She’s tall, she’s dark, and she’s a statue. A beautiful, bronze statue of Chickasaw storyteller Mary Thompson “Te Ata” Fisher, has been added to the USAO campus in front of Troutt Hall.

Te Ata’s legacy is intertwined with the history of the university. She was the first Native American woman to graduate from Oklahoma College for Women, with a degree in theatre.

After earning her degree she went on to perform her one-woman portrayal of the American Indian life. She performed in front of President Franklin Roosevelt, as well as European royals, and traveled across South America and Canada.

“She was so beloved,” Dr. Michael Nealeigh said. “She made quite a name for herself, for USAO and, of course, the state of Oklahoma.”

The statue was created by Jon Hair, most known for his “Olympic Strength” piece, which is housed in front of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Nealeigh said the project begun when a generous gift from an OCW alumna, Nan Bilbrey Willett, along with husband John, was given to memorialize Te Ata.

Willett’s mother, Iza Nunnery Bilbrey, graduated from OCW in 1924, and knew Te Ata. Willett attended productions around campus with her mother and knew of Te Ata’s impact.

“It was our home, and it was her home, too.” Willett said.

A formal dedication for the statue is planned for late spring. Twenty busts of Te Ata will also be available for purchase, Nealeigh said.