Couch Center

Couch Center. . 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 on 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 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 freshman. 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.