Student Spotlight: Danny Morales
When searching for a new community to spend the following four years after high school, Danny Morales from Bethany prioritized a welcoming and open-minded environment. After visiting the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma and falling in love with its art program, Morales knew this was the perfect place.
"Previously, I didn’t even plan to attend college,” said Morales. “USAO enticed me with scholarships and an interesting art department, but I stayed because of the community and I realized I was learning so much more than just how to be an artist.”
Morales chose the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, viewing it as an opportunity to learn new skills and crafts under the guidance of professional artists. Continuously learning new techniques from professors, Morales also finds time to assist fellow students with their research projects, including one focused on the foods students crave when stressed and another testing the grip strength of different students.
“When I first started here, I severely lacked confidence,” said Morales. “Giving a presentation felt like the end of the world, and I would get sick every time I had to do any sort of public speaking. Now, I still get anxious, but I have grown enough that I can speak confidently to a room of people. USAO’s classes pushed me in the right ways to develop leadership skills and self-esteem.”
Morales' steady growth on campus is evident through active involvement in various extracurricular activities. Currently, Morales serves as the Co-PR chair for the USAO Art Club and represents off-campus and commuter students in the Student Government Association. Previously, Morales was an active member of the United Hispanic Council and the American Indian Student Alliance.
After graduating in 2025, Morales plans to join a studio specializing in installation or performance art. Eventually, Morales aims to go independent, build a personal collection of works, and ultimately become a professor to share their knowledge with future artists.
“Going to college isn’t just about a degree,” said Morales. “It’s about gaining interpersonal skills, fostering leadership abilities, and gaining confidence. It’s about learning how to serve your community and how to participate in society. I can’t think of a better way to spend my early 20s than in an educational environment surrounded by people who are helping you grow into a better person."
If you or someone you know would like the same supportive community that Morales has, become a Drover! Applications for the Fall 2024 semester are now open. Complete your application at usao.edu/apply.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.