TULSA, Okla., November 14, 2008 Oral Roberts University (ORU) today announced the finalization of the Separation Agreement with its former President, Dr. Richard L. Roberts. Based upon information and advice from an independent compensation consultant, ORU has agreed to pay Roberts his $223,600 annual salary for the remaining term of his appointment through November 2009. These payments will be off-set against the fair market rental value of ORU property occupied by ... read more

Multiple news sources are reporting that Richard Roberts is taking a "leave of absence" from his role as President of Oral Roberts University in light of the recent allegations from three fired professors. From a media perspective, it's one of a couple of possible PR options, and we'll never know it's wisdom until we hear from the legal proceedings. I think the momentum has really been moving forward with the allegations. Richard and Lindsay on Larry King Live didn't help. I think they raised more questions than they answered in the audience's mind. Some have said that ... read more

One little sidelight to note about the Oral Roberts University lawsuit, is that - according to the written document - the majority of the allegations were apparently taken from a university owned computer. It seems Stephanie Cantese (Lindsay Roberts' sister) allegedly was keeping a list of "areas of exposure" on her computer as a warning to Richard and Lindsay about things that might be out of bounds or inappropriate - financially or otherwise. Good idea. As Richard and Lindsay explained on Larry King the other night, ... read more

I've had so many Oral Roberts University graduates and others close to the school talk to me about the current allegations made against Richard and Lindsay Roberts, that I woke up after midnight thinking I should write down some thoughts about Richard and Lindsay's appearance on Larry King Tuesday night. We have to keep in mind that for the most part, the lawsuit from a small group of disgruntled former professors is about the actions of the President and his wife, not about ORU itself. Oral Roberts University is a fine institution, and year after year, educational experts continue to say ... read more

More is developing from the ORU lawsuit story I discussed this week. You can get a good update here from Associated Press, and The Tulsa World reports that the Board of Regents have brought in an independent accounting firm to look at the finances. It's an interesting look at how to handle "crisis public relations" and regardless of guilt or innocence in this case, every non-profit or religious organization needs to have a crisis PR plan in place. A responsible board can never be sure that ... read more

Some recently dismissed professors at Oral Roberts University have filed suit alleging financial improprieties at the school - mostly having to do with President Richard Roberts, his wife Lindsay, and their children. I'm an ORU graduate, and hate to see something like this at my alma mater, or with any nationally known non-profit organization. No matter what the outcome of the legal action may be, the PR damage will be serious. Non-profits are especially at risk because ... read more