DR. WILLIAM M. WILSON
Dr. William M. Wilson is a leading voice in the Spirit-empowered movement, one of the fastest growing movements in history. With more than four decades of executive leadership experience, Wilson is recognized globally for his unwavering ethics in leadership and as a champion for new generations of Spirit-empowered leaders. His unique ability to foster global partnerships brings together leaders from various cultures, ethnicities, and spheres of influence.
During Wilson’s tenure as the Empowered21 (E21) Global Chair, E21 has become what is recognized as the world’s largest Spirit-empowered relational network. E21 brings together ministry leaders, scholars, evangelists, and next-generation voices who collectively represent over 650 million Christians worldwide. Since 2010, E21 has expanded exponentially with 14 regional cabinets around the world and numerous working groups, including the Global Evangelist Alliance (GEA), Global Prayer Alliance, NextGen Network, Global Network of Spirit-empowered Scholars, and the Global Worship Alliance.
The vision of Empowered21 is that “Every person on earth would have an authentic encounter with Jesus through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033.” In pursuit of that vision, Amsterdam2023 gathered thousands from around the world to the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre and Olympic Stadium, mobilizing around a new era of evangelism and focusing on fulfilling the Great Commission through the power of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033.
Wilson has also been instrumental in creating and communicating the EveryOne initiative – joining denominations, para-church networks, and evangelistic ministries from around the world, calling on the global church to make every effort to share the gospel with every person on earth by 2033.
In addition to his strategic role with E21, Wilson is the fourth president of Oral Roberts University (ORU). He began his tenure in June of 2013 and has led the University through consecutive years of historic growth. Under Wilson’s leadership, ORU’s enrolment has reached unprecedented numbers. In the fall of 2021, ORU achieved the largest year-over-year recorded percentage growth in over 25 years, growing to over 6,000 students in 2023. ORU is also recognized as one of the top 25 most diverse universities in America. As part of ORU’s continued expansion, Wilson launched new educational outcomes (Spiritual Integrity, Personal Resilience, Intellectual Pursuit, Global Engagement, Bold Vision) through ORU’s Whole Person learning model, which develops graduates for leadership success and has resulted in a 99.57% career placement rate.
He has spearheaded numerous campus improvements including the first new student housing on campus since 1976, Niko Njotorahardjo Hall, and the establishment of the Global Learning Center, a hub for global education and augmented/virtual reality learning. Wilson led the $50 million, 50th anniversary campaign to a successful conclusion. Presently, the “Whole Leaders for the Whole World” campaign is nearing completion, raising $77 million for scholarships, three new buildings including a campus Welcome Center, Media Arts Center, the J.D. McKean Library, and the David and Barbara Green Centre for Global Leadership. Another $5 million was raised for the new Fenimore & Fisher College of Business, which includes a fully operational Capital Markets Trading Floor. In addition, $21 million was raised for the Mike Carter Athletic Center and a substantial renovation of the Mabee Center Arena, including new blue seating, a spectacular concourse, and additional suites.
Additionally, Wilson is a sought-after Bible communicator whose weekly television program, “World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson,” has inspired and empowered viewers from a biblical worldview in over 150 nations in multiple languages.
Wilson also serves as Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship, an at-large member of the board of the National Association of Evangelicals, and in leadership positions with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Summit League President’s Council, and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He has authored several books, including Father Cry, Foundations of Faith, Fasting Forward, Generation Z: Born for the Storm, and his latest book The Power of One.
Wilson and his wife, Lisa, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have two children and seven grandchildren.