Founded in 1904, what we know now as Oklahoma City University had several names and locations in its early years. One thing has remained constant; the university has remained firmly attached to its Methodist roots.
The first incarnation of OCU was a little school called Epworth University. Anton Classen was heavily involved with development in his community and had been in love with the idea of a Methodist university in Oklahoma. Classen managed to generate interest in this idea and in 1901 two branches of the Methodist Church embarked on the establishment of a Methodist university. Construction began in 1902 and classes started in 1904 with enrollment growing by almost 100 students during that first year.
Epworth closed in 1911, but classes began at OCU’s second incarnation — Oklahoma Methodist University, in Guthrie — only months later.
In 1919, trustees decided to close the Guthrie location and make a fresh start in Oklahoma City with a new institution called Oklahoma City College. With funding from the Methodist congregations, new college grounds were planned and built in 1922. The school thrived in its new home and its successful transition was formally acknowledged when OCC changed its name to Oklahoma City University in 1924.
Martha Burger became the 18th president — and first female president — of OCU in 2018. She was named to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020.
While OCU president, the university added a program in game design and animation and an esports team. The School of Theatre was the first and only American school to become a member of the World Theatre Education Alliance based in Beijing, China. OCU was named one of the Great Colleges to Work For in 2019. The College of Health Professions was established in 2021 to include the Kramer School of Nursing, Physician Assistant Program and Physical Therapy Program, and any other health care programs added in the future.
President Burger is extremely active in civic and professional organizations as well as statewide initiatives. She has a long history with Oklahoma City University, earning her MBA from OCU in 1992 and joining the Meinders School of Business Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor in 2011. She served as a trustee and chair of the university’s Audit and Finance Committee. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2012.
As a top liberal arts & sciences university, Oklahoma City University has been leading students to their creative edge for more than a century. We are a diverse community of academic achievers, big thinkers, independent spirits, and dedicated artists. At OCU, students from across the globe follow their passions and excel in the sciences, religion, business, nursing, and the performing arts. Discover why Oklahoma City University is such a great place to learn, live, and call home.
Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in Oklahoma City, in the Uptown district. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. OCU is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys."
- #239 in National Universities (tie)
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