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African American Students

Two Students Posing on Campus

African American Students

Welcome to the University of Oklahoma’s African American student page! We embody the talent and strength of the institution's core values while striving to transform and enhance the culture of the institution. This committee will ensure African American students have a voice and are heard. The University of Oklahoma seeks to increase African American student and staff representation on campus to develop strong leaders and professionals in the community. 

Resources and Events

Refer to the lists below to learn more about a variety of events and organizations dedicated to your success at the University of Oklahoma, both before and after you arrive on campus. This includes information about OU's 550+ student organizations, events that will help you learn about OU and campus life, academic and financial resources, and so much more. 

Meet Current African American OU Students

KC Onyekuru
KC Onyekuru

Mechanical Engineering | Class of 2023
From Edmond, OK

“As a Black student on OU’s campus, I’ve always searched for my community and I’ve found it in the people from Student Life and the Black Student Association. They are so supportive and helpful through it all — from school to personal life, they are always there."

Jasmine Burrell
Jasmine Burrell

Chemical Engineering - Biotechnology | Class of 2023
From Houston, TX

“When I first moved here from Texas, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to find any friends or people that looked like me. I joined organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black Student Association and found my family both inside and outside of my major."

One University, Endless Possibilities with Jackie Simmons

Students at the University of Oklahoma are empowered by the sense of family, love, and support present on and off-campus. Whether you make your mark by performing on stage, throwing yourself into a student organization, or making a lasting difference as a student leader, you’ll find your home at OU. Watch our video to hear how Jackie Simmons found her community, purpose, and home at OU.

Meet African American OU Alumni

 Alisha Wilson
Alisha Wilson

Class of 2011, Business Management
Current Occupation: Attorney & Labor Relations Analyst
From Houston, TX

"At OU, the relationships you build are second only to your education from a career-building perspective. Take every opportunity to make connections now that will last you a lifetime!"

Daylon A. Goff
Daylon A. Goff

Class of 2001, Business Administration
Current Occupation: President of JET, EBONY Media
From Kansas City, KS

"OUDNA is absolutely a real thing. Since graduating from OU and leaving Norman, my OU family has been impactful in my personal and professional life. My OU journey gave me an experience I'm proud to share in every boardroom, panel, and interview."

Sherry D. Williams
Sherry D. Williams, J.D.

Class of 1991, English
Current Occupation: Chief Legal Officer and SVP, Human Resources, Strategic Materials, Inc.
From Fort Worth, TX

"When I enrolled at OU, I had never visited the campus and did not even know where Norman was. Despite this, attending OU was a great decision. I received a world-class education, developed leadership skills that serve me to this day, and made lifelong and lasting friendships."

Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the University’s leading resources for Black students, African American Programs and Services is focused on retaining and graduating African American students by supporting them throughout their academic careers at OU. 

Project Threshold offers academic advisement, financial aid information, enrollment assistance, and tutorial services.

Diversity Enrichment Programs (DEP) supports underrepresented students and their families in the admissions process through the presentation of resources, which include events, scholarships, and community programs. DEP aims to make a difference in communities with intentional experiences that are personalized to meet the needs of each student.

Beauty and Designz Studio Lounge is a Black-owned and operated hair salon located on the first level of Headington Hall. The studio lounge aims to not only cater to ethnic hair, but to also provide a relaxing environment for both students and the community to decompress.

Overall, OU’s African American Programs and Services promote and support mentorship, leadership development, cultural support, and more to ensure Black OU students can achieve their goals.

Student Life is located in Suite 370 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union on the Norman campus. Angelique Price is the Program Coordinator and also the advisor to the Black Student Association and Freshman Action Team. Students are encouraged to visit Student Life early in their academic careers and often.

OU is home to 57 active chapters and 30% of undergraduate students are members of fraternities and sororities. All students are welcome to participate in recruitment. 

For students interested in historically Black organizations, OU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is home to over 60 members and has nine NPHC-affiliated chapters on campus (commonly referred to as the Divine Nine.) The council focuses on organizing activities that promote excellence in academics, community and campus involvement, and brother and sisterhood. 

Aerial Hobson is the Multicultural Greek Council and National Panhellenic Council Advisor. Click here to learn more about Aerial and NPHC

Scholarship money can come from an institution like the University of Oklahoma, community organizations, local/state/national entities, national organizations, sports teams, alumni societies, and more. For Black students attending OU, they may be eligible to the following:

National Award

The Office of Diversity Enrichment Programs administers National Award Scholarships and considers applicants who are in the African American Recognition Program with a 29 or higher ACT (or SAT equivalent) and a 3.5 GPA. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship with their freshman application and is not based on financial need.

Community Enrichment

The Community Enrichment Scholars program recognizes students who are involved in cultural, heritage activities supporting the values of diverse communities.

Diversity Enrichment Programs (DEP) Internship

Every year, up to 35 students are awarded the opportunity to serve as a Diversity Enrichment Programs Recruitment Intern. Interns receive a $1,500 tuition waiver for the academic year.

Students may be eligible for more scholarship opportunities. Visit OU’s scholarship page to learn more.

The Black Student Association (BSA) welcomes all students to engage in programming that is reflective of Black culture and history. BSA’s goal is to create a network of members who connect culturally in hopes of creating relationships that enhance collegiate experiences. BSA also serves as an umbrella for various cultural and academic student organizations that help serve the needs of OU students.

The umbrella organizations are the following: Essence Dance Team, Freshman Action Team, National Society of Black Engineers, National Association of Black Journalists, Student African American Brotherhood, Women of Power, Black Campus Ministries, Black Emergency Response Team, Black Faculty and Staff Association, and Black Graduate Student Association.

For information on any of these programs, students should visit Student Life in person at 900 Asp Ave., Rm. 370 or by phone at (405) 325-3163.

In 1967, a group of 90 African American students and three faculty members gathered in the basement of the Oklahoma Memorial Union to discuss the campus climate and how it affected their collegiate experience. This was the first meeting of its kind, and gave students the opportunity to meet, discuss, and connect over similar experiences, challenges, and achievements. The group reached a consensus that an organization which supports African American students was necessary for students to thrive on OU’s campus.

On November 19, 1967, the Afro-American Student Union (ASU) was recognized as an official student organization at OU. Since its creation, the ASU evolved and eventually came to be known as the Black Student Association.

With OU’s African American Programs and Services, programming takes place across campus and throughout the entire month to uplift and celebrate Black OU students. Black History Month opens with a kickoff celebration and closes with the annual Black OU Royalty Pageant.

Formally known as Black Graduation, African American Programs and Services annually hosts the Black Excellence Ceremony, where graduating students are honored. During this event, graduates receive a verbal recognition, a graduation certificate, and a complimentary Kente Clothe stole.

Connect With Us

Bizzell Memorial Library
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National Pan-Hellenic Council
African American Programs and Services

As one of the University’s leading resources for Black students, African American Programs and Services is focused on retaining and graduating African American students by supporting them throughout their academic careers at OU.