Articles

An Open Letter to the ORU Students, Faculty, Staff, Regents and Alumni from the Vice Presidents Council

October 29, 2007

Dear Friends,

Challenging times create great opportunities to take a close look at ourselves and determine if we can learn from our situation. In the process, we can move closer to what God has called us to be.

As the vice presidents of ORU, we have been searching our hearts to be sure that we can emerge from our current situation stronger, wiser and more committed to the calling on our lives. This process of reflection, dialogue, prayer and analysis has brought us closer together as an administrative body.

You are loved and appreciated as a valuable member of this team. Thank you for your service to God and ORU. It takes all of us working together to accomplish the mission of this great place. We consider it a privilege to serve alongside you.

What we all must remember is that we are witnesses for Him. This is the time that we must show through our teamwork and leadership that the university is bigger than any one person. Our destinies were forged before we were born. The mission of this university was forged before we were hired. In this time, we are not to be overwhelmed or afraid but we must trust and rest in Him. We must re-establish our integrity and prove that we are accountable. This is not hard for us or for God; as it says in Psalm 37:5, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this."

The Board of Regents has fully embraced their responsibility to be the stewards of God's university and of all that with which God has entrusted them. We have confidence in their integrity and in their commitment to fulfill their duties as the governing authority over the university. Their openness to receive input and willingness to actively confront the issues challenging the university indicates that the review process is working. We believe that the university will benefit from their strong leadership for years to come.

Today and in the days to come, we should remind ourselves that WE ARE ORU. We came here, to study or work, because we wanted to be part of something greater than ourselves. This is a place of destiny, and those of us who have been here, or who are here, believe in the mission and the vision of this place, and we believe that it is God's university. God is sending students across the earth to do His work. We are ORU because the mission lives in us.

We are here to make a difference—to make a difference in the lives of students that we hope and pray will become world-changers. To make a difference in the lives of those that work around us, and to share the love of Christ with those in our community. We should not be ashamed of ORU and what it stands for, or of its mission to reach the lost. Let's stand proud, knowing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, as one body, in one accord, we will make a difference in this world through Christ Jesus.

Are we trusting in our own strength? Of course not. We are committed to continually asking God for His wisdom and understanding, waiting upon Him for guidance and direction, and then following the leading of the Holy Spirit as we prayerfully and professionally carry out the responsibilities of our positions. We are thankful to have the counsel and support of so many professionals as we go through these issues, but our faith is in God.

Deeply embedded in the current controversy is the opportunity for the university to become even stronger, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Our core values and principles have not changed from what God called them to be. That's because these values are not just words or ideas in the eyes of the administration. They are a part of our inner being—a part of our life that cannot be separated.

Thank you for everything you have done and are doing to make ORU an outstanding university where students can learn to hear the voice of God and prepare themselves to go into every person's world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God bless all of you. We are praying for you.

Sincerely,

Mike Bernard Vice President for Information Technology	Ralph Fagin, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Administration
Nancy Brainard, Ed.D. Vice Provost for Student Services	Mark Lewandowski, Ph.D. Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Mike Carter Athletic Director	Jeff Ogle, Ed.D. Vice Provost for Academic Advancement
David Ellsworth Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations	Tim Philley Vice President for Auxiliary Services and Contract Administration
David Wagner Vice President for University Relations and Development