ADA, Okla. – In 2023, East Central University announced the launch of a campaign that would see the construction of a new STEM Center on the ECU campus that would also house the ECU Nursing Program.
The groundbreaking for this new state-of-the-art facility, located at the corner of N. Francis Ave. & E. 9th St., took place over the summer of 2024 with representatives from the State of Oklahoma, City of Ada, Valley View Foundation and Chickasaw Nation in attendance.
ECU is now pleased to announced that this newest addition to the university’s campus will be named in honor of Chickasaw citizen, Dan Hays.
“We are pleased East Central University is honoring Chickasaw citizen Dan Hays, whose generosity and vision of the future has had a powerful impact on education throughout the Ada area, the Chickasaw Nation and beyond," said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "It is fitting that ECU's new STEM center should bear the Hays name as a tribute and testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and education."
Hays, who possessed an allotment of 320 acres of land across what is now Ada, Okla., recognized the significance of establishing what was then named East Central State Normal School in the region.
Following approval for the normal school by Gov. Charles N. Haskell in 1909, Hays quickly stepped forward to donate 16 acres of his own land, his only stipulation being that he be allowed to remain in his home, which was also located on the 16-acre allotment.
The chosen acreage, allotted by Hays, allowed for ECU’s first building, Science Hall, to be constructed at the end of Ada’s Main Street.
An article featured in the May 6, 1909, edition of the Ada Evening News reported by Col. E.H. Lucas stated, “The acceptance of the proposed site will mean that the normal school would be located in that magnificent location, avenue style, at the end of East Main Street. From this point, the view could not be more excellent. To stand in the center of the business section of Main Street and look at the point proposed for the location on the east side must bring from anyone an involuntary expression of approval, for it is the prettiest site I ever saw.”
Construction quickly began and the students of East Central Normal School were blessed to begin their second year of classes in their very own building by the fall semester of 1910, thanks to the generous donation of Dan Hays.
In honor of Hays significant contribution, and the longstanding relationship that it helped forge between ECU and the Chickasaw Nation, ECU President Wendell Godwin has announced that the university’s newest addition will be named in honor of Hays, himself.
“We are proud to embrace the Native American legacy on our campus, and this is an excellent way to memorialize the original gift from the Hays’ family,” said Godwin. “The Chickasaw Nation has been a driving force in the region’s educational successes for decades. East Central University is excited to highlight the native theme and décor that will be illustrated throughout the Dan Hays STEM Center to further demonstrate our appreciation. Our community is excited to watch the construction over the next 18 months.”
Among the highlights of this two-floor facility include a simulation center, more than 25 hands-on learning labs and STEM classrooms equipped with the latest technology to benefit both STEM and Nursing students.
The construction of this new building and expansion of the nursing program is expected to generate a 200% increase in nursing graduates from ECU. Historically, 84% of nursing graduates stay in Oklahoma five years after graduation and 75% of students are accepted into medical school. Nursing, Math and Computer Science are some of the universities largest and fastest growing degree programs.
The average pass rate for the ECU School of Nursing on the registered nurses NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is 97% while the national average is 82%.
This expansion will allow ECU to recruit a number of new staff and faculty as well as more than 200 new nursing students to the university and community.
The new facility will serve to reaffirm ECU’s commitment to educating students and to transforming students’ lives for generations to come.
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