Northern Oklahoma College was appointed by the State Regents to act as “host institution” and fiscal agent for the University Center.
When the University Center opened in 1999, it had 45 students and offered 14 degree programs.  It was housed on the campus of Conoco Phillips in Ponca City.
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The University Center Foundation began in 2001 when the UC Advisory Board established a scholarship committee with the charge to establish a foundation.  Four members were elected to serve on the Board of Trustees.  They were:  Marybeth Glass (Chair), Pat Evans (Vice Chair), Carolyn Renfro (Secretary) and Danny Thompson (Treasurer).  Ex officio members were Gary Bracken (Attorney and UC Advisory Board Scholarship Committee Chair) and Brenda Stacy (UC Director).

The intent of the foundation was to develop a scholarship program and the financial foundation to support it so that incentives could be provided to those who wished to attend the UC.  The foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public foundation on November 19, 2001. The first scholarships were awarded in the fall of 2001.

Scholarship funds have been raised through various fundraisers and contributions.  In addition, in 2006, Carl and Carolyn Renfro made a generous contribution of $300,000 (known as the Renfro Educational Fund) of which 5% of the fund balance is distributed annually to deserving students attending the University Center.

In June 2009, the property known as the former United Grocery Store, located at 2800 N. 14th St., Ponca City, OK, was gifted to the University Center Foundation.  Renovations to the building were accomplished from funds raised through a capital campaign, stimulus funds provided by the Governor’s Office and matching grants.  The University Center Foundation converted half of the 32,000 square foot space into the current facility as it stands today, and the UC opened its doors in its new location in May 2011.

The University Center Foundation continues to raise funds for scholarships and has granted approximately $250,000 in scholarships since it’s inception.  It also seeks to secure funds for the improvement of facilities and programs at the University Center.  The University Center Foundation in partnership with Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Ponca City Medical Center, and the Renfro Family Foundation started the BSN degree program in Ponca City in the fall 2013 semester.  This pilot program committed $180,000 for the next three years and provides an instructor and instruction to Ponca City.  In addition, in the fall of 2013, the UC Foundation allocated the use of $5,000 to provide scholarships for concurrent enrollment high school students.

Since 2019 the UC Foundation has received over $70,000 in grants from Phillips 66 for STEM programs for school-aged students and the creation of the Phillips 66 Create Lab.  The LEGO Robotics after school program and summer camps have become favorite programs that students look forward to each year. 

​In 2024, Phillips 66 awarded the UC Foundation at $15,000 grant earmarked for concurrent students.  Students enrolling in concurrent classes are more likely to continue and complete college after high school graduation. 

In 2024 the University Center celebrates 25 years of operation.  The University Center Foundation continues to play an important role in the development of the University Center at Ponca City’s fulfillment of its mission and vision to be an essential higher education center in Northern Oklahoma.
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More information about the University Center and Foundation can be found at the UC’s website;  www.ucponcacity.com, in addition the UC has a presence on Facebook and Instagram.