March 29, 2022
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has announced its 2022 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame inductees.
Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by SWOSU to recognize outstanding former students and to celebrate their achievements. There are currently 111 SWOSU graduates who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The 2022 inductees include:
-
- Verna Foust of Oklahoma City (Classes of 1985 and 1992)
-
- Dianne Hunter of Guthrie (Classes of 1986 and 1990)
-
- Andre Marshall of Beverly Hills, California (Class of 2005)
-
- Steve Price of Marble Falls, Texas (Class of 1983)
-
- Joel Sappenfield of Siloam Springs, Arkansas (Class of 1989)
Verna Foust is the chief executive officer for Red Rock Behavioral Health Services. Red Rock is a federally designated Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), certified by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), and is nationally certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Red Rock is one of the largest behavioral health and substance use facilities in Oklahoma with over 700 employees serving 18 counties across 26 locations with an annual operating budget of $58 million dollars. Red Rock provides a variety of behavioral health services including psychiatric, outpatient and substance abuse treatment. Other services include medication assisted and residential treatment, short term crisis stabilization for adults and youth, court assistance programs, and many other specialty programs.
Foust has worked in the field of community mental health for over 32 years and has gained extensive experience in the operation, planning, development and oversight of traditional and specialty behavioral health programs, in both urban and rural communities. Through her time in leadership, Red Rock has undergone a merger with another community mental health center, has more than doubled in size and number of locations, obtained a key partnership with a national organization serving military, veterans, and their families, and successfully obtained a competitive placement in a federal demonstration program that transformed Red Rock into a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. She is past president of the Oklahoma Behavioral Health Alliance as well as a former member and chair of the Oklahoma Forensic Review Board, a position appointed by the Governor. She is a founding member and current president of the Alliance of Mental Health Providers of Oklahoma; serves on the Oklahoma Behavioral Health Advisory Committee; and is a member of Mental Health Corporations of America. In 2021, by request of Congress, she provided testimony to the Congressional House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Appropriations subcommittee on Behavioral Health.
Foust is a native of Clinton and holds bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Psychology along with a master’s degree in Psychology from SWOSU. She is a licensed professional counselor and national board-certified counselor. Foust enjoys spending her free time at Lake Eufaula with her husband of 37 years, Scott, her son and daughter-in-law, Austin and Morgan, and her beloved grandson, Bentley.
Dianne Hunter was born in Hinton on November 7, 1949. She attended Hinton Elementary School before her family moved to Weatherford, where she attended Weatherford Junior and Senior High. After putting herself through college, working as a hairstylist, Hunter graduated in 1986 from SWOSU earning a bachelor’s degree in English along with a minor in art. Hunter then set her eyes on earning a master’s degree in education, which she finished in 1990 at SWOSU. In 1991, Hunter became a flight attendant for American Airlines based in New York from 1992 to 1998. She returned to Oklahoma in 1998 and held the post of practice administrator of the Oklahoma City Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City until she retired in 2015.
Hunter is married to Dr. Paul David Hunter. The Hunters have three grown children and two grandchildren. Hunter was instrumental in her husband’s campaign in 2006 when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District. Hunter is a past president of the SWOSU Alumni Association and past chair of the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees. She has generously established the Hunter Endowed Lectureship in Psychology and the Marjory Scouten Smith Endowment at SWOSU.
Andre Marshall is a native of Weatherford. Currently, he practices as a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills (CA). He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Huntington Hospital, Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
Following graduation from SWOSU, Marshall received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He specializes in aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery. Marshall achieved high honors and graduated at the top of his class from medical school and was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honour Society for his excellent academic achievements. Marshall then undertook more specific training in plastic surgery by completing a three-year plastic and reconstructive surgery degree at one of the top ten medical centers in the country, Duke University Medical Centre. Additionally, he expanded his training and skills in aesthetic procedures by undertaking an Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship in Laguna Beach.
Steve Price served as executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Dell, Inc. from 2010 until his retirement in 2021 where he led both human resources and global facilities. As CHRO, Price was responsible for setting the overall HR strategy and solving the biggest culture, leadership, talent and performance challenges of Dell and Dell EMC.
Price joined Dell in 1997 and served in many key leadership roles throughout the HR organization, including vice president of operations, global talent management, and vice president for the global consumer business, Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Dell, Steve spent 13 years with SC Johnson Wax in Racine (WI). Having started his career there in sales, he later moved into HR where he held a variety of senior positions.
At Dell, Price was the executive sponsor for the Black Employee Resource Group, dedicated to creating opportunities for Black team members to build relationships across the company and to help them grow and thrive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from SWOSU and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Joel Sappenfield is currently serving as the president of Simmons Prepared Foods, based in Siloam Springs (AR). Simmons is a vertically integrated food company that supplies poultry products to customers around the globe. Simmons is also the largest provider of private label pet food in the United States. For anyone that has eaten at a nationally based restaurant or have a pet, chances are that person purchased Simmons Foods products. Simmons was named the top ranked food company on Forbes Magazine’s 2021 list for Best Mid-Sized Employers. Prior to serving in this role, Sappenfield served as the president of Cobb-Vantress, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc. Cobb is a global company with operations in 13 countries and supplies primary breeding genetics to poultry companies in more than 120 countries. Cobb is one of only two companies in the world operating in this field.
Sappenfield was a proud member of the 1986 Bulldog football team while he pursued his dream of coaching in the game he loves. However, he changed his career path after marrying his high school sweetheart in 1987. Since graduating from SWOSU in 1989, Sappenfield’s bachelor’s degree in Finance has served his family well in his 32-year poultry and food industry career. His leadership path began as an entry level production supervisor at a poultry processing facility, then led to scheduling manager and several operations leadership roles. From there he entered sales, marketing and general management, which equipped him for corporate senior executive leadership positions with the Fortune 500 company, Tyson Foods, Inc., the largest protein provider in the U.S.
Through the years, Sappenfield has been given many opportunities to travel globally in efforts to feed the world. He has served on several boards representing the poultry industry in the United States and internationally, including India, Spain and China. He currently serves on the board of directors for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
While blessed with many opportunities to lead and excel in the corporate business world, Sappenfield has held tight to his core values of living with integrity, treating people well and letting actions speak louder than words. He enjoys investing in others through mentorship and leading Bible studies. His greatest reward is found in his faith and spending time with his wife of 35 years, Candi, and their family which includes three grandsons. An additional bonus is getting to spend time with his family on their Red Angus farm in Northwest Arkansas.
Joel and Candi are both natives of southwest Oklahoma and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1985. Sappenfield’s love for God, family, hard work and farming were greatly influenced by his parents and Candi’s family. For this reason, southwest Oklahoma will always be a special place for them.
The 2022 SWOSU Distinguished Alumni honorees will be recognized during the SWOSU Convocation activities planned for May 6-7 on the Weatherford campus.
For more information, please visit www.swosu.edu or call the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement at 580-774-3267.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
“All Clear” Given After Apparent Fake Bomb Threat at Elk City Middle School
April 17, 2024 Tense moments Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat to the Elk City Middle School was made.
Elk City Man Injured in Dewey Co. Crash
April 17, 2024 An Elk City man was hospitalized Tuesday night after being involved in a one vehicle accident in Dewey County.
K9 Alerts Authorities to Fentanyl and Cocaine During Texas Traffic Stop
April 17, 2024 A man was arrested earlier this month in Shamrock, Texas after being discovered with fentanyl and cocaine.
SWOSU’s Dr. Tugba Sevin Named 2024 DaVinci Fellow for Language Initiative
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that Dr. Tugba Sevin, Associate Professor in the SWOSU College of Arts and Sciences has recently been named the 2024 DaVinci Fellow
SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Awarded Heritage Preservation Grant
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has awarded the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
Ellis Co. Man Dies in Monday Night Crash
April 16, 2024 A Gage man passed away Monday night after being involved in a two vehicle accident near Laverne in Harper County.
Man Accused of Vandalizing Home – Hitting Woman
April 16, 2024 A Sayre man was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly vandalized a home and punched a woman.
Adopt a Dispatcher
April 16, 2024 Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning reminds the public that there’s an easy way to show your appreciation to Beckham County dispatchers with this week being National Telecommunications and Communicators Week.
Storied Structure Helps Occupants Create Better Future
April 15, 2024 By Landry Brewer An old Elk City building has a new purpose.
Local Authorities Staying Sharp During Severe Weather Season
April 15, 2024 With spring storm season in full effect in western Oklahoma, one local sheriff’s office is staying sharp when they’re needed to accurately spot, track, and report when severe weather enters the area.
SWOSU Launches Pharm.D./MSHIM Dual-Degree Program
April 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to introduce the Pharm.D./Master of Science in Health Information Management (MSHIM) dual-degree program, which combines the Doctor of Pharmacy and master’s degree in health
February Sales Tax: I-40 Trio Up
April 15, 2024 The latest sales tax numbers have been released and western Oklahoma’s largest communities saw gains in collections when compared to the same time a year ago.
ECPS Partnering with Leadership Group
April 12, 2024 Elk City Public Schools has been selected to take part in a leadership program that, according to Superintendent Mike Sparks, will create more opportunities for the school district to build on success and continue
Excavation at New Fire Station Site Unearths Church Building Remnants
April 12, 2024 By Landry Brewer Dirt is being moved at the historic location for Elk City’s new fire station, and workers recently uncovered some of that site’s history.
Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund Established at SWOSU
April 12, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon has announced the establishment of the Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund.
Clinton Man Accused of Trying to Run Down Golfers
April 11, 2024 A bizarre story out of Custer County where a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to run over people while driving a vehicle near Riverside Golf Course in Clinton.
“Boots and Badges” Blood Drive Friday in Elk City
April 11, 2024 A special blood drive honoring a fallen firefighter is taking place tomorrow at the Elk City Fire Department.
40th Annual SW Farm & Home Expo This Weekend in Elk City
April 11, 2024 The 40th Annual Southwest Farm & Home Expo returns this weekend inside the Elk City Convention Center.
No Headlights Cause of Jackson Co. Wreck
April 10, 2024 A Weatherford teen was injured and hospitalized after being involved in a two vehicle accident last week in Jackson County.
Elk City High Fulfills “Oklahoma’s Promise”
April 10, 2024 According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, seven high schools have been named “Oklahoma’s Promise 2023 State Champions,” leading the state in the number of graduates who met the requirements to receive
Trucker Charged After Hit and Run Incident in Beckham Co.
April 10, 2024 An arrest warrant has been issued for a California man after he allegedly sideswiped a parked pickup and camper trailer with his semi truck and trailer on the side of I-40 in Beckham County
Fire Crews Contain Elk City Apartment Fire
April 9, 2024 An apartment fire Monday afternoon in Elk City was contained to one unit.
ATV Accident Hospitalizes Elk City Man
April 9, 2024 An ATV accident on Saturday in Tillman County has hospitalized an Elk City man.
Fatal Accident Near Blair
April 9, 2024 A Granite woman has died Monday after being involved in a two vehicle accident north of Blair in Jackson County.
SWOSU Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni
April 8, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has announced its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees.
Kit Plane Crash Prompts Search of Pilot
April 8, 2024 Beckham County officials assisted Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol into the investigation of the apparent wreck of a kit plane near Delhi on Thursday.
Sheriff Races Develop in Western Oklahoma
April 8, 2024 A race for the sheriff’s position in three local counties has developed after the three day filing period closed on Friday.
Henry Announces Run For Beckham County Sheriff
April 8, 2024 Provided Press Release My name is Wes Henry I am a republican and I am running for Beckham County Sheriff. In my 20 years of law enforcement experience, I have trained and worked in
School Board Seats Decided in Western Oklahoma
April 3, 2024 Local voters hit up the polls Tuesday to decide, among other things, various school board elections throughout the area.
“Choices Matter” To Bring Program to Local Schools
April 2, 2024 Local high school students in Beckham County will participate in a program that highlights the dangers of drinking and driving.
Single Vehicle Accident Injures Fay Man
April 2, 2024 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers say a Fay man was hospitalized after being in a one vehicle accident late Monday Afternoon in Blaine County.
SWOSU Student Colter Esparza Wins 2nd Place in Category at Research Day at the Capitol
April 2, 2024 Colter Esparza, a student from Willow, Okla., studying in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), received 2nd place in the Regional, Community, and Tribal College category at
Oklahoma Schools Win Sweepstakes at SWOSU SWIM
April 1, 2024 The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), Oklahoma’s longest running academic competition for high school and junior high students, recently took place at SWOSU on Thursday, March 28. Established in 1913, SWIM
SWOSU Announces Spring 2024 Jack B. Shelton & Walter Crouch Scholar
April 1, 2024 Johannes Becht of Pforzheim, Germany, has been named the Jack B. Shelton & Walter Crouch Scholar for the pursuit of authentic journalism for the 2023-2024 academic year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
Dr. Geo Kelly Wins Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award at SWOSU
April 1, 2024 Dr. Geo Kelly, associate professor of marketing in the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
School Board Races To Be Decided Tuesday
April 1, 2024 The election year continues tomorrow with local school board races being decided.
Scooter Accident Hospitalizes Michigan Man
April 1, 2024 A Michigan man was hospitalized Thursday night after wrecking a gas powered scooter in Beckham County.
SWOSU Honored for Collaboration with INTEGRIS Health
March 29, 2024 SWOSU Press Release On Thursday, March 7, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) received recognition at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Business Partnership Excellence Awards Program for its collaboration with INTEGRIS Health.
Clinton Woman Accused of Abusing Cancer Patient
March 29, 2024 A Clinton woman is wanted in Custer County after being charged with aggravated assault and battery.
Manning Announces Candidacy For Re-Election As Sheriff
March 29, 2024 Provided Press Release Sheriff Derek Manning has announced that he will stand for re-election as a Republican candidate for the office of Beckham County Sheriff. Manning is completing his second term in office and
OK Space Port Could Benefit From Possible Tax Credit Program
March 28, 2024 NASA is running out of launch sites for its growing number of rockets into space. So the Oklahoma legislature wants to take advantage of the shortage by resurrecting a tax credit program to help
SWOSU Announces Major Charitable Gift from Koch Family
March 28, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has announced a major charitable gift from longtime SWOSU benefactors Rick and Sheila Koch of Weatherford.
Skate Park Addition Opens
March 27, 2028 By Landry Brewer Elk City is pumped over the new Ackley Park West attraction for wheeled-sports enthusiasts.
SWOSU Stafford Archive Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
March 27, 2028 SWOSU Press Release The Al Harris Library at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford was awarded an Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
EF-1 Tornado Confirmed Sunday Night Near Shamrock, TX
March 27, 2024 After a quick study, it was determined that a tornado did in fact touch down in the east Texas Panhandle Sunday night.
Candidate Filing Begins Wednesday, April 3rd in Roger Mills County
March 26, 2024 Beckham County Election Board Press Release Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd, when the candidate filing period opens, the Secretary of the Roger Mills County Election Board said today.
Candidate filing to begin Wednesday, April 3,4,5, 2024 in Custer County
March 26, 2024 Custer County Election Board Press Release The statewide candidate filing period begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, said Ann Brown, Secretary of the Custer County Election Board.
Candidate Filing Begins April 3, 2024 in Beckham County
March 26, 2024 Beckham County Election Board Press Release Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd when the candidate filing period opens, the Secretary of the Beckham County Election Board said today.
Funeral Arrangements for Local Hero Announced
March 25, 2024 The Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford has announced the funeral arrangements for the institutions namesake.
Corn Bible Academy German Feast and Auction April 6, 2024
March 25, 2024 CBA Press Release The public is invited to Clinton, Oklahoma for Corn Bible Academy’s 60th annual German Feast and Auction on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This will be the second feast at the school’s
