April 18, 2023
By Landry Brewer
How Jerry Dunn wound up teaching at SWOSU in Weatherford is a good story.
The 1992 Canute High School graduate thought that after college he’d eventually return to western Oklahoma to live and work on the farm near his tight-knit family. He was right, though not in the way he’d planned.
LEARNING HOW TO LEARN
Dunn became a college student at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1993. He spent the year before, however, acclimating to higher education by commuting about 25 miles west.
“To ease that transition, I spent my first year of college at SWOSU in Sayre, then transferred to OSU,” Dunn said.
The hardest part of adjusting to college was learning the study skills that he hadn’t developed in high school.
The hardest part of adjusting to OSU was its size and the size of his classes. “Some of them were massive, with more than 100 students,” Dunn said. His entire graduating class at Canute had about 25.
FAMILY MATTERS
He benefitted by having family nearby. “My cousins Cory and Christie Spieker were finishing up college at OSU, and I moved a trailer house into the trailer park down the street from them,” he said. The Spiekers being close helped Dunn adjust to living away from home.
More help came from more family. Dunn was roommates with cousins Wes and Quenton Elliott, which also helped immensely.
By the time he’d left Stillwater, Dunn had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics.
He graduated from high school intending to get a degree in Farm and Ranch Management from OSU, then go home to work on the family farm. But as he advanced in that program, he considered other options.
“I began to realize just how difficult farming life can be and started looking for other avenues,” Dunn said.
BECOMING DR. DUNN
That’s why he went into the OSU master’s program and eventually decided to pursue a doctorate at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
K-State offered a Ph.D. in Economics with an emphasis in Ag Economics. Dunn said that the program fit his mindset, and Manhattan was a lot like Stillwater, also a good fit.
He hadn’t considered working in a classroom, though, until he got the chance to teach an Ag Finance class while he was at K-State. “That opened my eyes to the possibility of being an educator,” Dunn said.
As he finished his doctoral dissertation—a book that Ph.D. students write to complete their degree—in the fall of 2001, he began looking for a job. Dunn had interviewed at some small agricultural colleges and universities, more interested in teaching than researching.
GOIN’ HOME
Then, he took a shot in the dark.
“On a whim, I emailed my resume to the SWOSU College of Business concerning a Management position that was advertised,” Dunn said.
He didn’t hear back as the weeks passed, so he continued the job search. Then, one day he got a call from Dr. Ralph May, Dean of the SWOSU College of Business.
An Economics professor was retiring, and May thought that as a Canute native, Dunn would be a good fit among SWOSU’s students, many of whom come from small western Oklahoma schools.
He interviewed, was offered the job, and began teaching undergraduate and graduate Economics and Statistics courses at Weatherford in August 2002 and has ever since.
Then, in 2019, SWOSU implemented a Business in Agriculture degree program, and Dunn has been intimately involved. “Given my background, I have been extremely excited and very active in its development,” he said.
He teaches two courses in the program, advises most of the majors, and is a co-sponsor of the SWOSU Collegiate Oklahoma Farm Bureau chapter.
The best part of Dunn’s job is helping students learn and succeed, particularly when they’ve struggled. He especially enjoys witnessing “the light bulb moment” when students suddenly understand a concept.
The most challenging part of his career was early as he transitioned from researcher to educator. “I had a steep learning curve when first stepping into the classroom, and the learning continues as strategies and techniques evolve in education,” Dunn said.
Dunn and his wife live just northeast of Love’s on the east side of Elk City on farmland that’s been in the family more than 100 years. He farms with his parents, Wendell and Shellean Dunn.
“I’m very fortunate to have that opportunity,” Dunn said.
A veteran educator, he’s been on campus more than two decades, is serving under his third SWOSU president, and still loves it. “I’ve cherished every year that I’ve been here,” Dunn said.
The 45-minute commute from Elk City to Weatherford to teach is a small price to pay for realizing the goal that Jerry Dunn had as a Canute High School graduate of returning home and working in agriculture.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Registered Sex Offender Arrested in Elk City for Violating Residency Laws and Drug Possession
A registered sex offender, Donald Joseph Smith, was arrested on December 2, 2024, after authorities discovered he was residing in violation of Oklahoma residency laws. Smith, 43, was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia during the
SWOSU Hosts Reception in Honor of Piano Benefactors
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Music recently celebrated those who have contributed to the success of the SWOSU Piano Campaign with a donor recognition event at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA.) The
Taylor Elected to Oklahoma Farm Bureau State Board at Annual Meeting
Oklahoma Farm Bureau members selected two new state board members during the organization’s 83rd annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Jimmy Taylor, from Roger Mills County, was chosen as the District 2 director. He will serve a three-year
Archer Named Chair of House Energy Committee as Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert Announces Restructuring
House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert has unveiled a new committee structure designed to improve the deliberation and vetting process for proposed legislation. The reorganization introduces a two-tiered structure of committees and oversight committees, creating opportunities for more thorough
SWOSU Hosts Chancellor & Speaker-Elect, Honors Sammons & Robinson
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted a luncheon featuring Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Chancellor Sean Burrage and Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert. The luncheon was held at SWOSU’s Pioneer Event Center
Shamrock Native Promoted to Texas Ranger
Matthew Ferguson of Shamrock, Texas has been promoted to the Texas Rangers Division. Previously serving as a Highway Patrol Sergeant in Pampa, Ferguson now becomes part of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s primary investigative branch. The
Man Formally Charged After High-Speed Chase Following Stolen Vehicle Crash
The man accused of leading multiple agencies on a high-speed pursuit last month has formally been charged. A Granite, Oklahoma man, Samuel Herman Pence, 24, was taken into custody on November 15th, 2024, after a high-speed chase
Lucas Passed Over for Top House Financial Services Role
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne will not be the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and cryptocurrency. The committee’s decisions regarding banks and financial institutions have significant
SWOSU Nursing Department Offers a JumpStart Application Option
The Department of Nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is thrilled to unveil innovative new pathways designed to streamline nursing school admission. Jump Start Application for Pre-Nursing Majors First, the Jump Start Application process provides early
Man Released on $50K Bond After Trafficking 120 Pounds of Marijuana in Beckham County
A 41-year-old man, Mahdi Ishmael J. Alston, was released from the Beckham County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond after being charged with trafficking illegal marijuana. The investigation began on December 8 when an Oklahoma Bureau of
Clinton Man Arrested for Liquor Store Burglary After Security Footage Links Him to Crime
On December 7, Ira Lamborn, 22, of Clinton, was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into a local liquor store. According to a probable cause affidavit by the Clinton Police Department, the incident occurred
Two Sentenced to Prison in 100th Judicial District Court
On Monday, November 25, five pleas were heard in the 100th Judicial District Court. Among those cases, two individuals from Mobeetie and Wellington faced sentencing for felony offenses. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District,
Deadline Approaching: Register to Vote by December 20 for Clinton's Special Election
Custer County Election Board Press Release Friday, December 20, 2024, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the January 14, 2025 City of Clinton Special Election. Voters
SWOSU's Health Science in Healthcare Administration Program Achieves NAB Accreditation
SWOSU Press Release During the June 2024 Annual Meeting, the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Board of Governors awarded accreditation to Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)—Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science in Healthcare Administration
ECPD Hosts Annual Christmas Party, Honors Outstanding Team Members
The Elk City Police Department (ECPD) came together Tuesday night for its annual Department Christmas Party, celebrating the holiday season with employees and their families. This cherished tradition not only brings the department closer together but also
Fatal Collision Claims Life of Elk City Woman
A fatal car crash occurred on the evening of December 2, at approximately 6:15 PM, just east of the intersection of South Falcon Road and West 20th Street in Elk City. The incident involved a 2018 Nissan
SWOSU to Host 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 13
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the upcoming 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center. The event will honor the academic accomplishments of students who have
Woodward Fatal Shooting Update
More details have been released surrounding the shooting deaths of a father and daughter in Woodward. Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Shane Cole Allison, knew the victims and admitted to planning the attack. The victims have been
Weatherford Man Faces Felony Charges in Violent Incident
A Weatherford man, Anthony Rocky Garcia Jr., has been charged with multiple felonies following a violent incident on December 4, 2024. The charges, filed in Custer County District Court, include kidnapping, burglary, assault, and violating a protective
Clinton Police Department Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony
On December 7, 2024, the Clinton Police Department celebrated their annual Awards Ceremony and Christmas Party, honoring officers and staff for their exemplary service throughout the year. The event recognized individuals for their dedication, achievements, and contributions
Presidential Helicopter is Restored in Burns Flat
By Landry Brewer A retired Marine One just got a fresh coat of paint in Washita County. The aircraft flew from Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to Premium Aerospace Center Oklahoma in Burns Flat for
DPS Reminds Texans of Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Next Month
Texas DPS Press Release The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today launched a public safety announcement (PSA) video reminding Texans of the upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.
SWOSU Hosts Legislative Leaders
SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted Oklahoma legislative leaders Senator Chuck Hall (Perry – District 20); Senator Darcy Jech (Kingfisher – District 26); Representative Trey Caldwell (Lawton – District 63); and Representative Anthony
Game Wardens to Host Christmas Toy Drive in Elk City
The Oklahoma Game Wardens are inviting the Elk City community to spread holiday cheer by participating in their Christmas Toy Drive. This festive event aims to brighten the season for local children by collecting toy donations. The
Elk City Woman Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement
An Elk City woman has been arrested on embezzlement charges following an investigation into fraudulent activity involving forged checks and unauthorized credit card charges. According to a probable cause affidavit, 63-year-old Jo Elaine Earnest was taken into
