university president

There were at least 12 occasions last week when University President William Powers spoke publicly and needed either notes or a fully-written speech, said Tom Zigal, the president's chief speechwriter.

Zigal is a member of the "Morning Group," a group of six key staff members in the president's office who meet once a week to keep the office functioning.

University President William Powers continues to be optimistic about the Texas Legislature's commitment to higher education needs but says the University has some catching up to do in terms of legislative support.

Powers acknowledged that reports of an upcoming state budget surplus won't guarantee more support for the University.

University President William Powers sent out another "Letter from the President" e-mail Thursday to alumni, faculty and friends of the University as he ramps up for his second legislative session as president and continued mission to gather enough support to influence the Texas Legislature to increase funding for the University.

The Christian university in Tulsa, Okla., founded by evangelist Oral Roberts is the target of several lawsuits.

Some of the suits raise allegations that the current university president, son of Oral Roberts, and his family used school money to support a lavish lifestyle.