USAO Foundation Launches $100 Million Endowment Effort
The USAO Foundation achieved a 32.7% investment return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, ranking the university in the 1st percentile nationwide among all endowments and university foundations. Over the same period, total foundation assets expanded to $27.7 million, bolstered by more than $7.1 million in investment gains over the past year alone. This significant increase is a display of the Foundation’s momentum toward their $100 million endowment goal.
“Our endowment fund is an investment in our students’ potential and the long-term future of USAO,” said Dr. Kayla Hale, President of USAO. “Every step towards our goal expands opportunities for our campus, and we look forward to what lies ahead.”
The Foundation also secured a top 1st percentile ranking across the two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year trailing periods, demonstrating consistent, long-term portfolio growth. Foundation leadership attributes this performance to strategic oversight by the Foundation Finance Committee led by Dr. Mari Fagan, close advisory collaboration with Mariner Institutional, and First National Bank & Trust Company to optimize and manage its mineral asset portfolio throughout the year.
To build upon this financial momentum, the USAO Foundation has also appointed new members to its Board of Trustees: Cameron Johnston, Allison Patel, Dr. Rockey Talley, and Chris Angel.
Cameron Johnston is a longtime Chickasha resident who is both an attorney, certified public accountant, and a partner and owner of Angel, Johnston & Blasingame, P.C. Cameron has emphasized that joining the Board of Trustees is an opportunity to give back to his hometown and support an institution that is important to Chickasha and southwest Oklahoma.
The incoming trustees add expertise in finance, strategic planning and community engagement as the Foundation strengthens its long-term endowment support for academic programs, scholarships and campus initiatives.
“We have added exceptional individuals to our board who bring fresh perspective, thorough experience and energetic leadership,” said Shelby Hurst, the USAO Foundation’s Director of Development and External Relations. “We are intentionally cultivating a board positioned to sustain this progress, uphold our fiduciary standards and ensure USAO continues to thrive well into the future.”
About USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362