University of Central Oklahoma

CENTRALITIES

Monday, April 13, 2026

A group of students from a previous summer camp sitting and smiling together on some stairs.

FEATURED STORY

UCO Summer Camps Inspire Creativity, Curiosity for K–12 Students

UCO will offer a variety of summer camps for children and teens, running from May through August. Designed for students in grades K-12, these camps offer a dynamic blend of fun, creativity and hands-on learning experiences.

Each camp provides participants with opportunities to explore their interests, discover new talents and build meaningful connections with peers—all while learning from expert educators and professionals. With topics ranging from engineering and golf to performing arts and athletics, UCO’s summer programs are tailored to inspire curiosity, boost confidence and encourage personal growth. Pictured are participants at a previous summer camp posing together in the UCO College of Liberal Arts building.

MotUS Minute: Build Consistency, Not Perfection

The biggest predictor of long-term health improvements isn’t intensity—it’s consistency. Regular, moderate activity like walking can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression, even when done in shorter sessions throughout the day.

Tips to stay consistent:

Schedule movement like an appointment: Block 15-20 minutes on your calendar to walk.
Break activity into shorter sessions, like three, 10-minute walks.
Mix it up with walking, jogging, cycling or strength training.

Join MotUS and track your movement in the YuMuuv app, found on the App Store or Google Play Store. A completed waiver is required to participate.

In Memoriam: Julia Maisch

Julia Maisch, a former UCO staff member, passed away April 6, after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, John Maisch, J.D., associate professor of business law at Central, in March 2022.

Services will be at 2 p.m., April 15, at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th St., Oklahoma City. Guests are asked to wear something green—Julia’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. Indicate ‘In memory of Julia Maisch’ on your gift.

Celebrate Student Employees and Interns

The UCO Office of Equal Opportunity will host a tabling event for student employees from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, and Thursday, April 16, in the Nigh University Center (NUC), first floor. Student employees will be able to pick up UCO-branded SWAG items and enjoy a variety of snacks as a token of appreciation for all that they do. Student employees will need to present their UCO ID to participate.

Additionally, student interns will be recognized at a tabling event from 2-4 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, in the NUC, second floor. Student interns can grab a snack and supervisors are encouraged to stop by and fill out a thank-you card for their interns. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still participate by emailing your message of appreciation and the recipient’s name to cshurow@uco.edu.

Call for Interview Participants: Research Study on Faculty Perspectives of Micro-Credentials

Faculty across Oklahoma's regional universities and metropolitan community colleges are invited to participate in a one-on-one interview as part of a collaborative research study examining faculty perspectives on micro-credentials. No prior experience with micro-credentials is necessary, faculty at all levels of familiarity are welcome.

Interviews are approximately 30-60 minutes and conducted via Zoom. Your insights will contribute to scholarship that centers faculty voices in an often-overlooked area of higher education.

To express your interest, complete the brief interest form.

For questions, contact Alyssa L. Provencio, Ph.D., principal investigator, at aprovencio@uco.edu or 405-974-5537.