Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Last updated
Northwestern Oklahoma
State University
NWOSU seal.png
Former names
Northwestern Territorial Normal School (1897–1919)
Northwestern Oklahoma Teachers College (1919–1939)
Northwestern State College (1939–1974)
MottoLearn Today, Lead Tomorrow
Type Public university
Established1897
Parent institution
Regional University System of Oklahoma
President Bo Hannaford [1]
Students1,789 (2021) [2]
Location
Alva
,
Oklahoma
,
United States
CampusMain campus – Alva
Satellite campuses:
Colors Red & Black
   
Nickname Rangers
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division II – Great American
MascotRowdy Ranger [3]
Website www.nwosu.edu
NWOSU logo.png

Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) is a public university in Alva, Oklahoma, with satellite campuses in Enid and Woodward. It offers both bachelor's and master's degrees.

Contents

History

In 1897, a normal school, or school for teachers, was established in Alva by an act of the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature. It was the second normal school in Oklahoma, charged with preparing teachers to serve the many one-room schoolhouses that covered the prairie. It was called the Northwestern Territorial Normal School. The new school's faculty consisted of the school's first president, James E. Ament, and two teachers. Classes were held in the Congregational Church until construction of the first building, the "Castle on the Hill", was complete on September 20, 1897.

In 1902 biology department head, Professor G.W. Stevens, established The Museum of Natural History at the school. The museum contains a large collection of biological specimens native to Oklahoma, as well as hundreds of Alaskan mammal and bird specimens collected by Stevens during a seven-month trip in 1908. The museum was closed from January 1975 to September 3, 1997, opening after extensive restoration efforts were performed. The museum is located on the second floor of the Jesse Dunn Building, and is the second oldest museum in Oklahoma. [4]

The "Castle on the Hill", 1901 Castleonhill.jpg
The "Castle on the Hill", 1901

The school became a four-year teachers college in 1919 and changed its name to Northwestern Oklahoma Teachers College. The school expanded in 1939 to include degrees in liberal arts as well as education, and its name changed again, to Northwestern State College. The final name change occurred in 1974 when the school was given its present name.

Northwestern's greatest tragedy happened on March 1, 1935, when the Castle on the Hill was destroyed by fire. In 1948, a contest was organized to adopt a new school fight song and a new alma mater. The winning submissions were announced in March 1949. Both were made by Floyd McClain, a 1940 graduate of Northwestern who was then attending the Boston Conservatory of Music. The new fight song was entitled "Ride, Rangers, Ride", and the new alma mater was entitled "Oh Northwestern". They are still the official fight song and alma mater, although band directors have altered the arrangements over the years. In 1957, a contest was launched to select a motto for the university. The motto chosen was "Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow", submitted by Kay Hutcheson, a junior student at Northwestern.

In 1951, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education authorized Northwestern to offer courses, transferable to the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University, applying toward a master's degree in education. In 1954, the board approved a program leading to a master of education degree at Northwestern.

In the fall of 1978 Northwestern implemented a program leading to a master of behavioral science degree. A nursing degree program was established in the fall of 1981 to respond to the nursing shortage in northwest Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Legislature passed legislation that created two new branch campuses at Enid and Woodward. Northwestern became one of the first institutions to establish a bachelor of e-commerce degree in the fall of 2000.

More than 100 years have passed since Northwestern Oklahoma State University opened its doors. Since then, it has progressed from a normal school offering only teaching certificates to an institution offering degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels. The 1897 campus of 40 acres (16 ha) without buildings in one town has now become more than 400 acres (160 ha) and 36 buildings located in three communities. The three faculty members and 68 students have increased to more than 220 faculty and staff members and more than 2,300 students.

Academics

NWOSU building in Enid NWOSU building in Enid.jpg
NWOSU building in Enid

Northwestern offers Bachelor of Arts degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 40 areas of study. The university's academic programs are set up in two schools—the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies.

Athletics

The Northwestern Oklahoma State (NWOSU) athletic teams are called the Rangers. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great American Conference (GAC) since the 2012–13 academic year. The Rangers previously competed in the Sooner Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2001–02 to 2011–12; in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 2000–01; as an NAIA Independent during the 1997–98 school year; in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) from 1974–75 to 1996–97.

NWOSU competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf and rodeo; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, rodeo, soccer, softball and volleyball.

Move to NCAA Division II

During the 2002 Oklahoma Ice Storm, NWOSU Enid served as a Red Cross shelter. FEMA - 5741 - Photograph by Gene Romano taken on 02-07-2002 in Oklahoma.jpg
During the 2002 Oklahoma Ice Storm, NWOSU Enid served as a Red Cross shelter.

On May 11, 2011, Northwestern Oklahoma State announced that they had accepted an invitation to the Great American Conference for all sports in the 2012–13 academic year and would begin their transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. On July 12, 2011, Northwestern Oklahoma State University was denied admittance into the NCAA Division II Membership Process for the 2011–12 cycle; the school was accepted one year later. [5]

Schools must complete a membership process, spanning 3 years, before gaining active status and becoming eligible for championship competition. On July 17, 2015, the NCAA announced that effective September 1, 2015, the school had become active Division II members. [6]

Notable alumni

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Montana State University–Northern</span> Public university in Havre, Montana

Montana State University–Northern is a public college in Havre, Montana. It is part of the Montana University System and was Northern Montana College prior to the restructuring of Montana's public university system in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northwestern College (Iowa)</span> Christian college in Orange City, Iowa

Northwestern College is a private Christian college in Orange City, Iowa, that is Reformed, evangelical and ecumenical. Established in 1882, it offers more than 135 academic programs and enrolls over 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate and online programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sul Ross State University</span> Public university in Alpine, Texas

Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is a public university in Alpine, Texas. The main campus is the primary institution of higher education serving the nineteen-county Big Bend region of far West Texas. Branch campuses, branded as Rio Grande College, are located in Del Rio, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Castroville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma Panhandle State University</span> University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, United States

Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is a public college in Goodwell, Oklahoma. OPSU is a baccalaureate degree-granting institution. General governance of the institution is provided by the Board of Regents of the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. Academic programs and financial support are authorized and coordinated through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mayville State University</span>

Mayville State University is a public university in Mayville, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of St. Francis</span> Private university in Joliet, Illinois, U.S.

The University of St. Francis is a private Franciscan university with its main campus in Joliet, Illinois. It enrolls more than 3,200 students at locations throughout the country with about 1,300 students at its main campus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savannah State Tigers and Lady Tigers</span>

The Savannah State Tigers and Lady Tigers are the men's and women's intercollegiate athletic teams that play for Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia.

Michael Norman Gardner is an American college football coach. He is the head football coach for Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, a position he held from 2004 to 2005 and resumed in 2010. Gardner served as the head football coach at Malone University in Canton, Ohio from 2006 to 2009. He was chosen to replace Mike Gottsch after Tabor's winless 2009 season. Gardner's teams achieved postseason play in each of his first five years as a head coach at the college level—the first two years qualifying for the NAIA Football National Championship playoffs and the next three years appearing in the Victory Bowl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murray State Racers</span> Athletic teams of Murray State University, Kentucky US

The Murray State Racers are the athletic teams that represent Murray State University (MSU), located in Murray, Kentucky, United States, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division I ranks, primarily competing in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) since the 2022–23 academic year. The Racers previously competed in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) from 1948–49 to 2021–22; and in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1933–34 to 1947–48.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garin Higgins</span> American football player and coach (born 1968)

Garin Higgins is an American football college coach and former player. He is the head football coach for Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, a position he has held since 2007. Higgins previously served as the head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University from 2000 to 2004. His Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers finished as runners-up in the NAIA Football National Championship in 2000 and 2003. Higgins worked as co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State University, Mankato and offensive coordinator at Northeastern State University in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm</span>

The Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm are the athletic teams that represent Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Great American Conference (GAC) since the 2012–13 academic year. The Crimson Storm previously competed in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1978–79 to 2011–12; and in the Texoma Athletic Conference from 1972–73 to 1977–78.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emporia State Hornets</span> Athletic teams that represent Emporia State University

The Emporia State Hornets are the athletic teams that represent Emporia State University (ESU). The women's basketball and softball teams use the name Lady Hornets. The university's athletic program fields 15 varsity teams in 11 sports all of whom have combined to win 50 conference championships as well as three national championships. Corky the Hornet serves as the mascot representing the teams, and the school colors are black and gold. Emporia State participates in the NCAA Division II and has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since 1991.

The Lindenwood Lions football team represents Lindenwood University in football. Lindenwood is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Lions were provisional members of the NCAA Division I FCS for the 2022 season before becoming an active member during the 2023–2024 academic year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Oklahoma Bronchos</span>

The Central Oklahoma Bronchos, are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma. The five men's and nine women's varsity teams are called the "Bronchos". The school's identification as Bronchos dates back to 1922, when the wife of football coach Charles W. Wantland suggested it for the school's mascot. The official colors of the teams are bronze and blue, which the institution adopted in 1895. The Bronchos compete in the NCAA's Division II and in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association in all sports except women's rowing, which competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Bronchos have won 22 national championships, with the most recent coming in 2024 as the wrestling program won the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The university's current athletic director is Stan Wagnon, who has served in the position since 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Central Tigers</span> Collegiate sports club in the United States

The East Central Tigers are the athletic teams that represent East Central University, located in Ada, Oklahoma, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Tigers compete as members of the Great American Conference for all 11 varsity sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma City Stars</span>

The Oklahoma City Stars are the athletic teams that represent Oklahoma City University, located in Oklahoma City, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) for most of its sports since the 1986–87 academic year. The Stars previously competed at the NCAA Division I ranks, primarily competing in the Midwestern City Conference from 1979–80 to 1984–85; in the D-I Trans America Athletic Conference during the 1978–79 school year, and as a Division I independent prior to that. Its women's wrestling team competed in the Women's College Wrestling Association (WCWA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs</span>

The Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent Southwestern Oklahoma State University, located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Bulldogs compete as members of the Great American Conference for all 10 varsity sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers</span> Collegiate athletic teams of Northwestern Oklahoma State University

The Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers are the athletic teams that represent Northwestern Oklahoma State University, located in Alva, Oklahoma, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great American Conference (GAC) since the 2012–13 academic year. The Rangers previously competed in the Sooner Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2001–02 to 2011–12; in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) from 1998–99 to 2000–01; as an NAIA Independent during the 1997–98 school year; in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) from 1974–75 to 1996–97.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Oklahoma Bronchos football</span> College football team (University of Central Oklahoma)

The Central Oklahoma Bronchos football team represents the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in college football. The team is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), which is in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bronchos football program began in 1902 and has since compiled over 600 wins, two national championships, and 27 conference championships. As of 2022, the Bronchos are ranked fifth in NCAA Division II for wins. In 1962, the Bronchos went 11–0 on the season and defeated Lenoir–Rhyne University (NC) 28–13 in the Camellia Bowl to claim its first NAIA national championship. Twenty years later, Central Oklahoma defended its home turf and defeated Colorado Mesa University 14–11 in the NAIA national championship game to take its second title and finish the season with a 10–2 record. Despite its rich history in football, Central Oklahoma has struggled beginning in the late 2000s. The program has not participated in the NCAA Division II playoffs since 2003. The Bronchos play their home games at Chad Richison Stadium, a 12,000-seat football stadium built in 1965, and remodeled in 2022. The Bronchos have enjoyed nine undefeated home seasons and are 5–1 in playoff games at Wantland Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Albin</span> American football player and coach (born 1965)

Tim Albin is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach at Ohio University, a position he has held since the 2021 season. He served as the head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State from 1997 through 1999. He led the 1999 Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers football team to an undefeated 13–0 record, with the season culminating in a NAIA National Championship.

References

  1. ↑ "Leadership | Northwestern Oklahoma State University".
  2. ↑ "Northwestern Sees Increases in Graduate, Concurrent Student Numbers".
  3. ↑ "Mascot". Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Museum of Natural History". Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  5. ↑ "About the Great American Conference". Great american Conference. Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  6. ↑ Stark, Rachel (July 17, 2015). "Seven Schools to join Division II". NCAA. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  7. ↑ "San Jose SaberCats – Odie Armstrong". arenafootball.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Major General Vaughn A. Ary". Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on March 7, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  9. ↑ FLAGSTAFF PUBLIC LIBRARY ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, H.H. Nininger, Interview number NAU.OH.28.34

36°47′45″N98°40′06″W / 36.79595°N 98.66834°W / 36.79595; -98.66834

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.