Ottawa University facts for kids
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Former names
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Roger Williams University |
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| Motto |
Veritas vos liberabit
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Motto in English
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The truth will set you free |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1865 |
| Endowment | $14.3 million (2016) |
| Chancellor | William Tsutsui |
| President | Reggies Wenyika (OUKS) Dennis Tyner (OUAZ) |
| Provost | Terry Haines |
| Rector | John Holzhüter |
| Students | 4,671 |
| Undergraduates | 3,589 |
| Postgraduates | 1,082 |
| Location |
,
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United States
38°36′09″N 95°15′56″W / 38.602589°N 95.265542°W |
| Colors | Main campus: Black and gold Surprise campus: Maroon and orange |
| Nickname | Braves Spirit |
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Sporting affiliations
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Ottawa main campus: NAIA – KCAC Surprise campus: NAIA – GSAC |
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Ottawa University (OU) is a private university connected to the Baptist church. Its main campus is in Ottawa, Kansas. The university also has a second campus in Surprise, Arizona. Plus, there are adult learning centers in Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.
Ottawa University started in 1865. It works closely with the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Churches USA. The main campus in Ottawa has over 850 students. The Arizona campus has more than 900 students. In total, over 4,000 students attend Ottawa University, including online learners.
Contents
Discovering Ottawa University's Past
The idea for Ottawa University began in the 1860s. Baptist missionaries started the First Baptist Church in the Ottawa area. This land was mostly home to the Potawatomi and Odawa peoples. At the same time, Baptists in Kansas wanted to create a college. They planned to call it "Roger Williams University."
In 1860, at a Baptist meeting, a man named Rev. John Tecumseh Jones spoke up. He was from the Chippewa tribe and worked as an interpreter. He suggested that the college be built in Ottawa. He thought Baptists could work with Native Americans there. These tribes might sell some land for a college.
After talking with Native American leaders, everyone agreed. They decided to set aside 20,000 acres of land for a college. On August 20, 1862, the first group of leaders met. This group included four Native Americans and two white Baptists. They decided to buy 5,000 acres to build the campus.
In 1865, they changed the college's name. It became "Ottawa University" instead of "Roger Williams University." Over time, the campus land was reduced to about 640 acres.
Rev. Isaac Smith Kalloch was the first president. He served from 1866 to 1868. He helped build Tauy Jones Hall, which is the oldest building on campus.
Exploring Ottawa University Campuses
The first campus was founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas. People often call this campus OU.
A second campus opened in 2017 in Surprise, Arizona. This campus is known as OUAZ.
Besides these main campuses, OU also has learning centers for adults. These are located in Overland Park, Kansas, and Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Understanding University Connections
Ottawa University is connected to the American Baptist Churches USA.
The university is officially recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. This means its programs meet high standards. Its teaching programs in Kansas are also approved by other important groups. These include the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. They are also approved by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Learning and Academic Programs
Ottawa University offers many different bachelor's degree programs. Students can choose from over 25 subjects. The university also has several master's degree programs. These include business, education, and counseling.
In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Ottawa University. It was ranked third among private colleges in Kansas. It was also ranked 42nd out of 150 Midwest Regional Colleges.
Arts and Community Activities
The music department at Ottawa University holds many concerts. These events happen throughout the year. They are free and open to the public in Ottawa, Kansas. The theatre department also puts on various plays for the community. The university often hosts other community events too.
Ottawa University is home to the Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Delta. This is a national group for speech and debate. Ottawa was a founding member in 1913. The university still supports speech and debate activities today.
University Sports Teams
Ottawa Braves
The sports teams at the Kansas campus are called the Braves. The university is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They mostly play in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC). They have been in this conference since 1982.
Ottawa has 31 different sports teams for men and women.
- Men's sports include baseball, basketball, and football.
- Women's sports include basketball, softball, and volleyball.
- There are also co-ed sports like cheerleading and eSports.
The university also offers fun intramural sports programs.
Ottawa (AZ) Spirit
The sports teams at the Arizona (OUAZ) campus are called the Spirit. This campus is also part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They mainly compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). Their football team plays in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC).
OUAZ has 27 different sports teams.
- Men's sports include baseball, basketball, and football.
- Women's sports include basketball, softball, and volleyball.
- Co-ed sports include competitive cheer and dance.
Student Life and Activities
The campus in Ottawa, Kansas, has over 30 student groups and clubs. This includes The Campus, which is the oldest student-run newspaper in Kansas. Students can also join drama groups, music groups, and fraternities or sororities. There are honor societies and campus ministry options too.
The campus in Surprise, Arizona, offers music groups and academic clubs. Students can also join campus ministries. There are club teams for bowling, lacrosse, and outdoor adventures.
Notable People from Ottawa University
Many interesting people have attended Ottawa University.
- Alumni
- Wayne Angell, a former governor of the Federal Reserve.
- Mitch Barnhart, an Athletic Director at the University of Kentucky.
- Leonard Erickson, a scientist who studied DNA repair.
- Howard K. Gloyd, a scientist who studied reptiles.
- Robin Harris, a comedian.
- Marvin Harvey, a basketball coach.
- Timon Marshall, an Arena Football League player.
- Merritt C. Mechem, a former governor of New Mexico.
- John Sherman, owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
- Dorothy C. Stratton, who led the United States Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II.
- DeDe Dorsey, a National Football League player.
- Mary Watson Weaver, a composer.
