


In 2022, it was estimated that employee salaries and student spending brought a total economic impact of more than $54 million to the community. In 2023, ECU attracted more than 80,000 people to campus and the surrounding Ada area for events. For more on ECU's economic impact in the Ada community, visit ecok.edu/news.”
After a multi-year hiatus, East Central University proudly announces the return of Tiger Tangles on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Tiger Tangles is a talent show featuring ECU students. Students will compete in four categories: Greek Group Act, Club/Organization Act, Independent Group Act and Solo Act. General admission tickets are $5. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ecok.edu/tiger-tangles.
Dr. Michael Scott, Dr. Haley Vickers, Rep. Ronny Johns and John Hargrave attended the 2024 SE Legislative Briefing on Jan. 26 to hear Chancellor Allison D. Garrett present the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education's 2024 legislative agenda. "Producing more college graduates to address Oklahoma's employer needs is our top priority and central to the success of our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan," stated Garrett.
President Godwin welcomed the Oklahoma State Regents and Chancellor Allison Garrett when ECU hosted their state meeting on Jan. 31.
In December, Duane Smith was honored with the 2023 Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award at the Governor's Water Conference and Research Symposium in Norman.
This prestigious award, presented by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on behalf of Governor Kevin Stitt, recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the development, management, and conservation of Oklahoma's water resources.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
- Cat Kid Comic Club The Musical 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
- Oklahoma Blood Drive, 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 8
- Oklahoma Blood Drive, 11 a.m.
Monday, Feb. 12
- ECU Employee Town Hall, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
- Quey Percussion Duo, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15-17
- ECU Showtime: Death by Chocolate, 6:30 p.m. nightly
Tuesday, Feb. 20
- Black History Month Program & Dinner, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
- Book Talk - Come Before Winter, 4 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 23
- Pontotoc County DFC Gala
Tuesday, Feb. 27
- Tiger Tangles, 6 p.m.
Scan here to purchase tickets to Tiger Tangles
The Woodward family left ECU this previous semester with a unique experience, graduating as a mother and sons trio.
Linda, Elijah and Luke each graduated from their respective majors together and were given the unique oppurtunity to walk across the stage together, as a family.
For more informatino, visit ecok.edu/news.
Brad Henry Scholar selected
Anthony Yellowfish, has been selected for the 2024 Brad Henry International Scholar Program, giving him the opportunity to travel abroad and spend a full semester studying in Wales. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
March 2
March 11-15
Abigail Nance, Preston Mann and Nikki Herrin celebrate recent publications that all started during their time at ECU. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Arely Hernandez and Rosie Coleman become ECU's first students to represent the unviersity in an exchange program with The Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná PUCPR, located in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. ECU launches exchange with Brazil
March 6
March 20 Junior Day
ECU hosted the quarterly ECU Retiree brunch in December with more than 50 former faculty and staff in attendance. The next event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Email ECU Alumni at alumni@ecok.edu for more information.
Basketball
Feb. 22 vs. Henderson State
Feb. 24 vs. Ouachita Baptist
March 2 vs. Oklahoma Baptist
Baseball
Feb. 6 vs. Randall
Feb. 9 vs. Fort Hays State (DH)
Feb. 10 vs. Fort Hays State (DH)
Feb. 13 vs. UCO
Feb. 23 vs. Southern Arkansas
Feb. 24 vs. Southern Arkansas (DH)
Softball
Feb. 20 vs. Delta State (DH)
The ECU School of Nursing held their White Coat Ceremony for the Spring 2024 semester on Jan. 26 in the Ataloa Theatre. There were 47 students in attendance to recieve their white coats.
Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation Chris Anoatubby was recognized by ECU Athletic Director Matt Cole and President Emeritus John Hargrave during half-time of ECU's recent Chickasaw Nation Appreciation Night.
After a seven-year hiatus, ECU Athletics is celebrating a significant stride with the reinstatement of men's and women's golf, announced by a ECU Athletic Director Matt Cole. The teams are intended to commence competition in the Fall of 2024.
Read more at ecutigers.com.
ECU revived a piece of university history last in February when Tiger Tangles made its long-awaited return to campus. More than 800 people filled Ataloa Theatre for Tiger Tangles. ECU students showcased their talents during 20 different performances.
ECU President Wendell Godwin along with students, faculty and staff attended Higher Ed Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma City. Students visited with legislators, including State Senator Greg McCortney and State Representative Ronny Johns, and participated in the Higher Education Day Program on the House Floor.
March 4
- ECU Solo Competition, 7:30 p.m.
March 5
- Lockmiller Art History Lecture, 3 p.m.
March 6
- All Major Career Fair, 11 a.m.
March 7
- ECU Chorale Concert, 7:30 p.m.
March 11-15
- Spring Break
March 20
- Junior Day
March 25
- ECU Founder's Day/Day of Giving
- Women in Leadership Speaker Series - Chancellor Allison Garrett
March 27
- ECU School of Nursing Recruitment Day
ECU has been ranked as the No. 3 top public university in Oklahoma and the No. 5 best college in Oklahoma.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/ news.
In celebration of Black History Month, the ECU Black Alumni Association hosted a free dinner and program on Feb. 20 in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.
The program’s featured speaker is Brenda Teele, evening anchor for KXII news, a CBS affiliate in Sherman, Texas.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
The ECU Stonecipher School of Business Scholar Leader Program is hosting a Women in Leadership Speaker Series throughout the semester.
Lisa John, the secretary of culture and humanities at the Chickasaw Nation, was the presenting speaker for the first of the series on Feb. 26.
OSRHE Chancellor Allison Garett will be the presenting Women in Leadership Series speaker on March 25.
Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Charles Burchell (1963)
Frankie Crawford (1985)
Duane Murray (1972)
Dr. JudyLee Oliva (1975)
Distinguished Family
W.W. and Lelia Reid (Billie) Stephenson Family
Distinguished Former Faculty
Dr. Bruce Weems (1972-2015)
Billie Floyd (1958-1984)
Distinguished Service Award
Chris Feiler (1980)
All honorees will be highlighted at the Evening of Honors on May 10 in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. For more information, visit ecok.edu/2024EOH.
February 15-21, Political Science and Legal Studies ECU students participated in the DC Internship Experience 2024. The 13 students attended meetings and tours at the US Capitol, Supreme Court, Department of Agriculture, Library of Congress, the Kenyan Embassy, and other sites. Pictured left: students visited U.S. Senator Tom Cole (R-OK).
The esteemed class comprises of six outstanding individuals and one remarkable national championship team. Included in this group are Teresa Jones Ingram (Student-Athlete – Women's Basketball), Scott Linn (Distinguished Coach - Tennis), Robert Dudley (Distinguished Athletic Alumni - Baseball), Calvin Prince (Distinguished Athletic Alumni - Football), Mike and Karen Smith (Distinguished Service), and the 1993 National Championship Football Team. You can see the photos from the event at www.ecok.edu/athletic-hall-fame-banquet.
For more information, visit ecutigers.com.
March 4 vs. Nebrasksa Wesleyan, 1 p.m.
March 5 vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, noon
March 8 vs. SWOSU, 2 p.m.
March 9 vs. SWOSU, noon DH
March 22 vs. Henderson State, 2 p.m.
March 23 vs. Henderson Stat, noon DH
March 26 vs. Southern Nazarene, 2 p.m.
March 29 vs. Oklahoma Baptist, 2 p.m.
March 30 vs. Oklahoma Baptist, noon DH
March 5 vs. Arlington Baptist, 4:30 p.m. DH (Latta High School)
March 12 vs. Southeastern, 2 p.m. DH
March 15 vs. Ouachita Baptist, 2 p.m. DH
March 16 vs. Ouachita Baptist, noon
For full athletic schedules and game times, visit ecutigers.com
ECU hosted "Leadership Ada" on campus where they visited several departments, toured campus and visited with President Godwin.
The Quey Percussion Duo brought 20 years of dazzle when they came to ECU on Feb. 15 in Ataloa
Awarded $2M Grant
ECU's Academic Success Center was recently awarded more than two million dollars through a Strengthening Institutional Programming grant. Read more at ecok.edu/news.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett (left), was the featured presenter for the Women in Leadership Speaker Series hosted by the Business Leadersip Association of the ECU School of Business. U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (top) spoke to ECU students and discussed a variety of topics.
April 2
- John Daversa & Tal Cohen, 7:30 p.m.
April 4-6
- Scissortail Creative Writing Festival
April 9
- ECU Percussion Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
April 12
- Education Career Fair, 10 a.m.
April 16
- ECU Research Day
April 17
- ECU Originals, 4 p.m. - Hedgehog + Fox Lecture, 3 p.m.
April 18-20
- ECU Musical Performance "Urinetown", 7:30 p.m.
April 22
- Senior Exhibits
April 23
- Honors Showcase, 2 p.m.
April 25
- ECU Employee Recognition Banquet, 4:30 p.m.
April 28
- ECU Bands Concert, 2:30 p.m.
April 30
- Honors Banquet, 6 p.m.
The Art of Duo comes to ECU with performances by John Daversa and Tal Cohen on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre, located inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center. Purchase tickets at ecok.edu/ boxoffice.
Chantel Pewewardy, a senior at ECU who is majoring in social work, received the 2024 Bradley Wahnee Award for perseverance and tenacity at the Oklahoma Native American Students in Higher Education Conference in February.
Read more at ecok.edu/news.
At the Annual OSRHE Business Partnerships Excellence Awards Program, ECU recognized Pontotoc Technology Center as the 2024 Outstanding Partner. Read more at okhighered.org.
Ada native and ECU alumnus Jason Christoper, delivered the Boswell Lecture. Christopher was the Assistant District Attorney for Atoka County before opening his own law practice in Ada.
visit ecok.edu/news.
ECU presents the production of “Urinetown” in the Ataloa Theatre, located inside the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center (HBFFAC), April 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. nightly.
"Although not a title that is as well-known as some, and maybe even a little awkward, Urinetown is a great musical that audiences will love.” said Jamie Davis, technical director and events coordinator for HBFFAC. “It's one of those shows that allows you take a thought provoking look at the world around you in such a ridiculous way that you can't help but be amused and entertained. The cast is great and has worked hard, so I really think everyone is going to love the end result!"
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ecok.edu/boxoffice.
BASEBALL
April 5 at Northwestern, 6 p.m.
April 6 at Northwestern, 1 p.m. DH
April 9 vs. Southeastern, 3 p.m.
April 12 at Arkansas Tech, 6 p.m.
April 13 at Arkansas Tech, 1 p.m. DH
April 16 at Oklahoma Baptist, 6 p.m.
April 19 vs. Harding, 2 p.m.
April 20 vs. Harding, 12 p.m. DH
April 23 at USAO
April 26 at Southeastern, 3 p.m.
April 27 at Southeastern, 1 p.m. DH
SOFTBALL
April 5 vs. Northwestern, 4 p.m.
April 6 vs. Northwestern, 12 p.m. DH
April 9 at Southeastern, 2 p.m.
April 12 vs. Arkansas Tech, 3 p.m.
April 13 vs. Arkansas Tech, 12 p.m. DH
April 19 at Harding, 4 p.m. DH
April 20 at Harding, 12 p.m.
April 26 vs. Arkansas-Monticello, 2 p.m. DH
April 27 vs. Arkansas-Monticello, 12 p.m.
FOOTBALL
April 27 - Spring Game
For full athletic schedules and game times, visit ecutigers.com
Mackenzie Crusoe of women's basketball and Keyon Thomas of men's basketball representing ECU as the sole recipients for their respective teams. To learn more, visit ecutigers.com.
East Central University is gearing up to enroll students for the summer and fall 2024 semesters. Priority enrollment for current students begins April 1 with enrollment for new freshmen beginning on April 8. For more information and to enroll, visit ecok.edu.
ECU hosts recruitment events
ECU hosted more than 150 people for "Preview Day" and "Junior Day" for prospective students to get a glimpse of what life is like as a Tiger.
ECU celebrated its 115th birthday on March 25. During Founder's Day/Day of Giving, more than 250 individuals made donations. ECU succeeded its donor goal by 221%.
A record 114 students attended the ECU All Majors Career Fair on March 6 hosted by ECU's Career Center.
Dr. Alison Fields, the Acting Director of the OU School of Visual Arts at the University of Oklahoma, delivered the 2024 Lockmiller Lecture.
The ECU Chorale performed at the Ada Arts & Heritage Center.
ECU Alums, Governor George Nigh and Calvin Prince have been chosen as keynote speakers for the Spring 2024 Commencement. Governor Nigh will deliver the commencement address at 10 a.m., while Calvin Prince will take the stage at 2 p.m. Their speeches will collectively inspire 438 ECU graduates as they embark on their new journeys.
George Nigh finalists announced April RUSO Meeting
ECU hosted presidents and regents from the Regional University Systems of Oklahoma last month.
Five graduating seniors at East Central University have been selected as finalists for the George Nigh Award. They are Delanie Seals, Jayci Powell, Liberty Murray, Logan Thompson and Megan Lewis. For full bios on the George Night finalists, visit ecok.edu/news.
The Prop 2 economic development funds will go towards the support of the new ECU Nursing/STEM building on the ECU campus. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Valley View Foundation awards
$2M grant to ECU School of Nursing
The grant will go towards the construction of the new Nursing/STEM building on the ECU campus. The new facility will house a simulation center and more than 25 handson learning labs and STEM classrooms equipped with the latest technology, among many more features For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
ECU and the City of Ada collaborate to continue the popular Ada Student Attraction Program (ASAP) Scholarship for new and returning ECU students.
This partnership originally launched in 2023. In response to the success of the program, the 2024 allotment has increased to $150,000.
First time ECU students can receive up to $3,500 towards room and tuitions. Applications are being accepted now at apply.ecok.edu/register/ASAP
For more photos from Roary's Athletic Awards Banquet, visit ecok.edu/photo-galleries.
The Tiger softball team ended their season positively by winning the series 2-1 and bidding farewell to their seven seniors in style on Tiger Field.
Tiger Esports attended their first OAEA recruiting event in Norman. Students Zach Cole and Cole Geiser represented the ECU Esports team at the event.
The annual lecture returned to campus with Dr. Christine Pappas and Dr. Jacintha Webster presenting "Modern Sequoyah, based on the Sequoyah Movement of 1905, when tribes came together to petition the US government to become and all-tribal state that would have been known as the State of Sequoyah.
The Oka' Institute at ECU, Chickasaw Nation, and the American Bird Conservancy have been awarded $4.1 million to restore the habitat of the Blue River Watershed. The project partners aim to implement extensive, community-based conservation initiatives to promote climate sustainability, enhance water quality and quantity, mitigate wildfire hazards, combat habitat fragmentation, and enhance cultural awareness and wildlife habitat across 15,000 acres.
The annual festival saw more than 70 published authors converge on campus from across the nation. The festival included readings from local poets and authors, professors, teachers and one ECU student. Along with published authors and poets from New York, California and a number of other states.
Citizens Bank of Ada Scholarship established as permanent endowment
The Citizens Bank of Ada Scholarship was established at East Central University in 2013 as a pass-thru fund for Business Administration students and has now been established as a permanent endowment.
The Candy Lynn Hudson Education Scholarship announced
The family of Candy Lynn Hudson has established a scholarship endowment at East Central University in her memory. The scholarship will be awarded to an incoming first year student who is majoring in Education. It is intended for students from southeastern
Vision Bank Scholarship established as permanent Oklahoma, with first preference given to Coal County graduates.
The Vision Bank Scholarship was established at the East Central University Foundation in 2014 as a pass-thru fund for Business Administration students and has now been established as a permanent endowment.
The 2024 Evening of Honors and Recognition saw seven ECU alumni recognized for accomplishments in their chosen fields, as well as, service to their respective communities.
For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries.
August 15
- Honors Kickoff, 12 p.m. & 6 p.m.
August 16-17 - Tiger Prep, 9 a.m.
August 18
- Tiger Prep, 1 p.m. - Mall Crawl, 6 p.m.
August 19
- FA24 Begins - Howdy Fair, 10 a.m.
August 20
- Welcome Week Smash Tournament, 6 p.m.
August 21 - Board Game Club, 6 p.m.
August 22 - Honors Commencement Ceremony, 4 p.m.
August 26 - Esports Tryouts, 10 a.m. - Paws and Relax, 12 p.m. - Honors Burkean Parlor, 7 p.m.
August 27-28 - Esports Tryouts, 10 a.m.
August 29
- Esports Tryouts, 10 a.m - QPR Gatekeeper Training, 5:30 p.m.
August 30
- Esports Open Tryouts, 10 a.m.
Megan Lewis, a 2024 graduate from ECU who recieved her bachelors degree in Biology, was the recipient of this years George Nigh Award.
The award was presented at the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
For more information, visit www.ecok.edu/news.
The 36th annual Sovereignty Symposium was held in OKC over the summer. Of six alloted placements, four were won by ECU students.
Sarah Osborn, Catherine McGee, Stuart Osborn and Garrett Trentt all represented ECU.
For more information, visit www.ecok.edu/news.
ECU students participated in the 2024 i2E Entrepreneurs Cup, sponsored by Love's, and placed in a variety of categories.
Combined, the students walked away with $35,000 in prize and scholarship money, promising a bright future for Oklahoma businesses.
For more information, visit www.ecok.edu/news.
Award season swept across campus at the end of Spring and throughout Summer.
Students from a variety of programs, departments and organizations were honored and celebrated.
This summer, President Godwin announced the 24 candidates who have been accepted into the PLC Program for the 2024-25 academic school year.
Members of PLC will have the oppurtunity to interact with campus, community and state leaders, as well as the oppurtunity to volunteer at local schools and other events. They also travel to major U.S. cities to expand their knowledge on leadership and civic engagement.
For more inforamtion and the full list of names, visit www.ecok.edu/new.
From STEM camps, FCA, to a wide range of athletic camps and the Chickasaw Nation Summer Arts Academy, the ECU campus was alive and active with hundreds of students of all ages throughout the summer.
Veterans Day TED Days
The Office of Admission and Recruitment kept busy over the summer with a series of Tiger Enrollment Days, offering assistance and guidance for ECU's incoming freshmen.
This summer, ECU celebrated our Veterans for Veterans & Military Appreciation Day in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
8 AM - Golf Tournament @ Oak Hills Country Club
6:30 PM - ECU Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance @ Chickasaw Business and Conference Center
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
6 AM - Homecoming 5k @ ECU Campus
10 AM - Golden Tiger Brunch @ Chickasaw Business and Conference Center
12:30 PM - Parade @ Ada Main Street
3 PM - Football Game @ Koi Ishto Stadium SAVE THE DATE: ECU 2024 HOMECOMING IS OCTOBER 4 & 5
1:30 PM - Alumni and Friends Tailgate @ Koi Ishto Stadium
1:30 PM - ECU Soccer Game @ Tiger Soccer Field
ECU welcomes students back to campus for the 2024-25 academic year! This new school year boasts record numbers all across campus, including the largest Freshmen class since 2016!
Homecoming 2024 tracks ECU through the decades!
Homecoming 2024 is set for Oct. 5 and this year will celebrate the history of ECU by honoring the university and alumni through years past with the theme, "Through the Decades."
A full list of Homecoming events for Oct. 4-5 are listed at ecok.edu/2024HC.
This premier program, specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals in south-central Oklahoma, provides them with the advanced skills and knowledge required to excel in executive, managerial and administrative roles across various sectors, including business, healthcare, government, tribal governments, and nonprofits.
The MBA program is ideal for recent graduates aiming to advance their careers, midcareer professionals targeting leadership roles, entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their business acumen, individuals pursuing career transitions, and those looking for networking and professional development opportunities.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news
Sept. 3
- Intramural Volleyball Registration Opens
- Paws and Relax, 5:15 p.m.
- Intramural Softball Captain's Meeting, 6 p.m.
- Honors Sorting Hat Ceremony, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4
- May Lynn's 'A One (Former) Man Show, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5
- Resume Building Workshop, 2 p.m.
Sept. 10
- Oka' Con, 7:30 a.m.
- Tutor Me Workshop, 12 p.m.
Sept. 11
- Oka' Con, 9 a.m.
- Paws and Relax!, 2 p.m.
Sept. 12
- Oka' Con, 9 a.m.
-Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 13
- Honors OKC Trip, 12 p.m.
Sept. 14
- Step Out of the Darkness, 9 a.m.
Sept. 17
- Rothbaum Lecture, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18
- Board Game Club
Dr. Nick Meyers joins the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
Meyers, who has been with ECU for seven years, has recently been accepted as a voting member of the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs.
This honor comes as a culmination of years worth of hardwork inside and outside of the classroom and promises exciting things to come for Meyers and his students.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Honored with Prestigious Pulaski Award
Students involved in the ECU Russian Program recently joined Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya on a fiveday trip across multiple states to experience rich Russian history and culture while remaining close to home.
For more information, visit ecok. edu/news.
The Oka' Institute, in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation, presented the prestigious Pulaski Award on behalf of the National Interagency Fire Center to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Eastern Oklahoma Region. This award recognizes their exemplary efforts in wildfire management and safety.
Sept. 19
- Paws and Relax!, 10 a.m.
- Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
- ECU Theatre Presents: The Insanity of Mary Girard, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20
- ECU Theatre Presents: The Insanity of Mary Girard, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21
- ECU Theatre Presents: The Insanity of Mary Girard, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23
- Paws and Relax!, 12 p.m.
Sept. 24
- Mock Interviews, 2 p.m.
Sept. 25
- Brandon Whitten Institute Mental Health Fair, 10 a.m.
Sept. 26
- Originals Open-Mic, 3:30 p.m.
- Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
East Central University proudly announced new faculty members for the 202425 academic year. For names and bios, visit ecok.edu/news.
October 4
The Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament will take place at 8 a.m. With the ECU Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance being held at 7 p.m.
October 5
The ECU Homecoming 5K is scheduled for 6 a.m.
The Annual ECU Men's Basketball Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for 9 a.m.
The Golden Tigers Brunch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Homecoming Parade is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Alumni & Friends Tailgate is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
ECU Women's Soccer team will compete at 2 p.m.
ECU Tigers Football team will compete at 3 p.m.
ECU/BAA After-game Mixer and Special Tribute is scheduled for 7 p.m.
For information and registration for these events, visit ecok.edu/2024HC.
ECU has announced its first doctoral program, pending Higher Learning Commission accreditation approval.
The Doctor of Education in Rural Education at ECU is designed to focus on the needs unique to rural school leaders and working adults.
For more information, visit ecok. edu/news.
The Oka' Institute at East Central University recently held their annual three-day conference, Oka' Con. Hundreds of water professionals, policymakers, scientists, and community leaders came together to discuss solutions and collaborative efforts to protect and manage water resources for future generations.
Gov. Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation spoke, alongside an array of other professionals, to underscore the vital role that water plays in sustaining the environment and local economies.
The Oka' Institute also announced the renaming of the annual conference going forward to the John and Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference.
ECU Athletics is proud to announce Citizens Bank as the Official Ticketing Sponsor!
Citizens Bank's logos debuted on the 25-yard lines at Koi Ishto Stadium Sept. 21!
Oct. 1
- Artists' Talk and Reception, 4 p.m.
- Paws and Relax!, 5:15 p.m.
- Party on the Lawn, 6 p.m.
Oct. 2
- Game Night at Foundation Hall, 6 p.m.
Oct. 3
- Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
- Amy's Story, 6 p.m.
- Movie Night, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4
- Homecoming Golf Tournament, 8 a.m.
- Sand Volleyball & Pickleball, 6 p.m.
- ECU Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5
- Homecoming 5K, 7:30 a.m.
- 3rd Annual Homecoming Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m.
- Golden Tigers Brunch, 10 a.m.
- Homecoming Parade, 12:30 p.m.
- Homecoming Tailgate, 1:30 p.m.
- ECU-BAA After-game Mixer and Special Tribute, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7
- Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 8
- Stickball, 4 p.m.
- Intramural Softball, 5:30 p.m.
The 13th Annual Step Out of the Darkness event returned to Ada Main Street and the ECU Kerr Activities Center in Sept. Hundreds of students, community members and commuters came together for the event sponsored by the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition.
The ECU production of The Insanity of Mary Girard, directed by Jamie Davis, was a sell-out success for three nights in the Chalmers-Herman Theatre on campus. Community members joined ECU students, staff and facutly to watch the all-student production that was met with resounding applause.
Over 350 Oklahoma students attended Aero Day at ECU where they heard from legislators including Sen. John Haste, the Chair of the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee and Rep. Ronny Johns, House Transportation Chair. Keynote speaker for the event was retired navy pilot, Captain John Keilty. The event was organized by Paula Kedy and ECU's Darcy Tessman and took place at multiple locations across Ada.
Oct. 9
- ECU Majors Fair, 12:30 p.m. - FA24 Term A Ends, 5 p.m.
Oct. 10-11
- Fall Break
Oct. 14
- 2nd 8-wk Classes Begin
- FA24 Term B Begins
- Intramural Volleyball Captain Meeting, 6 p.m.
- Faure 100 Year Anniversary Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15
- Blood Cancer Swab Drive, 8 a.m.
- Go Global Fair, 9 a.m. - ECU Benefit Fair, 9 a.m.
- FLY: FAFSA, 2 p.m.
- Intramural Volleyball, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 16
- Paws and Relax!, 2 p.m.
- Board Game Club, 6 p.m.
Oct. 17
- Everybody Say Love: An ECU PRIDE Charity Drag Show, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18
- Last Day to Drop 2nd 8-wk Classes w/ 100% Refund
- Last Day to Add 2nd 8-wk Classes
- Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center Presents Brian Duprey & Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.
The ECU Honor Society has held a series of events, from Honors Convocation to the Honors Sorting Hat and more, throughout Aug. and Sept.
Dr. Houston Mount of the ECU History Department delivered the Annual Rothbaum Lecture on Constitution Day, Sept. 17. His lecture, "Who Shall Rule? Foundations of the U.S. Constitution" was delivered in honor of Julian Rothbaum.
Dozens of ECU Nursing students were recently honored at the Fall 2024 White Coat Ceremony in the Ataloa Theatre. Friends, family and ECU faculty and administration were in attendance.
ECU's annual literary magazine continues its nearly eight decade run with a new facutly advisor. After almost three decades working on the journal, Dr. Mark Walling stepped down, appointing Dr. Joshua Grasso to the position.
Lieutenant Charles J. Brooks recieved the annual Bret D. Isenhower Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to an ECU service member in honor of Sergeant Isenhower's memory.
Dr. Jose Montalva, Rhonda Sellers of the Chickasaw Nation and two ECU students at the Monarch Day event held at the Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center.
From coed softball to volleyball, basketball, capture the flag and more, dozens of staff/faculty and alumni have joined more than 100 students for this year's intramural activities.
Tigerpalooza 2024 featured 13 high school bands from across Oklahoma competing at the Koi Ishto Stadium with a special performance by ECU's Pride of Tigerland band. There were more than three thousand spectators in attenance.
ECU Athletics has introduced a new way for ECU Tiger fans to support their favorite team with the ECU Tiger Club.
Tiger Club allows community members to receive a number of perks, based on their choice of tier packages. Depending on the chosen tier, benefits include Donor Recognition on Athletics website, Tiger Athletics decal, social event invitations, Tiger apparel, and much more! In addition to all other perks, Tiger Club members will have exclusive reserved seating at Tiger Athletics events as well as access to the TigerClub hospital area and two complimentary drinks. A cash bar will also be available to members.
The 2024 Milam Award winners have been announced ahead of the 2024 Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance, scheduled for Oct. 4. This year's recipients of the prestigious award are Farrell Large and Larry Large.
The Milam Award is traditionally presented by ECU to a former Tiger football player who not only excelled in the classroom and on the gridiron, but also distinguished themselves in their chosen career. The award is named in honor of Joe Milam, a former educator and coach for ECU.
The Milam Award will be presented at the Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance alongside the ECU Rising Tiger honorees and the ECU BAA Scholarships winners.
East Central University celebrated "ECU Through the Decades" for the 2024 Homecoming season.
Events included the Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance, the Golden Tiger Brunch, the exciting return of the Homecoming 5K, the traditional Homecoming Parade and exciting victories for the ECU Women's Soccer team and the ECU Tiger Football team to cap off the event, along with several other events for alumni, students and community members.
ECU's NASNTI Program organized and hosted the first-ever Tribal Summit to take place on the ECU campus.
16 tribes were represented at the Summit, with keynote speakers and lecturers from across tribal lands coming together to discuss a number of key issues.
For more information, visit ecok. edu/news
Nov. 4
- Guest Lecture: The Relationship Between Federal Goverment and Tribal Governments, 9 a.m.
Nov. 5
- Paws and Relax!, 5:15 p.m. - Intramural Volleyball, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 6
- ECU Interscholastic Meet, 8 a.m.
- Honors Program Information Session, 5 p.m.
Nov. 7
- ECU Showtime Presents Tom n Huck, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8
- ECU Showtime Presents Tom n Huck, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 9
- ECU Showtime Presents Tom n Huck, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 11
- Veteran's Day Celebration, 4 p.m.
Nov. 12
- Honors Program Interviews, 5 p.m.
- Intramural Volleyball, 5:30 p.m.
- Business Leaders Association Meeting, 6 p.m.
Nov. 13
- Tiger Tank 2024, 9 a.m.
The Executive Director of the Oka' Institute participated in the Oklahoma Senate Interim Study on Water Usage, Monitoring, and Oversight. Smith spoke on the overview of water policy and law in the state.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
ECU has been ranked as the No. 3 top public university in Oklahoma and the No. 6 best college in Oklahoma by Niche.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
ECU Athletics has introduced a new way for Tiger fans to support their favorite ECU Tiger teams with the new ECU Tiger Club.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Nov. 13
- Paws and Relax!, 2 p.m. - NASA Princess Pagent, 6 p.m.
Nov. 18
- Barbie & BBQ & Q&A, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 19
- Stickball, 4 p.m.
- Intramural Volleyball Playoffs, 5:30 p.m.
- ECU Percussion Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 20
- Board Game Club, 6 p.m.
Nov. 21
- Paws and Relax!, 10 a.m.
- Pederson Book Talk, 3 p.m.
- ECU Theatre Presents Student Directed One Acts, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 22
- ECU Theatre Presents Student Directed One Acts, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 23
- ECU Theatre Presents Student Directed One Acts, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 24
- ECU Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 25
- ECU Chorale Concert, 7:30 p.m.
The 2024 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Rachel Keith, delivered the Annual Stokes Lecture , an event intended to honor ECU Alumni who are Teachers of the Year in the area and expose current students and area teachers to a wealth of information.
Current OKC Mayor and Dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law, David Holt, delivered the Annual Watkins Lecture, an event intended to bring recognized authorities to ECU to address subjects of public interest at the local, state or national level.
The Stonecipher School of Business invited Economist Jack Leps to deliver a lecture on the most popular Bureau of Labor Statistics data tools among college students, graduates and job seekers.
Ataloa Theatre took an excited audience on a trip back to the 1950s with world-renowned Sinatra singer Brian Duprey and his 13-piece orchestra, the Symphonic Sinatra. To view photos of the event, visit ecok.edu/photo-galleries.
The Annual Grounded Chalk Art Festival returned to campus with more than 80 students from K-12 and ECU coming together to fill the ECU Centennial Plaza with art.
The instrumental music of Gabriel Fauré was performed by ECU students and faculty in honor of the 100 Year Anniversary of the French composers music.
ECU's President's Leadership Class recently traveled to Washington, D.C. over fall break. This trip provided students in the program with a unique opportunity to explore national monuments and landmarks in an educational setting, alongside President Wendell Godwin.
The 70th Annual Faculty Art Exhibit saw several faculty members, including two new members of the ECU family, enter a wide variety of eye-catching exhibits.
Students who participated in the ECU Go Global Program came together to discuss their experiences studying abroad this past year. Joining them were students who have traveled to ECU from across the world to experience the education that can only be offered at ECU.
With assistance from ECU Showtime, the ECU Russian Club and other representatives of the university, the Go Global Fair saw the Estep Multimedia Center fill to capacity with students excited to learn about the possibilities abroad.
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment hosted another successful Preview Day this fall that offered prospective students an up-close and personal glimpse into the experience of being an ECU student. Preview Day consisted of an informational opening session, a panel of current students speaking about ECU, a campus tour, lunch and free admission to an ECU Tiger football game.
ECU hosted a successful All-Majors Career Fair in Oct., bringing together students, recent graduates and more than 30 leading employers from a variety of industries. The event offered students valuable networking opportunities, real-world insights and a platform to explore career paths, internships and job opportunities.
ECU proudly hosted the 2024 Great American Conference Cross Country Championships at Oak Hills Golf Country Club in October. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as ECU delivered a remarkable performance, highlighted by the men's team capturing their tenth championship title—its third in a row—while the women's team showcased their strength by securing an impressive third-place finish.
The men's team dominated the competition, with all seven of their runners finishing in the top 11 and accumulating 26 points—23 ahead of runners-up Harding.
ECU President Wendell Godwin officially announced that ECU's new STEM Center, which will house the ECU School of Nursing upon its completion, will be named in honor of Chickasaw Citizen, Dan Hays.
Hays, who possessed an allotment of 320 acres of premiere land across what is now Ada, Okla., donated the original 16-acre allotment to the East Central State Normal School, which remains the center of ECU's campus today.
The Dan Hays STEM Center will allow ECU to recruit a number of new staff and faculty as well as more than 200 new nursing students to the university and community. This facility will serve to reaffirm ECU’s commitment to educating students and to transforming students’ lives for generations to come.
The ECU College of Education and Psychology announced the implementation of a new 3.1M grant intended to increase representation of First American and other minority students in Oklahoma's teacher pipeline.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
ECU recognized and ranked by Research. com
The ECU Nursing Program was ranked No. 3 in Oklahoma for affordability.
The ECU Master of Business Administration (MBA) was ranked No. 6 in Oklahoma for affordability.
The ECU Fine Arts Program, as well as the ECU MBA Program, were also both recognized as 2024 Most Affordable Programs nationally.
Dec. 3
- Paws for Thought, 3 p.m. - Capstone Showcase for English & Languages, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 4
- Board Game Club, 6 p.m.
- ECU Bands Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5
- Honors Showcase, 3:30 p.m.
- School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, 6 p.m.
- Business Leaders Association Meeting, 6 p.m.
- Honors Laude Dinner, 6 p.m.
- ECU Chamber Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11
- Honors Program Interviews, 5 p.m.
Dec.13
- FA24 ends - FA24 Term B ends
Dec. 14
- Honors Graduation Ceremony, 8 a.m.
- Commencement Ceremony, 10 a.m.
Dec. 16
- Winter Intersession Begins - Ada Public Schools Student Exhibit
Dec. 17-18
- Ada Public Schools Student Exhibit
Michael Hendrix was named the 2024 Smith Center for Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur of the Year at ECU. Hendrix delivered the annual Leonard Limes Lecture.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
Dr. Steven Pedersen, Assistant Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, held a Book Talk for the release and launch of his first book publication in the Linscheid Library.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news.
The Oka Institute announced that Community Coordinator, Joseph Harris, has been awarded the prestigious Fire and Light Award by the Chickasaw Nation.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/news
Walter Echo-Hawk, a former attorney for NARF and the author of In the Courts of the Conqueror, who made a career litigating Indigenous rights on a wide array of topics, spoke to students and community members via Zoom.
For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries
Annual Tiger Tank, Tiger Promote and Tiger Trak events took place inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center before the annual Limes Lectureship. Students from the ECU School of Business, as well as local high schools, were given the opportunity to compete for a number of prizes. For more information and the names of the winners, visit ecok.edu/news.
The Oka' Institute invited local communities to participate in the growing initiative to recycle glass, thanks to a $20,000 grant awarded by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). The project is managed by Mason Martinez, a Water Resource Policy and Management Master of Science student, with support from team members Suraj Khatri and Nischal Chaudhary. For more information, visit ecok.edu/news
ECU's Asian Student Association hosted their annual Diwali Night with cultural dance, music, catered Nepalese food and an open dance floor inside the Stanley Wagner Ball Room.
President Godwin and Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya recently attended an OKC Thunder game with ECU's visiting students from France, offering the students a first-time experience during their stay in Oklahoma.
Carson Dill is the recipient of the 2025 Brad Henry International Scholar Program, which allows a student from ECU to travel abroad and spend a full semester studying in Wales.
The Stonecipher School of Business held their Scholarship Networking Event in Nov. Students who have recieved scholarships in the program were given the opportunity to network with local businesses and community leaders.
For more photos, visit www.ecok.edu/photo-galleries Barbie &
ECU Screens, ECU Rotoract and ECU SGA hosted Barbie & BBQ in Nov. with a costume contest, BBQ fundraiser, viewing of Barbie on campus and film discussion hosted by Trinity Whitehead.
International students from ECU's sister-school in France currently enrolled at ECU presented information about their home university to a crowd of current students interseted in experiencing Study Abroad.
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment has continued their series of Preview Days on campus, allowing high school students the chance to visit the university and experience a full day at ECU with informational panels and campus tours.
The ECU Tiger Esports team secured a victory over the UAM Boll Weevils to secure a place in the first-ever Great American Conference for Esports.
The ECU Tiger Volleyball team defeated rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the Great American Conference in the quarter-finals before narrowly falling out of the conference in the semi-finals against Harding.
The ECU Cross Country teams dominated the NCAA Division II Regional Championships, hosted by Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo. The men's team finished first place with the women's team taking 13th out of 31.
The ECU Tiger Football team took on rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University and claimed a 20-13 victory, securing the coveted Great American Conference trophy.
The ECU Men's Cross Country team travelled to Sacramento, Calif. for the 2024 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship. Despite a hard competition in the cold wind and rain, the Tigers finished 8th place out of 34.