Published: November 11, 2005 11:59 pm         

New campus scheduled in Woodward

ALVA — A Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus in Woodward — complete with its own property and building — is closer to becoming a reality.

A proposal by NWOSU to lease 40 acres of land in Woodward to construct a permanent campus was approved Friday by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges, the school’s governing body. The regents met in Alva.

Regents approved a 100-year lease agreement with Oklahoma State University to secure 40 acres of land on 34th Street just west of the Field Station Lake and near the intersection of Downs Avenue. Northwestern will construct a $2.5 million general classroom and office building at the site, with construction expected to begin in spring 2007.

“Today marks an important milestone for the future of Northwestern and the future of Woodward,” said Northwestern President Paul Beran. “A permanent facility in Woodward has been on the drawing board for almost 10 years, and I am thankful that the hard work of so many people is being rewarded today.”

Beran said he believes NWOSU will have the opportunity to gain a number of new enrollees with an independent campus. Students currently take classes in the First American Bank building. They also were held at High Plains Technology Center and Woodward High. About 225-250 students are enrolled at classes in Woodward now, from freshmen to graduate-level courses.

“I think it’s got the opportunity to expand into 400 or 600 students,” Beran said.

Beran said NWOSU probably would add more Internet and interactive TV offerings in Woodward.

NWOSU enrollment has grown about 6 percent over the last five years, a major feat considering the way demographics have decreased, he said.

Easley and Associates is the architect firm for the proposed campus. A committee is set to begin to discuss the concept for the new building. The committee will be chaired by Deena Fisher, dean of the Woodward campus.

“Dr. Fisher has done a remarkable job in serving the students of Woodward in less-than-perfect conditions,” Beran said. “I am proud of her service to Northwestern, but I am more proud of her commitment to her students. It is that kind of commitment to students that makes Northwestern a great university.”

Beran said the cooperation and work of many people led to the acquisition of the land. He especially cited the work of state Rep. Jeff Hickman, LaVerne Phillips of the Woodward Industrial Foundation and OSU regents Doug Burns and Terry Peach. He also lauded the support of Woodward and the Southern Plains Research Station.

“Many people came together to make this deal work,” Beran said. “A lot of time and energy was put into this effort and I want to thank all of the parties involved for their willingness to assist Northwestern.”

Northwestern will pay for the project using proceeds from a $475 million capital improvement bond issue approved by the Oklahoma Legislature last session.

Legislation passed in 1996 established the Woodward branch of Northwestern along with a branch in Enid.

Beran thanked state Sen. Owen Laughlin and former state Reps. Elmer Maddux and Clay Pope for beginning the legislative process to secure state funding for the building=