NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – For the 10th time in the past 11 years, the University of Oklahoma has been awarded the Davis Cup in recognition of its enrollment of Davis United World College international freshmen. A record 87 Davis UWC Scholars began their studies at OU last semester. The Davis UWC Scholars Program is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program.
OU also boasts the largest total enrollment of Davis United World College Scholars in the United States, with 328 scholars representing 108 countries. While nearly 100 American higher education institutions participate in the global initiative, OU remains the only public university in the nation to receive the honor.
“Being awarded the prestigious Davis Cup for the 10th time fills us with immense pride at the University of Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Davis Scholars embody service-minded leadership and a commitment to positively impact our world. As the home to hundreds of Davis Scholars over the years, OU continues to be shaped by their profound contributions, leaving an enduring mark on our university community that will resonate for years to come.”
The first United World College was established in 1962 to build cross-cultural understanding. Today, there are 18 United World Colleges on five continents, educating students from more than 150 countries. Independent committees select students from around the globe to attend their multinational United World College, where they finish their last two years of secondary education, participating in the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum. From there, many apply to and attend a Davis UWC Scholars Program partner college or university in the United States.
At OU, Davis UWC Scholars are known for being outstanding students and exceptional members of the university community. OU enrolled its first UWC Scholars in 2008. These students have received recognition as members of the President’s Leadership Class, President’s Community Scholars and as Outstanding Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. They have served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth team leaders, International Advisory Committee executive officers and as resident advisers.
"My experience at OU was enriched by the myriad of opportunities, and a strong sense of community and inclusion fostered for Davis UWC Scholars throughout the campus,” said Tenzin Tsomo, a Davis UWC Scholar and senior with a double major in community health and anthropology. “I express gratitude to the Davis Program and OU for making this possible and for their unwavering support of [UWC Davis students] in both their educational pursuits and life endeavors."
Since 2008, OU has received more than $60 million from the Davis UWC Scholars Program to support student scholarships. This year alone, the program's grant will surpass $11.5 million in support of OU’s UWC scholars for the 2023-24 academic year.
“We are so proud of the University of Oklahoma for its now longstanding commitment to advancing the cause of international understanding through the Davis UWC Scholars Program,” said Shelby Davis and Phil Geier, cofounders of the Davis UWC Scholars Program. “We remain hopeful that the relationships and educational growth taking place in Norman will serve the world well in the decades to come.”
Learn more about OU’s program for Davis UWC Scholars at ou.edu/admissions/uwc.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
