October 23, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, beginning Oct. 26 at the Al Harris Library. This free exhibit opens during SWOSU’s Homecoming, ensuring that many alumni, students, and community members will have the opportunity to visit. Notably, SWOSU is the only university in Oklahoma selected to host this display, demonstrating the university’s commitment to promoting discussions on democracy and civic engagement. The exhibit will be available for viewing from Oct 26 to Dec. 7.
Event Schedule:
October 26, 2024
10 a.m.: SWOSU Homecoming Parade
12 p.m.: Exhibit Opening/Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Al Harris Library
12–5 p.m.: Stafford Archive open for tours
October 28, 2024
7–8 p.m.: Panel Discussion at Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, room 104
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon, and the public is invited to attend. The exhibit features historical and contemporary photographs, educational videos, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore games and view historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials. An educational component, “American Experiments,” includes a traveling trunk with activities designed for exhibition visitors and classroom students. Interactive challenges invite participants to express their views on significant American figures and issues, while a voting game encourages reflection on democracy and citizenship.
Throughout the summer, SWOSU engaged with county school districts to schedule visits for local middle and high schools to experience the Voices and Votes exhibit. For more information and to schedule a visit, please visit the following website: https://library.swosu.edu/forms/visitvv.html. Additionally, SWOSU has collected stories from residents in smaller cities and towns about their experiences with democracy for an Oral History project, which will be featured in the exhibit to provide a local perspective.
On Oct. 28, SWOSU will host a panel discussion titled Democracy in Action: Voices and Votes Through History. This discussion will take place at 7 p.m. in room 104 of the Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, and it is open to the community. It will feature SWOSU President Diana Lovell, Mayor Mike Brown, Publisher Philip Reid, Connections Food & Resource Center Executive Director Elizabeth Amen, and Moderator Jeff Berrong. The panel will explore the nature of American democracy, particularly in rural Western Oklahoma. To view the livestream of the panel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fWk9kh3kpOE.
The exhibit is adapted from the Smithsonian’s display, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, developed under the guidance of Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus. SWOSU invites the community to engage with this educational exhibit, which offers insights into the history and significance of democracy in America.
To learn more about the exhibit and the scheduled activities, visit this page: https://libguides.swosu.edu/voices_and_votes.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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
Custer County Sheriff's Office Investigation Leads to Arrest in Child Exploitation Case
Custer County, OK – The Custer County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, has made an arrest following a detailed investigation into child exploitation. According to a press release, on December 15, 2024, deputies
First Baptist Church of Elk City Opens Shelter as Arctic Blast Approaches
Elk City, OK – With a bitter arctic front set to grip western Oklahoma this week, First Baptist Church of Elk City is stepping up to help those in need. From Tuesday, February 18, through Friday, February
SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms Deadline to Apply for Economic Injury Loans Approaching
Sacramento, CA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the March 14, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic
Weatherford Man Arrested for High-Speed Chase Through Custer County
Weatherford, OK – A Weatherford man has been arrested and charged with felony eluding and reckless driving after leading police on a high-speed chase that exceeded 100 miles per hour through Custer County. According to court documents,
Primary Election Results for Cordell and Altus
The primary election for Cordell Public Schools and the City of Altus city council races have concluded, with results now finalized. The race for Office No. 5 on the Cordell School Board has narrowed down to two
Elk City Man Wanted for Allegedly Exploiting Mother Arrested
The Elk City man wanted for allegedly exploiting his elderly mother has been located and arrested. According to the Elk City Police Department, 38-year-old Robert Wade Leyja was located and arrested by Sayre police in Sayre on
Two More Victims ID’d in Jackson Co. Crash
Officials have identified two more victims of the tragic two-vehicle collision that occurred last Thursday near Duke. According to the latest information released by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition has been
Fastenal Supports SWOSU HERC
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Fastenal has made a generous gift of equipment in support of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) National Aeronautics & Space Administration Human Exploration Rover Challenge (NASA HERC) Team for 2024-2025. Each
SWOSU Jazz Festival Celebrates 55 Years
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The 55th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival is coming up on Feb. 13–14 in Weatherford, Okla. A tradition spanning over five decades, the festival is one of the region’s most anticipated music
SWOSU Faculty Member Earns National Pharmacology Educator Award
Weatherford, OK – Dr. Wael Eldahshan, an Assistant Professor in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Pharmacology Educators Award by the American Society for Experimental Pharmacology
SWOSU’s Dr. Todd Wiggen Appointed Editor-in-Chief of Management Teaching Review
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Todd Wiggen, Associate Professor in the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, has been named the new Editor-in-Chief of Management Teaching
Busey Brothers Make Major Gift to SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has received a generous philanthropic gift from SWOSU graduates and brothers Philip Busey, ’04, and Brian Busey, ’05, both of Oklahoma City. The Busey brothers serve
Update on Elk City Police Department Renovation Project
Elk City, OK – Last April, Elk City voters approved the extension and re-purposing of an existing half-cent sales tax for eight years to fund expansions and upgrades for the city’s fire station and police department. During
Elk City Man Faces Charges for Alleged Firearm Purchase Attempt Despite Active Warrant
Elk City, OK – An Elk City man is facing legal trouble after allegedly attempting to purchase a firearm while having an active warrant for his arrest. According to an affidavit filed on January 28, 27-year-old Isaac
Board of Education Primary Election Set for February 11 in Washita County
Washita County, OK — Voters in Washita County will head to the polls on Tuesday, February 11, for the Board of Education Primary Election, determining the next member for Office No. 5 of the Cordell Public Schools
