CUMU Conference 2017

For over a decade, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has been engaged in defining its role within the Oklahoma City (OKC) Metropolitan Area. By 2013 an enhanced physical presence developed for UCO within OKC itself, including the creation of the Academy of Contemporary Music and the CHK|Central Boathouse. Afterwards, and in accordance with UCO’s strategic plan, Vision 2020, links between OKC and workforce development needs were explored in parallel with planning for an Innovation District by the Brookings Institution and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Emerging from that planning is UCO Downtown, a flexible urban learning facility on the border of OKC’s Business District and the recently designated Innovation District. An upcoming renovation of offices and business incubators will provide additional space for the growth of UCO Downtown, as well as serving as home to Customized Education, a non-degree credit program serving metropolitan businesses. At least two cycles of enrollment have now occurred at UCO Downtown with increases of 169% in the spring semester (three cycles), 82% in the summer (two cycles), and 48% in the fall (two cycles). Indeed, programs are now beginning to anchor themselves into the OKC Downtown, including a Masters in Public Administration program and a Professional Science Masters program that will also serve adult learners. The convergence of UCO Downtown with recent recommendations by the Brookings Institution forms the basis for UCO’s goal of serving OKC’s workforce (especially in STEM) as well as the broader OKC community (Arts, Business, Education, Government, etc.).