Redesigned Learning Resources Center to Benefit ORU Students with Enhanced Service Spaces

Pictured left to right: Concierge Executive Director Lisa Bowman, Vice President of Enrollment Management Alison Vujnovic, Chief Financial Officer Neal Stenzel, ORU Board of Trustees Members Gary Crouch and Clifton Taulbert, ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson, ORU First Lady Mrs. Lisa Wilson, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Provost Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, Chief Operations Officer Tim Philley, Vice President of Student Life Lori Cook, and ORU Student Association President Raja Lagadapati.

New Features Include Barnes & Noble College, ORU One Stop,
and Ethne International Beverage Shoppe

Tulsa, Oklahoma, August 15th, 2025-Oral Roberts University (ORU) celebrated its newly renovated and modernized Learning Resources Center (LRC), marking another milestone in the University's ongoing campus expansion. The 20,660-square-foot renovation features a lineup of new amenities and student services, including Barnes & Noble College, ORU One Stop, a remodeled Eagle Card Center, Ethne International Beverage Shoppe, Dolce Sweet Shoppe, the ORU Concierge, and Student Life offices. Additionally, Panera Bread, located in the adjacent Graduate Center, was recently opened during the Spring semester.

"This is a transformative addition to our campus," said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson, "that reflects ORU's continued commitment to putting our students first. As we advance toward our goal of 10,000 enrolled, we are forging partnerships with nationally recognized brands. These renovations and additions will deliver a world-class environment designed for academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and leadership development."

The LRC renovation not only enhances ORU's dining and retail experiences but also centralizes essential student services. In addition to Panera Bread and Barnes & Noble College, amenities include:

• Ethne International Beverage Shoppe serves globally sourced coffees, teas, gourmet chocolates, and pastries.
• Dolce Sweet Shoppe features international confections, local popular sweets, gelato, and milkshakes.
• ORU One Stop delivers streamlined support for enrollment, financial aid, student accounts, and academic services.
• ORU Concierge provides personalized assistance to students with on and off-campus questions, housing needs, and overall campus support.
• Student Life now centrally located, helps students engage with campus events, leadership development, and community life.

The renovation also involved an extensive structural transformation, including the installation of an architecturally curved steel staircase with glass railings. The new design centerpiece includes a circular planter with live greenery and built-in seating, creating an inviting community space.

Student Association President Raja Lagadapati shared his enthusiasm for the upgrades: "I can already see how this renovation will transform our daily lives. The new LRC isn't just a facelift-it's a space where you can seamlessly move from studying for finals to grabbing coffee with friends to handling those everyday campus needs. It reflects ORU's commitment to creating an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and connected."

The LRC renovation is part of a larger expansion plan that has already seen the addition of four new buildings in the past two years. Construction is currently underway on a new student dining facility and residence halls, both scheduled to open in Summer 2026.

ORU continues to lead the way in private Christian higher education by combining innovation, excellence, and spiritual integrity. The newly renovated LRC is a dynamic example of that vision in action.

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 https://www.oru.edu.