billybob74135, Broken Arrow (1/28/2009 3:09:49 PM)

well I am glad to see this, I think Rutland will be good for ORU!

Classics, (1/28/2009 4:35:53 PM)

Success in leading one organization doesn't gurantee success in leading another, but the fact that it's the same kind of institution says a lot. No, doubt he will have his work cut out for him, but i'm hopeful for the best.

insider9909, Cushing (1/28/2009 4:37:57 PM)

Still waiting for the bulldozer. This place is a boil on the butt of Oklahoma and someday its going to pop. Bring in a weasel to replace a weasel.

Serenity, Tulsa (1/28/2009 4:42:17 PM)

I hope this time they are chosing the right person. Somebody who is really an honest christian and not a money oriented person who will take advantage of naive people for his own benefits and a luxury life.

billybob74135, Broken Arrow (1/28/2009 4:46:42 PM)

Amen Serenity!

Ok insider, what do you know about Mr. Rutland that the rest of us don't?

Anne M. Green, Tulsa (1/28/2009 5:08:09 PM)

Insider, are you a Christian hater, or just an ORU hater? Perhaps being from Cushing has not allowed you the benefit of Tulsa's history, but ORU is nothing short of remarkable if you consider it was once just a cow pasture in rural Tulsa. It was created from a travelling preacher's dream to build a university that educated students as whole persons; ones who gained academic knowledge, physical discipline as well as spiritual maturity. To that end ORU has a stellar record of achievement, and its students are NOT a "boil on the butt of Oklahoma" as you suggest.
Why not do some reading about ORU alums and the contributions to society they have made since the inception of the university. And while you are researching, why not do a little historical reading about how a large portion of south Tulsa was built around this "boil"?
Serenity - It is a necessity for ANY university president to be "money oriented." A university, whether Christian or secular must run like a business - not spending more than they make. I especially like the audio interview part above where Dr. Rutland says that trust is earned in "real time." You are correct that ORU will have to prove its "worthiness" for the public's trust. But, I believe you are already seeing it in the choice of Dr. Rutland.

Pa alum, chambersburg (1/28/2009 5:21:15 PM)

In response to Insider9909. What a shame that you don't recognize the treasure located at 7777 South Lewis. It's alright for you to disagree with the former leadership of the university. No doubt, something was wrong and needed to be changed. Although long overdue, it finally was and a new direction has been charted. Now it is time for you and others like you to understand that the treasure of ORU is not necessarily the school or it's buildings. It is the student body that occupies the halls of ORU. Don't let your prejudices blind you to the fine work that is going on in those funny looking buildings. Yes, they are funny looking. Instead, I encourage you to get to know the students and you will see that they are first class people with a love not only for God, but also for the world around them, even you. Then, I believe, you will not consider ORU a boil on the butt, but rather, a blessing for the heart of the city of Tulsa.

Pa alum, chambersburg (1/28/2009 5:30:01 PM)

Interesting that as I (PaAlum) was writing my post, Ann M. Green was composing hers. We both recongize the value of ORU; the student body and alumni. Judge the university by the product that it porduces. You will not find higher quality poeple anywhere....ANYWHERE!!! This is how you should judge this, and every institution. Great things are happening at ORU and, with continued good leadership, it's best days are yet to be seen.

dmcki, (1/28/2009 5:37:34 PM)

I have seen the improvements that President Rutland's leadership brought to Southeastern University first hand. His progressive and insightful leadership will bring ORU to the place of prestige it was always meant to occupy.

Been There, (1/28/2009 9:30:32 PM)

I agree with PA Alum and Ann M. Green. I had the honor of working at ORU. The students and faculty are first-rate. The atmosphere is wholesome and refreshing. Granted, the changes that have taken place over the past year were unpleasant but badly needed. Now it is a new day--the old is gone and the new is here.

Anonymous Guy, Tulsa (1/28/2009 10:38:25 PM)

It will be interesting to see if ORU can shake off its unfortunate history of corruption at its highest levels of management. I wish it success, but the problems are deep and go back decades.

Nothing is harder to change than a long-standing dysfunctional institutional culture.

billybob74135, Broken Arrow (1/28/2009 10:42:53 PM)

I think ORU is great. They bring a lot of gifted minds into our area and they produce some good citizens! Judging a University by the actions of it's former president or any ONE PERSON is paying a disservice to the thousands of students, faculty, and employees that do have sincere walks with God.

Don't try hiding behind anyone's sins or righteousness, it doesn't work, and remember, the only one's actions you will be responsible for on Judgement Day are your own!

52favoriteteacher, Southwest Trojans Rock! (1/29/2009 7:33:07 AM)

ORU--approved Mark Rutland as the university's new president.
Rutland, a former pastor and missionary, comes to ORU from Southeastern University, a Christian liberal arts college in Florida

Evidently the ORU board members are wanting a guy that has actually been in the trenches of war. When you serve God he will supply your every need.
notice---did not say every want