September 29, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) had the honor of welcoming Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen from the Kingdom of Denmark on Wednesday, Sept. 27. The Ambassador’s visit to SWOSU was part of a multi-day series of gatherings organized by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Danish Trade Council in North America focusing on clean and renewable energy.
Ambassador Sørensen currently serves as the Ambassador of Denmark to The United States at the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. Prior to this role, he held positions such as State Secretary for Foreign Policy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Political Director in the Foreign Ministry, and Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan. Ambassador Sørensen began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark in 1997, holding various diplomatic roles worldwide. He holds a Master of Political Science from the University of Copenhagen and is a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog.
The Ambassador’s visit commenced with a luncheon held in the Pioneer Event Center’s Skyview Suite. Attendees included SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell, Provost Dr. Joel Kendall, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing Dr. Boone Clemmons, and International Student Services Coordinator Ms. Mihaela Roxana Ifrim. Additionally, the luncheon would not have been possible without the work of teams led by Mr. Bryce Wood, PCEC Director, and Ms. Radonna Sawatzky, Food Services Director.
Following the luncheon, Ambassador Sørensen was guided on a tour of the state-of-the-art General Thomas P. Stafford Archives at the Al Harris Library. Here, he engaged with students from SWOSU’s President Leadership Class, Student Government Association, and SWOSU International Student Association. He also met one of SWOSU’s three Danish students, Mr. Anders Strand. This component of his visit was made possible by Dr. Adam Johnson, Vice President for Student Services; Mr. Jason Dupree, MLIS, Director of Libraries and Assistant Professor; Mr. Philip Fitzsimmons, MLIS, University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, and Assistant Professor.
Continuing the tour, the Ambassador visited the SWOSU Department of Engineering Technology, which has played a significant role in the university’s increase in STEM graduates over the last decade. He interacted with students and faculty and discussed Denmark’s clean and renewable energy sector, as well as how SWOSU students might contemplate pursuing career opportunities in these sectors. Mr. Brett Chase, Chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, facilitated this segment of the visit.
“SWOSU would like to express gratitude for the opportunity to host Ambassador Sørensen and the delegation from Denmark. This visit strengthens the bonds between our educational institution and the global community: it was truly a historic day for SWOSU” said Dr. Lovell.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
Recent Rainfall Brings Drought Relief to Western Oklahoma
Norman, OK – After weeks of concern, recent rainfall has brought a welcome shift to the drought outlook in western Oklahoma. Beckham, Roger Mills, Washita, and Custer counties all saw significant improvement following multiple rounds of storms
Kiowa County Man Arrested Following Child Sexual Abuse Case
OSBI Press Release Lone Wolf, OK – On May 6, 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate alleged manufacturing of child sexual abuse material. Earlier that day, deputies were
UPDATE: Governor Signs HB 1732, Granting Schools Broadcast Rights
Oklahoma City, OK – Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 1732 into law on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, officially granting Oklahoma public schools the authority to broadcast their own athletic events. The bill, authored by Representative Anthony
SWOSU Aspiring Educators Association Hosts Initiation and Cording Ceremony
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association (SWOSU OAEA) hosted its inaugural initiation and cording ceremony on April 22. The event recognized both newly initiated members and current student
SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought
SBA Press Release Sacramento, CA. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the June 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans
Fresno Man Arrested in Clinton on Drug Trafficking Charges
Clinton, OK — A California man was arrested in Clinton on January 13, 2025, after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of multiple illegal drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Kenneth Ray Moore, 58, of
Wheeler County Election Results Are In: Incumbents, Challengers Split Key Races
May 7, 2025 Wheeler County, Texas — Voters in Wheeler and Shamrock, Texas made their picks in several local races on Saturday, including city council contests and a competitive race for the Parkview Hospital Board. In Wheeler,
Oklahoma House Rejects Wind Energy Setback Bill; Rep. Archer Cites Property Rights Concerns
Oklahoma City, OK – On Tuesday evening, the Oklahoma House of Representatives narrowly defeated Senate Bill 2 (SB2) with a 44-49 vote. The bill aimed to impose new setback requirements for wind energy facilities, mandating that wind
SWOSU’s Commitment to Excellence: Dr. Tugba Sevin’s Online Teaching Recognized at State Level
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Tugba Sevin, Professor of Italian and Spanish and Coordinator of the World Languages Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), has been honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for
Sayre Man Facing Multiple Child Exploitation Charges Following Predator Sting
Elk City, OK — A Sayre man is facing multiple felony charges after a joint investigation between Elk City Police and an independent investigative organization uncovered evidence linking him to disturbing online activity involving minors, including his
Amarillo Man Killed in Rollover Crash on I-40 Near Weatherford
Weatherford, OK – A fatal crash early Monday morning claimed the life of a Texas man on Interstate 40, just west of Weatherford in Custer County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately
One Dead, Two Injured in Early Morning Rollover Crash on I-40 Near Shamrock
Wheeler County, TX — A single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Interstate 40 claimed one life and left two others injured, according to the Texas Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 3:39 A.M. on May 1,
Oklahoma Legislature Passes HB 1732, Empowering Schools to Broadcast Their Own Athletic Events – Awaits Governor's Signature
Oklahoma City, OK — On April 30, 2025, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 1732, a measure that affirms the right of public schools to broadcast their own athletic events, including preseason, regular season, and playoff games.
Request An Emergency Ballot For The May 13 Election
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 28th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their
Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Friday, May 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 10th Town of Cheyenne Special
SWOSU Students Join LSU for Herpetology Fieldwork at Ouachita Mountains
SWOSU Press Release Ouachita Mountains, AR – Students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences recently participated in a field experience at the Ouachita Mountains Biological Station in Arkansas. The trip, held
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
Cheyenne, OK – With the May 13 Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE It is a crime for any person other than voters and election
SWOSU Chapter Hosts TriBeta Regional Research Convention
SWOSU Press Release Cedar Hill, TX – Students and professors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently helped organize and host the 2025 Southcentral Regional Convention of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society at Mt. Lebanon Camp and
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, for the Roger Mills County Special Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially
Dr. Patsy Parker Selected as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Patsy Parker as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 1, 2025. Dr. Parker brings
Elk City Chamber Secures Over $200K for Route 66 Revitalization Project
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has been awarded more than $200,000 through the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, aimed at preserving and enhancing one of Elk City’s most recognizable landmarks—Parker Drilling Rig
SWOSU Psychology Students Present Research at Regional Convention
SWOSU Press Release Little Rock, AR – Seven undergraduate psychology students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently presented their original research at the 2025 Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) Convention held in Little Rock, Ark. This regional
New Interdisciplinary Partnership Between Nursing and World Languages
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Nursing and the World Languages minor program have launched an exciting new interdisciplinary partnership. This collaboration will allow nursing students to pursue a
SWOSU Hosting Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host four commencement ceremonies on the Weatherford campus in May for the Spring 2025 graduating seniors. Eligible participants for the ceremonies include students who will
