Dan Hays memorialized in bronze for educational contributions

ADA, Okla. — The Chickasaw Nation and East Central University (ECU) came together Aug. 28 to unveil a large bronze statue of the late Chickasaw philanthropist Dan Hays. More than 100 students, tribal officials and university administrators gathered at the prominent Bill S. Cole University Center Courtyard, located on the university’s campus, to recognize the contributions Hays made to his community.

“Today we commemorate the immeasurable impact of Chickasaw citizen Dan Hays,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby said. “His contribution to the university continues more than a century later — to enhance education, opportunity and growth in the Ada area and beyond.

“The Dan Hays Statue will stand as a lasting testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of community. It will serve as a symbol of his profound support of advancing educational opportunities,” he said.

The 7-foot-tall bronze statue of Hays sits on a large pedestal, giving Hays a commanding view of campus. Artist James Blackburn provided many small, encoded messages within the statue for viewers to find. These details include Hays’ attire and his orientation facing east, toward his tribe’s historic Homeland, among others.

Representatives from the Chickasaw Nation attending the unveiling included Governor Anoatubby; Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus and ECU alumnus Bill Anoatubby; Chickasaw Nation Lt. Governor and ECU alumnus Scott Wood; and Chickasaw Nation Commissioner of Health Policy Dr. Judy Goforth Parker, a former professor of nursing at the university. Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Culture and Humanities Lisa John, who led the tribe’s involvement on the sculpture project, also attended, among others.

Following a welcome by ECU President Wendell Godwin, Chickasaw citizen Gabrielle Nucosee recited the Lord’s Prayer. Nucosee currently serves as Miss Native American ECU.

“We honor the life and the legacy of Dan Hays,” Godwin said. “We are unveiling a sculpture that serves as a lasting reminder of his impact on our university, community and even the state of Oklahoma.”

Blackburn roughly modeled the sculpture from a photo of Hays. According to Blackburn, the sculpture shows him wearing suspenders beneath his jacket. Added to Hays’ hand in the sculpture is an atlas. The atlas symbolizes ECU students going out into the world. Another small book in his hand is intended to be the Bill of Rights.

Blackburn added that the clothing was also carefully researched to reflect the era, right down to the pointed toes of his shoes. From ideation to unveiling, the sculpture took more than 14 months to complete.

Hays played a key role in bringing East Central Normal School, now known as East Central University, to the region. When the school was approved in 1909, Hays donated 16 acres of prime real estate at the end of Ada’s Main Street for the college’s future campus.

“The bronze monument honors the life of Dan Hays and his contributions to the City of Ada and East Central University,” Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Performing and Visual Arts Marcus Milligan said.

Hays had one condition for the college to be built on his land allotment. He wanted to stay living in the home he built on the property. That home still stands as an Ada landmark at the intersection of 17th Street and Francis Street.

The first building to be built by the college was Science Hall. Science Hall continues to be praised for its majestic look and beauty, providing an anchor to Ada’s Main Street.

Hays would later donate another parcel of land to the City of Ada for the construction of an elementary school. The city named the school Hayes Elementary School in his honor. Although the school’s name uses a different spelling, it recognizes the legacy of Dan Hays.

This large bronze statue is not the first association between the Chickasaw Nation and ECU that celebrates Hays’ contributions to the university. The university’s Hays Native American Studies Center was dedicated in 2005. The center continues to serve as a hub for ECU’s Native American Studies program.

The center hosts First American art, student organizations, classes and cultural programs in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation. ECU currently reports that more than 13% of its student body self-identifies as First American.

“Through his philanthropy, Dan Hays fostered a connection between ECU and the Chickasaw Nation that remains strong,” Governor Anoatubby said. “As we honor the ongoing impact of Mr. Hays’ vision and generosity, we also celebrate our enduring partnership with the university and all we continue to accomplish together.

Additionally, ECU has named the new STEM center on campus in honor of Hays. The 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will house the university’s school of nursing. According to ECU, the facility is expected to generate a 400% increase in nursing graduates from the school.

Hays’ role paved the way for many successful ECU alums. These include former governors of Oklahoma Robert S. Kerr and George Nigh, former governor of Arizona, U.S. Sen. and Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland, and former U.S. Rep. Lyle Boren.

“We are grateful for the Chickasaw Nation’s continued friendship and partnership with East Central University, as well as its commitment with sharing and preserving the stories of those that have shaped our region,” Godwin said.

“This ceremony celebrates more than the addition of a beautiful work of art to our campus. It celebrates the values Dan Hays embodied, leadership, service and a commitment to creating opportunities for others,” Godwin said. “Students, employees, alumni, and visitors will pass this sculpture for generations to come. Some will know the story of Dan Hays, others will see the sculpture and be inspired to learn more.”

About the artist

A premier artist, Blackburn has other sculptures found within the Chickasaw Nation. Blackburn’s previous commissions for the Chickasaw Nation include a bronze statue of famed Chickasaw Governor Douglas H. Johnston located at the Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Other works include the sculptures “Lighthorse” and “Owwatta.”

“Lighthorse” is a historic rendition of a Lighthorse officer as he rides through what was then Indian Territory. The statue stands in front of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department in Ada. “Owwatta” (they’re hunting) can be found at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur. This large bronze statue depicts early Chickasaw warriors wearing traditional Chickasaw regalia and hairstyles as they hunt with traditional weapons.

In 2011, Blackburn was commissioned by the Chickasaw Nation to illustrate “The Historic Map of the Unconquered and Unconquerable Chickasaw People.” This 8x12-foot granite and marble historic map has become a permanent art piece at the Chickasaw Cultural Center.