100 Years of Service Timeline
1926
Altus Junior College established
AJC is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in Oklahoma.
WOSC Story. 21 students enrolled in the Fall of 1926.
AJC Mascot
AJC Green Giants
1933
Emily Smith
appointed dean of AJC from 1933 to 1946.
1933-1936
Enrollment increased
AJC was hailed as a "minor educational miracle." During Smith's tenure enrollment dramatically increased from 10 to 219, the debate team won a national championship, and a powerhouse football team emerged. In 1939 Smith responded to the Civil Aviation Act by becoming a ground school instructor and pilot to meet the increased need for qualified pilots with the expected onset of World War II.
1936
Girls Dormitory
Girls dorm established to house 12 students.
1939
First Ground School Instructor
Smith responded to the Civil Aviation Act by becoming a ground school instructor and pilot to meet the increased need for qualified pilots with the expected onset of World War II.
1946
A. G. Steele
appointed dean of AJC from 1946 to 1960.
1960
Ora Littlejohn
appointed dean of AJC from 1960 to 1967.
1967
Cecil Chesser
appointed dean of AJC from 1967 to 1974.
1960
"Technological Leader"
AJC was featured in the Daily Oklahoman as a technological leader that offered hands-on computer training and an up-to-date language laboratory.
1971
WOSC Pioneers
Western mascot named the Pioneers (were previously the Pirates, then Owls)
1973
Western Baseball
Western Baseball was created.
1974
Became Western Oklahoma State College
by an act of the Oklahoma State legislature.
W. C. Burris
Western's first president from 1974 to 1990.
1975
Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball was created.
1976
Distance Learning began
In fall 2005, there were 150 students enrolled in distance learning courses. It first offered distance learning courses in 1976.
1977
Men's Basketball
Men's Basketball was created
1978
Cheerleading
Cheerleading / Pioneer Dolls was created
1990
Stephen R. Hensley
Appointed the 2nd president from 1990 to 1995.
1995
Ray Brown
Appointed the 3rd president from 1995 to 1998.
1998
Randy Cumby
Appointed the 4th president from 1998 to 2011.
2011
Dr. Phil Birdine
Appointed the 5th president from 2011 to 2018.
2018
Dr. Chad Wiginton
Appointed 6th president from 2018 to present.
From left: Randy Cumby, WOSC’s fourth president, Dr. Phil Birdine, WOSC’s fifth president, and Dr. Chad Wiginton. WOSC’s sixth president
2026
100 Years of service!
Alumni strong!
#wearewestern
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.