40 Interesting Facts about University of Oklahoma

Dan April 5, 2023

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it is the flagship institution of the University of Oklahoma System. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a variety of fields, including business, engineering, education, and the arts and sciences.

OU is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football, where the team has won seven national championships and produced numerous Heisman Trophy winners. The university also has a rich cultural heritage, with a vibrant arts scene that includes music, theater, and dance performances throughout the year.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to research and scholarship across all fields of study. The university’s faculty members are engaged in groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, energy, and biomedical sciences. OU is also home to a number of interdisciplinary research centers, including the Stephenson Cancer Center, the Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, and the National Institute for Risk and Resilience.

As a public university, the University of Oklahoma is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for all students. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid programs to help students finance their education. Additionally, OU has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and is home to a number of centers and programs dedicated to promoting equity and social justice on campus and beyond.

University of Oklahoma (Wikimedia)

It’s surely a good idea to look at these 40 interesting facts about the University of Oklahoma to know more about this public university.

1. The University of Oklahoma (OU) was founded in 1890, before Oklahoma was even a state.
2. The university’s original name was the Oklahoma Territorial University.
3. OU is the flagship institution of the University of Oklahoma System, which includes several other campuses and centers across the state.
4. The university is located in Norman, Oklahoma, a city of about 120,000 residents.
5. OU has a total enrollment of over 28,000 students, including more than 22,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students.
6. The university offers more than 170 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools.
7. OU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in football.
8. The university’s football team has won seven national championships and produced five Heisman Trophy winners.
9. OU’s colors are crimson and cream, and its mascot is a Sooner, a reference to the early settlers who claimed land in Oklahoma before it was officially opened for settlement.
10. The university has a strong commitment to research and scholarship, with over $170 million in annual research expenditures.
11. OU is home to several interdisciplinary research centers, including the Stephenson Cancer Center, the Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, and the National Institute for Risk and Resilience.
12. The university has a strong presence in the field of meteorology, with the National Weather Center located on its campus.
13. The National Weather Center houses a number of organizations, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Severe Storms Laboratory, and the Storm Prediction Center.
14. The university is home to the OU Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in the state of Oklahoma.
15. OU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of environmentally friendly initiatives, including the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling.
16. The university’s Bizzell Memorial Library is one of the largest academic libraries in the United States.
17. The library’s collections include over 5 million volumes, as well as extensive collections of manuscripts, archives, and other materials.
18. OU is home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, and the National Weather Center Gallery.
19. The university is known for its strong programs in the arts, including music, theater, and dance.
20. OU’s School of Dance is one of only a few dance programs in the United States to offer a bachelor of fine arts degree.
21. The university is also home to the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, which includes programs in art, music, theater, and dance.
22. OU has a strong commitment to community service and outreach, with numerous programs and initiatives that aim to improve the lives of people in Oklahoma and beyond.
23. The university’s Center for Social Justice offers a range of programs and resources to promote equity and social justice on campus and in the community.
24. OU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries.
25. The university offers a range of international programs and opportunities, including study abroad programs and international exchange programs.
26. OU is home to the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism, advertising, and public relations.
27. The university’s journalism program has produced numerous award-winning journalists and media professionals.
28. OU has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a range of programs and initiatives that aim to create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
29. The university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers a range of resources and support services for students, including mentoring programs, cultural events, and leadership opportunities.
30. OU has a strong commitment to supporting its military and veteran students, with a range of programs and services designed to help them succeed in their academic and personal goals.
31. The university has a strong Greek life tradition, with over 40 fraternities and sororities on campus.
32. The university has a strong presence in the aviation industry, with programs in aviation management, aerospace engineering, and pilot training.
33. OU’s College of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the southwestern United States.
34. OU has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, with a number of programs and initiatives that aim to support and promote student startups and small businesses.
35. The university’s Price College of Business is home to the Tom Love Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art facility that provides resources and support for entrepreneurship and innovation.
36. OU has a strong commitment to the arts, with numerous programs and initiatives that aim to promote creativity and artistic expression among students and the broader community.
37. The university is home to the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, one of the oldest and most respected Shakespeare festivals in the United States.
38. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of environmentally friendly initiatives, including the use of solar power and energy-efficient lighting.
39. OU has a strong presence in the field of energy, with programs in petroleum engineering, energy management, and energy law.
40. The university’s Energy Institute is a leading center for energy research and education, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions.

The University of Oklahoma is a dynamic and vibrant institution that offers a wide range of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities. With a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement, OU has earned a reputation as one of the top public universities in the United States. From its distinguished faculty to its talented student body, the university is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Whether you are interested in the arts, sciences, business, law, or any other field, OU offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can pursue your academic and personal goals.