Oral Roberts University, the debt-ridden evangelical institution riven by scandal, has been handed a $70 million lifeline.
Mart Green, founder of the Christian office and educational supply store chain Mardel, said Tuesday he would immediately give $8 million to the university, with the rest to come after a 60-to-90-day review of the university’s financial records.
Green said his family must approve the financial review before the $62 million is given and is requesting at least two seats on the board of regents for his family members.
“Let’s straighten the ship,” Green said, four days after the school’s president stepped down amid accusations that he misspent funds to support a lavish lifestyle. “Let’s get integrity. Let’s get trust built back and the rest will go away.”
Green said he has never attended the university and had no ties to the Oral Roberts family. He said he has been following the university’s story in the media in recent weeks and decided he wanted to help.