HISTORY

ROOTED IN HISTORY SINCE 1974

 Murray State's involvement with the Ardmore Higher Education Center began in 1974. In the early 1980s, a building was constructed on Ardmore City Schools property. A new one was built in 2018 and named the University Center of Southern Oklahoma (UCSO). In 2021, HB2943 transferred control of UCSO; it officially became known as Murray State College in Ardmore.

CAMPUS

Today, the Ardmore campus, provides students with a variety of degree options and academic resources. Our 49,000 square foot state-of-the-art building includes four science laboratories, two nursing skills laboratories, the Academic Resource Center, study rooms, and numerous multimedia and interactive television classrooms. 

External Scholarships

Henry Bridge Scholarship Application

The funds for the Henry Bridge Scholarship are provided by the Henry Bridge Memorial Trust which was established by the estate of
Henry's son, Maurice L. Bridge. Maurice’s parents, Henry P. Bridge and wife, Nellie Bridge, were immigrants. Maurice lived in
Ardmore most of his life. He was an officer in the US Navy during WWII, an investment dealer, and the former owner of Bridge's
Jewelers. Maurice directed the income of his estate be utilized to provide financial assistance for underprivileged but ambitious young
people of Southern Oklahoma seeking post high school vocational or higher education who are unable to do so without financial aid.

Bill Darnell Scholarship Application

As the founding Director of the Ardmore Higher Education Center (now Murray State College Ardmore), Bill H. Darnell had a vision for
providing higher education opportunities for the citizens of southern Oklahoma. This scholarship articulates and reinforces that
vision in a tangible way by offering financial support for individuals who choose to remain in the area while pursuing their higher
education degree. Mr. Darnell was greatly admired by his colleagues, community members, and students.

Ada Mae Smith Scholarship Application

The Ada Mae Smith Scholarship was established with funds bequeathed by the late Ada Mae Smith. Mrs. Smith directed the funds be
awarded to eligible African American students from Carter County who enrolled in courses at the Ardmore Higher Education Center
(now Murray State College Ardmore). Originally from Valiant, Oklahoma, Mrs. Smith came to Ardmore in the early 1920s to live with
her brother. She married, moved to Denver, Colorado, and had two sons. Mr. Smith died; her two sons also preceded her in death.
Although Mrs. Smith did not have a formal education beyond grade school, she highly valued education and wanted to assist African
American students attain a higher education. She lived into her nineties.