Chickasha is the site of a great deal of Western history and American
Indian culture. It's the area once frequented by colorful
characters like outlaw Frank James, and outlaws turned lawmen like Al
Jennings. It produced musicians like Bob Wills and actors like
Cleavon Little. Several major tribal governments are headquartered
in the area.
Chickasha
gave this country its first female State Supreme Court judge. It
also has the first free public library in all of Indian Territory.
And it provided a home for an institution founded in 1908 called the
Industrial Institute and College for Girls, which would, in turn, become
the Oklahoma College for Women in 1916. That school became
coeducational in 1965, and in 1974, it became the University of Science
and Arts of Oklahoma. A school with a new name to match its
innovative program.
Chickasha's history is only part of its charm. Today, Chickasha is the proud
home of the internationally recognized "Festival of
Light". This holiday extravaganza features displays with more
than 2.5 million Christmas lights. It draws more than 300,000
people to visit Shanoan Springs Park, located just a few blocks east
from the USAO campus.
Chickasha is a great place for the campus, a short drive (40 minutes) from metro
shopping and arts events, but with all the security, affordability and
charm of a small community. You'll find here one of the most
enriching college experiences in the Southwest. It's a great place
to spend the next few years!
