Oral Roberts University reported on Thursday a 17 percent enrollment increase for the Fall 2009 class since last year.

The increase put the Christian school's total enrollment at 3,140 students, including graduate and undergraduate.

The school's new president Mark Rutland said he was "encouraged and energized" by the growth.

"(We) believe it is a reflection of the renewed excitement on campus," he said. "I believe this is just the beginning of student growth at ORU."

Rutland said there is more to come even after $10 million in campus renovations this summer.

"We will continue to engage new markets and recruit the best Christian students from around the world," he added. "ORU's best days are ahead and I am excited to be a part."

ORU has been recovering from a financial scandal that led to the resignation of then president Richard Roberts in 2007.