ECU kicks off 2025 by looking Forward

ADA, Okla. - East Central University recently hosted ECU Forward, an event to discuss the future of the university during the construction of the Dan Hays STEM Center and plans for more renovations, improvements and advancements going forward.

Speaking at the event, ECU President Wendell Godwin stated, "We are working hard on putting ECU on the path to prosperity…It's time to move ECU forward into the next hundred years."

Guests in attendance included many ECU alumni such as Oklahoma Sen. Jonathan Wingard, Oklahoma Rep. Ronny Johns, Oklahoma Senator Todd Gollihare, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh, among many others.

The guests listened to a number of speakers discussing the importance of higher education and its impact on local and rural communities. Among the attendees who spoke at the event were Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Bill Anoatubby, the recently appointed Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, Sean Burrage and Zayo Group Chairman and ECU alumni, Kevin Turner.

"Having spent most of my entire life in rural Oklahoma I know that institutions like ECU are the heartbeat of our higher education system," said Burrage.

Guests were given a glimpse of the campaigns three primary focuses, which include; faculty and staff support, student scholarship and experiences support and campus improvements such as housing expansions, renovations for fine arts facilities, upgrades for athletic facilities and the construction of the Dan Hays STEM Center.

Anoatubby, who is also an ECU alumnus, stated, "This campaign will ensure that even more students will have the opportunity to experience a university that focuses on fostering student learning and growth above all else."

Members of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO), the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) and representatives from the Chickasaw Nation and several local businesses were also in attendance.

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