Couch Center -University of Oklahoma - Norman, OK - Oklahoma Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Couch Center is located near the center of the OU campus, on the east side of Asp, just north of 4th St. Nearby are many other residential dorms, a fitness center, many restaurants, and David Burr Park. The story detailed in this marker is a very interesting one, and gives a great perspective on the type of people who helped shape the university.

Text on marker:

Couch Center

Built in 1966 to house and provide dining services for under-graduates, Couch Center was one of the final building complexes constructed under President George Lynn Cross' administration (1943-1968). Part of the efforts of George Lynn Cross to sustain the University's growth through the expansion and modernization of the housing system, Couch Center allowed OU to expand by enabling the university to house 833 additional students and providing facilities to feed even more.

Couch Center was named for Dr. Glenn Carmer Couch (1909 - 1966). A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Couch rose from a job as an assistant in a botany classroom to become Dean of the University College and one of the most popular administrators in the school's history.

Born on July 25, 1909 in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, Dr. Couch received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Oklahoma in 1931 and 1937 respectively.

Couch's first love was botany. In 1932 he began his service with the University as a botany classroom assistant. He earned his Ph.D. at Ohio State in 1940, and his 1941 he returned to the University of Oklahoma to become an associate professor of botany. As a professor, Couch worked to develop improved teaching methods. He continued to teach students for the remainder of his career, even after his appointment as Dean of the University College in 1945.

When Dr. Couch was named Dean of the University College, he was charged with advising campus freshman. His personal contact with nearly every student made Couch a prominent and well-liked figure at the university.

In 1963 Couch developed the University Scholars program, which was a tuition, fees and book scholarship awarded to 50 top high school seniors each year who chose to attend the University of Oklahoma. During his time as dean of the university college, Dr. Couch also served as chairman of the pre-medicine advising committee. He continued his own scholarly research until his death on November 5, 1966.

County: Cleveland Record Address:: NW corner of Asp and 4th St. Norman, OK U.S.A. 73062 Rate the Site: Date Erected: unknown Sponsor (Who put it there): University of Oklahoma Web site if available: Not listed

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Date Logged Log   03/20/2021 MARTES visited it 03/17/2011 Max and 99 visited it

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