When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, the college was quick to offer its expertise with men joining the military service and women involved in relief work.
By the end of the war, more than 1,400 men and women had interrupted their Oklahoma A&M College careers to serve their country.
The parade ground, during and after World War I, occupied the large open field north of Civil Engineering, Morrill Hall and the Women's Building (Bartlett Center). Hundreds of Oklahoma A&M College men volunteered for military service. The campus served as the site for the Student Army Training Corps until the end of the conflict in Europe.