Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Joe J. Struckle Education Center
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
1. Joe J. Struckle Education Center Marker
The building, known originally as Horace Mann Hall, was erected in 1935-36 to house a teacher training school. It was utilized as such until 1946 when, to fulfill a community education need, it was turned over to the Alva Public School system and became Horace Mann Elementary School. Use of the building was returned to Northwestern in 1962, and the interior was extensively renovated to make it a modern education center. Another major remodeling in 1994 revamped and updated the interior again. The building was named the Joe J. Struckle Education Center in 2000, honoring the schools president who served from 1975 to 2000.
The Bert and Janice Mackie Family
March 2012
Erected 2012.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 36° 47.789′ N, 98° 40.145′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oklahoma Boulevard (U.S. 64) and 7th Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located along the walkway on the east/front side of the subject building.
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Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and Cherokee Outlet.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: J. W. Martin Library (within shouting distance of this marker); McKeever School (within shouting distance of this marker); Fine Arts Building (within shouting distance of this marker); ΦΛΧ Commemorates Veterans of Foreign Wars from Northwestern State College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Herod Hall (about 500 feet away); Castle on the Hill Its Destruction (about 600 feet away); Castle on the Hill Its Cornerstone (about 600 feet away); Castle on the Hill - Its Design
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Joe J. Struckle Education Center Marker
Looking west; the Struckle Education Center front/main entrance is in the background.
Also see . . .
1. University names center for longtime president (The Oklahoman).
(9/1/2000) Excerpt: Joe J. Struckle was the guest of honor at an official ceremony in which the university's education center was named after him. Education in Oklahoma has benefited from the tireless efforts of Dr. Struckle, said Tom J. McDaniel who replaced Struckle as president in July. Not only did Struckle fight for Northwestern's needs, McDaniel said, "but he was an advocate of education at every level, for every person." In June, the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges approved the name change. Struckle served as president of Northwestern for 25 years. Prior to that, he served as dean of students and as associate professor of education.(Submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma Historical Society).
(By Wayne Lane) Excerpt: Physical facilities have been expanded and modernized through the years, and the university has served as both an educational(Submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)and cultural center of northwest Oklahoma. Eighteen men have served as its president, the longest tenure being that of Dr. Joe J. Struckle from 1975 to 2000.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20243. Joe J. Struckle Education Center (east/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
