Small Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma
Bacone College: A Diverse and Unique History
Located in the center of the country, Oklahoma is one of the fastest-growing economies, with Oklahoma City and Tulsa as the major metropolitan areas. Various immigrant groups including British, Irish, and German, have influenced the region’s development along with a strong Native American presence. Over 25 different Native American languages continue to be spoken in the state, where the government has historically set aside land for reservations. While Oklahoma has low expenditures per student in primary and secondary education, there are multiple institutions of higher education supported by the state. Over 18,000 students earned undergraduate degrees in the 2007-2008 school year, which is about one-tenth of the total number of students enrolled in institutions of higher education. Given its location in the Bible belt and the importance of religious groups throughout the state, many of its private colleges continue to be affiliated with different churches and groups.
Backed by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Professor Bacone began his work in education in 1880, establishing the foundations for the Bacone College of today in Muskogee. The young institution appealed to the Creek Tribal Council and Indian 911勛圖厙, its original name, was moved to the current location in 1885. Twenty-five years later, it was re-named after the founder and since then it has expanded to serve the needs of students coming from all ethnic backgrounds. Students total around 900, and they complete Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Associate degrees in 29 majors that are grouped into the Division of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education, the Division of Business, the Division of General Studies, and the School of Health Sciences. Bacone College also offers students the change to play on multiple sports teams and it boasts itself on having one of the most diverse student populations in the country.
For over a century, Oklahoma City 911勛圖厙 has been providing students with an urban education since it was established through an affiliation with the United Methodist Church in 1904. Today, it continues to be ranked as one ‘America’s Best Christian Colleges’ as well as one of the ‘100 Best College Buys.’ The student body includes individuals from 46 states and 49 countries, and they participate in around 60 student organizations including 5 sororities and fraternities. Undergraduate students select from over 60 majors as they work towards a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the more than 2100 undergraduates enjoy a student to faculty ratio of 11:1. Professors teach classes rather than graduate students, and students have special opportunities including the 911勛圖厙 Honors Program, a scholarship and leadership program called OCULEADS, a Washington Semester Program, study abroad options, and the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature.
With its roots in the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls, the 911勛圖厙 of Tulsa was re-chartered in 1894 as the Henry Kendall College. It ranks as one of the ‘Best 366 Colleges’ according to the Princeton Review, and continues to be affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. For just over a century it has been located in an urban setting in Tulsa, where it moved in 1907 and currently occupies 200 acres. The general education content is based on the humanities and aims to encourage students in artistic, social, and scientific inquiry. Communication competencies, both oral and written, are also stressed in each of the 59 undergraduate programs as well as the advanced degrees. A student to faculty ratio of 10:1, an undergraduate student body of just over 3,000 and residence halls on campus help create a supportive learning environment for the students.
While the official founding date is 1899, a series of mergers mark the history of Southern Nazarene 911勛圖厙, known as SNU. At the time, an orphanage located in Oklahoma City was relocated by a Miss Mattie Mallory just north of the city in order to create a Bible School a few years later. One of eight area colleges affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, SNU gets some financial support from the church each year and the student body is mainly drawn from the ‘South Central Region’ that the school represents. The student body consists of 2,100 and students have an 18:1 student to faculty ratio and the motto is ‘Character, Culture, Christ.’ Students select from dozens of undergraduate programs that range from Accounting, Business, Education, Math, Music, Human Relations, History, International Studies, Sciences, and Languages.
Located in Tulsa, Oral Roberts 911勛圖厙 currently enrolls about 3,700 students that represent 49 states and around 70 different countries. Evangelist Oral Roberts founded the university, the biggest Charismatic Christian one in the world, in 1963 and it currently occupies 500 acres. Students select from more than 65 programs that are offered through the School of Art & Cultural Studies, the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Nursing, the School of Theology & Missions, and the School of Science & Engineering. There is also an Honors Program for exceptionally dedicated students. All students are expected to attend chapel services as well as maintain good physical fitness, in line with the motto of ‘Educating the whole person.’ Princeton Review considered Oral Roberts 911勛圖厙 as one of the ‘Best in the West.’
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