November 28, 2022
SWOSU Press Release
Twelve Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students involved in the Reach Higher degree program were recently awarded scholarships. Eight students received a $1500 Finish Line scholarship from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education: Rhonda Bennett (Anadarko), Denise Boswell (Weatherford), Janessa Bustin (Sayre), Tara Denney (Cheyenne), Brayan Flores (Oklahoma City), Jennifer Nightengale (Foss), Antonae Thompson (Oklahoma City) and Tyler Welch (Gans). Four students each received a $750 Reach Higher Scholarship from the SWOSU Foundation: Amanda Blankenship (Owasso), Joshua Gossman (Moore), Brad Jones (Mustang), and Abigail Ulery (Oklahoma City).
The Finish Line scholarship program funds State System colleges and universities participating in the Reach Higher adult degree completion programs to target scholarships for adult students nearing degree completion. Reach Higher is a degree-finishing program designed for adults who have successfully completed some college coursework but still need a college degree. The program of study results in a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership with an area of focus in general business.
“The . . . program is “a life-changing opportunity for me,” stated Jones. “As a working adult raising a family, I’ve wondered if I would ever finish what I started over 20 years ago. The Reach Higher program has given me renewed confidence in myself as a student. It is lifting the burden of disappointment I’ve had in not achieving something my parents and others invested in.”
Nightengale stated that completing her degree sets a positive example for her children. “I believe the benefits from the Reach Higher program and from getting a college education will lead me and my family to a better future.”
Ulery has overcome some challenging life experiences and sees the Reach Higher program as a path to overcome those struggles while financially supporting her family. “What the Reach Higher program means to me is flexibility,” stated Ulery. “I can complete my work after I get off from my job.”
The Reach Higher program “has helped me in so many ways,” said Boswell, “being a single mom with three kids, working and going to school, [Reach Higher] made it possible for someone like me to finish my degree.” Boswell also plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree at SWOSU.
Dr. Todd Wiggen, the coordinator of SWOSU’s Organizational Leadership program, Reach Higher Flex Finish, said the Reach Higher adult-friendly degree completion options through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education encourage adults who have earned some college credit to complete their degrees successfully.
“The program is really geared to working adults by offering flexible enrollment and online coursework. Students can go as fast or as slow as they want and are able,” Wiggen said. “Many of our students may only take a class or two a semester due to their other obligations, and others will take five to six courses to try and finish as rapidly as possible. It is truly up to the individual.” The program is also waiting on approval of other areas of focus options, including education, psychology, and technology, to provide even greater flexibility for students.
The Reach Higher/Organizational Leadership program is currently accepting students for the 2023 spring semester at SWOSU. Additional information is available by contacting Wiggen.
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