USAO

  The story of  the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) is unique.  It is a story of hope, persistence, and dedication.  It is a story of family.  Like most families it is dysfunctional at times, but a family nonetheless.  Its people are the glue that have held the campus together.  It is a story with three distinct chapters. When the school first opened its doors as the Oklahoma College for Women (OCW), it had a much different mission.  The State Legislature wanted “a school for the high literary and industrial education for white girls.”  OCW wanted to improve the women’s intellect, but also wanted to prepare them as homemakers and social, civic, industrial, and educational leaders.  The second chapter began in 1965 with a change in name, mission, and student body.  In that year the college began admitting males and changed the name to the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts (OCLA).  The mission of OCLA was to provide a quality liberal arts education to Oklahoma students