JUC President Visits John Brown University and Oral Roberts University

Jerusalem University College President Dr. Oliver Hersey visited John Brown University (JBU) in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the week of September 25, 2026, meeting with students, faculty, alumni, and longtime friends of JUC.

At John Brown University, Dr. Hersey spoke during Tuesday morning chapel, addressing Acts 9:1–19. He also spent time with JUC alumna Kaitlyn Hawn, her Bible students, and university colleagues. Hawn holds two master’s degrees from JUC, is a doctoral candidate at Oxford University, and serves as a full-time assistant professor at JBU.

John Brown University recently joined JUC’s consortium of associated schools and, as reported in the September 25 Friday AM, was planning its first JUC travel course for May 2027.

Following his visit to JBU, Dr. Hersey traveled to Oral Roberts University, where he met with Dr. Eric Newberg and his wife, Carol, a longtime advocate of JUC. ORU has sent students to JUC for many years, and the visit offered an opportunity to explore renewed connections following the disruptions of COVID-19 and the war.

The newsletter also highlighted JUC alumnus Dr. Chris Foster, who attended JUC in 2001 and now chairs ORU’s biblical studies department. Reflecting on the visits, Dr. Hersey expressed encouragement at the enthusiasm among students and faculty for study and pilgrimage in the Holy Land.