UCO Receives $283,819 in Community Project Funding from US Congress to Support Forensic Science Institute
March 4, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma recently received $283,819 from Congress via federal Community Project Funding (CPF) to support instruments, equipment and building modifications for the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI).
CPFs allow members of Congress to direct federal spending toward qualified state, local or tribal projects, such as infrastructure improvements, public facilities or nonprofit initiatives. U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) led the way in obtaining funding for UCO through the latest federal appropriations bill.
“The University of Central Oklahoma appreciates Congresswoman Stephanie Bice’s support and recognition of our outstanding students and faculty in the Forensic Science Institute. This funding allows the university to continue building the nation’s premier forensic science education program, driving workforce development in the critical area of law enforcement,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
The UCO FSI will use the funds for advanced forensic lab instruments for the chemistry, firearms and forensic anthropology/anatomy laboratories in the building’s new wing, improved technologies for crime scene processing and examination of cold cases and upgrades to the DNA and Biological Sciences teaching classrooms and research lab. A portion of the funds will also support the digital forensics program.
“It was an honor to secure funding in the recent appropriations bill for the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute. This funding is vital to provide new equipment used to train our law enforcement officers as they review Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases. UCO plays a vital role in our community, and I appreciate the hard work of President Lamb and everybody in the Broncho family. Roll ‘Chos,” Bice said.
The UCO FSI is ranked as a top institution in the nation for forensic science and is the largest, most comprehensive forensic science education program in the country. The institute has seen significant growth from its inception—from fewer than 100 students in 2009 to more than 1,000 forensic science majors.
With enrollment on the rise, the UCO FSI is planning the completion of a new wing to the facility, including expanded chemistry teaching and research labs. The Oklahoma State Legislature allocated $10 million to support the expansion last year, funding now enhanced by the CPF.
The FSI offers four Bachelor of Science degrees, four Master of Science degrees in Forensic Science and a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Forensic Science. All graduate degrees are accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
To learn more about the UCO FSI, visit www.uco.edu/fsi.
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Cutline 1: The University of Central Oklahoma recently received $283,819 from Congress via federal Community Project Funding to support instruments, equipment and building modifications for the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI). Pictured, left to right, UCO President Todd G. Lamb, U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) and John Mabry, Director and Dean of the UCO FSI, pose for a photo with a commemorative check.
Cutline 2: UCO President Todd G. Lamb and U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.) pose for a photo with UCO cabinet members and senior administrators. The university recently received $283,819 from Congress via federal Community Project Funding to support instruments, equipment and building modifications for the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI). Pictured, left to right, front row, Adrienne Nobles, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs; Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; John Mabry, Director and Dean of the UCO FSI; Bice; Lamb; Allen Wright, Vice President for Advancement; Kevin Freeman, Vice President for Finance and Operations; Stan Wagnon, Vice President for Athletics; and, Sonya Watkins, Chief Information Officer. Back row, left to right, Jason Nelson, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs and Strategic Relations; Diane Feinberg, Vice President for People and Culture; Art Cotton, Vice President for Transformative Leadership; and, Christopher Lynch, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.
