Alumni awards
To nominate alumni for the 2027 awards, submit the following nomination form by March 1, 2027:
Click Here for Nomination Form
The 2026 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Service to God
Craig McLeod ’77 (Social Work)
Craig McLeod, a Southern boy from North Carolina, met Carol Burton, a northern girl from Western New York, while attending ORU. They have been married for 49 years and are blessed with five incredible children and eleven wonderful grandchildren with one on the way. Yay!
For most of his adult life, Craig served in pastoral ministry and is the founding pastor of Life Church Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. In 2017, he transitioned from local church leadership to global missions. Today, he serves as a mobilizer within the Body of Christ, building partnerships with believers and churches to help reach the unreached through a mission that has planted over 20,000 churches. Craig is passionate about helping others discover their unique role in God’s plan to advance His Kingdom.
Carol is the founder and CEO of Carol McLeod Ministries, a multifaceted ministry that includes books, Bible teaching, podcasts, prayer ministry, and outreach to both the incarcerated and unreached. She recently completed her 20th book and has authored 28 devotional plans for the YouVersion Bible App that have been downloaded more than 4 million times.
Together, Craig and Carol lead a unique life—advancing God's Kingdom through two worldwide ministries while sharing the same home and mission to serve the Lord wherever He leads. They currently reside in Oklahoma, but they will always be known as two of the most passionate Buffalo Bills fans on the planet.
GO BILLS!!!
Distinguished Service to God (posthumous; 1991-2018)
John Chau ’14 (Health & Exercise Science)
John Allen Chau (1991-2018) was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, and grew up in Vancouver, Washington. As an ORU student, he helped with a local soccer program composed of immigrants from Myanmar and also worked with an after-school ministry. He went on two missions trips to Cape Town, South Africa. After graduation, he worked with Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan and went to Israel.
As a teenager, John learned about an unreached people group—the Sentinelese people—who lived on North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal. He made it his mission to reach them and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. John spent years preparing for this encounter—learning first aid, becoming a wilderness EMT, studying linguistics, reading hundreds of books on missions and on missionaries who had pursued a similar course, and getting into top physical shape. Through the All Nations missions organization, he was even put through his paces in a simulation of an encounter with a hostile tribe. He did his homework!
By October of 2018, John was ready to establish a temporary residence near the island and assemble a “contact kit” with items that would help him communicate with the Sentinelese, gifts for the people, and other tools to treat illnesses or injuries. On his fourth attempt to reach the people with the gospel message, he was shot and killed by arrows.
In March 2019, John’s name was added to ORU’s Wall of Sacrifice. In 2022, he was honored during Voice of the Martyrs’ “Day of the Christian Martyr.” The Martyrs Memorial Wall in Bartlesville, Oklahoma bears his name.
Distinguished Service to the Community
Mike Brose ’79 (Social Work)
Mike Brose is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas. He served as Chief Executive Officer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) for 27 years. During his tenure, the nonprofit’s annual operating budget rose from $350,000 to $19 million and went from five employees to almost 200. He played a key role in developing 1,500 units of safe, decent, and affordable housing units within 23 complexes spread across 17 different Tulsa and Oklahoma City neighborhoods. He was a leader in creating “A Better Way,” funded by the City of Tulsa to empower people who panhandle to work for cash payments in public parks for six hours per day while receiving food, housing, health care, and permanent employment opportunities.
Before becoming the Association’s CEO in 1993, Mike worked in outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care in Tulsa. He also served as Director of Family Therapy at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa (1987-92).
In 2020, Mike received the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits’ prestigious Pat Potts Visionary Award, its highest individual award. He is a member of the University of Oklahoma Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work Hall of Fame and the Oral Roberts University School of Social Work Hall of Fame. Under Mike’s leadership, MHAOK was named the state’s top nonprofit in 2010 by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
Today, Mike remains active in the community. He serves as a Senior Search Consultant with The Moran Company and operates a small private clinical practice. As a field instructor, he also supervises students and is an adjunct social work professor at ORU. His wife, Maren (Kimbrough ’77) is a licensed clinical social worker with her own practice.
Distinguished Service to the Alma Mater
Kurt ’80 (Management) & Anne (Matravers) ’80 (Graphic Design) Green
Kurt and Anne Green have remained committed to supporting the university's mission of developing Spirit-empowered leaders to serve the world. Their belief in the transformative power of Christian higher education is rooted in personal experience. As a first-generation college graduate, Kurt witnessed firsthand the opportunities and influence that education can have over the course of a lifetime and career. Anne was raised in a family of educators who instilled the values of hard work, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Over the years, the Greens have supported ORU through service, leadership, hospitality, advocacy, and philanthropy. Kurt previously served on the ORU Alumni Board and as an elder at Christian Chapel in Tulsa. While their daughter attended ORU, Kurt and Anne opened their home to student groups for off-campus gatherings and events. They have also supported ORU summer missions teams and continue to encourage prospective students in the Pacific Northwest by connecting families with university admissions and student financial services staff.
Together, Kurt and Anne established the Kurt and Anne Green Endowed Scholarship to support students pursuing selected fields of study, contributed scholarship funding for ORU Athletics' Chaplains Program, and helped provide funding for the Virtual Lecture Hall in the David and Barbara Green Centre for Global Leadership.
Professionally, Kurt founded several technology companies and later served as Chief Executive Officer of Vetsource before becoming an Executive Advisor in 2025. Anne's career included work in corporate communications, entrepreneurial design ventures, and garment design and development as a Senior Apparel Product Developer for Nike, Inc.’s Global Football category until her retirement in 2024.
Kurt and Anne consider it a privilege to invest in future generations of ORU students and in the university's ongoing mission and impact around the world.
Distinguished Service “In Every Person’s World”
Dr. Terence Rhone ’86 (Biology)
Dr. Terence Rhone has been preaching since the age of 16. He was ordained in 1986 by Bishop Charles E. Blake and has served the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) as President of the State Youth Department - Southern California First Jurisdiction (1996-2009), as Assistant Pastor at New Gethsemane COGIC, and as Pastor of the Mt. Sinai COGIC in Pomona, California.
He received his medical degree in 1990 from the Western University of Health Sciences; completed an internal medicine residency at USC Los Angeles County Medical Center in 1994; and completed sub-specialty training in pulmonary and critical care medicine in 1997. Dr. Rhone is board certified in the disciplines of internal medicine and lung disease and currently practices in Downey, California as an internist and a specialist in lung disease and critical medicine.
Dr. Rhone’s vision is to impact the community and the world through preaching the Gospel and ministering to the whole man—body, soul, and spirit. This has led him to the mission field. He has served as the Auxiliaries in Ministry Chairman for the Jurisdiction of Brazil COGIC (2004-12) and has provided medical mission support to the Philippines since 2007. On November 11, 2012, Dr. Rhone received an Episcopal appointment as Bishop to the Jurisdiction of Brazil COGIC (later named Brazil First Jurisdiction). Nationally, he served as co-chairman of COGIC Health Ministries.
After more than 25 years on the mission field, Bishop Rhone was appointed President of COGIC World Missions, serving indigenous people and missionaries across more than 100 countries. He is married to Elizabeth Thuston-Rhone (ORU '84) and is the proud father of three children: Bethany [(ORU ’09), married to Elder Carl Sims (ORU ’10), son-in-love], Samuel, and Joel. He is also the loving grandfather of Lydia, Jehiel, and the newest edition, Josiah Sims.
Rising Servant Leader
Alejandra Palomo ’21 (Global Health & Environmental Sustainability)
Originally from Honduras, Alejandra Palomo has called Tulsa home since 2017, when she moved to the city to begin her academic journey at Oral Roberts University. Her commitment to Tulsa extends beyond her professional work. She serves as a board member at San Miguel Middle School and volunteers with Tulsa CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), driven by a desire to help children from challenging environments achieve academic and personal success. She is a member of City Church and shares its mission to see the city transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Alejandra is an economic development professional working at the intersection of technology, innovation, and regional growth. After beginning her career in entrepreneurship and small business development, she joined Tulsa Innovation Labs, where she helped secure Tulsa's federally recognized Tech Hub designation and a $51 million investment to the region. Today, she leads initiatives across workforce, infrastructure, and commercialization that position Tulsa as a vibrant hub of job creation.
Above all, Alejandra is deeply grateful for the sacrifices of her parents and the investment of the mentors, leaders, and friends who have shaped her journey. Their example instilled in her that opportunity is a gift to be stewarded, and it fuels her desire to open doors for those who follow.
These were the 2025 honorees.
Nancy Huff '89 MA |
Distinguished Service to God
Nancy Huff is President and Director of Teach the Children International, a nonprofit serving children in crisis around the globe. With degrees in Mathematics and in English as a Second Language, she spent years teaching and writing on education reform, authoring more than 100 published articles for Intercessors for America. Nancy has spoken 21 times at the United Nations on Sahrawi refugee issues, humanitarian aid theft, and child soldier exploitation. She has led more than 50 prayer teams to Washington, D.C. and contributed to medical and disaster relief initiatives in seven countries. She has also written several books, including Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide for American Education, Safety Zone: Prayers to Revolutionize Your School, and Praying for Children, Teens and Young Adults in the 10/40 Window. Nancy’s efforts continue to influence international human rights, education policy, and spiritual advocacy.
Tige Charity '93 |
Distinguished Service to the Community
Tige Charity is a multi-award-winning woman of faith…a social entrepreneur, CEO, transformational speaker, author (“Not Your 9-to-5 Girl”), and servant leader with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from ORU and an MBA in Nonprofit Management from American Jewish University. In May 2009, Tige founded Kids in the Spotlight (KITS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing youth in foster care with an outlet and platform for storytelling and filmmaking as a means of healing. Starting with zero funding, she has grown KITS to an operating budget of over $2,000,000. In January 2023, she launched the KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA—a full-service studio that offers rentals to industry professionals and connects youth aging out of foster care to jobs in the entertainment industry. Through KITS’ Script to Screen program, young people ages 12-25 learn to write, cast, and star in their own short films under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals.
Brad Thomas '77, '79 MBA |
Distinguished Service to the Alma Mater
Brad Thomas’s involvement with ORU spans decades, from his years as an undergrad and graduate student to leadership roles in many campus organizations. Most recently, he completed a 9-year term on the Board of Trustees, where he also served as secretary and then treasurer. Today, he’s a member of the Board of Reference, a director in the Golden Eagle Club, and a member of the Computing & Mathematics Department Advisory Council. He has been a guest speaker in several classes and at events like the Fenimore & Fisher College of Business ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Computing & Mathematics hooding ceremony. Brad is also the chairman of India Practical Missions, Inc., which supports gospel ministries of Mathews Chacko '70-M.Div., and board secretary at Spirit Life Church. Before being "repurposed" (as he calls retirement), he was the CEO of International Chemical Company, president of Ozark Steel Company, and chairman of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Waterways Advisory Board. Brad and his wife of 46 years, Brenda (Brown '79), have two daughters (ORU grads!) and five grandchildren.
Dr. William Ranahan '05 |
Distinguished Service "In Every Person's World"
As an ORU student, Dr. William Ranahan was struck by the call to be raised up to hear God's voice…and there began a lifelong commitment to discerning and obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit. After graduating in 2005 (Biology; emphasis in Molecular Genetics), he worked in Seattle’s Biotech Sector before moving to Indianapolis to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He was awarded several recognitions for his research including “Outstanding Student of the Year” from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. When his doctoral research was done, he felt led to return to ORU and join the mission to raise up God's students to hear His voice... particularly in the lab. In 2021, the Ranahan Cancer Research lab was awarded ORU's first-ever patent for the production of novel anti-cancer compounds from natural sources. The work done by Dr. Ranahan and his undergraduate research students has led to the discovery of several naturally occurring compounds that eliminate cancer cells while enhancing the health of normal tissues. Dr. Ranahan's lab is beginning Phase 1 Clinical Trials in mice for the development of a chemotherapeutic without toxicity. The Ranahan lab is also developing a mushroom-based dietary supplement that results in significant health benefits as well as efficacy against cancer.
Geoffrey Graff '17 |
Rising Servant Leader
Geoffrey Graff is a pastor, communicator, and author known for making the Bible come alive. With a style that brings clear biblical insight and raw authenticity, he bridges the gap between entertaining and exegetical—offering a voice that challenges, encourages, and awakens. His mission is simple: make the Word of God come alive to people. In 2013, Geoffrey began speaking at summer camps across the country. In 2019, he became the youth and young adult pastor at Faith Family Church in Victoria, TX. There, he and his team saw exponential growth, both numerically and spiritually, and pastoring people became dear to his heart. In September of 2025, he and his wife moved to Fayetteville, AR to plant Overflow Church, a thriving, life-giving church that’s reaching Northwest Arkansas. Most dear to his heart is his wife Eden (Watson) '19. Eden is a physician associate, Geoffrey's biggest ministry supporter, and his best friend. Together, they have Jack Geoffrey Graff, their little bundle of joy. You can catch them outdoors, playing board games, or walking their two rather disobedient dogs while pushing Jack’s stroller.
THE ALUMNI AWARDS PROGRAM
In 1998, the Alumni Association Board of Directors established an Alumni Awards program. The first awards were handed out in 1999. In 2014, a new award was introduced for Distinguished Service "In Every Person's World." (Note: In 2015, as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, ORU presented 50 Lifetime Global Achievement Awards to alumni, friends, and other notable individuals. Alumni Awards were not presented in 2015.)
In 2020, another new award -- the Rising Servant Leader -- was presented for the first time.
The categories and criteria for the Alumni Award nominations are as follows:
Distinguished Service to God
Excellence in fulfillment of Oral Roberts' vision for students to go into "every person's world" through full- or part-time ministry in a church, missions organization, or other ministry.
Distinguished Service to the Community
Excellence in serving the community and society, including those outside the Kingdom of God, by bringing God's voice, light, and power into their world; and excellence in meeting unique challenges presented by their environment.
Distinguished Service to the Alma Mater
Excellence in their field of service, contributions to the total life of the university, and spiritual impact on students, the ORU community, and fellow alumni. Nominations based in part on outstanding or faithful financial support of ORU are welcomed, but this is not a prerequisite for the award.
Distinguished Service “In Every Person’s World”
Excellence in carrying out ORU's founding vision through service and achievements in non-ministry/non-missions fields, and by representing Christ in their particular corner of "every person's world."
In these four categories, quality and longevity of service and ministry will be considered. Those who have served "quietly and faithfully" will be on equal footing with those who are widely recognized for their work. Each nominee's life and conduct should reflect Christ's character as revealed in scripture.
The Rising Servant Leader Award
This annual award is granted to a young alumnus or alumna who has received an undergraduate degree from ORU within the last ten years, and who has shown exceedingly outstanding, Christ-like character.
As with the annual Alumni Awards, nominees for this award are evaluated based on the information submitted by their nominators, and through the references that must come from a mentor, a pastor, and a peer. The nominator’s information on the nominee, and positive impressions from the references, must provide verifiable evidence of the nominee’s Christ-like conduct, and the fruit of his or her outstanding character.
This award is intended to empower and acknowledge younger alumni within their first decade out of school—to honor them for being of unimpeachable character in representing ORU. Board members want this award to be reminiscent of how Paul empowered Timothy “to lead and continue to press on in the good fight.” The board wants to acknowledge young alumni and their accomplishments while commissioning them to fight the good fight of faith by representing ORU through their service to God, service to the community, service to their alma mater, and service in every person's world.
For more information on these awards, contact your board representative or the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@oru.edu or 918.495.6610.