December 20, 2025

Oklahoma City Celebrates 133 Years of OU’s Legacy

News Summary

On December 19, the University of Oklahoma (OU) commemorates its 133-year legacy, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing education since its establishment in 1890. This milestone emphasizes OU’s transformation into a leading public research university and highlights its commitment to diverse educational needs in Oklahoma and beyond. As OU flourishes, it continues to shape the academic landscape while enriching the lives of students and the community.

Oklahoma City, OK — Celebrating 133 Years of OU’s Legacy

Oklahoma City, OK – On December 19, 2023, the University of Oklahoma (OU) reflects on over a century of educational impact since its establishment in 1890. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the state’s educational history and highlights OU’s evolution into a prominent public research university that serves the diverse educational needs of students in Oklahoma and beyond.

Establishment of the University of Oklahoma

The establishment of OU was a consequential endeavor initiated by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature, which aimed to fortify educational opportunities in the territory. Governor George Washington Steele signed the bill that officially created the University of Oklahoma on December 19, 1890, positioning it as an institution dedicated to providing both liberal arts and professional education. This foundational moment laid the groundwork for what would become a vital part of the Oklahoma higher education ecosystem.

Growth and Development

Classes at OU commenced in 1892 with an initial enrollment of 57 students. In a testament to the burgeoning interest in higher education, this number surged to 120 by the end of the first academic year. This rapid increase reflects a significant demand for educational resources and highlights the university’s early role in shaping the academic landscape in Oklahoma.

Broader Educational Initiatives

In conjunction with the founding of OU, the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature established two other crucial institutions on December 25, 1890: the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater—now known as Oklahoma State University—and the Central State Normal School in Edmond, which has since become the University of Central Oklahoma. These institutions were created to provide comprehensive educational offerings, including agricultural, mechanical, and teacher training programs, addressing the diverse needs of the growing population in the state.

Legacy and Impact

The establishment of these three universities in 1890 has profoundly influenced Oklahoma’s educational landscape. Over the years, they have developed into well-respected institutions, each contributing notably to the state’s academic, cultural, and economic advancement. Their histories reflect the evolving priorities and aspirations of Oklahoma’s early settlers, thus playing an integral role in shaping educational policies and programs in the state today.

Key Features of Oklahoma’s 1890 University Establishments

University	Established	Original Name	Current Name	Location
University of Oklahoma	December 19, 1890	Norman Territorial University	University of Oklahoma	Norman, OK
Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College	December 25, 1890	Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College	Oklahoma State University	Stillwater, OK
Central State Normal School	December 24, 1890	Central State Normal School	University of Central Oklahoma	Edmond, OK

Conclusion

The anniversary of the University of Oklahoma underscores the lasting contributions of higher education in Oklahoma that began in 1890. As OU continues to expand its academic offerings and promote research, it remains committed to enhancing the lives of its students and strengthening the community. Communities in Oklahoma City and across the state are encouraged to explore the diverse programs available at OU, attend campus events, and support the future of education in Oklahoma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of December 19, 1890, in Oklahoma’s educational history?

On December 19, 1890, the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature established the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s educational history. This action laid the foundation for what would become a major public research university, offering liberal arts and professional education to generations of students.

What other universities were established around the same time in Oklahoma?

In addition to OU, the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature established two other institutions on December 25, 1890: the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater (now known as Oklahoma State University) and the Central State Normal School in Edmond (now the University of Central Oklahoma). These institutions were created to provide comprehensive educational opportunities, including agricultural, mechanical, and teacher training programs, to meet the diverse needs of the territory.

How did the University of Oklahoma’s enrollment grow in its early years?

Classes at OU began in 1892, initially accommodating 57 students. The university’s enrollment more than doubled to 120 by the end of its first year, reflecting a growing demand for higher education in the region.

What is the legacy of these 1890-established universities in Oklahoma?

The establishment of these universities in 1890 has had a lasting impact on Oklahoma’s educational landscape. They have grown into prominent institutions, contributing significantly to the state’s academic, cultural, and economic development. Their histories reflect the evolving priorities and aspirations of Oklahoma’s early settlers and continue to influence the state’s educational policies and programs today.