East Central University

for faculty salaries so classes could begin that fall in local churches and public school classrooms. Graduates of the normal school program received lifetime teaching certification statewide. The 1910 Oklahoma Legislature funded faculty salaries and the construction of a building on a 16-acre (65,000 m2) site donated by a Chickasaw allottee. In 1919, the normal schools were authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature to offer four years of teacher education, to offer bachelor's degrees, and were designated teachers' colleges.
From 1910 to 1960, East Central operated Horace Mann Training School, a teacher education program. From its inception, the training school focused on elementary and junior high students. In 1925, Horace Mann added older students. In 1953, a new Horace Mann building was completed where the program was housed until Horace Mann Training School was discontinued in 1960.
Expanding beyond education degrees, in 1939 the school became "East Central State College". Fifteen years later, the regional colleges …