Oral Roberts University Names Max Barroso Executive Strategist for Ministry and Leadership Initiatives

Max Barroso, Executive Strategist for Ministry and Leadership Initiatives

Tulsa, OK– Oral Roberts University (ORU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Max Barroso as Executive Strategist for Ministry and Leadership Initiatives. Barroso began his service February 21, 2023 and will report to the University President, Dr. William M. Wilson. Barroso’s duties will include collaboration with the Office of the Provost to assist with the next phases of development for the David and Barbara Green Centre for Global Leadership. In conjunction with the Green Centre, his responsibilities will involve planning an annual leadership conference along with other external initiatives to broaden ORU’s influence and global impact. He will also be assisting Empowered21 and the Pentecostal World Fellowship offices in developing strategies for these growing Kingdom initiatives.

Barroso comes to ORU after serving 14 years as the Director of World Missions Ministries for Latin America for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.  During his tenure, Barroso was recognized as a creative visionary, and passionate ministry leader.  He was also recently selected by his peers to serve as the Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship’s World Missions Commission.  Barroso holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Christian University, as well as a master’s degree in theology from Facultad Internacional de Educación Teológica (International College of Theological Education). He is also currently completing a doctoral degree.

Dr. Wilson stated he is excited that Barroso is joining the ORU staff.  “Max brings an excellent mix of experience and ability to ORU.  He is a proven polycentric leader with international recognition. Max represents a new generation of emerging leaders in the Spirit-empowered movement and ORU is blessed to have him on our team. In this newly created position, Max will fulfill critical roles in global expansion and add value to strategic initiatives that position ORU for future success. The ORU community is going to love Max.”

Barroso stated, "God is doing incredible things in this generation and all over the world through ORU. I am privileged to join Dr. Wilson and the University’s remarkable team in serving the vision to develop whole leaders for the whole world! ORU’s focus on leadership development and strategic ministry partnerships across the Kingdom is attuned to the needs of 21st Century Christianity. I am honored by the administration's trust to serve these efforts."

Barroso noted the leadership culture at ORU was a primary attraction to accepting this new position. “The first thing that stood out to me is Dr. Wilson’s leadership which has developed strong teams across the University.  I am so grateful to serve with these leaders who are dedicated and gifted to accomplish ORU’s mission.” 

Max and his wife, Jessica, have been married for 13 years and have 3 children, Noah, Abigail, and Lucas.

ABOUT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with over a decade 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 M. Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 142 nations (from 2019 to 2022) to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #4 university in the nation for student engagement. This ranking is based upon faculty interactions, collaborative learning, critical thinking, real-world applications of student learning, the extent to which classes challenge students, and whether students would recommend a university to others. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the most diverse colleges in America.

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 www.oru.edu.