Exploring the University of Central Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Overview
The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), a public institution in Edmond, Oklahoma, stands as the state's third-largest university. With a substantial community of nearly 13,000 students and a dedicated faculty comprising approximately 430 full-time and 400 adjunct members, UCO holds a significant position in Oklahoma's higher education landscape.
A Historical Foundation
Founded on December 24, 1890, the University of Central Oklahoma holds the distinction of being the second oldest public institution in Oklahoma, predated only by the University of Oklahoma, established on December 19, 1890. The genesis of UCO can be traced to the Territorial Legislature's decision to establish the Territorial Normal School. Classes officially commenced in November 1891, marking the beginning of UCO's journey in shaping minds and fostering education.
The location of the new school was strategically chosen by the Territorial Legislature to be in Edmond, contingent upon meeting specific conditions. Oklahoma County was tasked with donating $5,000 in bonds, while Edmond was required to contribute 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land within a mile (1.6 km) of the town. Anton H. Classen ultimately donated the land, with ten acres earmarked for the new school's construction. The remaining land was divided into lots to be sold, generating funds for the institution. Edmond further demonstrated its commitment by donating an additional $2,000 in bonds, ensuring all conditions were met.
The inaugural class, comprising 23 students, convened on November 1, 1891, in the Epworth League Room, situated within the unfurnished First Methodist Church. A marker crafted from Oklahoma granite was erected in 1915 near the original site by the Central Oklahoma Normal School Historical Society, commemorating this humble beginning.
Architectural Heritage: Old North
Old North holds a special place in UCO's history as the first building constructed on campus in the summer of 1892. It also holds the distinction of being the first building erected in Oklahoma Territory specifically for higher education. Occupancy commenced on January 3, 1893, marking a significant milestone in the institution's development.
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Initially, the school functioned as a normal school, offering two years of college work alongside a comprehensive preparatory school. In 1904, Territorial Normal transitioned into Central State Normal School, reflecting its evolving role in teacher education.
Evolution and Expansion
On December 29, 1919, the State Board of Education passed a resolution, elevating Central to a four-year teachers' college with the authority to confer bachelor's degrees. The Class of 1921, consisting of nine members, proudly became the first graduates to receive these four-year degrees.
Two decades later, in 1939, the Oklahoma Legislature further expanded the institution's academic offerings, authorizing it to grant both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. This marked a significant step towards becoming a comprehensive university.
Navigating State Politics
According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, the school's history was intertwined with the political landscape of the state. Changes in state governors often led to changes in presidents and, at times, even faculty members. In 1950, President Max W. Chambers took a stand by banning solicitations of campaign donations from faculty members, emphasizing the importance of academic independence.
Graduate Studies and Renaming
In 1954, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education granted Central permission to offer the Master of Teaching Degree, which later evolved into the Master of Education in 1969. This marked the institution's foray into graduate-level education, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive university.
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On April 13, 1971, the state legislature officially recognized the institution's growth and evolution by changing its name to Central State University. This renaming reflected the university's expanding academic programs and its broader role in serving the educational needs of the region.
A Symbol of Identity: The Coat of Arms
The University of Central Oklahoma's official coat of arms was conceived in 1966, driven by the vision of yearbook student editor Dorthy Forbes, who sought to showcase a distinctive visual design in the 75th-anniversary edition of the Central State University yearbook. Discovering the absence of an official coat of arms, Forbes collaborated with yearbook staff members Donna Castle, Charles Tweed, and Russ Lackey to create a professional design. Their creation was presented to President Garland Godfrey, who gave his approval, cementing the coat of arms as a symbol of UCO's identity.
Academic Departments and Programs
UCO offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to the diverse interests and aspirations of its students. Some notable departments and programs include:
- The UCO Jazz Lab: Serving as the home for the Jazz Studies Division of the University of Central Oklahoma School of Music, the Jazz Program was established in 1974 by Dr. Kent Kidwell. The School of Music offers an undergraduate Minor in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies with Majors in Performance or Commercial Music Production. The UCO Jazz Lab hosts the annual Recording Technology Workshop and the annual Guitar Techniques Workshop during the summer. The UCO Jazz Ensembles have received numerous accolades. The Jazz Lab has consistently been recognized as the "Best Place for Live Music" in the Edmond Life & Leisure's Reader's Choice poll and has received the award for The Best Live Music Venue in the Oklahoma Gazette's Best of OKC readers' poll.
- The Vista: The Vista newspaper, established in 1903, serves as the student voice of UCO. It is distributed free of charge on campus and at designated off-campus locations, and it is also accessible online at ucentralmedia.com.
Athletics: The Bronchos
UCO participates in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The university joined the MIAA in 2012, having previously been a member of the Lone Star Conference. UCO applied to join the MIAA in 2010, and its application was approved, with membership commencing in the 2012-2013 academic year.
The university's athletic teams, both men's and women's, are known as the Bronchos. UCO fields teams in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, track and field, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and rowing.
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