{ "title": "UCO Launches $75 Million Momentum Campaign with $23 Million Raised", "modified_at": "2026-11-06 19:27:08", "published_at": "2026-11-06 19:21:00", "url": "https://news.uco.edu/uco-launches-75-million-momentum-campaign-with-23-million-raised", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/kWoe", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Nov. 6, 2026", "slug": "uco-launches-75-million-momentum-campaign-with-23-million-raised", "body": "

The University of Central Oklahoma has launched the largest fundraising campaign in its history, with $23 million already raised toward a $75 million goal to expand student opportunity and strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce.

UCO announced the fundraising total and public launch of Momentum: The Campaign for UCO at the Momentum Gala, Nov. 5. The campaign will turn philanthropic support into scholarships, hands-on career preparation and research opportunities that benefit students and communities across the state.

During the gala, UCO also presented the Order of the Broncho to Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby, Mo Anderson and Phil Busey Sr. The honor recognizes their leadership, service and generosity and their lasting contributions to the university and the communities it serves.

Momentum centers on three priorities: expanding opportunity, strengthening the workforce and driving innovation and discovery. Support will reach programs in teacher preparation, healthcare, business, STEM and forensic science, helping students gain the education and experience to meet Oklahoma’s needs.

“As Oklahoma's third-largest university, UCO takes great pride in meeting students where they are and preparing them for success. With more than 85% of our graduates remaining in Oklahoma after graduation, our impact reaches far beyond campus and into communities across the state. Momentum is an investment in our students that builds on our legacy and strengthens Oklahoma's future for generations to come,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

Campaign opportunities span UCO’s colleges and programs, including educator preparation, healthcare training, business leadership, creative industries, public service and forensic science. Investments will help students build professional experience, support faculty and research, and strengthen learning spaces and resources.

The campaign also creates opportunities for supporters to connect their own experiences and interests with the university’s future.

“Momentum provides a powerful platform to tell the UCO story and engage alumni, friends and strategic partners in advancing a shared vision for our university and our state. Our charge is to cultivate those relationships and secure the philanthropic investment necessary to translate that vision into opportunity. Together, we can move UCO forward by expanding access to education, preparing Oklahoma’s next generation of leaders and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Allen Wright, senior vice president for strategy and advancement and president of the UCO Foundation.
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\u200bFor campaign background and resources, visit the Momentum Campaign Media Kit. To explore campaign giving opportunities, visit go.uco.edu/momentum or contact Mary Matlock, Assistant Vice President for UCO Advancement and Donor Relations, at mmatlock6@uco.edu or 405-974-3798.

About the University of Central Oklahoma: Founded in 1890, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is Oklahoma's largest metropolitan university, serving more than 12,000 students from its campus in Edmond and throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. UCO empowers students to become ethical, creative and engaged citizens and leaders through transformative learning experiences that foster academic excellence, career readiness and lifelong success. With a commitment to accessible, high-quality education, innovative programs and meaningful community partnerships, UCO connects classroom learning with real-world opportunities. As a leading contributor to Oklahoma's talent pipeline, UCO prepares graduates to meet the needs of the state's growing industries, strengthen local communities and contribute to Oklahoma's economic future.

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\n Download b-roll and video clips from the Gala.\n
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\n Kandace Taylor\n Senior Director of Communication and Engagement, UCO Office of Advancement\n \n
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