ORU Completes $18 Million Transformation of Freshman Residence Halls

Ellis Melvin Roberts and Priscilla Claudius Roberts Halls receive comprehensive interior and exterior upgrades ahead of Fall 2026

Tulsa, Oklahoma, August 11, 2026-Oral Roberts University (ORU) has completed an $18 million renovation of Ellis Melvin Roberts Hall (EMR) and Priscilla Claudius Roberts Hall (Claudius), transforming more than 222,000 square feet of freshman housing with updated finishes, improved building systems, and modernized amenities. The comprehensive project renewed the interiors and exteriors of both residence halls while preserving their central role in the first-year student experience.

"At ORU, we believe the campus home is an important part of whole-person education," said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. "The transformation of EMR and Claudius provides our freshmen with modern, welcoming spaces where they can build community, grow spiritually, and prepare to become whole leaders for the whole world. We are deeply grateful to our donors, construction partners, and campus teams whose dedication made it possible to complete this remarkable project on such an ambitious timeline."

(Left to right) Alison Vujnovic, Lori Cook, Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, Allison Walden, Ariane Schmidt, Mrs. Lisa Wilson, Dr. William Wilson, Gary Crouch, Joe Sims,
Lucas Drumond, Audrey Foster, and Kendall Carter.

Interior improvements will give incoming students a brighter, more comfortable, energy-conscious, and contemporary residential experience. Exterior work includes replacing the single-pane windows with insulated double-pane blue glass, complementing the Pacifica clear glass used in ORU's newer campus buildings. At Priscilla Claudius Roberts Hall, a new roof overlay was also completed.

"Our newly renovated residence halls are not just beautiful spaces," said Lori Cook, Vice President for Student Life, "they create a place where students can feel comfortable, find belonging, and build meaningful community. We want every student to feel at home while being challenged and supported as they grow into the whole leaders God has called them to be."

As freshman residence halls, EMR and Claudius are among the first places many students build friendships, establish routines, and experience ORU's residential community. The renovations strengthen those environments by pairing the buildings' longstanding place on campus with finishes and amenities that meet the expectations of today's students.

Interior of Claudius Hall

Project at a Glance

• Total renovated area: Approximately 222,498 square feet
• Project budget: $18 million for both residence halls
• Ellis Melvin Roberts Hall: Approximately 114,476 square feet
• Priscilla Claudius Roberts Hall: Approximately 108,022 square feet
• Interior improvements: New flooring, interior paint, upgraded LED lighting, refreshed bathroom facilities, and all new furniture
• Exterior improvements: Replacement of single-pane windows with insulated double-pane blue glass

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 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. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a "Leadership for Public Purpose" award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 176 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.