About Us

Mission: The University Center at Ponca City’s mission is to make Bachelor level and higher degrees available for those would not otherwise be able to pursue their educational goals.

History: The University Center at Ponca City was established in March 1999 through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to serve the needs of adults seeking a higher education in Northern Oklahoma under the name the University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma.

This unique pilot program opened its doors in Ponca City because there were no other major Universities in the immediate area. The first semester in the fall of 1999 started with an enrollment of 45 students offering 14 degree programs.

In 2006 the name was changed to the University Center at Ponca City to establish the relationship between the UC and Ponca City.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. Brenda Stacy, Director, the University Center has matured to an average enrollment of 350 students per semester. There are now 66 different degree programs to choose from through affiliations with 13 accredited higher education institutions.

The University Center at Ponca City has served over 6,000 students since opening its doors with over 667 graduates through May of 2009. There are over 600 classes offered each semester. In the fall of 2008 241 ITV classes were held at the University Center each week. Of the 66 degree programs 27 are Bachelor programs and an impressive 39 are Master programs.

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8 am to 10 pm, Sat 8 am to 5 pm, and Sun 1 pm to 5 pm.

Facilities: The University Center at Ponca City is located in the North Tower of the ConocoPhillips complex. There is approximately 5000 sq. ft. of instructional space that includes 14 Interactive Television (ITV) Classrooms and 2 Computer Research Labs. There is an additional 2100 sq ft which includes parking for 200 vehicles, 5 administrative offices, a copy room, storage space, and a student common area equipped with snack and vending machines.

Staff: The University Center at Ponca City under the leadership of Dr. Brenda Stacy, Director, also includes an Assistant Director, Technology Director, Student Services Coordinator, Student Services Assistant, Marketing Director, Classroom Facilitators and Test Proctors.

Classes:. The courses at the University Center at Ponca City are delivered by other institutions via distance learning. The three types of distance learning are:

Interactive Television (ITV): Interactive Television courses are broadcast live from the delivering institution. You watch the class on television and talk to the instructor during televised class time by utilizing microphones and the ITV studio.

Online Instruction (Internet): Online Instruction is delivered through the Internet. You need a computer with Internet access as well as a printer. You can log-on at your own convenience and work at your own pace. You may work at home, at your work site, or use the computer labs at the UC. If necessary the UC staff can proctor tests for you at no charge.

On-site instruction: Some institutions have chosen to provide On-site Instruction. In these cases, faculty members from the institution come to Ponca City to deliver the instruction. You come to the University Center at Ponca City to take the class.