Oral Roberts University Names Dr. Dean Prentice as Dean of the College of Health Sciences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021

CONTACT: Dr. Charles Scott, Vice President of External Affairs, Office: 918.495.6228, Cell: 417.291.6335, cscott@oru.edu

 

TULSA, Okla.—Oral Roberts University (ORU) announced Dr. Dean Prentice will assume the position as dean of the College of Health Sciences for the University. Following a nationwide search, ORU’s search committee recommended Dr. Prentice for the post. Dr. Prentice assumes the role effective August 26, 2021. 

ORU President Dr. William Wilson expressed appreciation for Dr. Prentice accepting the new post. “Throughout his career, including military service to our nation, Dr. Prentice represents what we believe and teach at ORU, that the best of faith and the best of science can come together to provide healing for all humanity. We have a dream team of leaders at ORU, and this is certainly the case in the College of Health Sciences. Dr. Prentice has demonstrated a deep commitment to the ORU mission and to the ORU student community. Dean exemplifies ORU values and grasps the whole person education model, which is foundational to the mission of developing whole leaders for the whole world.”   

Dr. Prentice is a graduate of ORU with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. He earned a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Doctorate in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Prentice’s distinguished military service includes commanding the 72nd Medical Group at Tinker Air Force base in Oklahoma, which delivered optimal health services to over 54,000 beneficiaries. He also served as the Deputy Command Surgeon for the United States Air Forces Central (AFCENT).

“This is an exciting time at ORU,” said Dr. Prentice. “I am blessed and humbled by the President and the University placing their trust in me to help lead ORU’s growth in health care professions. I believe wholeheartedly that the mission and vision of ORU can be expanded in these disciplines. The College of Health Sciences is uniquely positioned to deliver whole person education to improve the health of the world.”

As dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Prentice will have oversight of the strategic planning and expansion of the College in the field of health care. His duties include administration of both the undergraduate and graduate programs in the College. He is also responsible for developing and implementing new academic programs and health care curriculum. One of the vital aspects of Dr. Prentice’s role is to advance ORU’s relationships with international, national, state, and local health care agencies. 

ORU’s Provost, Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, pointed out how Dr. Prentice’s leadership background serves ORU’s students. “Dr. Prentice’s extensive health care background is an important resource for our students. His career has prepared him well to expand the health science programs within the college.”  

In addition, she noted appreciation to the search committee, led by Dr. Wonsuk Ma. “As we conclude this successful search for the dean of the College of Health Sciences, I am deeply thankful for the work of the search committee. Each of the seven members gave valuable time and expertise to this process." The search committee was comprised of: Dr. Audrey Thompson, Mr. Tim Philley, Dr. Angela Watson, Dr. Patricia Catts, Dr. Brenna Bohatec, and Dr. Jay Gary. 

The College of Health Sciences was named from the previous Anna Vaughn College of Nursing, which is now the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing (AVSON). Dr. Audrey Thompson has been appointed to serve as associate dean over AVSON. 

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ABOUT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

ORU is an interdenominational Christian Spirit-empowered university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Under the leadership of Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing its students spiritually, mentally and physically to be whole leaders for the whole world. It offers over 150 majors, minors and pre-professional programs ranging from business and biology to engineering, nursing, ministry, and more.

ORU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as

•    #1 Best Value Regional College in the West
•    #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
•    #3 in Best Colleges for Veterans
•    #5 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
 
The Wall Street Journal ranks ORU as the #5 university in the nation for student engagement, which measures interaction with faculty, collaborative learning, critical thinking, how the university supports students applying what they learn to the real world, the extent to which classes challenge students, and whether they would recommend the school to others.
 
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.