East Central University

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James Plaza, East Central University

East Central University (ECU) is a four year public university in Ada, Oklahoma. The current president is Richard Rafes, taking over Dr. Bill Cole's position for the 2006-2007 academic year.

1 History
2 Other Campuses
3 Athletics
4 Notable alumni
5 External links

[edit] History

The university was founded as East Central State Normal School in 1909, only two years after Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state. As a normal school, East Central provided four years of "preparatory" (or high school) study, followed by two years of college work. Graduates of the normal school program received lifetime teaching certification statewide. In 1919, the normal schools were authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature to offer four years of teacher education, to offer bachelor's degrees, and were designated teachers' colleges. In 1939, the mandate expanded beyond education degrees, and the school became East Central State College. In 1974, the state legislature renamed the state colleges, and the school became East Central Oklahoma State University. It retained this name until 1985, when it gained its present name.

[edit] Other Campuses

East Central has a branch campus in Ardmore, Oklahoma and is one of the four participating institutions of higher education that offers college courses at the Ardmore Higher Education Center.

[edit] Athletics

East Central's athletic teams (the "Tigers") compete in the NCAA Division II.

[edit] Notable alumni

Kevin Turner,A Senior Executive for the Microsoft Corporation. Former president and chief executive officer of Sam's Club
Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation Governor
Mark Keiffe Former Senior Executive for SBC. Current CEO of Sterling Commerce.
Lyle Boren, former U.S. Congressman
Jeremy Castle, Country music singer and songwriter
Tom Colbert, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
Mark Gastineau, professional football player
Gil Morgan, professional golfer
George Nigh, former Oklahoma Governor
Lloyd Waner, baseball hall of famer
Paul Waner, baseball hall of famer
Robert S. Kerr Former Governor and Senator

[edit] External links

Public universities in Oklahoma

Cameron University • East Central University • Langston University • Northeastern State University • Northwestern Oklahoma State University • Oklahoma Panhandle State University • Oklahoma State University • Rogers State University • Southeastern Oklahoma State University • Southwestern Oklahoma State University • University of Central Oklahoma • University of Oklahoma • University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma

Lone Star Conference
Abilene Christian • Angelo State • Cameron • Central Oklahoma • East Central • Eastern New Mexico • Midwestern State • Northeastern State • Southeastern Oklahoma • Southwestern Oklahoma • Tarleton State • Texas A&M–Commerce • Texas A&M–Kingsville • Texas Woman's • West Texas A&M