In addition to supporting all the traditional liberal arts areas, the university continues to maintain and strengthen its academic standards by internationalizing its programs, developing substantive undergraduate research opportunities, and seeking distinction in several critical fields, including environmental studies and research, computer security, Native American and Indigenous Peoples Law, risk management, and taxation-the better to equip its students for life in a rapidly changing world. Also, elevating the university’s regional accolades for excellence to national prominence is a primary focus of the present administration. As a mark of this success, since 1995, TU students have been successful with the following national competitions:

* 42 Goldwater Scholars
* 4 Marshall Scholars
* 6 Fulbright Scholars
* 27 National Science Foundation Fellows
* 8 Truman Scholars
* 7 Department of Defense Fellows
* 5 Morris K. Udall Scholars
* 1 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow
* 6 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows

In September, 2005, The University of Tulsa was gratified to be designated a Truman Honor Institution by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation for producing graduates dedicated to public service. The freshman class welcomed in the fall of 2005 was distinguished by one out of every eight students being a National Merit Scholar.