William Wilson takes the stage after being named president of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa on Jan. 31.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Dr. William “Billy” Wilson, a longtime Cleveland resident and ministry leader, has been named the next president of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.
University board Chairman Mart Green announced Thursday that Wilson, 54, would become the Christian university’s fourth president, effective July 1. Wilson was chosen from 170 candidates over a nine-month search, school officials said.
“The presidential search committee, board of trustees and I are confident we have found the best candidate to lead ORU to a bright and successful future while remaining true to its founding vision and core values,” Green said in a news release.
“Chancellor Oral Roberts founded this university on big thinking and innovation. In this day and age where technology and culture are constantly shifting, Dr. Wilson’s global vision, experience and relationships will be a catalyst for growth and transformation.”
The release cited a number of spiritual-based, world-spanning coalitions and initiatives in which Wilson is involved, including the International Center for Spiritual Renewal in Cleveland, Tenn., where he is executive director. Through the center’s Awakening America Project, Wilson helped to forge relations among 250 denominations and parachurch ministries.