thing to do. Three to four "presidents" in one school year is irresponsible and disruptive to the student body and staff. The leadership, including the "new" leadership is acting like they don't know what they're doing.
	Report Comment MO Alum?, (1/16/2008 3:59:26 AM) MO Alum, if you are still around, how about a post? It would be nice to see your opinion on all of this news. You offer a good perspective on things.
	Report Comment DJ, Salem, Indiana (1/16/2008 4:02:16 AM) April--in a previous article Mr. Green was asked if the former BOR would be held accountable for past actions and he said at that time he did not have a great answer for that--I think this deserves to be revisited until there is a clear answer. IMO, justice (not revenage and not complicity by silence or looking the other way) is very important even with the new day dawning. It is hard to believe that the BOR only received a verbal audit report--what's up with that? I also disagree with Mr. Pearsons' comment concerning the decision not to make that audit public. People will continue to look in the rear review mirror even has ORU goes forward. Not good--the focus needs to be forward--not divided. BTW, do donors receive an annual report of some sort ( a colorful pie chart doesn;t count) to show them where the money goes--besides out the window. Mr. Green Thank you for closing the window. Obtaining membership in the ECFA is excellent. I am also wondering about the Board of Reference--will they serve only through the transition period or is this a permanent fixture of the governing organization? It appears there will not be a "fire sale" on the existing assets--good move. An objective analysis will be far more helpful for the future. The University has lost enough. I'm also hopeful that compensation packages for all will be properly evaluated and adjusted properly and the repairs and upgrades to the physical plant will be done. I believe there has been a paradigm shift--the investment is now in the students rather than a dynasty. There seems to be a great deal of talent, experience and leadership on the new Board of Trustees. Even the change in the name of the governing board reflects better stewardship--trustee. I have always believed that organizational charts should be flipped upside down. The governing boards are to support the mission--not dictate and force their will on the organization. Yes, I am a maverick--no, I did not attend ORU. (chuckle) To everyone and I do mean everyone!!!!!--thank you for rolling up your sleeves!!!!! O.K. folks -- back to work. Please forgive the long post -- I've been pondering (chuckle).
	Report Comment Conspiracy theorists!, Here they go again! (1/16/2008 4:09:31 AM) to #7 "This has been quite a takeover/coup. I doubt that ORU knows what hit them. I think switching interim-presidents was a foolish thing to do. Three to four "presidents" in one school year is irresponsible and disruptive to the student body and staff. The leadership, including the "new" leadership is acting like they don't know what they're doing. ----------------------------------------------------------- Go figure! Here go the conspiracy people again. When will you get over the bitterness you continue to spread and get a life! The hatred you have taught to the Tulsa community has damaged all of us. I've talked with many, many people who don't understand the hatred in Tulsa!
	Report Comment pgcfriend, (1/16/2008 4:48:29 AM) I am a local ORU alum. There is a lot of hatred here which is sad. Unfortunately some of it is because of how things were going at ORU. I have been here over 30 years. It has been something to watch how things have transpired. I am not one of the bitter ones. However it is very difficult when you have leaders that are supposed to be good examples of Christ that you feel have turned on you or come against you. It is a very difficult thing to get over. I am a fortunate one that had wonderful experiences at ORU. Many of my friends that I still have contact with today will say the same. I was a member of Souls A'Fire my entire time while attending ORU. We are trying to get a reunion together sometime later this year. I feel for those that were not treated Christlike by the leadership while at ORU. I sincerely hope that they can through the Lord's help go on with their lives. I have walked through anger towards leaders in another situation. It takes much prayer to have a heart change where you feel you can trust leaders again. It is one thing in a secular relationship. It is another entirely when it is someone that is supposed to be a part of the family of Christ. It is a betrayal like no other. It is apparent that much needed correction has come to ORU. As an alum I'm really grateful. Some of the changes being made were recommended by the alumni board, one being to request membership with ECFA. I will not speak for other alumni but I was one that would not have felt that things had changed until the entire BOR bit the dust, including the interim president Billy Joe Daugherty. He was a long time member of the BOR that allowed things to get to the place it did. I feel that Mr. Green has tried his best to make what I feel are wonderful changes that (1) will return the integrity back to ORU, (2) put ORU in a strong financial standing and (3) most importantly to keep the initial intent of the school alive, that is, to train students to go into every man's world and make an impact for Christ.
	Report Comment That Was Quite A Takeover, (1/16/2008 5:01:07 AM) Your post offers some great input, pgcfriend! I don't agree with all of it, but most of your points are excellent! Salem, the report you are concerned about it part of the lawsuit, & I think that's where it will stay; with the ORU attorneys. Green isn't a part of the lawsuit, so I'm not surprised that he hasn't seen it.
	Report Comment That Was Quite A Takeover, (1/16/2008 5:06:02 AM) #10----OH PLEASE! Give me a break! Your paranoia is showing, & your hyper-emotions are overreacting. This situation, whether anyone thinks it's good or bad, is a takeover/coup, plain & simple. Notice I didn't say a "hostile takeover".
	Report Comment HOLD UP A MINUTE, (1/16/2008 5:46:32 AM) #10. Please remember that a coup is done without the leadership's permission. This action was done WITH the leadership's permission mainly because (1) They know the information contained in the audit and investigative report and are trying to keep LR and RR out of jail. (2) They needed someone to bail them out of the financial mess that LR and RR created. This whole fiasco came about because of the actions of LR and RR.... Mart Green had nothing to do with the choices they made.
	Report Comment Midwest, (1/16/2008 6:13:45 AM) Mart Green said in The Journal Record: “It’s the first day of a long process,” said Green, who estimated this effort may require ONE to THREE years before he steps down. “These changes take time. Working together, it will all work faster.” . It will be a long process but a satisfying one. God bless you Mr. Green.
	Report Comment susan Seaman, Gravette (1/16/2008 7:26:11 AM) Praise God for His correction. This is but one example of the Lord bringing down the fat sheep (those who have fed on The Word and then fed on the world) and lifting up the lean sheep (those who have fed on Him). I love ORU. It is still the only campus in the world that has people praying daily over the students. The new BOR will bring health to all of ORU and the ORU family.
	Report Comment Mart Green's credientials question, (1/16/2008 7:35:13 AM) Does anybody know what Green's academic credentials are? I can't seem to find much on him. Does he have a college degree? It didn't sound like he did. Since that has been such an issue here, regarding the old BOR, I would like to know if he has a college education. TYIA
	Report Comment Comment, (1/16/2008 7:43:06 AM) What's all the talk of where the heck RR lives? Kick them to a park bench, where they belong, a ditch, the alley. Just get them out of Tulsa.
	Report Comment Been There, (1/16/2008 7:53:14 AM) Glad to see Dr. Fagin serving as interim president. He's a first-rate individual and somehow has managed distance himself from the underbelly of ORU. Dr. Fagin will be fair, clear thinking, and will have a heart to do what is best for ORU. I respect him, and I believe the staff and faculty do as well. All of these changes are good. The Chancellor's house is (was) a beautifully understated ranch home. Very tasteful. I hope RR and LR don't trash it with her leopard skins, feathers, and tassels (and her dogs peeing in the floor). hee hee Gosh, this all seems like a dream! Is this really happening?!
	Report Comment Hey hold up, (1/16/2008 7:58:47 AM) I can't imagine how they are going to support their lifestyle without the money that is contributed to ORU and the open checkbook that they had for paying personal expenses. Of course they can still dip their hands into the ministry funds since they will still be in charge of that.
	Report Comment Machiavelli, Houston, Texas (1/16/2008 8:08:22 AM) I don't have even a small fraction of Mart Green's wealth, but it seems to me like he missed a beat if he "never had access to that report," the report by the independent law firm on the allegations made in the Cantese computer report. I agree that if this report is never made public it looks bad at best and is a coverup at worst. I also would like to hear from MO Alum and qqq. I miss the valuable contributions of these two. All in all, though, I think Mart Green really represents a "miracle" for ORU, and the requirement to join the ECFA is really great, perhaps there will be a movement (by pressure, of course) for other "ministries" to join. P. S. I also believe that it's smoke that Green wants all the current Regents to convert to Reference Regents, or whatever he calls them. I suppose one must be "cool" and "suave" and "subtle" and "diplomatic" in such deals, but all those need to go and the faster the better. Although I do understand the tactic being employed.
	Report Comment Joe-Allen Doty, Tulsa, OK (1/16/2008 8:16:53 AM) In yesterday's article, I did mention the possibility of the TV station not being sold. But, they need to get the Richard and Lindsay Roberts shows eliminated from its schedule. Maybe the trial that is coming up will cause that to happen.
	Report Comment Hey hold up, (1/16/2008 8:19:09 AM) Perhaps he is protecting himself in that if he has never seen the report and does not press for its release then he has no responsibility for deciding what to do about it. Also, it keeps him away from the "mismanagement of funds" and any IRS issues.But I would think that he would have to have an independent audit done before his group takes over the operations of ORU and he would be privy to that audit which will show any funny business
	Report Comment Joe-Allen Doty, Tulsa, OK (1/16/2008 8:23:11 AM) Since George Pearsons is no longer a member of any board at ORU, from now on what he has to say should be taken with a grain of salt. It was reported yesterday that he was going back to his daddy's-in-law church which he pastors at KCM HQ. Sometime ago, Billy Joe Daughtery did say that George was taking classes a few days a week and staying in Tulsa on those days. I wonder if George is enrolled in classes now.
	Report Comment anne, tulsa (1/16/2008 8:39:04 AM) correction is not an easy thing but whom the Lord loves He corrects & always for good. the school will do well the integrity is being restored & the alumni students faulty employees & long endured financial problems will be solved. everybody involved will come through to a new beginning. as a former employee of the university I am very pleased with the direction taken the truths revealed & the stellar men & woman chosen to bring about God's future purpose .
	Report Comment ATTENTION: HOLD UP A MINUTE, (1/16/2008 8:44:46 AM) The intended started long before the time period you talk about, #11.
	Report Comment FM, VB (1/16/2008 8:53:14 AM) Response To #3: (3. 1/16/2008 3:47:28 AM, M.S., ) Your attitude is very wrong. Richard relunctantly took the burden of running the university even thought he had no desire to do so. The burden at times was almost unbearable. The system used for personal expenses may not have been the best but whether or not it led to problems will be determined by qualified people. I am sure that they have more wisdom than to allow things to be distorted by people who want nothing less than to see Richard and Lindsey disgraced whether or not it is deserved. There are those that daily try to "drive" this story through their postings. You need to understand that the majority of people who have been following this story are not the least bit influenced by anything any of you say. We are only interested in restoration for the university and for the Roberts family. God is faithful and He will uphold the Roberts family for all they have meant to the body of Christ. You can rant and accuse all you want to. It is your time and choice, but God does not work through such methods nor does He condone such carnality and hatred. He will use spiritual men and women to bring stability and any change needed to ORU. You call good, evil and evil good but your twisted perception changes nothing except your own fate.
	Report Comment Hold up a minute, (1/16/2008 8:56:54 AM) You must be RR or LR. And I hope you are because I have something to tell you. Your quote "He will uphold the Roberts family for all they have meant to the body of Christ" is just not true. My bible says that when judgment comes people will say that they prophesized in His name, and healed in His name and He will say "Depart from me I never knew you"...... Your email is "the great delusion".

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