Transforming Lives.
Creating Opportunities. Driving Innovation.
Since 1993, Presidential Partners have played a vital role in advancing the University of Central Oklahoma’s mission—fueling innovation, expanding access, and preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving world. In FY26, Presidential Partner giving supported over $250,000 in support for scholarships, research opportunities, programmatic support, capital upgrades and more.
Join Presidential Partners
Make your impact today by supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
What is Presidential Partners?
Presidential Partners is a leadership giving program that directly supports high-impact student experiences at UCO. Through annual investments, partners help remove barriers, expand opportunity, and create transformative learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
Your support is flexible and strategic—fueling programs that elevate academic excellence, strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce, and enrich our campus and community.
Because of you, opportunity becomes a reality.
Where Your Investment Goes
Presidential Partners support a portfolio of high-impact programs that shape the student experience and future success.
- Elevate academic excellence
- Expand transformational student experiences
- Strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce
- Enrich our campus and community
“Experiences like these change how students see the world—and their place in it.”
“Attending conferences expands my perspective and connects me with opportunities that shape my future.”
Your Investment Matters
Your investment as a Presidential Partner helps shape the future of Oklahoma and beyond — fueling opportunity, innovation, and student success. Students are achieving more and reaching further because of you.
Looking Back. Moving Forward.
As the 17th President of UCO, Governor George Nigh launched the Presidential Partners program in 1993 with a singular goal: to unite community members in support of student success and academic excellence. This initiative reflected his enduring belief in the power of education, service, and civic partnership.
Over the years, thousands of loyal supporters have invested in strengthening the student experience at Central-a true testimony to Nigh’s vision for momentum for our great university.
Student Experiences
TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Presidential Partners funding provides access to life-changing opportunities that prepare students for leadership in a global economy.
Programs Include:
- Research and Professional Conference Opportunities
- Faculty guided Global Study Tours
- Access to universities and institutes abroad
Outcomes:
- Remove financial barriers
- Build Global Perspective
- Develop Leadership and Confidence
Research & Academic Innovation
FACULTY-STUDENT RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Presidential Partner support fuels collaborative research addressing real-world challenges across academic disciplines.
Impact Highlights:
- Student-led research with real-world application
- Conference presentations and publications
- Enhanced academic reputation
Key Research Areas:
- Cybersecurity & artificial intelligence
- Environmental & biological sciences
- Finance & investment strategies
- Behavioral & social sciences
- Forensic science (DNA Analysis & crime lab research)
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
WORKFORCE & CAREER READINESS
Mentorship opens doors for first-generation college students, offering guidance, connection and a clearer path forward. Engagement opportunities bring these relationships to life-creating meaningful, firsthand experiences for both students and mentors. As mentors witness the impact of these programs, many are inspired to deepen their involvement, choosing to invest as donors and Presidential Partners. Their giving is rooted in experience, reinforcing a powerful cycle of engagement, impact, and continued support.
Key Initiatives:
- Alumni Art Workshop and Symposium
- Mentorship Events for Health Professions, Psychology, Engineering, Nursing, Law and more
- STEM Summit
- Career Panels
Key Impact:
- Strengthened sense of community and belonging
- Direct mentorship & career connections
- Connected workforce across Oklahoma
Innovation, Art & Campus Experience
Your support advances both cutting-edge learning and cultural vibrancy.
Key Initiatives:
- Virtual Reality Criminal Justice Training
- Performing Arts and Mitchell Hall
- Upgraded Fitness Equipment
- Crime Scene Photography Cameras
- Library Digitization
Key Impact:
- Immersive, real-world learning environment
- Elevated experiences in the classroom and beyond
- Preservation of institutional history