About Us

VetHERO History

April 26th, 2012

     Formed in the Fall of 2009, the UCO Veteran Support Alliance (VSA) set out to offer constant support to our men and women who have so selflessly given to our country.  As a result of dedicated individuals, collaborative efforts of multiple university departments, and support from the University, Central's VetHERO was created.  The first in the State of Oklahoma, the VetHERO will serve as a safe place to help veterans and service members navigate both Central's and external resources.

     The UCO VSA continuously seeks to provide an environment that helps student veterans and service members achieve their academic and personal goals.  Through the VetHERO, the Division of Student Affairs and the Alliance are more capable of identifying ways to connect veterans with other veterans and work together to provide more events, services, and support to our men and women who have given so much to this country.

War and Expansion

1939 - 1971

Central State College

     World War II brought many changes to the country and the college. In 1939 the legislature changed the name to Central State College, reflecting the expanding role of the school beyond the original teacher training. After the United States entered the war in 1941, the college adopted a sixteen-week semester, and students vacated the residence halls to make room for more than 600 soldiers.

     At the end of the war, the G.I. Bill brought veterans and their families to campus. Enrollment soared, and Central State College constructed more than fifteen buildings between 1940 and 1970. In 1954 the state regents authorized the first master's degree, leading to the establishment of the Graduate College.

     As the nation was facing the challenges of the civil rights movement and wars in Korea and Vietnam, Central laid the foundations for future growth. With the "baby boom" generation, enrollment continued to surge.