Built in 1966 to house and provide dining services for undergraduates,
Couch Center was one of the final building complexes constructed under
President George Lynn Cross' administration (1943 - 1968). Part of the
efforts of George Lynn Cross to sustain the University's growth through
the expansion and modernization of the housing system, Couch Center
allowed OU to expand by enabling the university to house 833 additional
students and providing facilities to feed even more.
Couch Center was
named for Dr. Glenn Carmer Couch (1909 - 1966). A graduate of the
University of Oklahoma, Dr. Couch rose from a job as an assistant in a
botany classroom to become Dean of the University College and one of
the most popular administrators in the school's history.
Born in July 25, 1909 in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, Dr. Couch received
his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Ecology from the
University of Oklahoma in 1931 and in 1937, respectively Couch's first
love was botany. In 1932, he began his service with the University as
a botany classroom assistant. He earned his PhD at Ohio State in 1940,
and in 1941 he returned to the University of Oklahoma to become an
associate professor of botany. As a professor, Couch worked to develop
improved teaching methods. He continued to teach students for the
remainder of his career, even after his appointment as Dean of the
University College in 1945.
When Dr. Couch was
named Dean of the University College, he was charged with advising
campus freshmen. His personal contact with nearly every student made
Couch a prominent and well-liked figure at the university.
In 1963 Couch
developed the University Scholars program, which was a tuition, fees
and book scholarship awarded to 50 top high school seniors each year
who chose to attend the University of Oklahoma. During his time as
dean of the university college, Dr. Couch also served as chairman of
the pre medicine advising committee. He continued his own scholarly
research until his death on November 5, 1966.
|
|
