January 21, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
Southwestern Oklahoma State University with locations in Weatherford and Sayre has announced that it will name the university’s first Parks & Recreation Management endowment in honor of the late Dr. Ken Rose.
A native of Clinton, Rose completed his undergraduate studies at SWOSU in 1967 and earned his master’s degree, also from SWOSU, in 1970. He earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1980. Rose was a committed scholar and an expert on SCUBA diving who conducted extensive research on the effects of hyperbaric pressure on divers and the psychological factors impacting diver performance.
From 1968 to 1974, Rose taught, coached and served as principal at Washita Heights Public Schools in Corn. In 1974, he joined SWOSU as an instructor in physical education, later advancing to professor. He chaired the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, later was named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and, eventually, dean of the College of Professional & Graduate Studies.
Among many significant achievements Rose facilitated during his four-plus decades of service to SWOSU is the evolution of the SWOSU Parks & Recreation Management Department into one of the most unique and dynamic academic programs of its type in the country.
Rose passed away on September 2, 2020. He was a devoted husband to Susan and a loving father to David, D’Ann, Wesly and Tiler.
The Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Fund will benefit the SWOSU Parks & Recreation Management Department and will provide for annual student assistance to be awarded to Dr. Ken Rose Scholars. The fund is stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc.
