Ferne E. King was the first woman appointed to the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture, the governing body of Oklahoma A&M College in 1923.

Because the college was coeducational, King believed it was only fitting that women be represented on the board.

Though not a native Oklahoman, King had lived in Kingfisher and Oklahoma City. She taught expression, served as a booking agent, and even managed a ranch.

King, who served on the board until 1929, made the motion to select Henry G. Bennett as president of Oklahoma A&M. College.