ADA, Okla. 鈥� East Central University (成人B站) has been a cornerstone of Ada鈥檚 economy and identity since its founding in 1909. With the support of state and local leaders, 成人B站 was established just two years after Oklahoma achieved statehood and has grown from a modest teacher-training school into a distinguished regional university that fuels workforce development, drives economic growth and enhances quality of life throughout the region.
Today, 成人B站鈥檚 43-building campus spans 135 acres, with its newest investment鈥攖he Dan Hays STEM Center鈥攏ow under construction. The new facility, named in honor of Chickasaw citizen Dan Hays who donated the university鈥檚 original 16-acre site, will house 成人B站鈥檚 nursing, math and computer science programs. Upon completion, it will allow the university to significantly expand STEM enrollment and meet critical workforce needs.
鈥湷扇薆站 is proud to be known as Ada鈥檚 University,鈥� said 成人B站 President Wendell Godwin. 鈥淭he combined presence of 成人B站, the City of Ada, Chickasaw Nation, Pontotoc Technology Center, CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) and the Kerr Environmental Research Center makes our community the envy of rural Oklahoma. Most towns our size would be thrilled to have just one of these institutions鈥攚e have them all. What鈥檚 good for one is good for all, and 成人B站 is proud to play a central role in that shared success.鈥�
Ada City Manager Tommy Eaton, a proud 成人B站 alumnus, echoed that sentiment, 鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for the role 成人B站 plays in our community. Beyond offering a great education and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, the university makes a powerful economic impact鈥攃reating jobs and drawing visitors from across the state.鈥�
成人B站 by the Numbers: A Rural Powerhouse
According to a 2024 report by Economics Center Research and Consulting:
- 成人B站 generated $231.95 million in statewide economic output.
- It supported 2,338 jobs鈥攄irectly and indirectly鈥攚ith $114.36 million in wages.
- It contributed $7.77 million in state and local tax revenue, including $4.22 million in income tax and $3.5 million in sales tax.
- For every $1 in state appropriations, 成人B站 returned $14.45 in economic output to Oklahoma taxpayers.
成人B站 employs more than 477 faculty, staff and part-time employees. Over 3,600 students are projected to enroll this fall, with more than 2,000 living on or near campus. Many students work, volunteer and shop locally, directly impacting the Ada economy. Each year, 成人B站 graduates 700鈥�800 students, many of whom remain in Oklahoma to serve their communities and drive long-term workforce growth.
A Magnet for Visitors and Revenue
Eaton added that 成人B站鈥檚 influence extends well beyond the classroom, 鈥淭he many events hosted on campus throughout the year not only enrich the lives of those who attend, but also boost our local economy in meaningful ways.鈥�
In 2024 alone, 成人B站 hosted an estimated 100,000+ visitors through a wide variety of events:
- 60,000+ fans attended 成人B站 athletic events and local high school tournaments.
- The Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center drew 30,000 attendees for performances, competitions, and national productions.
- The Chickasaw Business and Conference Center welcomed 12,100 guests for conferences and special events hosted by university departments, the Chickasaw Nation, and regional partners.
These events generate hotel bookings, restaurant traffic and retail spending, creating a consistent economic ripple throughout the Ada community.
Investing in Ada鈥檚 Future
成人B站 is also leading the $36.3 million 成人B站 Forward Capital Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising initiative to expand academic programs, strengthen infrastructure and keep higher education affordable. Central to the campaign is the construction of the Dan Hays STEM Center, scheduled for completion in 2026.
鈥湷扇薆站 is more than a university鈥攊t鈥檚 an economic driver, a community partner and a launchpad for opportunity,鈥� said Godwin. 鈥淲e are proud to grow with Ada and serve as a force for good in this region.鈥�
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