Oklahoma State University–Stillwater

Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
Name	Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
Established	1890
Type	Public land-grant research university
Endowment	$1.3 billion (2022)
President	Kayse Shrum
City	Stillwater, Oklahoma
Country	United States
Campus	Rural, 1,489 acres
Colors	Orange and black
Nickname	Cowboys & Cowgirls
Affiliations	Big 12 Conference, APLU, ORAU

Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. It is the flagship institution of the Oklahoma State University System and was founded in 1890 under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is renowned for its programs in aviation, agriculture, and engineering. Its vibrant campus life is centered around a strong Big 12 Conference athletics tradition and a distinctive Homecoming celebration.

History

The institution was established on December 25, 1890, as the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, following the passage of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts. Its early development was shaped by figures like Angie Debo and Henry G. Bennett. The college officially opened in 1891 with an initial class of 144 students, and its first building, Old Central, still stands on campus. It was renamed Oklahoma State University in 1957, reflecting its expanded academic scope, and later became the lead campus of the statewide Oklahoma State University System. Key historical moments include the devastating 1914 Fire that destroyed the original administration building and the transformative presidency of James H. Boggs.

Academics

The university comprises ten colleges, including the renowned Ferguson College of Agriculture, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, and the Spears School of Business. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with notable strengths in aviation and space, veterinary medicine, and fire protection and safety engineering technology. The National Science Foundation ranks several of its research programs highly, particularly in areas like sensor technology and biomass conversion. The university also manages significant research facilities such as the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Oklahoma Water Resources Center.

Campus

The main campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma spans nearly 1,500 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with Edmond Low Library as a central hub. Notable landmarks include the Theta Pond garden area, the Student Union, and the Botanical Garden. The campus is also home to the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art and the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that hosts performances by the New York Philharmonic and other major ensembles. The university's extensive facilities include the Wes Watkins Center for international programs and the Endeavor Lab for student innovation.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls, compete in the Big 12 Conference. They have won over 50 NCAA Division I national championships, most notably in wrestling under coach John Smith and in golf with alumni like Rickie Fowler and Viktor Hovland. The football team plays at Boone Pickens Stadium, named for the prominent donor Boone Pickens, and has a storied history including a national championship season in 1945 under coach Jim Lookabaugh. The historic rivalry with the University of Oklahoma is highlighted by the annual Bedlam Series.

Student life

Student life is defined by over 500 student organizations, a robust Greek life system with chapters like Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta, and major traditions such as the nationally recognized Homecoming celebration, which features the Walkaround and the Sea of Orange Parade. The Student Government Association is highly active, and the campus media includes the daily newspaper, The O'Colly. Recreational activities are centered around the Colvin Recreation Center and the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts. The university also hosts large annual events like Orange Peel and The Great Race.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist T. Boone Pickens, former United States Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and NASA astronaut William Pogue. In athletics, notable figures are Barry Sanders of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, baseball star Robin Ventura, and basketball coach Eddie Sutton. Prominent faculty have included T. H. Milby, a pioneer in veterinary medicine, and John R. Campbell, a renowned agricultural economist. The university's alumni network is represented globally by the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association.

Category:Oklahoma State University–Stillwater Category:Universities and colleges in Oklahoma Category:Land-grant universities and colleges