Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University (OCU) stands as a prominent private university, founded in 1904 with the inspiring motto "Veritas Ecclesia Cognitio" – Truth, Church, Knowledge. With a student body of 2,748 and an endowment of $0.1 billion, OCU offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in its Methodist heritage, providing a supportive and engaging environment for students seeking academic excellence and personal growth.

The university's journey began as Epworth University, established in 1904 by local developer Anton H. Classen, a visionary aiming to create a Methodist university in Oklahoma City. Despite an initial enrollment of 100 students, Epworth faced financial struggles and closed in 1911. However, the Methodist Church's commitment to higher education persisted, leading to the formation of the Methodist University of Oklahoma in Guthrie, which also absorbed Fort Worth University. The institution eventually returned to its roots, reopening in Oklahoma City in 1919 as Oklahoma City College, bolstered by strong support from Methodist congregations.

The college experienced significant growth, leading to its renaming as Oklahoma City University in 1924. This period of rapid expansion demonstrated the community's and the church's enduring dedication to the institution, even through the challenging times of the Great Depression. OCU's history is a testament to its resilience and unwavering mission to provide a robust and engaging educational foundation for its students, preparing them for impactful careers and lives.