Southwestern Oklahoma State University
01/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/12/2026 16:30
SWOSU Staff Council Recognizes Staff for 435 Years of Combined Service
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 SWOSU Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university. This collective total represents decades of commitment to SWOSU and demonstrates the essential role staff play in supporting students, faculty, and campus operations across all areas.
Staff Day highlights years of service as a way to recognize the role staff play in keeping the university operating year after year. Many of the employees recognized have supported multiple departments, worked through periods of change, and provided continuity for students, faculty, and fellow staff. Their combined service reflects the steady, day-to-day work that allows SWOSU to function and serve its campus community.
"Our staff have carried this university forward through years of change and growth," said Interim President Dr. Joel Kendall. "Behind every service milestone is a person who has contributed time, knowledge, and care to this campus. SWOSU is better because of the people being recognized today."
Years of Service Honorees
Employees were recognized for milestone service anniversaries in five-year increments, ranging from five to 30 years of service.
5 Years
- Randa Castleberry-Athletics
- Kimberly Chase-Academic Records
- Xandra Goforth-Physical Plant
- Odelkis Gonzalez-Alma Mater Merc
- Sherry Gooch-Business Services
- Molly Hawkins-Academic Records
- Alecia Kelly-Physical Plant
- Erica Majors-Information Technology Services
- Chelsey Powers-Pharmacy
- Stephanie Smith-College of Educ & Behavior Sci
- Justin Tate-Information Technology Services
10 Years
- Cathy Baker-Sayre Campus
- Kendra Brown-Campus Police
- Christina Butler-Business Services
- Melanie Folsom-Academic Records
- Annie Hartwig-Food Services
- Jennifer Macaulay-Library
- Danielle Taylor-Upward Bound
15 Years
- Cindi Albrightson-Human Resources
- Felisha Allen-Upward Bound
- Edwin Detweiler-Athletics
- Terry McFarland-Physical Plant
- Kari Rogers-Assessment & Testing
20 Years
- Joanne Chain-Campus Police
- Roxanne Johns-Food Services
- Shamus Moore-Information Technology Services
- Jamie Novey-Upward Bound
25 Years
- Erin Hawkins-College of Business & Tech
- Kandy House-University Press
- Willis Jones-Physical Plant
- LaDonna Lucus-Business Services
- Pamela Nichols-Athletics
30 Years
- Terry Billey-Sayre Campus
SWOSU Staff Day is organized by the SWOSU Staff Council, which represents staff from across the university and serves in an advisory role to university leadership. Through service recognition and employee-focused initiatives, the council supports staff engagement and helps ensure staff contributions are acknowledged and valued within the SWOSU community.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
To learn more about SWOSU, visit www.swosu.edu/.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: This rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 80 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, Gaming Club, Honors Associations, Hispanic American Leadership Organization, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on January 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 12, 2026 at 22:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]