March 13, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Dr. Amy Barnett, a professor in the Department of Education and Director of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) psychometry program, is the winner of the 2023 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award.
Barnett was presented the prestigious award at the annual Bernhardt Award banquet held on Tuesday, March 8 on the Weatherford campus. She received a $5,000 cash award, clock, pen, and medallion.
The Bernhardt Award was established by SWOSU alumni Theta Juan Bernhardt and the late Dr. William Bernhardt of Midwest City to recognize faculty who have exhibited exceptional achievement in teaching, scholarship and service.
Barnett, a SWOSU faculty member since 2005, graduated from Beaver High School and received her Bachelor of Social Work from SWOSU in 1997. She later added two more degrees from SWOSU: a Master of Science in Applied Psychology in 1999 and a Master of Education in Psychometry in 2003. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 2010. Barnett is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), an LPC supervisor, and a Certified School Psychologist.
Barnett’s success in research has been both in publication and in funded grants. She co-authored a chapter and several test reviews in a leading assessment textbook. Barnett has received multiple externally funded grants totaling over $700,000, including the Indian Child Welfare Act Partnership Grant and the Oklahoma Court Reassessment Project.
Her service to the university and community is extensive. Barnett has served on many departmental and university committees. However, her greatest evidence of service is with her non-profit work. After working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and seeing the tremendous needs experienced by youth aging out of foster care, she founded a non-profit organization called STEP UP Transitional Living Program in 2018. STEP UP’s mission is to provide transitional housing and support services including education, counseling and employment for youth aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. Since its inception, STEP UP has provided services for nearly 20 youth and was the recipient of the 2019 Ed Long Community Leadership Award.
Barnett is a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure since 2013 and is on the LPC Complaint Committee. This position is appointed by the governor and requires confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate.
Barnett and her husband, Randy, live in Weatherford. Randy is the Associate Dean for the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. They have two children: Ella, a freshman at SWOSU and Isaac, a sixth-grade student.
Previous winners of the Bernhardt Award (from the first winner to the most recent): Dr. Vilas Prabhu, Dr. Stuart Burchett, Dr. Gary Wolgamott, Dr. Terry Segress, Dr. James Hunsicker, Dr. Jill Jones, Dr. James Breckenridge, Dr. John Ludrick, Dr. W. Steven Pray, Dr. Les Crall, Dr. Peter Grant, Dr. John Hayden, Dr. Virgil Van Dusen, Steve Strickler, Dr. Mary Aspedon, Dr. John Woods, Dr. Scott Long, Dr. Charles Rogers, Dr. Tim Hubin, Dr. Brian Campbell, Dr. Patsy Parker, Dr. Tom Davis, Dr. Kevin Collins, Dr. Trisha Wald, Landry Brewer, Dr. Amanda Evert, Dr. Hardeep Singh Saluja, Dr. Howard Kurtz and Dr. Brooke Gildon.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Rapid DNA Testing Helps Lead to Arrest in Beckham County Storage Break-In Investigation
Elk City, OK – An arrest has been made in connection to a recent storage facility break-in in Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. The case, which was first reported last week, involved multiple break-ins at
Dr. Trevor Ellis Receives SWOSU’s 2026 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University honored Dr. Trevor Ellis with the 2026 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award during the Academic Excellence Banquet on Thursday, March 12. Ellis is professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry
Salt Fork Fire Near Martha 80% Contained as Drought Worsens Across Western Oklahoma
Jackson County, OK — Fire crews continue to make progress on the Salt Fork Fire burning near the town of Martha, northwest of Altus. The Oklahoma Forestry Service reported Wednesday morning the fire is now about 80%
Hibler Makes Gift to Fund New SWOSU Mailroom Delivery Van
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce a generous charitable gift from former SWOSU President Dr. Joe Anna Hibler to fund the purchase of a new mailroom van to support campus operations.
Candidate Filing Begins Aprils 1st
Sayre, OK – Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 1st, when the candidate filing period opens, the Secretary of the Beckham County Election Board said today. Candidates for state offices file with the
Early Voting Begins April 2nd
Sayre, OK – Early voting begins Thursday, April 2nd for voters in Beckham County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their
Fatal Crash Reported in Beckham County Early Tuesday
Beckham County, OK – A single-vehicle crash in rural Beckham County early Tuesday morning claimed the life of a Lawton man. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 3:01 a.m. on March 18
SWOSU Dedicates Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) formally dedicated the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health on Thursday, March 12, marking a major milestone in the university’s effort to expand healthcare education
Early Morning Collision in Roger Mills County Injures Pedestrian
Roger Mills County, OK – A three-unit collision earlier this month in Roger Mills County resulted in injuries to a pedestrian attempting to assist a stranded vehicle. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at
Mountain Park Homicide Suspect Found Guilty
Mountain Park, OK – On March 14, 2025, the Mountain Park Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a homicide. Around 2:30 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call at a residence off
Two Injured in Late Night Collision West of Altus
Jackson County, OK – Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle collision late Friday night at an intersection west of Altus. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 11:06 p.m. Friday, March 13,
Two Arrested Following Oilfield Theft Investigation
Dewey County, OK – On June 9, 2025, an Ovintiv Energy security consultant requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a theft of oilfield equipment. After an internal investigation by the company, it was determined
Wildfires Spark Evacuations, Power Outages Across Western Oklahoma
Beckham County, OK – Multiple wildfires fueled by strong winds kept emergency crews busy across western Oklahoma on Sunday forcing evacuations in parts of Beckham County and drawing responses from numerous fire departments across the region. One
Oklahoma House Passes Archer’s Bill Creating Natural Gas Research Hub
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma House has approved legislation aimed at positioning the state to host a national research laboratory focused on natural gas and other advanced technologies. House Bill 3176 passed the Oklahoma House on
Fires Being Investigated in Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK — Local firefighters responded Monday to three separate grass fires in Roger Mills County, with authorities saying evidence suggests the fires may have been intentionally set. According to Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren
Reach Higher Scholarships Help Adult Learners Finish Degrees at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $15,000 in Finish Line scholarships to 10 students enrolled in Reach Higher degree programs, with awards averaging just over $1,500 per
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for April 7th Election
Cheyenne, OK – The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, March 23rd. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly
Deadline to Change Party Affiliation Approaches
Arapaho, OK – Oklahomans who want to change their party affiliation must submit their change no later than March 31, (Custer County Election Board Secretary Ann Brown said today. Voters may change their party affiliation online using
Michael Mendoza Announces Candidacy for Shamrock Mayor
Shamrock, TX – Michael Mendoza has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Shamrock in the upcoming municipal election scheduled for May 2, 2026. Mendoza, branch manager at BOC Bank and a 12 year resident of Shamrock, said
Storage Facility Break-In Under Investigation in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County authorities are investigating a break-in that occurred last week at a storage facility in the county, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said the incident happened during the night and involved
Inmate Accused of Smuggling Drug-Soaked Contraband Into Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says investigators are looking into an incident in which an inmate allegedly smuggled contraband into the Beckham County Jail in an attempt to sell it to other inmates. According
Mother Arrested After Juvenile Injured in Beckham County Incident
Beckham County, OK – A Beckham County woman has been arrested after a juvenile was injured during a domestic incident, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said deputies were called to a residence after
Lawton Man Killed in Kiowa County Rollover Crash
Kiowa County, OK – A Lawton man died Friday morning following a single-vehicle crash in Kiowa County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at approximately 9:48 a.m. Friday, March 6, on State Highway 19
Four Arrested in Burglary and Vandalism Case at Historic Casa Grand Hotel
Elk City, OK – Four individuals have been arrested following a burglary and vandalism investigation at the Historic Casa Grand Hotel in Elk City, according to the Elk City Police Department. The incident occurred at the historic
Fatal Crash Reported South of Foss
Foss, OK – A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred early Thursday morning, March 5, on State Highway 44 in Washita County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened at approximately 4:14 a.m. at the intersection of
