Northwestern Mutual Recognizes ORU's Rylee Campbell as One of the Nation's Top Interns

Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 14, 2025-Meet Rylee Campbell, an ORU senior finance major whose service to others and entrepreneurial spirit as an intern have earned him national recognition. Through his internship in Tulsa with Northwestern Mutual, a financial advising company. Rylee has been running his own financial planning practice.

"As an intern, I've had the opportunity to run my own business and work with people from all walks of life," said Rylee. "It was an entrepreneurial experience that developed my leadership, self-discipline, and knowledge about how to best serve my community. I worked independently-the business was my own-and I built relationships with people, learning about their lives and where they hoped to be financially."

Rylee's hard work and dedication haven't gone unnoticed. While at Northwestern Mutual, Riley has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding accomplishments. These recognitions include:

• Phillip B. Franczyk College Intern Leader Award for the Franczyk Network Office (Tulsa, OKC, & NWA) - A performance award based on the combination of clients, the number of products issued, and the size of each product.
• Southern Regional Intern Lives Leader - Also a performance award based on the combination of clients, the number of products issued, and the size of each product. Rylee won 1st place and was recognized in Tampa, Florida, during Northwestern Mutual's regional conference.
• College Team Award - Oral Roberts University- This award was given to the university with the highest amount of production. Rylee, the only competing ORU intern for the year, competed with universities such as Oklahoma University, Oklahoma Southern University, Tulsa University, and the University of Arizona.
• 1st Annual Top CFR (College Financial Rep) Summit Award - As an 8th place qualifier, Rylee attended a national celebration in New York City that honored the top 100 interns across the country, measured by new client credit.
• Top 5 Intern of All Time in the Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas Network

"I fell behind in the early stages of completing the requirements to qualify early in qualifying for these awards," he shared. Rylee said, "Because during the year, I was still competing for ORU Track and Field. But after an intense summer of working long hours while also taking summer classes, I not only caught up-I surpassed the competition. Through the exhaustion and stress, God guided me every step of the way, and my leadership team in Tulsa never let me walk alone."

For Rylee, these awards mean more than just professional achievement; they also represent his commitment to working hard, aiming high, and trusting in God.

"I serve a God," Rylee said, "who took a small-town farm boy and guided him to success. Each of these awards goes to show that by doing right by people, trusting God's vision, and simply giving 110% effort every single day, big things can be accomplished. To God be the glory!"

As a graduating senior, Rylee attributes his success and recognition to his time at ORU. Reflecting on the University's leadership and growth opportunities, Rylee shared:

"ORU has shaped me as a leader-not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. In an atmosphere of humility, work ethic, and purpose, I discovered who I am and why I'm on this path. Surrounded by like-minded leaders and guided by mentors who model servant leadership, I learned how to lead with integrity and purpose. There is something truly special about ORU and the professionals it produces. ORU gave me the foundation to grow, the space to evolve, and the community to thrive-and for that, I'm forever grateful."

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.