For the first time in Morrill Hall’s 101-year history, a single department, English, becomes the sole occupant of the venerable building. Over the years, the historic building has lent its space to almost every department on campus. And while the structure still provides classrooms for several others, the English department occupies all of Morrill Hall’s office space. This has brought unity to the department because its entire faculty and all but one of its publication offices are now in the same building. Carol Moder, associate professor and head of the English department, says Morrill Hall is a fitting location for one of the oldest areas of study. “The English department values the university’s history and tradition and is happy to celebrate it by using a building with historical associations,” she says. Morrill Hall opened for occupancy in October 1906 as one of the largest public buildings constructed in Oklahoma Territory. Angelo C. Scott, the president of Oklahoma A&M College, proposed naming the building after Sen. Justin Morrill because of his support of the Land Grant Act of 1862. This act gave rise to America’s land-grant colleges. “Morrill Hall was named after the senator as a recognition and honor because without the land-grant bill, there would not have been a university in Stillwater,” says David Peters, who oversees OSU’s special collections and university archives. The English department moved into Morrill Hall in 1966, making it the department with the longest tenancy. The department adds to the building’s already established background and importance. “English is one of the key disciplines encouraged under the Morrill Act,” Moder says. “Our presence here is quite appropriate.” Abby Taylor and Alex Denkinska The College of Arts and Sciences opens Student Success Center Housed on the second floor of the historic Life Sciences East Building, the OSU College of Arts and Sciences Student Success Center brings together academic, pre-professional and career advising facilities in one seamless operation. Included are student academic services, career services, outreach and the pre-law and pre-health advising centers. “This center is the realization of a dream for the College of Arts and Sciences,” says Peter Sherwood, Regents professor and dean of the college. “One of the major goals of our college is to increase contact among students, faculty and advisers, and this center plays a key role in making that happen. Now students can visit one place and find all the resources they need.” The college’s student council hosted the celebration. Council president Jenny Colton says, “With the student success center and resources now available, college isn’t so scary, and students don’t have to be afraid when graduation comes.” The center houses 10 academic advisers, three career consultants and student interns, as well as seven outreach staff. The facility, which is wireless and includes four computer stations for student use, features an academic information center that permits students to become familiar with academic disciplines and programs offered at OSU. A career resources library provides job and internship search information. Students pursuing admission to medical, dental or allied health programs now can access up-todate resources and professional guidance. Lorene Roberson Phil Shockley Oklahoma State University 17 Morrill Hall Good Match for English Department
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