Cameron University
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Cameron University [1] (http://www.cameron.edu/) a four-year, state-funded university located in Lawton, Oklahoma, offers more than 50 degrees through two-year, four-year and graduate programs. These degree programs, emphasizing the liberal arts, science and technology and graduate and professional studies, give the university’s 6,000 students a vast array of career choices -- from computer-aided design drafting, nursing or marketing to agriculture, human ecology or teaching. Cameron is the only Oklahoma university which offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at one site.
History
Cameron’s history is as varied and exciting as the pioneer spirit which resulted in the founding of Oklahoma and reflects the many changes that higher education saw in the 20th century.
The institution was established in 1908 as the Cameron State School of Agriculture by the Oklahoma Legislature just a year after statehood. The institution is named for the Rev. E. D.C ameron, a Baptist minister and Oklahoma’s first State Superintendent of Schools. The first classes were held on Statehood Day 1909 in the basement of a bank building while a new campus building was constructed.
Cameron added junior college work in 1927 when local higher education needs exceeded what was available in Southwest Oklahoma. With this changed function came a new name — Cameron State Agricultural College. High school courses were dropped and Cameron became solely a junior college in 1941 when the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education was formed and joined the group of institutions governed by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma A&M Colleges.
Baccalaureate degrees were authorized in 1966 by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, following action by the Legislature. The institution’s name was shortened to Cameron College in 1971, then changed to Cameron University in 1974. As the 1970s continued, Cameron demonstrated its dedication to expanded academic offerings through the construction of a fine arts facility designed to serve students in theatre, music, broadcasting and speech communication.
In 1988, State Regents expanded Cameron’s functions to include offerings at the master's degree level. This change in function was the first granted to an Oklahoma institution since Cameron was given the authority to offer bachelor's degrees more than 20 years earlier.
Campus Life
Cameron’s For student convenience, most courses are offered weekdays and evenings. Cameron utilizes television, the Internet and a statewide fiber-optics network to deliver classes literally around the world. Students may participate in independent study, cooperative education, pre-professional studies, teacher certification and the Army ROTC program. In addition, Cameron offers an honors program, early admission, advanced standing and college-level examination programs.
While academics are a top priority at Cameron, an important part of the college experience takes place outside the classroom. Students are likely to find an activity which suits their talents, interests and abilities. A wide range of organizations and interest groups are located on campus, including departmental, minority, professional, political and religious organizations and various honorary and recognition societies. Students can also become involved in student government, choral groups, a jazz ensemble, theatre or Greek life.
Intercollegiate sports play an important role in Cameron’s campus life. University men play basketball, baseball, golf and tennis, while Cameron women participate in basketball, volleyball, softball and tennis. Cameron competes in the Lone Star Conference of the NCAA’s Division II.
External Link
- Official Site (http://www.cameron.edu)