39 Interesting Facts about Oklahoma State University

Dan April 5, 2023

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. With a history dating back to 1890, OSU has grown to become the flagship institution of the Oklahoma State University System, serving over 24,000 students across its five academic colleges.

The university offers over 200 undergraduate degree programs, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Popular majors include engineering, business, agriculture, and health sciences, among others. OSU is also home to the only osteopathic medical school in the state of Oklahoma.

OSU is known for its strong commitment to research and innovation, with over $150 million in annual research expenditures. The university is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, and the Center for Health Systems Innovation.

The OSU Cowboys are members of the Big 12 Conference and compete in 16 varsity sports, including football, basketball, and wrestling. The university’s athletic facilities include the Boone Pickens Stadium, the Gallagher-Iba Arena, and the Karsten Creek Golf Club, which has hosted numerous NCAA championships. Additionally, OSU has a strong tradition of excellence in equestrian sports, with 10 national championships in women’s equestrian.

Do you want to know more about Oklahoma State University? Let’s take a look at these 39 interesting facts about Oklahoma State University.

1. Oklahoma State University was founded on Christmas Day in 1890.
2. The university’s original name was Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College.
3. The university’s first building, Old Central, was completed in 1894 and is still in use today.
4. Oklahoma State University is the flagship institution of the Oklahoma State University System.
5. The university’s colors are orange and black.
6. Oklahoma State University’s mascot is a cowboy named Pistol Pete.
7. The university’s motto is “The American Dream is alive at Oklahoma State University.”
8. Oklahoma State University is home to over 24,000 students.
9. The university offers over 200 undergraduate degree programs.
10. Oklahoma State University is the only university in Oklahoma with a College of Veterinary Medicine.
11. The university is home to the OSU Botanic Garden, which includes over 100 acres of gardens and natural areas.
12. Oklahoma State University is one of only 18 universities in the United States to have a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant designation.
13. The university’s mascot, Pistol Pete, was inspired by Frank Eaton, a former cowboy and lawman who lived in Oklahoma.
14. Oklahoma State University is home to the largest student union in the world.
15. The university’s marching band is known as the Cowboy Marching Band.
16. Oklahoma State University has won six NCAA team championships, including two in wrestling and one in women’s equestrian.
17. The university’s library, the Edmon Low Library, is named after a former university president.
18. Oklahoma State University has a long-standing rivalry with the University of Oklahoma.
19. The university’s athletics teams are known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls.
20. Oklahoma State University is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.
21. The university is a member of the Big 12 Conference.
22. The university’s basketball arena, the Gallagher-Iba Arena, is named after two former university coaches.
23. Oklahoma State University is home to the first undergraduate program in unmanned aerial systems.
24. The university’s campus includes a number of historic buildings, including the Old Central building, which is over 125 years old.
25. Oklahoma State University is home to the largest homecoming celebration in the United States.
26. The university’s mascot, Pistol Pete, was once ranked as the third best mascot in college sports by Sports Illustrated.
27. Oklahoma State University is home to the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, which helps entrepreneurs develop and market new food products.
28. The university’s golf course, Karsten Creek Golf Club, was designed by Tom Fazio and has hosted numerous NCAA championships.
29. Oklahoma State University is home to the Center for Health Systems Innovation, which focuses on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.
30. The university’s football stadium, Boone Pickens Stadium, is named after billionaire T. Boone Pickens, who donated over $500 million to the university.
31. Oklahoma State University has a strong tradition of excellence in women’s equestrian, with 10 national championships.
32. The university’s campus includes a number of public art installations, including sculptures and murals.
33. Oklahoma State University is home to the only osteopathic medical school in the state of Oklahoma.
34. The university’s mascot, Pistol Pete, has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including “The Simpsons” and “The Drew Carey Show.”
35. Oklahoma State University is home to the OSU Museum of Art, which includes over 5,000 works of art.
36. The university’s campus includes a number of historic landmarks, including the Theta Pond and the Old Armory.
37. Oklahoma State University is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.
38. The university is home to the Institute for Agricultural Biosciences, which conducts research on crops, animals, and food safety.
39. Oklahoma State University has been recognized as a top military-friendly university by G.I. Jobs magazine.

Oklahoma State University is a vibrant and dynamic institution with a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. From its world-class facilities to its outstanding faculty and students, OSU is a place where students can pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and make a difference in the world. Whether you are interested in agriculture, engineering, business, the arts, or any other field, you will find a welcoming and supportive community at Oklahoma State University. With its tradition of excellence and commitment to innovation, OSU is a true gem of the American educational system.