Space Industry Plan

Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine to Unveil Space Industry Plan at ORU’s PECE Forum

Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and U.S. Congressman, has a plan for Oklahoma to engage in the burgeoning $546 billion commercial space economy. As part of this plan, he envisions researchers and students from Oral Roberts University (ORU) having a critical and collaborative role in the cure for cancer and other far-reaching commercial initiatives. Bridenstine will introduce his plan at the ORU Partners in Economics, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship (PECE) luncheon, which will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at 11:30 am at ORU's Global Learning Center.

Microgravity and ORU Reseachers

"With the right research, space and microgravity will transform life on Earth, and I believe ORU has a role to play in the process," explained Mr. Bridenstine. "The most exciting element is the utilization of microgravity for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing. This line of effort offers the best opportunity to engage ORU researchers and students."

“NASA has been using microgravity to create new pharmaceutical crystals to treat cancer and other diseases. The results have been astonishing, and it is only just beginning. I would very much like to see ORU researchers cure various types of cancer,” Bridenstine stated.

Jim Bridenstine to Speak at PECE Event at ORU

Dr. Julie Huntley, Dean of ORU’s Fenimore and Fisher College of Business, commented on the magnitude of the upcoming announcement. "Jim Bridenstine is exactly the type of innovative thought leader we want to feature at PECE events. He is forging a new frontier in economic growth and expansion in Oklahoma. Last semester, we hosted Hans Helmerich, Chairman of the Board of Helmerich & Payne, and we had a capacity crowd for the event. Visionaries and business leaders are recognizing the value of ORU to the Oklahoma economy, and I am confident in the level of talent we have here to make meaningful contributions to multiple initiatives.”

Tickets are available for the upcoming PECE luncheon featuring Jim Bridenstine. To learn more about how Oklahoma can position itself for growth in the new space renaissance and reserve a seat, visit http://www.eventinterface.com/pece/.

Who is Jim Bridenstine?

Jim Bridenstine served as the 13th Administrator of NASA, where he was responsible for managing NASA’s 70,000-person workforce and $23 billion annual budget. Under his leadership, NASA reestablished a human spaceflight program to launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil for the first time since the Space Shuttles were retired in 2011. He also created NASA’s Artemis program to establish the first permanent presence on the Moon with commercial partners and the largest international spaceflight coalition in history. Today, Jim serves on the Board of Directors for Viasat, Inc. and Starlab Space. He is also on the Board of Trustees of the Aerospace Corporation and serves as a consultant for various other aerospace companies.

What is the PECE initiative?

The PECE initiative intends to raise awareness within the business community about the remarkable accomplishments of ORU’s Fenimore and Fisher College of Business, its exceptional students, and its nationally accredited curriculum. PECE is driven by three core objectives:

• INSPIRE: It aims to engage thought leaders both from our nation and our local community.
• INNOVATE: By empowering creative business responses to economic and societal influences.
• IGNITE: It seeks to stimulate economic growth and expansion.

What is Different About ORU?

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations in the last four years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, #1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and #1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.