Mel Latorre B.S., M.A., M.S.

Mel Latorre Jr. is an educator at Oklahoma Christian University and a minister at the North MacArthur Church of Christ. His life and career reflect a profound dedication to global mission work, higher education, church ministry and faith-based pastoral care.

Born in Brazil to a missionary family, Mel spent his childhood immersed in cross-cultural ministry before moving to Kansas to complete high school. He attended Oklahoma Christian University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Bible with a minor in Missions, a Master of Arts in Ministry, and most recently a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Mel began his ministry career as a youth minister in western Oklahoma before returning to Brazil, where he spent seven years as a missionary. During his time abroad, he served at a local congregation, helped develop and taught at a preacher training school, engaged in discipleship and leadership training, and helped develop a marriage and family ministry while supporting other congregations across the country. Since returning to the United States in 2010, Mel has continued his passion for global service by leading and coordinating numerous short-term mission trips for students and church members. At OC, he uses his unique combination of ministry and therapeutic training to teach, mentor, and equip the next generation of Kingdom leaders.

Mel and his wife, Becky, have been married since 1999 and are the proud parents of two children, Alyah and Lucas.