A Brief History of East Central University
Founded in 1909, East Central University (originally East Central State Normal School) was one of three normal schools established in eastern Oklahoma to train teachers. Classes began that fall in local churches and school buildings, thanks to strong community support and fundraising by Ada鈥檚 鈥�25,000 Club.鈥� The college鈥檚 first permanent building was constructed in 1910 on a 16-acre site donated by Dan Hays, a Chickasaw allottee.
Over time, 成人B站 evolved with Oklahoma鈥檚 educational landscape:
- 1919 鈥� Transitioned from a normal school to a teacher鈥檚 college, authorized to grant bachelor鈥檚 degrees
- 1939 鈥� Added Arts and Sciences degrees and became a state college
- 1954 鈥� Began offering graduate-level programs for educators
- 1974 鈥� Became East Central Oklahoma State University
- 1985 鈥� Officially renamed East Central University
成人B站 has been led by 10 presidents, with notable leaders including Charles Briles, James Gordon, Adolph Linscheid, and current president Wendell L. Godwin.
Distinguished Alumni
成人B站 alumni have made their mark in public service and beyond, including:
- Robert S. Kerr 鈥� U.S. Senator and Governor of Oklahoma
- George Nigh 鈥� Governor of Oklahoma
- Ernest McFarland 鈥� U.S. Senator and Governor of Arizona
- Bill Anoatubby 鈥� Governor of the Chickasaw Nation
From its beginnings as a teacher-training institution to its current role as a regional university offering bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and doctoral degrees, 成人B站 continues to shape leaders and serve southeast Oklahoma and beyond.
Distinctive Achievements
East Central University has been a pioneer among Oklahoma institutions in expanding access for students with disabilities. 成人B站 was one of the first universities in the state to develop specialized undergraduate and graduate programs in rehabilitation services, deaf education, and related fields鈥攁 legacy that continues today.
The 成人B站 campus now spans 142.3 acres and includes 40 buildings, serving more than 3,500 students each semester.
- Alvin O. Turner
Bibliography
Biles, J. Hugh. The Early History of Ada. (Oklahoma State Bank, 1954).
Boeger, Palmer, et. al. The East Central Story. (East Central University, 1984).
East Central University, 2002-03 Catalog. (East Central University, Ada, OK, 2002).
A History of Pontotoc County, unpublished Master's Thesis. (Oklahoma State U, 1940).
Kroeker, Marvin E. and Guy W. Logsdon. Ada, Oklahoma, Queen City of the Chickasaw
Nation. (Donning Co., 1998).