SWOSU Dobby Awards Recognize Outstanding Students and Scholarship Recipients

Ana Arrieta, recipient of the Dobson Student of the Year award, and Dr. Brett Chase, chair of the Department of Engineering Technology.

The Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently recognized students during the 4th annual Dobby Awards on April 28. The ceremony also included scholarship presentations for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Students spent the academic year building experience through coursework, group projects, and program-based activities tied to their fields. Many contributed to community service efforts and took part in student organizations connected to their majors. Others represented SWOSU in competitions and field experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

The Rover Dawgs competed at a national event and placed fourth out of 60 teams, the highest finish recorded by the program. The result stands out among this year's accomplishments across the college.

Outstanding Student Awards were presented in each program area. Faculty select these students based on academic performance, leadership in the classroom, and consistency across multiple semesters.

Outstanding Student Award Recipients:

• Accounting-Courtney Riley
• Agricultural Business-Grady Gaunt
• Entrepreneurship-Antonio Ceniceros
• Finance-Kayle Ivey
• General Business-Elijah Long
• Human Resource Management-Mollie Mefferd
• Leadership & Organizational Studies-Blayze Clem
• Management-Otto Heden
• Marketing-Addison Schmidt
• Organizational Leadership-Sarah Blackstone
• Computer Science-Timothy Lee
• Applied Engineering Management-Aaron Donaldson
• Engineering Technology-Ana Arrieta
• Graduate Programs (MBA/MS)-Michael Nguyen

Scholarships were also awarded through the SWOSU Foundation with support from donors and industry partners. Students submitted applications and were reviewed with input from faculty. Awards are based on academic performance and continued progress within their programs. Approximately $32,000 was distributed this year.

2026-27 Scholarship Recipients:

• Computer Club Scholarship-Shon Hakanson
• Crall/Shipley Endowment Scholarship-Aquetzalli Herrera Mendiola
• Dobson Communication Corporation Endowment Scholarship-Rebecca Proffitt
• Dr. Albert H. Gabriel Endowment Scholarship-Macey Scotten
• Dr. Joe Anna Hibler Scholarship-Lilyan Rangel
• Dr. Melody Ashenfelter Scholarship-Emmerson McDonald
• Dr. W.W. Ward & Elsie Ward Memorial Scholarship-Karissa Ballard, Olivia Boeckman, Blayze Clem, Zoie Dunkleberger, Brady Harris, Dylan Hunt, Parker Jacks, Landen Lee, Maggi Mashaney, Bryce McClinton, Adelaide McClung, Reagan McIntyre, Mollie Mefferd, Brodie Miller, Caden Morrow, Rylie Paramore, Cooper Patton, Fabian Ponce, Andrew Rednose, Shelby Robinson, Carter Sampson, Carli Stuva, Abby Sweeney, Bryce Teut, Antonae Thompson, and Zoe Wittler
• Ethel Grace Heinrich Wilson Memorial Scholarship-Pia Luciana Stein Velazco
• Frank & Shirley Polk Scholarship-Bridget Burnett
• K.B. Cornell, Sr. Scholarship-Aspen Cobb
• MidFirst Bank Scholarship-Carissa Bailey
• Nicholas & Judy Rains Computer Science Scholarship-Logan Green, Caleb Marsh, Tanner Moore, and Shaun Scheurer
• Western Oklahoma Bankers Association Scholarship-Jadon Adcock and Tyler Ingram

The final recognition, the Dobson Student of the Year award, was presented to Ana Arrieta. The honor is the highest awarded within the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology and is selected each year by college leadership. It recognizes a student whose academic record, leadership, and involvement have distinguished them throughout their time in the program.

The Dobby Awards are named for Everett Dobson, a benefactor of the college whose continued support has shaped opportunities for students in business and technology programs. Scholarships presented during the ceremony are made possible through the SWOSU Foundation and its donors.

The event is coordinated by faculty and staff across the college. Erin Hawkins, administrative assistant for the College of Business and Technology, plays a central role in organizing the event each year. Garrett King and the SWOSU Foundation support the scholarship process and provide the funding that makes these awards possible for students.

For more information about the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology, visit https://www.swosu.edu/academics/business/index.php.

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.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.