STILLWATER, Okla.) –Oklahoma State University equine students will soon be able to attend classes, conduct lab work and build experience all in one convenient location thanks to the addition of the Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center.

OSU held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 30 at the site of the new multimillion-dollar facility, which will be open for classes next spring. The facility will continue to build on the rich history of OSU’s world-class equine program.

“Facilities don’t transform things – they create a place for people to transform things,” OSU President Burns Hargis said. “Students need proper facilities to succeed. The Clines are a wonderful example of donors with a passion for students realizing that need and stepping forward to make a difference. I want to thank them for their vision and investment.”

Thomas Coon, vice president, dean and director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, said the state-of-the-art facility is a fitting tribute to the Cline family. “We are so grateful to Linda Cline for her support, which made this dream a reality. Today is a celebration of Linda’s generous decision to memorialize her love and partnership with her late husband, Charlie,” Coon said.

The Clines married in 1957 and found success in their personal and professional lives. They first established Cherokee Lines Trucking Company, which peaked at more than 100 trucks and even more trailers, hauling across the 48 contiguous states from 1963 to 1990.

As they were transitioning to retirement, they created Char-Lin Ranch near Cushing, Oklahoma, in 1987. It started with 17 horses and grew to more than 2,500 cattle and 300 horses as it became a renowned producer of registered Quarter Horses and Angus cattle. Their show horse operation earned more than 200 World and Reserve World Championships before downsizing in recent years. Their first buckskin colt, C.L. Buckley, became a legend in the halter-horse industry, siring more World Champions in the buckskin associations than any other stallion in the registry.

Neither Cline attended OSU, but they credited much of their success to the faculty’s willingness to visit the ranch, work with the family and teach them about the horse business. They became passionate for the university where their daughter, Amy, earned a journalism degree and their son, Cary, now has two daughters who are current students.

“I’m so proud of the things happening at OSU,” Linda Cline said. “My husband loved horses, and I still do. Thank you, Oklahoma State, for all you do and allowing us to be involved.”

Curriculum will include lectures in horse science, equine training and horse judging. Labs will cover equine breeding, nutrition and health.

The facility will provide meeting space for the Equine Advisory Committee, 4-H Horse Council, horse-owner workshops, 4-H workshops, and producer and industry meetings. The indoor arena will host teaching and training classes, hands-on labs, judging team practice, and year-round workshops, clinics and demonstrations without fear of weather issues.

The Foaling Center’s watch room will allow students and faculty to continuously monitor mares without disruption.

Coon discussed OSU’s importance to the state’s equine industry, which employs more than 35,000 people and adds more than $3.6 billion to the economy.

“Animal science is one of OSU’s largest majors with 902 students, about half of whom say the horse is their primary species of interest,” Coon said. “The Cline Equine Center will provide those students an even better education and hands-on experience than they ever had before. It will also inspire many future generations to follow the Cline family’s example of turning a passion for horses into professional success.”

For more information about the facility and ways to support equine studies at OSU, contact Kathy McNally of the OSU Foundation at 405-385-5606 or kmcnally@OSUgiving.com.

###

CUTLINE INFORMATION:
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Oklahoma State University Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center took place April 30 on the university’s Stillwater campus. Pictured from left are: OSU alumnus Rick Davis of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents; Kirk Jewell, president of the OSU Foundation; OSU alumna Lou Watkins of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents; Thomas Coon, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Amy Cline and donor Linda Cline of Cushing; First Cowgirl Ann Hargis and OSU President Burns Hargis. (Photo by Todd Johnson)

REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Jacob Longan
OSU Foundation
400 S. Monroe Street
Stillwater, OK 74074
Phone: 405-338-5612
Email: jlongan@OSUgiving.com

About the OSU Foundation
The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

About OSU
The OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources believes in the value of hands-on education and the importance of having a well-rounded student experience. Our award-winning faculty members are dedicated to developing students and passionate about adding value to the total educational experience. With 16 majors and 62 study options, plus more than 60 student organizations, the college is committed to expanding minds and inspiring purpose. Learn more at casnr.okstate.edu.