The Robert S. Kerr Courtyard

The Robert S. Kerr Courtyard honors the late Robert S. Kerr, Oklahoma's governor, U.S. senator and leader in the energy industry. Generous support for the courtyard was provided by William G. and Joffa Kerr. and the Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation. The courtyard's lawn provides a special setting for student and alumni events, especially for the College of Engineering and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy. , Robert S. Kerr was horn on September 11, 1896, in a log cabin in Oklahoma Indian Territory near Ada, Oklahoma, where he was educated through the public school system. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University and eventually graduated from East Central Normal School in 1911. Following his graduation from college, Kerr briefly studied law at the University of Oklahoma. His studies were interrupted by his service to our country in World War I. From 1917 to 1919 Kerr served as a second lieutenant with the First Field Artillery. Upon his return to civilian life he resumed his study of law and in 1922 passed the Oklahoma Bar Exam. His law career, however, was short-lived due to his successful involvement in the oil business. He entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law James L. Anderson and by 1929 Anderson-Kerr Drilling Company had become very successful. In 1936 Anderson decided to retire, and Dean A. McGee joined the firm which changed its name in 1946 to Kerr-McGee. , In 1942 Kerr channeled the experience he had gained through successful business into the political arena. He was nominated as the Democratic candidate and was ultimately elected as governor. He was the first native-born Oklahoma governor. He served a four-year term during a turning point in the country as World War II drew to a close. As governor, Kerr worked for improvements in education and land and water conservation. Following his service as governor, Kerr was elected to the United States Senate. He was continually ranked as one of the most influential members of the Senate and was known as the “Uncrowned King of the Senate.” He was a visionary pioneer in protecting the environment and authored the book Land, Wood, and Water. He was the co-author of the Arkansas River Navigation project. He also authored legislation that expanded access to healthcare, which led to the establishment of Medicare. Kerr served in the U.S. Senate from 1948 until his death in 1963.