The University of Oklahoma has once again been awarded the Davis Cup in recognition of its enrollment of Davis United World College Scholar freshmen. This marks the 11th time in 13 years OU has received the award. A total of 75 Davis UWC Scholars began their studies at OU this fall.
OU enrolls the highest number of Davis United World College Scholars in the United States, with 329 scholars representing more than 100 countries. While more than 100 American higher education institutions participate in the global initiative, OU remains the only public university in the nation to receive the honor. OU enrolled its first Davis UWC Scholars in 2008.
“The Davis UWC Scholar Program’s longstanding success is a great point of pride for the University of Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Davis Scholars exemplify the leadership and global perspectives that strengthen our university community and help drive positive change in the world.”
The Davis UWC Scholars Program is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program. The first United World College opened in 1962 with the goal of building cross-cultural communication and understanding. UWC now includes 18 schools worldwide, bringing together students from more than 160 countries to complete the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum during their last two years of secondary education. Many graduates continue their studies in the U.S. through the Davis UWC Scholars Program.
“Being admitted to OU as a Davis Scholar has been a profound gift for me and my family back home in Liberia,” said Dala Korkoyah, a Davis UWC Scholar majoring in microbiology in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. “OU's commitment to UWC students has allowed me to pursue my dreams without financial barriers, and the Davis community here truly feels like a family – supportive, close-knit, and always there with personal guidance whenever I need it. This program empowers us to recognize our value, believe in our potential, and carry the courage to create meaningful change wherever we go.”
Since 2008, OU has received well over $80 million from the Davis UWC Scholars Program to support student scholarships. This year, the program's grant will surpass $12.9 million in support of OU’s UWC scholars for the 2025-26 academic year.
“Partner schools are at the heart of our program,” said Phil Geier, Ph.D., cofounder and executive director of the Davis UWC Scholars Program. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with the University of Oklahoma, as it once again demonstrates its leadership in expanding educational opportunities for promising students from all parts of the world. Congratulations on once again winning the Davis Cup.”
Learn more about OU’s program for Davis UWC Scholars at ou.edu/admissions/uwc.
