President Hargrave

from The Columns Fall 2012

Administration

Dear Alumni, I just love visiting with new students as they arrive on campus for the first time. I feel an immediate connection that gets me excited every time! When I begin to explore why they are here it’s the same reasons you and I chose to attend -- small classes, the family atmosphere, beautiful campus. From the class of 1962 to 2012 we all have expressed the fact that we enjoy the personal individualized attention we get at ECU. We take great pride in the fact that we continue to offer small class sizes with some of the most caring faculty and staff. Even as we are in the final stages of completing the new business school and conference center, we are already making plans to expand the newly established arts and entertainment district on East Main Street. Working in partnership with the Chickasaw Nation and the City of Ada has been nothing short of transforming in the exciting gateway we have created to our campus.

We are also looking at major improvements in other areas, including Norris Field, the Education Building and our vision for the Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Center for Undergraduate Research and Learning. Establishing a center dedicated to the undergraduate research learning experience will further establish East Central University’s growing reputation for excellence in research and the sciences.

Plan to attend ‘A Super Tiger’ Homecoming this year. It’s going to be a great time to see firsthand the many exciting changes, including the unveiling of a new Roary the Tiger Mascot and, of course, revisit some of your favorite ECU memories.

We hope as you enjoy this issue of The Columns. Once a Tiger Always a Tiger,

John R. Hargrave (‘77) East Central University President