August 1, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) in Lawton have established a partnership to expand educational opportunities and address healthcare staffing needs. The agreement, signed on July 31 by SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell and CCMH Chief Nursing Officer Melissa Alvillar provides significant benefits for SWOSU students interested in careers at CCMH, including tuition payment support for selected fields of study.
“This partnership creates exciting new opportunities for individuals in Southwest Oklahoma who are pursuing careers in healthcare,” said Brent Smith, CCMH Chief Executive Officer. “Whether they’re interested in Health Information Management, laboratory services, Information Technology, or Nursing, just to name a few, Southwest Oklahoma students will now have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience at CCMH.”
Under the terms of the agreement, SWOSU students pursuing degrees in specific healthcare and administrative programs will be eligible for tuition payments if they choose to work for CCMH. The hospital will implement a selection process to identify potential students. The programs covered by this agreement include the following:
LPN to RN/ Bachelor of Science in Nursing
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Master of Science in Health Information Management
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Additional programs as identified by CCMH needs
This collaboration presents mutual advantages. SWOSU students will have the opportunity to receive financial support for their education while committing to careers at CCMH. In turn, CCMH will benefit from a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to meet its staffing requirements. The agreement also facilitates clinical placement opportunities at CCMH for SWOSU students across all healthcare disciplines.
Smith said, “We will serve as one of SWOSU’s clinical sites for various healthcare related professions. We appreciate this collaborative effort and are eager to begin this program that will help meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Comanche County Memorial Hospital to support healthcare education and address the critical need for healthcare professionals in Southwest Oklahoma,” said Lovell. “This collaboration will provide our students with invaluable opportunities for financial support, hands-on experience, and career pathways in various healthcare fields. Together, we are committed to building a stronger healthcare workforce for Oklahoma.”
For more information about the partnership opportunities, reach out to Comanche County Memorial Hospital at ccmhhealth.com.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
About Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Comanche County Memorial Hospital is an independent, non-profit acute care facility dedicated to putting patients first and delivering award-winning care, with 265 licensed beds and a workforce of over 2,500 full-time and part-time employees, 475 credentialed physicians and healthcare providers and benefits from the support of nearly 140 volunteers. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Copyright 2024 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