November 1, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $24,000 in scholarships to 17 SWOSU students involved in the Reach Higher degree program.
Fourteen students received a $1,500 Finish Line scholarship from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE): Rhonda Bennett (Anadarko), Brad Jones (Mustang), Joshua Gossman (Moore), Erin Wagner (Harrah), Carly Nguyen (Oklahoma City, Kimbra Thomas (Weatherford), Bobbi Jo Rowland (Piedmont), Christopher Hurtt (Yukon), Marissa Llamas (Wichita), Michael Dropps (Mustang), Jamie Mundt (Hammon), Kenneth Wilkins (Elk City), Carly Carney (Hydro), and Diana Juarez (Oklahoma City).
Three students each received a $1,000 Reach Higher Scholarship from the SWOSU Foundation: Jessika Johnstone (Ponca City), Michael Nguyen (Weatherford), and Amelia Maxwell (Oklahoma City).
The Finish Line scholarship program provides funds for 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 Flex Finish is a degree-finishing program designed for adults who have successfully completed some college coursework but have not yet finished a college degree. The program of study results in a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership with an area of focus in one of four areas: business, education, psychology, or technology.
The Reach Higher program is “a huge blessing. It means I was given a second chance. I did not succeed in college the first time, but now I have been given a life-changing opportunity to finish what I starte,,” stated Carly Nguyen. “Completing my bachelor’s degree will allow me to apply for jobs that I was previously not qualified for.”
Jessika Johnstone has overcome some challenging life experiences and sees the Reach Higher program as a path to overcome those struggles while financially supporting her family. “The Reach Higher program gives me the opportunity and the ability to have flexible options to finish a degree I thought would be unattainable with having a family and a full-time career.”
Carly Carney, a single mom, never pictured herself as a leader but feels that the knowledge she has obtained while pursuing her degree in Organizational Leadership has allowed her to realize that leadership does not have to look a certain way. “I have gained confidence in myself and have been able to use my new skills at work and have noticed a real difference in my work life,” she said. Graduating in December, Carney has been inspired to continue her education and pursue a graduate degree.
Dr. Todd Wiggen, the coordinator of SWOSU’s Organizational Leadership program said that the Reach Higher adult-friendly degree completion options through the OSRHE encourage adults who have earned some college credit to complete their degrees.
“This program really works for those adults who, for whatever reason, did not finish their degree the first time around. We offer flexible enrollment and online coursework. Students can set their own pace in completing their degree,” Wiggen said.
Wiggen, as the program coordinator and advisor, provides personalized advising to ensure students finish in the most efficient way possible.
The Reach Higher/Organizational Leadership program is currently accepting students for the 2024 spring semester at SWOSU. Additional information is available by contacting Wiggen at todd.wiggen@swosu.edu or leadership@swosu.edu.
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
