SWOSU
Press Release
The
Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State
University (SWOSU) awarded nearly $90,000 in scholarships to students
involved in Reach Higher degree programs. Fifty-five students
received scholarships averaging around $1,700 each.
The
scholarships were funded by two programs from the Oklahoma State
Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) designed to help adults return
to college and finish their degrees. The Adult Learner Scholarship
fund is a program limited to the 24-25 academic year. The Finish Line
scholarship program is ongoing and provides funds for state system
colleges and universities participating in the Reach Higher degree
completion programs to support adult students nearing degree
completion.
Reach
Higher is a degree-finishing program designed for adults who have
successfully completed some college coursework but have not yet
finished a college degree. The program of study results in a Bachelor
of Science degree in Organizational Leadership with a focus in
general business.
“This
amazing scholarship has helped me alleviate financial stress so I can
focus on my education,” stated Diana Juarez, of Oklahoma City. “The
Reach Higher Program has made it possible for me to accomplish this
amazing milestone [graduating with a bachelor’s degree] and goal.”
Michael
Garcia, of Midwest City, stated, “As a returning business
professional, a degree at SWOSU is crucial to proactively progressing
my career. This will hopefully open the door for me in the management
or project management field.” Garcia, an organizational leadership
major, continued, “I especially want to complete college while I
still have both of my aging parents with me. It is a promise to my
mother that I intend to keep, and I hope she can watch me achieve
this goal. This scholarship lessens the financial burden and allows
me to continue down the path to my degree”
Finding
comfort in completing his degree in an online format, Harry Nauni,
from Cache, has several professional goals he wants to achieve.
“Obtaining a degree will take me to the next level in my profession
and this scholarship will help me overcome my financial barriers,”
stated Nauni.
Dr.
Todd Wiggen, Coordinator of SWOSU’s Organizational Leadership
program, Reach Higher Flex Finish, said the adult-friendly degree
completion options through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher
Education encourage adults who have earned some college credit to
complete their degrees successfully.
“The
program is geared to working adults by offering flexible enrollment
and online coursework. Students can go as fast or as slow as they
want and are able,” Wiggen said. “Many of our students may only
take a class or two a semester due to their other obligations, and
others will take five to six courses to try and finish as rapidly as
possible. It is truly up to the individual.” The program results in
a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and an area of
focus (concentration) in business, education, psychology, and
technology to provide even greater flexibility for students.
The
Reach Higher/Organizational Leadership program is currently accepting
students for the 2025 spring semester at SWOSU. There may also be
some funding available for immediate scholarships. Additional
information is available by contacting Wiggen at
todd.wiggen@swosu.edu or at leadership@swosu.edu.
