by Megan Hornbeek Allen
Evangeline Bobb Wilson鈥檚 journey to 野狼社区 University in 1950 was as much about breaking barriers as it was about pursuing education. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation and one of the first Native American women to graduate from OCU, Wilson鈥檚 story is one of resilience, faith and the transformative power of higher education.
Beacon of Hope
For Wilson, the decision to attend OCU was both practical and personal. After beginning her higher education journey at Oklahoma Presbyterian College and then at National College in Kansas City, Missouri, Wilson sought a school closer to home that offered a co-educational environment and a focus on religious studies. Thanks to her mother, an employee of the Christian Women鈥檚 Society of the Methodist Church, she discovered OCU and was awarded a scholarship to attend.
鈥淭he situation seemed meant to be,鈥� Wilson recalls. 鈥淢y mother and father always emphasized the importance of education 鈥� not just for me, but for our community. My academic journey was a beacon of hope for friends and family, a testament to the possibilities education could bring.鈥�
Wilson鈥檚 parents were pillars of their community, with her father, Johnson Bobb, serving as superintendent of the Choctaw District of Indian Methodist Churches, and her mother, May Estelle Edwards Bobb, championing education for children and the community.
Campus Life at OCU in the 1950s
Wilson鈥檚 time at OCU was marked by a sense of belonging and discovery. Despite being among the few Native American students on campus, she felt welcomed by peers and professors alike. The Methodist student group provided a familiar and supportive environment, and Wilson fondly remembers a professor who encouraged Native American students to share hymns in their tribal languages during chapel services.
Living in a modern dormitory, attending basketball games and teaching Sunday School at a nearby Indian Methodist church were just some of the highlights of her university life. Her major in religious education and minor in psychology equipped her not only with academic knowledge but also with the confidence to navigate a world beyond the close-knit Native communities she grew up in.
鈥淚 wanted to be somewhere that felt connected to my faith and values, and OCU was that place,鈥� she shares.
A Gateway to Greater Opportunities
Wilson鈥檚 accomplishments inspired others within the Choctaw Nation and beyond. 鈥淭here were Methodist churches associated with other tribes that saw my success and began sending their youth to OCU,鈥� she explains. Her presence paved the way for future generations of Native American students, demonstrating that higher education could be a gateway to greater opportunities.
Returning to OCU last fall with her grandson was a poignant moment for Wilson. Her grandson鈥檚 interest in the university rekindled cherished memories of her days on campus and underscored the enduring impact of her OCU experience.
鈥淚 was reminded of how welcoming and supportive the campus felt,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he energy, hospitality and commitment to education are as strong today as they were then.鈥�
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Wilson鈥檚 advice to current Native American students is rooted in her belief in the transformative power of education. 鈥淗igher education provides better economic and social opportunities,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut the encouragement starts early 鈥� in middle and high school. Kids need to understand the importance of good grades and study habits to prepare for college.鈥�
Wilson鈥檚 OCU education led to a lifetime of service; her career spanned teaching, counseling and social work, which she says was all deeply influenced by the liberal arts education she received at OCU. 鈥淚t helped me become a well-rounded thinker, someone who could approach challenges with creativity and empathy,鈥� she reflects.
Lasting Connections
Today, Wilson remains a proud OCU alumna, grateful for the opportunities and relationships the university afforded her. She credits her experience with shaping her values of faith, family and education 鈥� values she has passed down through generations.
鈥淢y college degree led me to a better life,鈥� Wilson says. 鈥淥CU showed me how to be part of a global society, to appreciate what has been accomplished and to inspire others to be better. For that, I will always be thankful.鈥�
