July 17, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon has announced the selection of Ms. Lori (Baker) Boyd of Yukon as the university’s next Vice President for Administration & Finance (VPAF).
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).
Boyd will succeed Ms. Brenda Burgess in the role. Burgess, who has guided SWOSU’s financial affairs for over two decades, has announced that she will retire effective December 21, 2023.
“Ms. Lori Boyd brings decades of experience in financial and budgetary matters as well as in facilities construction and management and personnel supervisory matters,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. “Diane” Lovell. “That expertise, combined with her enthusiastic support of SWOSU’s mission as one of our graduates, makes her the right candidate to build on the enormous array of positive and helpful initiatives that Brenda Burgess put into motion during her many years of skilled, tireless service here on the Hilltop.”
Boyd will assume her responsibilities as VPAF-designate on Monday, July 31, and will work closely with Burgess to ensure a successful transition ahead of Burgess’s retirement.
“SWOSU has my heart and is the place where my story begins, and I am truly excited to return to my alma mater to serve in this important capacity,” Boyd said. “It will be a great honor to work with the teams within the VPAF division to deliver quality services to our students, faculty, staff, and the community.”
Prior to coming to SWOSU, Boyd served as Chief Operating Officer of Rainbow Fleet, Inc. and as Chief Operating Officer of the Hearts for Hearing Foundation, Inc. From 1997 to 2021, Boyd was Chief Operating Officer of The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital where she supervised 750 employees and oversaw the formulation and implementation of an annual budget of over $50 million while also guiding over $55 million in new construction projects.
Boyd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from SWOSU and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She is also a graduate of the Executive Education Program at Harvard University and has been inducted into the American College of Healthcare Executives. Boyd is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma (Class 31) and Leadership Oklahoma City (Class 28). She has served on the governing boards of Science Museum Oklahoma and of the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Journal Record has named Boyd one of its “50 Women Making a Difference” and in 2017 Boyd was recognized with SWOSU’s highest honor, the SWOSU Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.
Boyd and her husband, Bobby Boyd (a 1988 & 1996 SWOSU alumnus) reside in Yukon. They are parents of two daughters, Audrey (a current student at SWOSU) and Evann (a current student at Yukon Public Schools).
The VPAF functions as SWOSU’s chief financial and operating officer and as one of the institution’s chief administrative officers. The VPAF is a member of the President’s Cabinet as well as the Executive and Administrative Councils and oversees a significant portfolio of SWOSU departments including Business Affairs; Physical Plant; Public Safety; University Press; Information Technology; Food Services; Business Enterprise Center; Student Union; Academic Technology; Mailroom; Bursar; and University Bookstore.
For more information, please visit www.SWOSU.edu or contact the SWOSU Office of Public Relations & Marketing at 580-774-3063.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Clinton Man Arrested for Meth Trafficking and Obstruction
November 14, 2024 42-year-old Anthony Reynolds of Clinton was arrested on Oct. 28 on charges of trafficking over 20 grams of methamphetamine and obstructing an officer.
Burns Flat Man Wanted on Multiple Rape Charges Arrested in Michigan, Says Oklahoma Highway Patrol
November 14, 2024 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) announced last week the arrest of Eric Little Mchan, a 43-year-old man from Burns Flat, who was wanted in connection with multiple rape charges in Washita County.
Train Derails Near Lone Wolf; No Injuries Reported
November 14, 2024 Crews responded to a train derailment Wednesday near Lone Wolf in southwestern Oklahoma.
OSIDA to Explore Space Launch Feasibility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advancements in Western Oklahoma
November 13, 2024 The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to meet to discuss critical advancements that could position western Oklahoma as a hub for space launches and unmanned aircraft systems. The authority’s agenda includes
Elk City Named Among U.S. Favorite Towns by WorldAtlas
November 13, 2024 Elk City has earned a spot on an impressive list of U.S. towns, recently highlighted by WorldAtlas. This recognition places Elk City alongside other beloved Oklahoma towns, including Bartlesville, Durant, Tahlequah, Guthrie, Ponca City,
Child Neglect Arrest in Elk City Apartment
November 13, 2024 A child neglect case has emerged following an eviction at an Elk City apartment, with disturbing conditions leading to the arrest of two adults.
Elk City School Board Approves EMT Program
November 12, 2024 The Elk City School Board met Monday night for their regular monthly meeting and, among other things, approved a new program that Superintendent Mike Sparks says will give high school students an opportunity to
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell Tours Western Oklahoma for Route 66 Centennial Preparations
November 12, 2024 In preparation for the centennial celebration of Route 66, Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell has been busy visiting Western Oklahoma communities along the ‘Mother Road,’ gauging their needs and observing their preparations for the
Weatherford Man Charged with Soliciting Sexual Conduct with a Minor
November 12, 2024 A Weatherford man faces a felony charge of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor via technology.
Recent Rains Ease Drought in Parts of Oklahoma, But Majority Still Impacted
November 11, 2024 Recent rains have certainly helped western and southwest Oklahoma’s drought status; however, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains in some degree of drought. According to the latest data released on Thursday by the
Latest Sales Tax Revenue for Local Cities Shows Mixed Results
November 11, 2024 Sales tax revenue figures for September 2024 reveal varied results across Western Oklahoma cities compared to the same month last year. Elk City led the gains with a 4% increase, amounting to $1,324,434.66, up
Preview: Elk City Board of Education Regular Meeting
November 11, 2024 On Monday, the Elk City Board of Education will hold its regular November meeting.
Reckless Driver Arrested in Beckham County with 47 Grams of Methamphetamine
November 8, 2024 More details have emerged about the woman arrested late last month in Beckham County after being found with illegal drugs during a traffic stop.
Clinton Man Charged with Sexual Battery While in Custer County Jail
November 8, 2024 A Clinton man faces charges of sexual battery while in custody at Custer County Jail.
Clinton City Council Approves Hospital Sale, Sets Special Election for Voter Approval
November 8, 2024 During a special meeting of the Clinton City Council on Thursday night, a letter of intent from Rural Hospital Solutions (RHS) was approved, allowing RHS to begin managing Clinton Regional Hospital on Monday.
Flood Watch Issued for Western Oklahoma as Heavy Rain Approaches
November 7, 2024 A flood watch is now in effect for several counties in western Oklahoma, including Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita, extending through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall is forecasted
Elk City Man Charged with Second-Degree Burglary After Early Morning Break-In
November 7, 2024 A 52-year-old Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with second-degree burglary.
SW Oklahoma Organizations Received National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Award
November 6, 2024 SWODA Press Release The Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) based in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National
Multiple Sentences and Probations Issued in Childress County Court
November 6, 2024 On Thursday, October 24, 31 pleas took place in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County.
Oklahoma Election Day Results: Trump Dominates, Local Incumbents Retain Seats
November 6, 2024 Tuesday was Election Day across the country, and in Oklahoma, Republican Donald Trump maintained strong support, winning the state decisively with 66% of the vote. Locally, Trump’s backing surged even higher, receiving 75% of
SWOSU Announces 2024 Homecoming Court and Parade Float Winners
SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) wrapped up this year’s Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 26, where Landry Freeman and Carlie McKinnon were crowned 2024 Homecoming King and Queen. The announcement took place during halftime
Enid Man Arrested for Child Endangerment, Driving Violations, and Marijuana Possession
November 5, 2024 An Enid man faces multiple charges after being arrested last month for child endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, possession of marijuana, and speeding.
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection with Elk City Fentanyl Death
November 5, 2024 A man from Elk City has been charged with first-degree murder following an overdose death. According to an affidavit filed in Beckham County, 36-year-old Jose Antonio Acevedo is accused of selling the deadly drugs
Sayre Couple Released on Bond After Facing Child Neglect Charges
November 4, 2024 A Sayre couple was recently released from the Beckham County Detention Center following charges of child neglect.
Beckham County Detention Center to Implement New Surveillance and Body Cams
November 4, 2024 The Beckham County Detention Center will be receiving upgraded surveillance equipment.