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.
Arctic Blast Set to Bring Bitter Cold to Western Oklahoma – Again
Residents of Western Oklahoma should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures this weekend as an arctic blast moves into the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman has issued a warning for below-average temperatures beginning
Clinton Man Wanted for Alleged Break-In, Assault, and Protective Order Violation
Clinton, OK – A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Clinton man, on charges of first-degree burglary, violation of a protective order, and assault and battery with a sharp weapon with intent to injure.
Elk City and Clinton Voters Face Pivotal Decisions on Resource Management, Infrastructure, and Healthcare
Elk City residents will head to the polls tomorrow, January 14, to vote on two key propositions that will significantly influence the city’s future management of resources and services. Proposition 1 addresses the allocation of revenue from
Elk City School Board Prepares for January Meeting
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Board of Education is set to hold its regular meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Board Conference Room at 300 N. Boone Ave, Elk City,
Sayre Man Arrested Following Extensive Investigation – Receives Rape Charge
Oklahoma City, OK – Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a man identified as 46-year-old Sidney Hudson of Sayre, stemming from an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault. The suspect was apprehended by Oklahoma City Police
Winter Weather: Hazardous Travel Expected Friday
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills counties until 8:00 AM CST on Friday, January 10. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are expected, leading to slippery road
Prescribed Burn Association Meeting Scheduled for Beckham County
Sayre, OK – A meeting to establish a Prescribed Burn Association for Beckham County is set for Tuesday, January 14, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at the Beckham County Activity Barn in Sayre. The
Elk City Man Arrested on Domestic Abuse and Obstruction Charges
A 30-year-old Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center on charges of second and subsequent domestic abuse and obstruction. The investigation began on December 23 when Sayre Police were notified of an
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Western Oklahoma: Snow Expected Thursday into Friday
Residents of western Oklahoma should prepare for winter weather as a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, effective from 6:00 AM Thursday, January 9, until 8:00 AM Friday, January 10. What to
Absentee Ballot Applications Available For 2025 Election Year
Custer County, OK – Voters in Custer County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2025 should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Ann Brown said today. Any registered voter may request absentee ballots
Elk City Man Charged with Burglary and Protective Order Violation
Elk City, OK – An Elk City man has been charged with first-degree burglary and violating a protective order. According to a probable cause affidavit, The incident occurred on December 8 when Elk City Police responded to
Man Charged with Impersonating Police Officer in Custer County
Arapaho, OK — A Butler man faces serious charges after being accused of impersonating a police officer and obstructing law enforcement in Custer County. Buddy LaRue Sr., 77, was arrested on December 29, 2024, after reportedly driving
Grass Fire Contained West of Elk City, Investigation Underway
Elk City firefighters, alongside crews from the Berlin Fire Department, responded to a large grass fire west of town near Highway 6 and 1900 Road on Friday afternoon. Authorities have deemed the fire suspicious in nature, prompting
Oklahoma Transportation Commission Approves Key Projects in Washita and Custer Counties
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission met on Monday to review and approve several infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at improving the state’s transportation network. During the meeting, all agenda items were unanimously approved, with
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Welcomes First Baby of the Year
Elk City, OK – Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is delighted to announce the arrival of the first baby of the year, born this weekend. Baby girl, Lettie Collins, was born to proud parents Jordan and
Winter Weather Approaches Western Oklahoma
Residents of Western Oklahoma should prepare for a blast of winter weather as a cold front is set to move into the area later this week. The National Weather Service predicts a drop in temperatures, bringing the
Fatal Collision Claims Two Lives in Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK – A tragic two-vehicle collision occurred early Sunday morning, January 5, 2025, at approximately 5:16 a.m. on US-283, seven miles south of Cheyenne near E 1040 Road. The accident claimed the lives of
Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Debora Glasgow and Robin Selman Retire from SWODA
Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) honors the retirement of two remarkable leaders, Debora Glasgow and Robin Selman, whose combined decades of service have left an indelible mark on the organization and
Elk City Man Charged with First Degree Rape
Elk City, OK – While investigating inappropriate messages sent to a 16-year-old, Elk City Police uncovered an alleged inappropriate relationship between a 23-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl. According to court records Gavin Chase Vermillion was arrested
Interactive Safety Map Launched for Forward45 Transportation Plan
Burns Flat, OK – The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) proudly announces the launch of its Safety Assessment Digital Map Survey, an interactive online tool designed to pinpoint safety concerns on a regional map. This
Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Neglect
Elk City, OK – A Carter couple, 39-year-old Tara Dyer and 43-year-old Matthew Dyer, are out on bond after being arrested on December 27, 2024, on allegations of enabling child neglect involving their 16-year-old son. Authorities report
Deadline Approaching for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations hit by severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred April 25-May 9,
Top Stories of 2024: Western Oklahoma's Most Notable News Events
From devastating tragedies to inspiring resilience, 2024 was a year that tested the strength and spirit of Western Oklahoma. The region witnessed heartbreaking losses, shocking scandals, and natural disasters, balanced by moments of courage, community, and leadership.
Lucas Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter
Yukon, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “America has lost a faithful and selfless public servant. While he faced a number of political challenges throughout
Fatal Crash Claims One Life, Injures Another North of Arapaho
A tragic collision early Tuesday morning left one person dead and another injured on US-183 near E 860 Rd, approximately 13 miles north of Arapaho in Custer County. The crash occurred at approximately 12:06 a.m. and involved
