Oklahoma City University
President's Office

Message from the President

It is an honor to be president of this university during an historic time. As we celebrate the first hundred years of Oklahoma City University, we look back at a century full of commitment to education and service, repeated affirmations of our strong support from the Methodist Church, and colorful men and women who lived our history.

So many pioneers blazed trails we follow to this day. President C.Q. Smith and his brother, Bishop W. Angie Smith, reached out to Native American tribes and opened international doors. Jerald Walker built on that foundation, encouraging Powwows on campus and Native American enrollment, and promoting creation of international programs that have made us a leader in business education around the world.

The United Methodist Church has repeatedly demonstrated its strong support for our university as a place where people of all faiths can seek higher learning and pursue their talents. Local civic and business leaders have shown active interest in the future of Oklahoma City University as a community asset, building partnerships that are making us truly Oklahoma City’s university.

Our athletics teams, the Stars, have won thirty-three national championships since 1986. Whether Goldbugs, Chiefs, or Stars, our teams have always been highly competitive regionally and nationally.

Our dance, music, and theater students have appeared in venues all over the nation and the world, building a reputation for the performing arts that is unparalleled. Some of our brightest stars were in performance ensembles like the Surrey Singers that we still have today. Three Miss Americas and more than thirty Miss Oklahomas were students at our university. Our alumni include Emmy®, Grammy®, and Tony® award winners.

Our students have become great preachers and teachers, skilled doctors and nurses, leading scientists and lawyers, noted public servants and artists. Our campus has been a source of national pride and innovation. The very first chapter of the (now national) biology honor society, Beta Beta Beta, was formed on our campus in the 1920s by Dr. Frank Brooks. In the 1960s the Great Plan program saw partnerships with NASA and MIT, the effects of which are still felt today.

Astronauts and film stars, opera luminaries and foreign dignitaries, bestselling authors and religious leaders, political and business giants – we have seen all kinds of distinguished guests visit our fair city and beautiful campus.

Brenda and I are proud to be associated with an institution that encourages its students to follow their hearts and supports the projects they pursue to develop their talents.

We have successful alumni all over the world. So much progress has been made in our first century of building a quality Methodist private university that nurtures tomorrow’s leaders in service to their communities. We are proud of what has been accomplished and know our future is bright as we continue to light the world, one Star at a time.

Tom J. McDaniel
President