USAO To Begin Remodel Of Historic Willard Hall
Contact: Hannah Thompson | (405) 574-1362
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma announced the start of a major remodel of Willard Hall, beginning with a demolition ceremony scheduled for Monday, August 11th, at 10 a.m.
Construction for Willard Hall began in 1919 and was completed the following spring. Willard Hall was officially opened on October 5th, 1920, as the 2nd Oklahoma Women’s College dormitory, after Nellie Sparks Hall. The dormitory was named in honor of Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard; an educator, women’s suffrage advocate, and president of the Women’s Christian Temperence Union (WCTU).
Willard Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 9th, 2001, but has remained closed since 2005.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring new life to a site that has a history as rich as Willard Hall does,” said USAO President, Kayla Hale. “As an alumna who lived there, I am determined to reintroduce a living and learning environment that is worthy of our incredible student body.”
The planned renovation will restore Willard Hall for continued use as student housing. Once complete, the dormitory will accommodate 166 students and is slated to reopen by January 2027.
About USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.