UCO Breaks Ground on New Business Building Addition
March 13, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the student population with the expansion of its existing Business building.
Central broke ground on the Business building addition at a ceremonial groundbreaking March 12, marking the beginning of construction on an atrium and student enrichment addition designed to enhance student experiences and learning opportunities.
The 7,700-square-foot building addition, scheduled to open in spring 2026, will transform the space to better serve College of Business students, featuring a new student lounge with a fireplace, a recreation area, study rooms and a state-of-the-art golf simulator room for the PGA Professional Golf Management program.
The expansion is made possible through the UCO Foundation and a generous donation from UCO alumnus Ronald Armstrong.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of University of Central Oklahoma alumnus Ron Armstrong, we are able to create a space that embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“The new atrium and student enrichment addition will not only enhance our College of Business but also provide our students with the resources they need to thrive and succeed in their academic and professional journeys.”
Armstrong, a native of Del City, Oklahoma, graduated summa cum laude from Central State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He notably served PACCAR for 26 years, five as CEO. Under his leadership, PACCAR set numerous records, including milestones in revenue, net income and stockholders’ equity. He was instrumental in introducing new products and expanding the company’s market share, solidifying PACCAR’s position in the industry.
The expansion project is part of UCO’s broader initiative to enhance campus facilities and resources for students, with a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. The College of Business is committed to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in their careers.
For more information about the UCO College of Business, visit uco.edu/business.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Business held a ceremonial groundbreaking March 12, marking the beginning of construction on an atrium and student enrichment addition designed to enhance student experiences and learning opportunities. Pictured, left to right, Allen Wright, vice president for Advancement at UCO; Sheila Stinson, chair of the UCO Foundation Board of Trustees; Kathryn Plunkett, a senior marketing major in the UCO College of Business and member of the Broncho Business Leaders program and a Business Ambassador; Tom Lippert, president at Lippert Bros., Inc.; UCO President Todd G. Lamb; Ronald Armstrong, UCO donor and alumnus; Jeremy Oller, J.D., Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Business; Jane McDermott, chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents; Connie Reilly, RUSO regent; and, Don Beck, founder and principal architect at Beck Design.
