Oklahoma Panhandle State University

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Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Motto:	Progress Through Knowledge
Established:	1909
Type:	Public
President:	David Bryant
Students:	1,100
Location:	Goodwell, Oklahoma, USA
Colors:	crimson and blue
Nickname:	Aggies
Website:	www.opsu.edu

Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is a university 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.

[edit] History

Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) was created by an act of the Oklahoma Legislature in 1909 as Pan-Handle Agricultural Institute offering secondary agricultural education for the Panhandle area. In 1921, the legislature authorized the school to offer a two-year college curriculum, and the name was changed to Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College. In 1967, the school was designated as Oklahoma Panhandle State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. In 1974, the University assumed its present name.

[edit] Academics

The university is organized into six schools that offer associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in such areas as history, education, business, and nursing. OPSU's agriculture-related degree programs produce valued and competent graduates who are qualified to work in the region's many bovine, equine, swine, and farming-related industries. OPSU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to grant associate and bachelor's degrees. It is also approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education for the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers.

Primay quad and clock tower at OPSU

The constituent schools are:

• School of Agriculture
• School of Business and Technology
• School of Education
• School of Liberal Arts
• School of Science, Mathematics, and Nursing
• University College

[edit] Athletics

Carl Wooten Field and Water Tower

OPSU competes as a founding member of the Heartland Conference as the Aggies (except rodeo and football). The university sponsors football, softball (women), baseball (men), and men's and women's golf, cross-country running, and basketball. The football team plays at Carl Wooten Field and competes in the NCAA Division II Independent Football Alliance.

A point of pride for OPSU is its men's and women's rodeo teams, nicknamed the Cowboys and Cowgirls, respectively. The school is a member of the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and has won several regional and national championships in the sport. As part of their scholarship package, rodeo team members may receive lodging in special housing and stalls for their animals.

[edit] External links

• University Website

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