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A Century of Leadership


Feb 28, 2026 -- maegan.martin
Past Presidents
Past Presidents
For 100 years, Western has been guided by strong, dedicated leadership, from shared high school classrooms to a thriving state college. In the early days as Altus Junior College (AJC), leadership looked a little different than it does today!
 
Fun Facts from the Beginning:
• Faculty were also employees of Altus Public Schools and taught high school classes.
• Part-time AJC faculty were paid directly from student tuition.
• The very first AJC budget was just $150.
 
Before Western became a state college in 1970, Altus Public Schools Superintendents also served as President of AJC, while Academic Deans played a major role in overseeing the college’s daily operations.
 
Altus Superintendents Who Served as AJC Presidents:
• M.L. Cotton (1924–1933)
• A.G. Steele (1933–1948)
• Clifford Peterson (1948–1970)
• Chancellor E.T. Dunlap (1970–State System)
• W.C. Burris (June 1971)
 
Academic Deans Who Helped Shape AJC:
• Powell Boyd (1926–1933, part-time)
• Emily Smith (1933–1943)
• A.G. Steele (1943–1946; 1948–1961)
• Ora Littlejohn (1961–1964)
• Cecil Chesser (1964–1986)
 
When Western officially became a state college, a new era of presidential leadership began. Since that time, Western has been led by six presidents:
Western Presidents:
•Dr. W.C. Burris (1974–1990)
•Dr. Stephen R. Hensley (1990–1995)
•Dr. Ray Brown (1995–1998)
•Mr. Randy Cumby (1998–2011)
•Dr. Phil Birdine (2011–2018)
•Dr. Chad Wiginton (2018–Present)
 
From a $150 budget to 100 years of excellence, Western’s legacy has always been rooted in visionary leadership and a commitment to students. Here’s to the leaders who built the foundation, and to those who continue shaping the next century.
 
 
 

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What is Western Oklahoma State College?

  • About

    Western Oklahoma State College, established as Altus Junior College in 1926, is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in Oklahoma...
    [About WOSC]

  • Vision

    Western Oklahoma State College aspires to be the outstanding and innovative community college known for its focus on student success and its service to community and regional development.

  • Mission

    The mission of Western Oklahoma State College is to provide high quality education while ensuring equity, supporting student success, and empowering individuals to become productive members of diverse local, regional, and global communities.