University of Central Oklahoma - Bronze Book Yearbook (Edmond, OK)

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BELOW—Dr. Godfrey studio the architect's sketch of the proposed Central Cafeteria. BELOW—Inspection is made of the University Center cafeteria by the regents and others. Clearly, the job would not be easy. But he had never set for himself the easy-to-reach goals, the simple tasks. It was, indeed, a challenge—one that would call for all his courage, his knowledge and experience, his calmness-in-a-storm personality in the years ahead. As the students came pouring in-—4,000 his second year. 8,000 by the Mathematics and Business. Living was easier, parking more plentiful, but the land area was filled and the campus hemmed in by rent houses, fine old homes-turned-apartment-houses. and a few single residences. Where would he find space for the urgently needed new classroom buildings, a larger library, and athletic facilities? Years of Growth ... end of his fifth year, over 10,000 by the end of the decade, and finally over 12,000 in 1974—space had to be found, and fast. Students crowded three to a room in Murdaugh and Thatcher Halls, married students tried to make-do in the old barracks of Cen-tralville. But money, he discovered, could be “borrowed” through sale of self-liquidating bonds for buildings that could bring in an income and pay for themselves. That first fall, plans were approved for the two new dormitories—East and West Halls—more than doubling the on-campus living area. Soon they were joined by a large cafeteria and a banquet room, now more than a single dinner-meeting could be held on campus at the same time. Later, Cen-tralville came down, handsome brick apartment complexes went up for married students, more wings were added to the dorms, and one wing of the Administration Building was constructed. Because of Central’s rapid growth, the school qualified for state funds from a building bond issue in 1966. New structures were built for A few more acres were purchased with school land money and a larger stadium and modern Field House were completed, expanding the campus to the north. But again, that was the end of the space. An Urban Renewal project saved the day — and perhaps the entire future of the school itself, — stretching the campus to 200 acres . . . space to grow into. The $3.2 million University Center, financed without tax funds, was dedicated in 1967. The old Union was converted to academic use by the growing Art Department. In 1967, the four-story Library was added, fulfilling a dream for the one-time-student-librarian who saw such a facility as the focal point for quality education. From holdings of 60,000 volumes, it grew to some 400,-000 volumes during his tenure and was acclaimed one of the finest microfilm and microfische libraries in the country. The old library building was completely remodeled to provide a home for Journalism, Oral Communication and Broadcasting, Student Publication, Public Information, 21

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ABOVE—Ashbury Smith and Dr. Godfrey study plans for a new building, the erection of which (BELOW) brings smiles of pleasure. ABOVE—A memorable occasion. Ground is broken for Central’s new Administration Building. ABOVE—Dedication ceremonies are held for the Broncho Fieldhouse and Wantland Stadium complex. 20

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Photographic Services, and KCSC. A Home Economics Building was constructed in the center of the old football field and Industrial Arts was enlarged. The Liberal Arts Building—the largest single academic structure on campus—was ready to use in 1969 as well as an addition to Fine Arts. Other buildings on campus were remodeled and air conditioned. townspeople on hand for the historic moment, the pattern for becoming a University in fact was already well on its way. Looking back on the many changes at CSU during his 15 years. Dr. Godfrey sees the new academic programs as among his most successful ventures. From the beginning. he pushed for expansion of the ... and Important People Several were enlarged. And parking areas were designated in between. And Dr. Godfrey continued to plan—well beyond the years he would be at the head of the institution. On the drawing boards awaiting funds are other structures he had hoped to see completed—a little theater, a large auditorium, a general purpose classroom building, expansion of the Business building, and others ... a man of wisdom whose “reach exceeds his grasp.” Reorganization of the college along university lines was started two years before the name change became a reality. Students, faculty and administrators worked endless hours under his leadership, completely restructuring the programs. Divisions were dropped: departments were regrouped into schools led by deans: three vice-presidential positions were set up under which administrative, academic and student services could be administered more efficiently. When Governor David Hall signed the bill turning Central State College into Central State University in the jam-packed Ballroom with thousands of students, faculty and curriculum as steadily as for land and buildings. Many new majors were added—in nursing, computer science, safety education, funeral service, political science, military science, journalism, broadcasting, vocational education, a bureau of government services, a commercial art department . . . Other programs were revised to meet the needs of the growing student body in the space age and beyond. Tremendous growth came to the Business School, especially in evening classes, and the new Master of Science in Business Management along with the expanded Master of Education degrees and the Master of Arts in English vastly increased the graduate enrollment. With full accreditation of the new master’s degrees by North Central, the door opened to new programs as well. Dr. Godfrey still looks toward the day when CSU will offer the Specialists Degree, and the Doctorate in Education. An expanded adult education program and others that are in the long-range plans developed for the University. 22 BELOW—Dr. Godfrey escort Chancellor K.T. Dunlap on a tour of the campus.