December 8, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
The SWOSU Alumni Association Emeritus Award, established in 2015 by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, recently recognized former SWOSU faculty who have played a pivotal role in the lives of students and alumni.
The 2023 Emeriti Honors & Reception was held on Nov. 28 in the Skyview Suite of the Pioneer Cellular Event Center on the Weatherford campus.
This year, the Alumni Board of Directors selected three distinguished individuals for the honor: Dr. David Ralph, Dr. Cynthia Foust, and Dr. W. Edward Rolison.
Dr. David Ralph joined SWOSU in 1975 as an instructor in Pharmacy Administration and Director of Continuing Education. Over his 47 years of service to SWOSU, he held key roles, including Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs for the SWOSU College of Pharmacy (1985–2000), Associate Dean of the college (2000–2016), and later as the Dean in 2016. Ralph is the first SWOSU Pharmacy graduate to attain the position of dean for the College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Cynthia Foust, Vice President Emeritus and Associate Professor of Nursing until 2014, began her journey at SWOSU as adjunct faculty in 1977, when the School of Nursing opened its doors. Foust later moved to full-time status in 1979 and transitioned to administration in 2004. Her service extended beyond her role in nursing to various committees, boards, and leadership positions: Student Government Association co-faculty sponsor until her retirement, Student Nursing Association co-chair during her tenure as nursing faculty, accreditation committee co-chair in 2010, SWOSU strategic planning co-chair, Weatherford Rotary Club President, and Regional Hospital Board Vice-President and Trustee. She served on the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for five years and as President in 2005. She also graduated from Leadership Oklahoma Class XXI and is a lifetime member. Her 35 years of service to SWOSU have left a lasting impact on the university community.
Dr. W. Edward Rolison, Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Department of the Social Sciences at SWOSU, he taught political science and history during his thirty-five years of service at the university. His recent publication, “On Democracy: Essays on Principles Fundamental to American Government and the 2020 Presidential Election,” demonstrates his ongoing commitment to academia.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, SWOSU proudly acknowledges these exceptional individuals for their lasting impact on the community.
Previous SWOSU Alumni Association Emeritus Award honorees include the following:
– 2022: Patsy Parker, Steve Pray, Earl Raleigh, Pete Huerta (posthumous).
– 2021: Randy Beutler and James South.
– 2020: Melody Ashenfelter, Charles Chapman, Kelli Litsch, Les Levy, and Ken Rose (posthumous).
– 2019: Radwan Al-Jarrah, Vicki Gilliland, Charles “Skip” Klingman, and Terry Segress.
– 2018: Stuart Burchett, Les Crall, John Hays, and Blake Sonobe.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Burns Flat man injured in Route 66 crash, OHP says
Canute, OK — A Burns Flat man was injured in a single-vehicle crash early Friday on Route 66, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said Jonathan C. McIntyre, 45, was driving west on Route 66 about
Driver killed in single-vehicle crash north of Putnam
Putnam, OK — A 78-year-old Lawton man died Thursday after a rollover crash on Highway 183 about 4 miles north of Putnam, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the southbound vehicle left the right side
Government Shutdown Forces Cancellation of U.S. Marine Band Concert in Elk City
Elk City, OK – The highly anticipated performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, scheduled for Tuesday night at the Pioneer Center on the Elk City High School campus, has been canceled. The reason: the
Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru Coming to Jackson County Expo
Altus, OK – The Jackson County Health Department will host a Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Jackson County Expo, located at 412 Todd Lane in Altus.
Search warrant: Man says SWOSU freshman died after fight, body left near Sulphur
Weatherford, OK — An 18-year-old charged in connection with the death of Southwestern Oklahoma State University freshman Logan Musil told investigators the student died after an accidental fall during a drug-fueled fight, according to a federal search
Voters approve $5.975 million bond for Hinton Public Schools
Hinton, OK – Hinton voters passed the district’s bond proposal Tuesday, approving $5.975 million for facility upgrades across the district. The proposition received 249 yes votes [70.9%], with 102 voting no [29.1%]. Total ballots cast: 351. District
Fatal SH-54 crash south of Gotebo
Gotebo, OK — A two-vehicle collision on State Highway 54, about 3.8 miles south of Gotebo, left one man dead and another injured early Tuesday, October 14, 2025, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. OHP says the
House interim study to target OSIDA funding and Burns Flat spaceport
Oklahoma City, OK — State Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City will lead a House interim study Thursday aimed at turning the Oklahoma Spaceport at Burns Flat into a driver of aerospace jobs and research. The hearing,
SWOSU Accepting 2026 Distinguished Alumni Nominations
Weatherford, OK – Nominations to the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) are now being accepted. Recognized as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by the
WTC Sayre adds advanced police training simulator, open to area agencies
Sayre, OK — Western Technology Center in Sayre has purchased a high-tech training simulator that local law enforcement can use for both driving and scenario-based response, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said reserve deputy
Motorcyclist injured in Caddo County Crash
October 13, 2025 Caddo County, OK — A Cordell man was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at 1:42 p.m. at County Road 1260 and State Highway 58, 7 miles north of Carnegie,
Moonlight Madness returns to Downtown Elk City Oct. 23
Elk City, OK — Costumes, candy, and downtown storefronts will set the scene for Moonlight Madness on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Downtown District. Families can trick or treat with downtown
SWOSU responds after death of student, urges care
Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University has issued a campus message following the confirmation of student Logan Nathaniel Musil’s death and an arrest in the case. President Janet Cunningham, Ed.D., called the loss “devastating,” offered condolences
Missing SWOSU student found deceased, one arrested
Weatherford, OK — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says an 18-year-old Southwestern Oklahoma State University student reported missing last week has been found deceased, and another 18-year-old has been arrested. SWOSU Police asked the OSBI on
Cloud Chief firefighter retires after 20 years in service
Cloud Chief, OK — Landon Jones has retired from the Cloud Chief Fire Department after 14 years with the department and 20 years in the fire service overall. Jones joined Cloud Chief in 2011. Before that he
More Highway Sweeps Coming to Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety says the I-40 port of entry sweep in Beckham County was only the start. More operations are planned, more often, and they will center on western Oklahoma.
Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament – 2025 Photo Gallery
Tournament Recap The inaugural Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament brought together local farmers, ranchers, and ag supporters for a great day at Sayre National Golf Club. Proceeds benefited the 4-H clubs of Washita, Beckham,
Rep. Nick Archer Leads Legislative Study on Oil and Gas Regulation Challenges
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City led an in-depth study before the Oklahoma House Energy Committee this week, focusing on how the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regulates the state’s vital oil and gas
8th Annual “Draggin’ Main” Set for October 18 in Cheyenne
Cheyenne, OK – The streets of Cheyenne will come alive once again for the 8th Annual Draggin’ Main celebration on Saturday, October 18. The full day of fun features classic cars, local contests, music, and community spirit.
OSBI Assisting in Search of Missing SWOSU Student
Weatherford, OK – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is now assisting Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Police in the search for a missing student. Eighteen-year-old Logan Nathaniel Musil, a current student at SWOSU, was reported
Two Clinton Women Arrested After Late-Night Shooting Incident
Clinton, OK — Two women were arrested following a late-night disturbance that led to gunfire on Hunt Avenue in Clinton on September 26, according to court records and police affidavits filed in Custer County District Court. Police
Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana Trafficking Arrest on I-40
Beckham County, OK – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 led to the arrest of two Arkansas men after an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper discovered seven pounds of marijuana and THC products in their vehicle. According
Wanted Indiana Man taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK – Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren Atha confirmed on Facebook that Thomas McCoy was taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County early Monday afternoon. McCoy was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant
Elk City Police Searching for Indiana Suspect Believed to Be in Area
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is actively searching for Thomas McCoy, a suspect wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from the State of Indiana for child molestation. Authorities believe McCoy is currently in
Missing Weatherford Student: SWOSU Police Seek Public’s Help
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Campus Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Logan Musil, an 18-year-old SWOSU student who has been missing since September 12, 2025. Musil was last seen
