June 14, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce that two Reconnect events will be hosted for its Reach Higher degree finishing program. The events will take place in the Memorial Student Center on the Weatherford campus on Friday, June 23 from 4–6 p.m. and on Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. Dr. Todd Wiggen, the Reach Higher Coordinator, will be available on site to meet with potential Reach Higher candidates for admission, advisement, and registration. While official transcripts from non-SWOSU schools attended are required for admission, provisional admission can be granted with unofficial transcripts.
The Reach Higher program is specifically designed to support working adults who have accumulated 60+ hours of college credits and are seeking to return to school to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program offers the convenience of fully online coursework and maximizes elective credits for individuals from various disciplines. Students pursuing the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with an area of focus in Business. Many students also choose to complete minors in their original area of study. The program ensures that students retain the credit they have already earned by accepting a significant number of elective hours.
During the 2022-23 academic year, the Reach Higher degree-finishing program at SWOSU awarded over $43,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Among the recipients of the Finish Line Scholarship is Jennifer Nightengale of Foss, OK; Carly Nguyen of Choctaw, OK; Kimbra Thomas of Weatherford, OK; Carly Carney of Hydro, OK; Allison Brian of Altus, OK; Janessa Bustin of Sayre, OK; Denise Boswell of Weatherford, OK; Rhonda Bennett of Anadarko, OK; Tyler Welch of Gans, OK; Antonae Thompson of Oklahoma City, OK; Tara Denney of Cheyenne, OK; Brayan Flores of Oklahoma City, OK; Pamela Sutton of Canton, OK; and Joshua Gossman of Moore, OK.
The Finish Line scholarship program provides funds for state-system colleges and universities participating in the Reach Higher adult degree completion programs to assist adult students nearing degree completion.
Several students are also recipients of the SHINE scholarship, which is designated for Reach Higher students and funded by the SWOSU Foundation. The recipients for the 2022-23 academic year include Amanda Blankenship of Owasso, OK; Joshua Gossman of Moore, OK; Brad Jones of Mustang, OK; Abigail Ulery of Oklahoma City, OK; Diana Juarez of Oklahoma City, OK; and Steven Sanders of Elk City, OK.
Wiggen, coordinator of the Organizational Leadership program, Reach Higher Flex Finish, expressed his enthusiasm for the Reach Higher adult-friendly degree completion options offered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. These options encourage adults who have previously earned some college credits to successfully complete their degrees.
Wiggen stated, “The program is really 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. Many of our students may only take a class or two per 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 Reach Higher program at SWOSU enables students to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As part of the degree program, students will complete an area of focus, which has traditionally been Business but will soon include online options in Education, Psychology and Technology.
“The Reach Higher program is a life-changing opportunity for me. As a working adult raising a family, I’ve wondered if I would ever finish what I started over 20 years ago,” said Brad Jones, recipient of the SHINE scholarship. “The Reach Higher program has given me a renewed confidence in myself as a student and is lifting the burden of disappointment I’ve had in not achieving something that my parents and others invested in.”
Prospective students interested in joining the Reach Higher/Organizational Leadership program for the Fall 2023 semester at SWOSU are invited to contact Dr. Todd Wiggen via email at todd.wiggen@swosu.edu or leadership@swosu.edu for more information.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Pharmacy Grads from SWOSU Lead in NAPLEX Results, Hodge Center Progresses
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy continues to set a high standard for pharmacy education, with its May 2024 graduates achieving a 93.8% first-time pass rate on the
Winners of SWOSU’s 3rd Annual Anatomage Tournament Announced
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Department of Allied Health Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted its 3rd annual Anatomage Tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, bringing together 48 teams from 24 high schools
SWOSU and Rotary Club of Weatherford Announce Spring 2025 World Languages Scholar
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the Weatherford Rotary Club have selected Mesa Darlene Flippo the newest SWOSU-Weatherford Rotary Club World Languages Scholar. Flippo is a Freshman at SWOSU from Geary,
SWOSU Junior Honored as 2025 George Nigh Scholar
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Adreana Aquino, a junior at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), has been named a recipient of the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship and participated in the George and Donna
SWOSU Pharmacy Faculty Present at KLE International Pharm D Colloquium
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Sarah Yount and Dr. Hardeep S. Saluja from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy participated in the KLE International Pharm D Colloquium. The event was jointly hosted by KLE College of
New Mexico Man Charged with Aggravated Drug Trafficking in Custer County
Custer County, OK — A Las Cruces, New Mexico man is facing serious drug trafficking charges in Oklahoma after authorities say he was caught with a significant quantity of methamphetamine. According to court documents filed in Custer
Texas Fugitive Arrested in Custer County
Custer County, OK — A Texas fugitive accused of probation violation related to a child sexual assault case has been charged in Custer County, Oklahoma. According to court documents filed on February 19, 2025, Jess Lee Kolander,
Deadline Approaching to Request Absentee Ballots for April 1st Election in Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK – Roger Mills County voters who plan to vote absentee in the April 1st Board of Education and Municipal General Election should submit their requests as soon as possible, according to County Election
Teacher Training Fund Established at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from Ms. Marilyn Allred of Oklahoma City. This generous philanthropic contribution will be used to establish an endowment that will
SWOSU to Host 1985 Lady Bulldogs National Champions Basketball Team
Weatherford, OK – A 40th anniversary celebration and reunion honoring the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) 1985 NAIA undefeated Championship Women’s Basketball Team will be held on March 1, 2025, at the Pioneer Event Center on the
Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for April 1 Elections
Oklahoma residents who wish to vote in the upcoming April 1, 2025, Board of Education and municipal elections must register by Friday, March 7, 2025. This is the final day to submit a voter registration application to
Elk City Parents Arrested for Child Neglect After Toddler Found Wandering Naked in Freezing Temperatures
Elk City, OK — Two Elk City parents have been arrested on child neglect charges after their three-year-old daughter was found wandering outside naked in below-freezing temperatures. The investigation revealed severe living conditions, leading to both parents
Texas Man Wanted in Beckham County on Child Exploitation Charges
Elk City, OK – A Texas man is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation by Homeland Security and local law enforcement linked him to child exploitation and sexual assault in Elk City. Bryan Devin Cruz, 34,
Elk City House Fire Quickly Contained
Elk City, OK – At about 11:30 a.m. Friday, firefighters rushed to the 900 block of Halsey Drive after receiving a call about a house fire. Engine 3, A-shift arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the
The Price of Progress
By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – As Elk City’s Downtown Construction Project moves into its next phase, downtown businesses are doing their best to meet shoppers’ needs. Crews completed work at Main & 7th and have
Clinton Man Arrested for Attempted Burglary in Custer County
Clinton, OK – A Clinton man was arrested on February 7th after allegedly attempting to break into a residence on South 5th Street, according to court documents filed in Custer County. Jesse Moses Boyd, 20, is facing
Clinton Man Charged with Aggravated Drug Trafficking in Custer County
Custer County, OK – A Clinton man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after a traffic stop led to a significant drug bust in Custer County. Bradley Allen Cometsevah, 46, has been charged with aggravated trafficking
SWOSU Digital Commons Reaches Two Million Downloads
Weatherford, OK – As the SWOSU Digital Commons is about to reach its nine-year anniversary, downloads for the entire collection have surpassed the two million mark for the institutional repository at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). As
ECPD Announces Multiple Arrests in Child Neglect and Abuse Cases, Urges Community Vigilance
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department has announced multiple arrests in connection with two separate child neglect and abuse cases over the weekend. Authorities say these incidents have raised significant concerns about child safety
Sales Tax Revenue Sees Modest Growth Across Oklahoma Cities
Oklahoma cities have reported their December 2024 sales tax revenue figures, with mixed results compared to December 2023. While some cities saw a slight increase, others experienced a decline. The statewide total showed a modest increase of
Elk City Fire Department Now Hiring Paramedics
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Fire & EMS Department is actively recruiting paramedics for a dedicated paramedic-only position. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced EMTs looking to advance their careers or for licensed paramedics
SWOSU to Host Pharmacy Day for High School Students
Weatherford, OK – The SWOSU College of Pharmacy will be hosting a Pharmacy Day for high school students on Friday, March 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This program will consist of hands-on, interactive lab activities
Brace for Round Two: Extreme Cold and Snow Threaten Western Oklahoma
Now that the first round of the latest winter storm has struck the region, officials say to get ready for round two, which includes dangerously low temperatures tonight and tomorrow morning. According to the National Weather Service
SWOSU Named Top 10 for Affordable Early Childhood Education
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is ranked #10 nationally for the most affordable online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education programs, making it the highest-ranked university in Oklahoma for affordability, according to
Winter Storm to Impact Western Oklahoma Tuesday: Snow, Ice, and Hazardous Travel Possible
A winter storm is set to bring snow, sleet, and ice to western Oklahoma on Tuesday, impacting travel across Roger Mills, Custer, Washita, and Beckham counties. The National Weather Service in Norman warns of slick roads, reduced
