UCO: History and Geography News and Events

Are You a History and Geography Alum?

We celebrate the achievements of our alumni network. Letting us know what you are doing with your UCO degree in geography, history, history education or museum studies helps us recruit future Bronchos. To add your information to the department’s alumni listing, please contact administrative assistant Annamaria Martucci, amartucci@uco.edu or (405) 974-5277.

Upcoming CLA Events

Department of History and Geography

Currently in History

Western Pacific Institute

The Western Pacific Institute was founded in 1991 with an explicit goal of facilitating better understanding between the United States and Western Pacific nations. Supported by the university, College of Liberal Arts and the Department of History and Geography, it has successfully hosted international symposiums; US-Japan in 1992, US-China, Hong Kong in 1993, US- ASEAN in 1994, US-Northeast China in 1995.

It also provides contacts and administrative assistance for faculty and student exchange programs. The institute has held essay contests for international students at the University of Central Oklahoma. For further information contact Dr. XiaoBing Li at 974-5483 or bli@uco.edu.

Make a Gift Today

Since 1890, faculty members at the University of Central Oklahoma have inspired students to actively engage in the disciplines of history and geography. The students and faculty in the Department of History and Geography need your support. Your gift will support student scholarships, faculty research, and innovative teaching methods. To learn more about how you can get involved in department programming, please contact the department chair, Dr. Katrina Lacher, klacher@uco.edu, 405-974-5592. To learn more about making a donation, please visit Centralconnection.org/historytravel.

Where Are They Now?

Michael Shanklin received his MA in history from UCO in 2004. He is now the CEO of the Kidspacce Children's Museum in Pasadena, Calif.

"I have the privilege of leading a passionate nonprofit team to nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences," Shanklin said.

Under his direction, the museum recently completed a $13 million capital campaign and saw museum attendance increase 59 percent. The museum also increased revenue by 82 percent while increasing museum access to low- and moderate-income patrons.

"My graduate degree from the History Department gave me the confidence and expertise to pursue a career in museums," he said. " UCO’s outstanding professors prepared me mentally and intellectually for the challenges I face as a CEO."