ORU’s Historic Campus Expansion Continues, New Deans Appointed for the J.D. McKean Library
The J.D. McKean Library
Tulsa, OK. —Oral Roberts University (ORU) announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Hall as dean of the new J.D. McKean Library and Dr. Angela Sample as the associate dean, effective June 5, 2023. Their collective expertise, passion for education, and innovative vision will shape the future of library services and broaden ORU’s academic landscape. Under their leadership, the $18 million J.D. McKean Library will serve as a testament to the University's commitment to providing a whole-person education and advancing the frontiers of knowledge.
Dr. Hall brings an extensive academic background to this position. He holds a B.S.E.
in English Education, an M.S.E. in English, a Specialist degree in Higher Education,
and a Ph.D. in English. He has also earned three master’s degrees from ORU, including
an M.A. in Biblical Literature, an M.A. in Theological and Historical Studies, and
an M.A. in Biblical Literature (Advanced Languages concentration).
“The search committee did extensive and thorough work to find a tremendous leader for the J. D. McKean Library,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. “With the appointment of Dr. Hall, our new library will be guided by someone who possesses a stellar reputation in innovation, management, and academics. By embracing the library’s role in student success and research, the team of Dr. Hall and Dr. Sample will perpetuate ORU’s national reputation among elite, forward-thinking higher education institutions.”
At ORU, Dr. Hall has taught in the College of Theology and Ministry and in the Department of English and Modern Languages. He has also served as Chair of the School of Lifelong Education, Coordinator of General Education, and Dean of the College of Arts and Cultural Studies.
“I am excited to lead the J.D. McKean Library into the future,” said Dr. Hall, “The next generation of ORU students will have the resources and the technology to access and utilize information effectively. With these goals in mind, the new library will expand as a campus hub for academic and professional research.”
Dr. Angela Sample, the associate dean of the J.D. McKean Library, will play a pivotal
role in shaping the future of library services and information access at ORU. In her
role, Dr. Sample will foster an environment of intellectual exploration, embracing
emerging technologies and providing innovative resources to empower students and researchers.
Through her leadership, Dr. Sample will work to enhance the community life of ORU
students, allowing for improved collaborative studies.
“The Provost’s Office is delighted to have Dr. Mark Hall appointed dean of the J.D. McKean Library,” said Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, ORU Provost. “Dr. Hall is greatly valued for his extensive administrative experience at ORU, his commitment to research, and his love for the ORU community. We are also happy to promote Dr. Angela Sample to associate dean of the Library. Dr. Sample is well recognized for her knowledge of advanced technologies as they pertain to library sciences and learning. This dynamic leadership team will help spearhead the launch of the premier new ORU library facilities and work with the faculty of ORU’s six colleges to empower a new era of academic discovery, knowledge creation, and student success—whether at home or abroad.”
The three-story library will comprise almost 40,000 square feet of media and technology, providing panoramic views of ORU’s Healing Hands and iconic campus. The library will include a “Creativity Lab Room,” providing technological advancements and an array of resources for ORU students. ORU’s renowned Center for Spirit-empowered Research will also be located in the building. The Center has plans to expand its offerings in academic research, publishing, and global networking, furthering ORU’s global leadership as a Spirit-empowered university.
The chair of the search committee, Dr. Julie Huntley, added, “With the combined leadership skills of Dr. Hall and Dr. Sample, the J.D. McKean Library will be transformed from a library space to a true center for knowledge, scholarship, and learning.”
The J.D. McKean Library will be completed debt-free and is set to open during the Fall semester. This is the third of four new buildings being added to ORU’s growing campus. The new library is part of ORU’s Whole Leaders for the Whole World campaign, which raised $77 million during Phase 1.
For more information on ORU’s Whole Leaders for the Whole World (WLWW) campaign, please visit the WWLW webpage.
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 Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 150 nations (from 2019 to 2023) 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.