For 139 years, Bacone College has served as more than another building of higher education. Founded as Indian University in 1880, the school began classes in “Indian Territory” well before Oklahoma was formed.

In 1880, with violent skirmishes still raging throughout the West, one missionary teacher gathered three, then ten, then fifty students. The college steadily gained support from local tribes, widespread churches, and distant philanthropists. Our first students were not even considered US citizens.  In fact, our first student families arrived here after forced removal from their generational homes back east – in places such as Georgia, Florida, & Alabama – a short generation before.

Bacone College was not formed as an “ivory tower” escape from the world.  Instead, it was planted in the midst of upheaval and conflict. Bacone was founded to inspire students to rise above the injustices of their day. 

Today, our student body includes women and men from diverse backgrounds: Tribal, Hispanic, African-American, and Anglo. Likewise, the best of our Christian heritage undergirds our life together  – without mandating it for anyone. 

Bacone was founded to equip students to not just enter the world — but to help them transform their world.  Our students still are given the knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as successful leaders – now in the 21st Century.  Join us!