View source for University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

{{Short description|Public university in  Chickasha, Oklahoma, US}}
{{Redirect|USAO|the offices of federal prosecutors in the United States|United States Attorney}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox university
| name = University of Science and Arts<br />of Oklahoma
| image = USAOklahoma seal.png
| motto = "College for the Curious Mind"
| established = 1908
| type = [[Public college|Public]] [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]]
| endowment = [[United States dollar|$]]27,000,000<ref name="2019-USAO-Foundation-990">[https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/731031040/03_2019_prefixes_62-73%2F731031040_201806_990_2019031216166268 "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. - 2017 Form 990"]</ref>
| president = Kayla Hale
| city = [[Chickasha, Oklahoma|Chickasha]]
| state = [[Oklahoma]]
| country = United States
| students = 1,000<ref name="2019-fall-enrollment">[https://usao.edu/about/images-docs/documents/fall-2019-annual-enrollment.pdf "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma: Fall Enrollment Trends,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123040310/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/Fall%20Annual%20Enrollment%20Report2019.pdf |date=2015-01-23 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', 2019. Retrieved August 24th, 2020.</ref>
| campus = Small town
| former_names = Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls (1908–1912)<br>Oklahoma College for Women (1912–1965)<br>Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts (1965–1972)
| sports_nickname = Drovers
| colors = Green & Gold<br>{{color box|#00543d}}&nbsp;{{color box|#f1cd44}}
| mascot = Dusty the Drover
| athletics_affiliations = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] – [[Sooner Athletic Conference|Sooner]]
| website = {{URL|www.usao.edu}}
| logo = USAO logo.png
| embedded = {{Infobox NRHP
 | embed = yes
 | name = Oklahoma College for Women Historic District
 | nrhp_type = hd
 | nocat = yes  
 | image = USAO Troutt Hall.jpg
 | caption = 
 | location= Roughly bounded by Grand Ave., 19th St., Alabama Ave., and alley west of 15th St., [[Chickasha, Oklahoma]]
 | locmapin = Oklahoma#USA
 | built = {{Start date|1911}}
 | architect = Smith & Parr; Donathan & Moore
 | architecture = Classical Revival, Mission/Spanish Revival
 | added = September 9, 2001
 | area = {{convert|50|acre}}
 | refnum = 01000950<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
 }}
}}

The '''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma''' ('''USAO''') is a [[Public college|public]] [[Liberal arts colleges in the United States|liberal arts college]] in [[Chickasha, Oklahoma]]. It is the only public college in Oklahoma with a strictly [[liberal arts]]–focused curriculum and is a member of the [[Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges]].<ref>[http://www.coplac.org/members/ "Member Institutions,"] ''Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges'', Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref> USAO is an undergraduate-only institution and grants [[bachelor's degree]]s in a variety of subject areas. The school was founded in 1908 as a school for women and from 1912 to 1965 was known as '''Oklahoma College for Women'''. It became coeducational in 1965 and today educates approximately 800 students. In 2001, the entire Oklahoma College for Women campus was listed as a [[Historic districts in the United States|national historic district]].<ref name="nris"/><ref name="natl-register-form">{{NRHP url|id=01000950|title="NPS Form 10-900:National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Oklahoma College for Women Historic District,"}}, 2001, Accessed January 31, 2015.</ref>

== History ==
After Oklahoma was admitted to statehood in 1907, the new state legislature was tasked with establishing institutions of higher education in the former [[Indian Territory]].<ref>[http://www.okhighered.org/state-system/overview/overview.pdf "The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,"] ''Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education'', p.5, Updated November 2013. Accessed March 2, 2015.</ref> Statistics gathered by the State Superintendent of Education showed that many young women from Oklahoma chose to attend women's colleges in Kansas, Texas, and Missouri.<ref name="Orr-198">Orr, 198</ref> Colonel J.&nbsp;T. O'Neil, the state senator from [[Grady County, Oklahoma|Grady County]], and his daughter, Anne Wade O'Neil, who had graduated from a women's college in Mississippi, appealed to the legislature to authorize the creation of a women's college.<ref name="Orr-198"/> The institution was founded on May 16, 1908, with the signing of Senate Bill 249 by Governor [[Charles Haskell]]. The bill, authored by Senator N.&nbsp;P. Stewart of [[Hugo, Oklahoma]], authorized the foundation of the '''Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls'''. The legislature subsequently appropriated $100,000 for the establishment of the initial buildings for the school.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://usao.edu/about-usao/early-years | title= Early Years | website= usao.edu| publisher= University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | date= |accessdate = January 19, 2015}}</ref>

A local rancher named J.&nbsp;B. Sparks donated land for the college in memory of his daughter, Nellie. Nellie was a [[Chickasaw]] descendant and the land had been part of her allotment. The Nellie Sparks Dormitory, which was among the first buildings constructed at the new institution, was named in her honor.<ref name = "EOHC-Chickasha">Jefferies, Angie. [http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=CH038 "Chickasha"], ''Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture'', 2009. Accessed March 2, 2015.</ref> In 1912, the institution's authorities renamed the school '''Oklahoma College for Women'''. This came about because a probate judge, under the mistaken impression that the "Industrial Institute" was a reform school, sentenced an "incorrigible young woman" to serve time there.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://usao.edu/about-usao/growth-school | title=Growth of School| website= usao.edu| publisher= University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | date= |accessdate = January 21, 2015}}</ref> This name change was made official by the State Legislature in 1916.<ref>Savage, Cynthia. [http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=UN013 "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma"], ''Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.''</ref> Between 1910 and 1927, the school was the southwest terminus of the [[Chickasha Street Railway]], the trolleys of which could take the ladies into town or all the way to the Rock Island railroad depot.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=gOG5y1oGOJoC&dq=%22chickasha+street+railway%22&pg=PA25 |title=  Photo Caption|isbn= 9780738591797|accessdate=August 26, 2023|last1= Finck|first1= Dr|last2= Finck|first2= James W.|date= August 31, 2023|publisher= Arcadia}}</ref>

The institution initially offered four years of high school work and four years of college; those who completed the college course were awarded bachelor's degrees.<ref>Thoburn, Joseph P. ''A Standard History of Oklahoma.'' Chicago: The American Historical Society, 1916, p. 1004–1005.</ref><ref name=Orr-201-202>Orr, 201-02</ref> It gradually shifted its focus to college only; by the 1925–1926 school year, only college classes were offered.<ref name=Orr-201-202/> Though the institution's original name implied strictly industrial training, over the next couple decades, it gained a focus on a broad liberal arts education.<ref name=Orr-216-217>Orr, 216-217</ref> By 1930, it was awarding degrees in many different fields of study, including art, English, history, music, several languages, natural and physical sciences, philosophy, home economics, and physical education.<ref name=Orr-208>Orr, 208</ref> The deaf education program increased in size and statewide recognition; today, it continues to be one of the university's important programs.<ref>Litton, Gaston. ''History of Oklahoma at the Golden Anniversary of Statehood, Volume II'', New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company Inc., 1957, p. 317.</ref> On June 6, 1955, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education adopted the policy that all state-supported institutions would be racially integrated.<ref>Moon, F.D. "Higher Education and Desegregation in Oklahoma," ''The Journal of Negro Education'', Vol. 27 No. 3: Summer 1958, p. 301.</ref> That summer, Clydia Troullier became the first black student to enroll at OCW.<ref>Guzman, Jessie P. [http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001068903 ''Twenty Years of Court Decisions Affecting Higher Education in the South: 1938-1958''], Tuskegee Institute, Alabama: Department of Records and Research, June 1960, p. 21. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref>

By the mid-1960s, exclusively female universities were declining throughout the nation. The legislature made the institution coeducational in 1965, and the school was renamed '''Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts'''.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://usao.edu/about-usao/ocla | title= OCLA | website= usao.edu| publisher= University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | date= January 19, 2015| accessdate =}}</ref> The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education assigned a new mission to the college: it was to be "experimental in nature" and was to "enroll a select group of students whose aspirations and abilities fit them for an intellectually rigorous and accelerated course of study."<ref>Coffelt, John J., Dan S. Hobbs, and A.J. Brambaugh. [http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED032839.pdf "Goals for Oklahoma Higher Education: Self-Study of Higher Education in Oklahoma-Report 8,"] ''Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education'', State Capitol, Oklahoma City, September 1966, p. 8. Accessed January 31, 2015.</ref> Under the direction of the ninth President, Robert L. Martin, the college switched to a system of three equal trimesters. In an attempt to attract students interested in vigorous academics, this offered an opportunity for advanced students to quickly move through their studies and graduate early.<ref name="Becoming USAO">{{cite web | url= http://usao.edu/about-usao/becoming-usao | title= Becoming USAO| website= usao.edu| publisher= University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | date=  | accessdate= January 19, 2015}}</ref> During this period the alumni association became active, donating funds for the building of an on-campus chapel. Other buildings housing classrooms, including Davis Hall, were also built around this time. Bruce G. Carter took over administrative duties as president in 1972. Under his direction, the college advanced a system of night classes for local adult learners. New scholarships for freshmen were also made available. Soon after Carter took office, the legislature moved to rename all public institutions of higher education in the state under a new system: two-year institutions would be known as "colleges" and four-year institutions would be known as "universities". This led directly to OCLA's new and current name: the ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma''.

Over the next several years, several construction projects were completed, including renovations to Gary, Austin, and Davis Halls and Nash Library.<ref name="Becoming USAO"/> Serious construction continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in the opening of a newly remodeled $2.2-million Student Center in 1998. Sparks Hall, the traditional dormitory on campus, was also greatly renovated.

In 2000, John Feaver became the institution's twelfth president. In 2001, the National Park Service approved the listing of the entire campus as a [[National Register of Historic Places|national historic district]], the only educational institution in the state to hold such an honor.<ref name= "Becoming USAO"/> Historic markers throughout the campus document describe the various historic buildings. New housing options were made available in the early 2000s in the form of the $13.1-million Lawson Court Apartment Complex. Owens Flag Plaza, a centerpiece for the campus 'oval', was opened in 2004. Since 2005, USAO, with the support of the State Regents for Higher Education, has embarked on a Mission Enhancement Plan intended to emphasize the institution's unique role as the public liberal arts college in Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://usao.edu/news/usao-presents-ambitious-mission-enhancement-plan | title= USAO Presents Ambitious Mission Enhancement Plan | website= usao.edu| publisher= University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | date= May 31, 2005 | accessdate= March 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Simpson | first = Susan | title= Unique Mission is Focus of Plan for State College | work = The Oklahoman | date=November 20, 2005}}</ref> As part of the plan, USAO has raised its admission standards so they are the highest in the state of Oklahoma, increased the percentage of full-time students, and created new faculty positions.<ref>{{cite news | last = McNutt| first = K.S. | url= http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5363104?access=bcad035e6eacfa48300cbac6136e60ef | title= Pillar of Strength | work = The Oklahoman | date = November 3, 2014 | accessdate= March 20, 2015}}</ref> In Spring 2015, construction of Coming Together Park began in front of Sparks Hall.<ref name="Express-Star-5-20-2015">Lane, Jessica. [http://www.chickashanews.com/news/world-renowned-sculptor-builds-usao-park-with-students/article_a403fa5c-ff52-11e4-919c-6775ed2e0a1c.html "World renowned sculptor builds USAO park with students,"] ''Express-Star'' (Chickasha, OK), May 20, 2015. Accessed June 2, 2015.</ref> The park will incorporate about {{cvt|150,000|lb|kg}} of [[granite]], and artist-in-residence and internationally known granite sculptor [[Jesús Moroles]] worked with students to sculpt the granite for the park.<ref name="Express-Star-5-20-2015"/><ref>Griffin, Andrew W. [http://www.reddirtreport.com/slice-o-life/granite-sculptor-jes%C3%BAs-moroles-helps-usao-students-campus-%E2%80%9Ccome-together "Granite sculptor Jesús Moroles helps USAO students, campus 'come together,'"] ''Red Dirt Report'', May 20, 2015. Accessed June 2, 2015.</ref>

== Campus ==
Fourteen buildings on the USAO campus are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] as the ''Oklahoma College for Women Historic District''. The buildings are Trout Hall (formerly known as the Administration building), Nellie Sparks Hall, Willard Hall, the President's Home, the President's Home Garage, Austin Hall, the Health and Physical Education building, Senior Hall, the Home Management House, Robertson Hall, Lawson Hall, Canning Hall, Addams Hall, and Nash Library.<ref name="natl-register-form"/> Many are [[Public Works Administration]] buildings designed by different prominent Oklahoma architects, including Paul Harris, [[Solomon Andrew Layton]], [[John Duncan Forsyth]] and [[Hawk & Parr|J.O. Parr]].<ref name="natl-register-form"/><ref>[http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/OK/Grady/districts.html National Register of Historic Places - Grady County, Oklahoma] (accessed March 16, 2010).</ref><ref>[http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=01000950 National Register Properties in Oklahoma: Oklahoma College for Women Historic District] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620215117/http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=01000950 |date=2010-06-20 }} (accessed March 16, 2010).</ref><ref>[http://usao.edu/indianstudies/american-indian-arts-humanities-project "The American Indian Arts and Humanities Project,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123035117/http://usao.edu/indianstudies/american-indian-arts-humanities-project |date=2015-01-23 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>Jim Gabbert, "5 Buildings by John Duncan Forsyth", [http://www.okhistory.org/shpo/pok/POKJul2006.pdf ''Preservation Oklahoma News''], July 2006, p.5.</ref> The Historic District also includes three brick entry gates and the stone bench near Willard Hall donated by the class of 1924, which are designated contributing objects.<ref name="natl-register-form"/> University property also includes the 145-acre Habitat Area, which is three miles west of the main campus and is used as an outdoor classroom.<ref>McNutt, Kathryn. [http://newsok.com/oklahoma-universitys-outdoor-classroom-gets-boost-to-foster-education-inspiration-recreation/article/5390426 "Oklahoma University's Outdoor Classroom Gets Boost to Foster Education, Inspiration, Recreation,"] ''The Oklahoman'', February 3, 2015. Accessed February 13, 2015.</ref>
[[File:Austinhallusao.jpg|thumb|Austin Hall]]

==Organization and administration==
USAO is governed by the Board of Regents of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, which is a Statutory Governing Board in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.<ref>[http://www.okhighered.org/state-system/overview/overview.pdf "The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education,"] ''Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education'', p.4, Updated November 2013. Accessed March 2, 2015.</ref> The board of regents was established by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1919.<ref>Harlow, 52.</ref> The Board's seven members serve overlapping seven-year terms.<ref name="USAO-Board-Regents">[http://usao.edu/about-usao/usao-board-regents "USAO Board of Regents,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,'' Accessed March 2, 2015.</ref>  Board members are appointed by the [[Governor of Oklahoma]] with the advice and consent of the [[Oklahoma Senate]].<ref name="USAO-Board-Regents"/> Campus administration is led by a president. The current president is John Feaver.<ref>[http://usao.edu/about-usao/our-president "Our President,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322052921/https://usao.edu/about-usao/our-president |date=2016-03-22 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed March 2, 2015.</ref>

== Academics ==
As the state of Oklahoma's public liberal arts college, USAO's mission is to provide the public with a distinctive and accessible liberal arts and sciences education.<ref name=USAO-mission>[http://usao.edu/about-usao USAO's Mission Statement "Mission & Objectives,"] University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref> The academic program centers on a required 46-hour Interdisciplinary Studies Core Curriculum, which is a prescribed set of courses that encompass history, science, art, mathematics, literature, philosophy, economics, art and theatre.<ref name="Oklahoman-10-8-11">Slipke, Darla. [http://newsok.com/university-of-science-and-arts-of-oklahoma-makes-strides-with-mission-enhancement-plan/article/3611481/ "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma makes strides with mission enhancement plan,"] NewsOK, October 8, 2011. Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref><ref name="USAO-IDS">[http://usao.edu/division/interdisciplinary-studies-ids "Division of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS),"] University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref> Many of these classes are team-taught by two or more instructors in order to encourage interdisciplinary learning.<ref name="Oklahoman-10-8-11"/><ref name="USAO-IDS"/><ref>McNutt, K.S. [http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5363104?access=bcad035e6eacfa48300cbac6136e60ef Pillar of Strength,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604223408/http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5363104?access=bcad035e6eacfa48300cbac6136e60ef |date=2016-06-04 }} The Oklahoman, November 3, 2014. Accessed January 21, 2015.</ref> The Core Curriculum Courses are distributed throughout a student's four years at USAO, culminating in a Senior Seminar class and completion of an interdisciplinary research project.<ref>[http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf "2014-2016 Course Catalog,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122071550/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf |date=2015-01-22 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', p. 47. Accessed January 21, 2015.</ref> While working through the core curriculum, students simultaneously pursue traditional majors in a variety of subject areas.<ref name=USAO-mission/> USAO offers 22 majors and several pre-professional programs.<ref>[http://www.okhighered.org/students/publications/crb/full.pdf "Counselors' Resource Book,"] ''Oklahoma State Regents for High Education'', 2014–2015, p.63. Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref> The college is organized into four divisions: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Business, Science and Physical Education, and Education and Speech-Language Pathology.

The college operates on a trimester schedule, which makes it possible for a full-time student to complete a degree in three years or fewer.<ref>[http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf "2014-2016 Course Catalog,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122071550/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf |date=2015-01-22 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', p. 22. Accessed January 22, 2015.</ref> An additional five-week "independent study" period in late April and May is used for educational trips within the US and internationally, creative projects, and special topics courses.<ref>[http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf "2014-2016 Course Catalog,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122071550/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/2014-16%20Course%20Catalog-FULL.pdf |date=2015-01-22 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', p. 46. Accessed January 22, 2015.</ref>

===Tuition & financial aid===
For the 2014–15 School Year, in-state tuition at USAO was $170/credit hour.<ref name="USAO-Costs">[http://65.64.85.221/about-usao/cost-attendance "Cost of Attendance,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220044326/http://65.64.85.221/about-usao/cost-attendance |date=2015-02-20 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed February 19, 2015.</ref> Full-time students who are enrolled in 12-18 credit hours are charged a flat rate equivalent to 15 credit hours of tuition, which totals $3,135 per semester.<ref name="USAO-Costs"/><ref>[http://65.64.85.221/news/regents-approve-sweeping-tuition-structure-changes-129m-budget "Regent Approve Sweeping Tuition Structure Changes; $12.9M Budget,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220044825/http://65.64.85.221/news/regents-approve-sweeping-tuition-structure-changes-129m-budget |date=2015-02-20 }}, ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', June 20, 2014. Accessed February 19, 2015.</ref> The flat-rate tuition plan is intended to encourage students to complete their degrees in four years.<ref>KFOR-TV and L. Noland. [http://kfor.com/2014/06/30/three-more-state-campuses-moving-to-flat-rate-tuition/ "Three More State Campuses Moving to Flat-Rate Tuition,"] ''KFOR'', June 30, 2014. Accessed February 19, 2015.</ref> Students may also opt for a locked $195/credit hour tuition rate, which is guaranteed to remain the same throughout their next four years of college attendance.<ref name="USAO-Costs"/><ref>Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. [http://www.okhighered.org/studies-reports/tuition-impact/tuition-impact-analysis-13-14.pdf ''FY2013-14 Tuition Impact Analysis Report'']. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, December 2013, p. 10, 85. Accessed February 19, 2015.</ref> Out-of-state tuition is calculated based on the current in-state tuition rate plus an additional $298/credit hour.<ref name="USAO-Costs"/> In the 2013–2014 school year, 85% of USAO students received some form of financial aid.<ref name="USAO-Financial-Aid">[http://usao.edu/financial-aid "Financial Aid,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed February 19, 2015.</ref> 79% of the Fall 2014 entering freshman class received scholarships from USAO.<ref name="USAO-Financial-Aid"/>

=== Academic rankings ===
In 2015, USAO was ranked 65th on [[Kiplinger|Kiplinger's]] Best Values in Public Colleges list.<ref>[http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-find-best-colleges-value-rankings/end_page.php?school=9375 "Best Values in Colleges: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,"] ''Kiplinger'', December 2015. Accessed January 13, 2015.</ref> The [[American Council of Trustees and Alumni]] gave USAO an A rating as part of its ''[[What Will They Learn?]]'' initiative, which rates colleges on an A-F scale based on the comprehensiveness of their core curricula.<ref name="ACTA-USAO-page">American Council of Trustees and Alumni. [http://whatwilltheylearn.com/schools/3473 "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma], ''What Will They Learn?'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>American Council of Trustees and Alumni. [http://whatwilltheylearn.com/criteria "Rating Criteria,"] ''What Will They Learn?'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref> USAO was the only college or university in Oklahoma and one of only 23 nationwide to receive an A rating.<ref>[http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/viewbook2013-web3.pdf "Viewbook,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123080228/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/viewbook2013-web3.pdf |date=2015-01-23 }}, ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.goacta.org/images/download/what_will_they_learn_2014-15_report.pdf "What Will They Learn? 2014–2015,"] ''American Council of Trustees and Alumni'', 2014, p. 93-94. Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>American Council of Trustees and Alumni. [http://whatwilltheylearn.com/a-list "A List,"] ''What Will They Learn?'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref>

=== Accreditation ===
The institution has been accredited by the [[North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]] and its successor, the [[Higher Learning Commission]], since 1920.<ref name="NCACS-Cred">[http://www.ncahlc.org/component/com_directory/Action,ShowBasic/Itemid,/instid,1643/ "Currently or Previously Affiliated Institutions: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,"] ''Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association,'' Updated November 18, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref> Its education programs are accredited by the [[National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education]] and the [[Oklahoma State Department of Education]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20161222161446/http://www.ncate.org/tabid/178/Default.aspx?ch=106&CO_ID=10624&state=ok "Accredited Institution Details: The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,"]}} ''NCATE: The Standard for Excellence in Teacher Preparation'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.ok.gov/oeqa/documents/Accreditation%20Status%20Chart.pdf "Accreditation Status,"] ''Office of Educational Quality and Accountability,'' Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref> The Deaf Education program is accredited by the Council on Education of the Deaf.<ref>[http://www.deafed.net/Knowledge/PageText.asp?hdnPageId=120#OK "Deaf Education Teacher Preparation Programs: Oklahoma,"] ''Deaf Education: Educational Advancement for the field of Deaf Education,'' Updated March 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref> The music department is accredited by the [[National Association of Schools of Music]].<ref>[http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=List_Accredited_Members&memberId=03fbfa144daec237cadc53028b700740 "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123033239/http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=List_Accredited_Members&memberId=03fbfa144daec237cadc53028b700740 |date=2015-01-23 }} ''National Association of Schools of Music,'' Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref>

=== Professional memberships ===
The institution is a member of several organizations of colleges and universities. These include the [[American Council on Education]], the [[American Association of State Colleges and Universities]], the [[Association of American Colleges and Universities]], the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Association of Governing Boards, and the [[Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges]].

== Student life ==
[[File:Usaoapt.jpg|thumb|alt=photograph of two Lawson Court apartment buildings at USAO|Lawson Court apartments at USAO, which are one of the on-campus housing options]]
The majority of students live on campus in one of USAO's three housing options: Sparks Hall dormitories, Lawson Court Apartments, or the historic Robertson Hall.<ref name="2014-fall-enrollment">[http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/Fall%20Annual%20Enrollment%20Report2014.pdf "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma: Fall Enrollment Trends,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123040310/http://usao.edu/sites/default/files/Fall%20Annual%20Enrollment%20Report2014.pdf |date=2015-01-23 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://usao.edu/current-students/residence-life "Residence Life,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Retrieved January 21, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://usao.edu/current-students/residence-life/sparks-hall "Sparks Hall,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317233330/https://usao.edu/current-students/residence-life/sparks-hall |date=2016-03-17 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://usao.edu/current-students/residence-life/lawson-court "Lawson Court,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317093252/https://usao.edu/current-students/residence-life/lawson-court |date=2016-03-17 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref>

Students participate in roughly thirty organizations, including political advocacy, religious, academic, and special interest groups.<ref name="USAO-Clubs-Orgs">[http://65.64.85.221/current-students/clubs-orgs "Clubs and Organizations,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104415/http://65.64.85.221/current-students/clubs-orgs |date=2015-04-02 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed March 9, 2015.</ref> They are also served by the college's century-old newspaper ''The Trend''. There are several academic honor groups on campus.<ref name="USAO-Clubs-Orgs"/> There are multiple music ensembles at USAO, including concert band, jazz band, smaller instrumental ensembles, concert choir, and jazz choir, which are open to majors and non-majors.<ref>[http://65.64.85.221/other/ensembles "Ensembles,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402142015/http://65.64.85.221/other/ensembles |date=2015-04-02 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed March 9, 2015.</ref> The institution has one fraternity, [[Phi Lambda Chi]], and two sororities, Zeta Zeta Zeta and  Sigma Psi Omega; as of 2024, approximately 1% of men and 4% of women participated in Greek life.<ref name="USAO-Clubs-Orgs"/><ref>[http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-science-and-arts-3167/student-life "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma: Student Life,"] ''U.S. News & World Report'', based on 2013 data. Accessed March 9, 2015.</ref> The Student Government and Student Activities Board plan events for all students and guests throughout the year.

The Spring Triad is a major campus event held annually on the first Thursday in April.<ref name="USAO-Triad-04-09-14">[http://65.64.85.221/news/spring-triad-events-draw-thousands-usao-campus "Spring Triad Events Draw Thousands to USAO Campus"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150129032349/http://65.64.85.221/news/spring-triad-events-draw-thousands-usao-campus |date=2015-01-29 }}, ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', April 9, 2014. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref>  It includes the Montmartre Chalk Art Festival, the Droverstock music festival, and the Scholastic Meet.<ref>Snyder, Rachel. [http://www.chickashanews.com/news/article_c7a0a918-2052-5fc1-a4bf-c978e6aa9a5f.html " Annual Drover concert begins today,"] ''The Express-Star'', April 3, 2014. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref><ref>la terra studio. [http://www.chickasha.org/parks/2013_Chickasha_Park_System_Master_Plan_DRAFT_07_31_13.pdf "Chickasha, Grady County, Oklahoma: Park System Master Plan,"]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Chickasha Parks and Recreation Department'', July 24, 2013, p. 13. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref> The Montmartre Chalk Art Festival, named for the [[Montmartre]] arts district in Paris, is held around the USAO Oval, and over 700 artists, including elementary, high school, and college students and community members, take part in the competition.<ref>Coppernoll, Carrie. [http://newsok.com/usao-sidewalk-chalk-festival-draws-out-creativity-in-chickasha/article/3557841 "USAO sidewalk chalk festival draws out creativity in Chickasha,"] ''NewsOK'', April 13, 2011. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref><ref>Vollmar, Rob. [http://www.chickashanews.com/news/chalk-art-festival-sends-out-call-to-oklahoma-artists/article_190c2ade-a5cd-11e4-8616-235c080900ab.html "Chalk art festival sends out call to Oklahoma artists,"] ''The Express-Star'', January 26, 2015. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref> Droverstock is a day-long festival of live music from bands of all styles and genres.<ref name=Droverstock-2015>[http://www.usao.edu/events/droverstock-2015 "Droverstock 2015,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref> There are also many vendors, inflatables, and activities associated with the festival.<ref name=Droverstock-2015/> The Scholastic Meet is an academic competition for high school students; around 1000 students compete every year in a wide range of academic disciplines, which include languages and literature, math, science, social sciences, art, theater, and music.<ref>Snyder, Rachel. [http://www.chickashanews.com/news/article_1a26a305-900d-5823-9c19-3cc280201b95.html "Southmoore takes first at USAO scholastic meet,"] ''The Express-Star'', April 6, 2014. Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.usao.edu/events/usao-scholastic-meet-2015 "Scholastic Meet 2015,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed January 28, 2015.</ref>

== Athletics ==
The USAO athletic teams are called the Drovers; this refers to the history of cattle-driving through Chickasha.<ref name="USAO-sports-history"/> USAO's intercollegiate athletics program began in the 1973–74 academic year.<ref name="USAO-sports-history">[http://usao.edu/sports/history "Drover History," ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma," Retrieved January 22, 2015.]</ref> The institution is a member of the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] (NAIA), primarily competing in the [[Sooner Athletic Conference]] (SAC) since the 2000–01 academic year; which they were a member on a previous stint from 1978–79 to 1993–94.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140323032039/http://www.soonerathletic.org/member/123.php "University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma,"], ''Sooner Athletic Conference'', Retrieved January 22, 2015.</ref> The Drovers previously competed in the [[Red River Athletic Conference]] (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 1999–2000; as an [[NAIA independent schools|NAIA Independent]] during the 1997–98 school year; in the [[Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (1974–1997)|Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference]] (OIC) from 1994–95 to 1996–97; and in the [[Texoma Conference|Texoma Athletic Conference]] from 1973–74 to 1977–78.

USAO competes in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. The university announced in December 2015 that it would add women's volleyball in the Fall 2016 trimester.<ref>McWilliams, Joey. [http://oklahomasports.net/usao-to-add-volleyball-in-2016/ "USAO to add volleyball in 2016,"] ''Oklahoma Sports Net'', December 14, 2015. Accessed April 15, 2016.</ref>

=== Accomplishments ===
* The men's basketball team has won the SAA Conference Title four times, appeared in the National Tournament five times, and won the National Championship in 2002.
* The Lady Drovers' basketball team played in the NAIA Final Four in 2003.
* The men's soccer program is also strong, with the Drovers having won the SAC Conference Title six times, appeared in the National Tournament twice and made the NAIA National Quarterfinals in 2010.
* The Lady Drovers' soccer team has also been the 2006 Tourney Qualifier.
* Baseball and Softball are both popular sports on campus, with the Lady Drovers' Softball team being National Tourney Qualifiers three years in a row.

==Notable alumni==
*[[Te Ata Fisher|Te Ata (Mary Thompson)]] graduated from OCW in 1919, famed [[Chickasaw]] storyteller and actress.
*[[Gladys Anderson Emerson]], biochemist, the first person to isolate Vitamin E in a pure form and winner of the 1952 [[Garvan–Olin Medal]] for women in chemistry, graduated from OCW in 1925.<ref>Folkers, Karl (1985). [http://jn.nutrition.org/content/115/7/835.full.pdf "Gladys Anderson Emerson (1903–1984): A Biographical Sketch,"] ''Journal of Nutrition'': 837-41.</ref>
*[[Jerrie Cobb]], aviator and member of the [[Mercury 13]], attended OCW in 1948.<ref>[http://usao.edu/alumni/cobb-jerrie-2003 "Cobb, Jerrie 2003,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405163747/https://usao.edu/alumni/cobb-jerrie-2003 |date=2019-04-05 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed April 2, 2015.</ref>
*[[Angelene Collins Rasmussen|Angelene Collins]], soprano and 1950 winner of the [[Walter W. Naumburg Foundation|Walter W. Naumburg Competition]], graduated from Oklahoma College for Women in 1943.<ref name="Oklahoman 4-21-1951">"Angelene Collins Will Give Concert," ''Oklahoman'', April 21, 1951, p.19.</ref>
*[[Robert E. England]], political scientist
*[[Oisin Fagan]] Irish professional boxer, attended USAO on a soccer scholarship and received a degree in journalism and physical education.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cinderella Man of Dublin |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/cinderella-man-of-dublin-1557710.html |access-date=23 May 2017 |date=28 November 2008 |first=Vincent |last=Hogan |author-link=Vincent Hogan |work=[[Irish Independent]]}}</ref>
*[[Betty Pat Gatliff]], pioneer in [[forensic art]] and [[forensic facial reconstruction]], graduated from OCW in 1951.<ref>[https://usao.edu/alumni/gatliff-betty-pat-1978 "Gatliff, Betty Pat 1978,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321061327/http://usao.edu/alumni/gatliff-betty-pat-1978 |date=2013-03-21 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma'', Accessed February 19, 2016.</ref>
*[[Inola Henry]], chair of the resolutions committee of the [[California Democratic Party]], member of the [[Democratic National Committee]], and [[superdelegate]] to the [[2008 Democratic National Convention]] graduated from OCW in 1965.<ref name="LA-Times-8-5-2009">Woo, Elaine. [http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-inola-henry5-2009aug05-story.html "Inola Henry dies at 66; teacher and California Democratic activist,"] ''Los Angeles Times'', August 5, 2009. Accessed May 23, 2016.</ref>
*[[Lance Henson]], [[Cheyenne]] poet, graduated from OCLA in 1972.<ref name="Handbook-NA-Lit">Arnett, Gogisgi Carroll. "Lance (David) Henson," ''Handbook of Native American Literature''. Wiget, Andrew, ed. Taylor & Francis, 1996, p.445. {{ISBN|0-8153-1560-0}}</ref>
*[[Jeane Porter Hester]], Professor of Medicine, Chief of Supportive Therapy, and Chief of Leukapheresis at [[University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center]] and developer of the [[IBM 2997]] blood cell separator, graduated from OCW in 1951.<ref>[https://usao.edu/alumni/hester-jeane-porter-1976 "Hester, Jeane Porter 1976,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022214332/https://usao.edu/alumni/hester-jeane-porter-1976 |date=2016-10-22 }} ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma''. Accessed May 25, 2016.</ref><ref name="Transfusion-52-1">Hester, Jeane P. and Gail Rock. [https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.transci.2014.12.010 "Cohn de Laval Award Lectureship: The Science Behind the Success Development of a Continuous Flow Blood Cell Separator,"] ''Transfusion and Apheresis Science'', Volume 52, Issue 1 (February 2015), Pages 2–7.</ref> 
*[[Kelly D. Johnston]], who served as the 28th [[Secretary of the United States Senate]], graduated from USAO in 1976.<ref>Transcript. [https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Johnston_Preface.pdf Kelly D. Johnston: Staff Director, Senate Republican Policy Committee, and Secretary of the Senate]. Oral History Interviews. July 29, 1996 - February 10, 1997. Washington D.C.: Senate Historical Office, p. i-ii. ''Senate.gov''. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref>
*[[Carma Leigh]], State Librarian of California from 1951 to 1972<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mediavilla|first=Cindy|date=Winter 2004|title=Imbued with a Spirit of Cooperation: California State Librarian Carma Leigh|url=http://www.cslfdn.org/pdf/bulletin79.pdf|journal=California State Library Foundation Bulletin|volume=79|pages=2–5}}</ref>
*[[Mary Stone McLendon]], Chickasaw educator, storyteller, musician, performer, and humanitarian.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|last=Nash|first=Margaret A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9qUyDwAAQBAJ|title=Women's Higher Education in the United States: New Historical Perspectives|publisher=Springer|year=2017|isbn=9781137590848|pages=194}}</ref>
*[[Harriet Wright O'Leary]] (1916–1999),  American teacher and politician and first woman to serve on the tribal council of the [[Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma]]{{sfn|''McAlester News-Capital''|1941|p=5}}
*[[Mary Pannbacker]], endowed chair of speech-language pathology at [[LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport]] and Fellow of the [[American Speech-Language-Hearing Association]] graduated from OCW in 1963.<ref>[http://box2.nmtvault.com/USAO/jsp/RcWebImageViewer.jsp?doc_id=a7f3822d-9698-4ad3-b205-73d043e416c4/okchicw0/20160105/00001394&pg_seq=6&search_doc=&query1_modifier=AND&query1=pannbacker&query1_field=CONTENT "A New List: Where are They Now?"] ''The Trend'', University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, November 9, 1989, p.6. Accessed July 9, 2016</ref><ref name="POS-Obit">[http://sig5perspectives.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2398077 "Tribute for Mary Pannbacker,"] ''Perspectives on Speech and Oral Facial Disorders'', Volume 25, July 2015, p.44. Accessed July 9, 2016. {{doi|10.1044/ssod25.1.44}}</ref>
*[[Lotsee Patterson]], founder of the American Indian Library Association, graduated from OCW in 1959.
*[[Lee Shaw]], American jazz pianist and composer, graduated from OCW in 1949.<ref>[https://usao.edu/alumni/shaw-londa-lee-moore-1999 "Shaw, Londa Lee Moore 1999,"] ''University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma''. Accessed February 19, 2017.</ref>
*[[Norma Smallwood]] was crowned [[Miss America 1926]]. She was the first Native American to win the title.<ref>Lester, Terrell. [http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/reigning-queen-former-tulsan-won-miss-america-title/article_a7f7a176-f3b4-5848-a8f9-53805d12df05.html "Reigning Queen//Former Tulsan Won 1926 Miss America Title,"] ''Tulsa World'', April 6, 1997. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://hdl.handle.net/11076/1422 "Miss America of 1926"] ''OCW Trend'', October 7, 1926. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref>
*[[James Vernon Smith]], [[U.S. Representative]] from [[Oklahoma's 6th congressional district]] and Administrator of the [[Farmers Home Administration]], attended OCLA.<ref>Hanneman, Carolyn G. [http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=SM006 "Smith, James Vernon,"] ''Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture'', 2009. Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000560 "Smith, James Vernon, (1926–1973),"] ''Biographical Dictionary of the United States Congress'', ''congress.gov'', Accessed March 20, 2015.</ref>
*[[Hazel Volkart]], composer
*[[Bill Wallace (author)|Bill Wallace]], author of children's books, graduated from OCLA in 1971.<ref name="wallacebooks">[http://wallacebooks.com/index.php?pageid=2 "Bill Wallace Biography,"] ''The Wallace Family Writers,'' Accessed January 31, 2015.</ref>

==Notable faculty==
*[[Nellie Ellen Shepherd]], painter, headed the art department at OWC.<ref name="okhistory.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entryname=NELLIE%20ELLEN%20SHEPHERD|title=Shepherd, Nellie Ellen - The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Her portrait of Te Ata hangs in the [[Oklahoma State Capitol]].<ref name="capitolportrait">{{cite web|url=http://www.arts.ok.gov/Art_at_the_Capitol/Capitol_Collection/Shepherd/Te_Ata_Visual_Art_Details.html|title=Te Ata by Nellie Ellen Shepherd Visual Art Details and Symbolism|first=Oklahoma Arts|last=Council|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>
*[[Anna Lewis]], historian, headed the history department at OWC. Author of ''Chief Pushmataha, American Patriot: The Story of the Choctaws Struggle for Survival''. Her portrait hung in the Oklahoma State Capitol.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book
 | last = Harlow
 | first = Rex
 | title = George W. Austin: His Life and Work
 | date = 1927
 | location = Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 }}
*{{cite news |ref={{harvid|''McAlester News-Capital''|1941}}|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Miss Wright Is Bride of Texas Man |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-malester-news-capital-charles-olea/127133247/ |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[McAlester News-Capital]] |date=April 22, 1941 |location=McAlester, Oklahoma |page=5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}
*{{cite book
 | last = Orr
 | first = Milton Lee
 | title = The State-Supported Colleges for Women
 | publisher = George Peabody College for Teachers
 | date = 1930
 | location = Nashville, Tennessee
 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
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{{Portal|Oklahoma}}
* {{Official website|http://www.usao.edu/}}
* [http://www.usaoathletics.com Official athletics website]

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