Celebrating the Graduate College Centennial

The Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma was founded as the Graduate School in 1909. Now approaching its 100th anniversary, the Graduate College boasts a dynamic history, having enriched the minds of over 50,000 students. The college has contributed not only to the intellectual and economic development of the state but also its social advancement. In 1929, the Graduate College proudly presented its first doctoral degree to Miss Mary Jane Brown. In 1949, the Graduate College led the way for university desegregation with the admission of Mr. George McLaurin to the doctoral program in education.

Dean T. H. Lee Williams and the rest of the Graduate College invite you to share in the celebration of our centennial with an overview of our history. Use the links to the left to read a brief narrative of the development of the Graduate College or view a timeline of important events. Also presented are short biographies of Graduate College deans and an index of key people in the development of the Graduate College and the University of Oklahoma.