September 29, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) had the honor of welcoming Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen from the Kingdom of Denmark on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The Ambassador’s visit to SWOSU was part of a multi-day series of gatherings organized by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Danish Trade Council in North America focusing on clean and renewable energy.
Ambassador Sørensen currently serves as the Ambassador of Denmark to The United States at the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. Prior to this role, he held positions such as State Secretary for Foreign Policy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Political Director in the Foreign Ministry, and Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan. Ambassador Sørensen began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark in 1997, holding various diplomatic roles worldwide. He holds a Master of Political Science from the University of Copenhagen and is a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog.
The Ambassador’s visit commenced with a luncheon held in the Pioneer Event Center’s Skyview Suite. Attendees included SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell, Provost Dr. Joel Kendall, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing Dr. Boone Clemmons, and International Student Services Coordinator Ms. Mihaela Roxana Ifrim. Additionally, the luncheon would not have been possible without the work of teams led by Mr. Bryce Wood, PCEC Director, and Ms. Radonna Sawatzky, Food Services Director.
Following the luncheon, Ambassador Sørensen was guided on a tour of the state-of-the-art General Thomas P. Stafford Archives at the Al Harris Library. Here, he engaged with students from SWOSU’s President Leadership Class, Student Government Association, and SWOSU International Student Association. He also met one of SWOSU’s three Danish students, Mr. Anders Strand. This component of his visit was made possible by Dr. Adam Johnson, Vice President for Student Services; Mr. Jason Dupree, MLIS, Director of Libraries and Assistant Professor; Mr. Philip Fitzsimmons, MLIS, University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, and Assistant Professor.
Continuing the tour, the Ambassador visited the SWOSU Department of Engineering Technology, which has played a significant role in the university’s increase in STEM graduates over the last decade. He interacted with students and faculty and discussed Denmark’s clean and renewable energy sector, as well as how SWOSU students might contemplate pursuing career opportunities in these sectors. Mr. Brett Chase, Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, facilitated this segment of the visit.
“SWOSU would like to express gratitude for the opportunity to host Ambassador Sørensen and the delegation from Denmark. This visit strengthens the bonds between our educational institution and the global community: it was truly a historic day for SWOSU” said Dr. Lovell.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Fatality Motorcycle Accident Near Snyder
November 16, 2024 A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 64-year-old Altus man on Saturday. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:35 PM on US-62 near the 55-mile marker, about five miles west of Snyder
Candidate Filing Begins For Board of Education
November 15, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 2nd for 9 Roger Mills County school districts.
Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant Winners Announced
November 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the winners of the Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant, held on Nov. 9 at the Weatherford Performing Arts Center. Mia Macias from Leedey
Custer County to Host Launch of $11.2M Broadband Grant Initiative
November 15, 2024 The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) has been awarded an $11,233,311 grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help new internet users effectively access and utilize online services. This funding aims to
Foss Man Arrested on Fentanyl Possession Charge
November 15, 2024 A Foss man has been arrested for allegedly possessing more than 5 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl.
Elk City School Employees to Receive Bonuses
November 15, 2024 Good news for employees of the Elk City School District!
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.
