ORU's Education Graduates Excel on Assessment, Proving Exceptional Readiness for the Classroom

Tulsa, Oklahoma, August 11th, 2025-Oral Roberts University's (ORU) College of Education (COE) announced that 100% of its 2024-2025 students successfully passed the Praxis® Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT), the state-required certification exam for teacher licensure.

"ORU graduates achieved a perfect pass rate and earned an average score of 43, well above the state's minimum passing score of 38," said Dr. Kim Boyd, Dean of the COE. "This is a significant milestone for ORU and a testament to the excellence of the University's educator preparation program. At a time when many teacher candidates across the state are facing challenges in passing the PPAT, ORU graduates continue to demonstrate a high level of preparedness and proficiency."

"Rather than being an insurmountable challenge," said Ruthie Allen, "the PPAT was a manageable task that showcased all I learned in my student teaching experience. ORU's faculty prepares teacher candidates to thoughtfully embrace the challenges in today's current education landscape. The College of Education has expanded my vision of what a rich education looks like-an education grounded in excellence, innovation, and resilience."

Dr. Boyd credits the program's success to the strategic efforts of ORU faculty, who have intentionally embedded the knowledge, skills, and competencies assessed by the PPAT throughout the curriculum. From guided classroom experiences to faculty-led test prep nights, ORU candidates receive comprehensive support that prepares them not just for certification-but for global impact.

"These results affirm the effectiveness of our program in equipping future teachers for success in today's classroom," Dr. Boyd said. "Our graduates are classroom-ready on day one. ORU's fusion of spiritual conviction, academic preparation, and practical experience creates educators who are not only competent but compassionate, not only knowledgeable but transformational."

ORU's curriculum prepares graduates to lead in classrooms around the world through the integration of professional excellence with a Spirit-empowered calling to serve. COE candidates are not only committed to mastering the academic and pedagogical skills required for effective teaching, but they are also committed to growing their faith.

"ORU graduates understand that teaching is both a profession and a calling," Dr. Boyd added. "They rely on their training-and their faith-to walk into classrooms with wisdom, discernment, and strength. That's what sets them apart."

For more information on ORU's College of Education, please visit the departments webpage.

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.