
August 1, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) in Lawton have established a partnership to expand educational opportunities and address healthcare staffing needs. The agreement, signed on July 31 by SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell and CCMH Chief Nursing Officer Melissa Alvillar provides significant benefits for SWOSU students interested in careers at CCMH, including tuition payment support for selected fields of study.
“This partnership creates exciting new opportunities for individuals in Southwest Oklahoma who are pursuing careers in healthcare,” said Brent Smith, CCMH Chief Executive Officer. “Whether they’re interested in Health Information Management, laboratory services, Information Technology, or Nursing, just to name a few, Southwest Oklahoma students will now have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience at CCMH.”
Under the terms of the agreement, SWOSU students pursuing degrees in specific healthcare and administrative programs will be eligible for tuition payments if they choose to work for CCMH. The hospital will implement a selection process to identify potential students. The programs covered by this agreement include the following:
LPN to RN/ Bachelor of Science in Nursing
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Master of Science in Health Information Management
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Additional programs as identified by CCMH needs
This collaboration presents mutual advantages. SWOSU students will have the opportunity to receive financial support for their education while committing to careers at CCMH. In turn, CCMH will benefit from a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to meet its staffing requirements. The agreement also facilitates clinical placement opportunities at CCMH for SWOSU students across all healthcare disciplines.
Smith said, “We will serve as one of SWOSU’s clinical sites for various healthcare related professions. We appreciate this collaborative effort and are eager to begin this program that will help meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Comanche County Memorial Hospital to support healthcare education and address the critical need for healthcare professionals in Southwest Oklahoma,” said Lovell. “This collaboration will provide our students with invaluable opportunities for financial support, hands-on experience, and career pathways in various healthcare fields. Together, we are committed to building a stronger healthcare workforce for Oklahoma.”
For more information about the partnership opportunities, reach out to Comanche County Memorial Hospital at ccmhhealth.com.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
About Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Comanche County Memorial Hospital is an independent, non-profit acute care facility dedicated to putting patients first and delivering award-winning care, with 265 licensed beds and a workforce of over 2,500 full-time and part-time employees, 475 credentialed physicians and healthcare providers and benefits from the support of nearly 140 volunteers. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

American Legion District 7 to Hold Annual Conference in Sayre
Sayre, OK – The American Legion Department of Oklahoma, District 7, will hold its 2025 Joint Conference on Saturday, November 8, at American Legion Post 146, 906 N. 4th Street in Sayre. Registration will open at 8

Child Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash Near Minco
Grady County, OK — A 10-year-old child was killed in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning on State Highway 152, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash happened around 10:25 a.m. at SH-152 and County

Canute Day Returns Sept. 27 with Full Day of Events
Canute, OK — The community will gather on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, for the annual Canute Day, presented by Canute Preservation & Restoration. The celebration runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Canute Park and features

Public Invited to Transportation Planning Meeting in Sayre
Burns Flat, OK – Sayre residents will have the chance to help shape the future of transportation in southwest Oklahoma at an upcoming public meeting hosted by the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO). The meeting

Jack Harrel Leadership Scholarship Established at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the establishment of the Jack Harrel Leadership Scholarship Fund. The fund honors the memory of the late Celo Jackson Harrel – “Jack” to nearly everyone who knew

The 2025 SWOSU Family Day is September 27
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host its 2025 Family Day activities on September 27. Students are invited to bring their parents and family members to the Weatherford campus in conjunction with the annual

2025 SWOSU Charitable Hunt Raises Over $44,000
Weatherford, OK – The 6th annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Charitable Hunt was held on September 12 in Devol, Oklahoma. The event raised over $44,000 for the benefit of the SWOSU Department of Parks & Recreation

Rep. Archer Elected Vice Chair of Energy Council
Anchorage, AK – During The Energy Council’s annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, it was announced that Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) has been elected vice chair of the council. The Energy Council is an international, nonpartisan organization

Investigation Launched Into Cattle Deaths Linked to Contaminated Creek Water
Eakly, OK — State officials are investigating a possible case of water contamination along Five Mile Creek near Eakly after dozens of cattle died in recent days. The losses began earlier this month when ranchers in the

Low-Speed Pursuit Ends Safely Near Merritt School
Beckham County, OK – A traffic stop on Interstate 40 last week turned into what Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning described as an “odd pursuit” that ended without injuries. According to Manning, the incident began when an

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest Near Elk City
Elk City, OK – An Oklahoma City man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed pursuit across Beckham County ended in a crash on Interstate 40 last month. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Beckham

Elk City Man Faces Multiple Drug and Firearm Charges in Custer County
Custer County, OK — An Elk City man is facing serious drug and firearm charges after authorities say he was caught with methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and drug paraphernalia earlier this month. Jimmy Lee “Rusty” Davis, 64, of

2025 SWOSU Homecoming Set for October 25
Weatherford, OK – The 2025 Homecoming at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is set for the week of October 25. This year’s SWOSU Homecoming theme is “Bulldog Blueprint.” The authorized 2025 SWOSU Homecoming logo is accessible for

Beckham County Drone Assists Texas Deputies in Search
Sayre, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff’s Department provided aerial support to Wheeler County, Texas, during a search for a fleeing suspect. Sheriff Derek Manning said Wheeler County deputies requested one of Beckham County’s drones late Sunday

Explosion and Fire Destroy Mechanic Shop in Elk City
Elk City, OK – A barn-style mechanic shop on East Seventh Street caught fire Monday night after an explosion, according to Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka. Fire crews were called to 710 E. Seventh at 8:05

“The Pumpkin Mom” Smashes Oklahoma Records at State Weigh-Off
Canute, OK — History was made at the Harrison Family Farm Saturday when Amber Harrison, known statewide as “The Pumpkin Mom,” shattered two Oklahoma state records during the Oklahoma Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off. For the first time

Elk City Fall Festival Returns with Free Admission
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Fall Festival is set to bring two full days of arts, crafts, food, and fun to the Elk City Convention Center on September 20–21. Admission is free, giving families and

Wellington Man Receives Consecutive Prison Sentences
Childress, TX – On Wednesday, September 10, ten pleas were heard in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. Among those was the case of Kerry Molina, 35, of Wellington, Texas. Luke Inman, District Attorney for

One Injured in Head-On Collision in Kiowa County
Kiowa County, OK – A Mountain View woman was injured Wednesday night in a head-on collision along State Highway 9 in Kiowa County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 9:07 p.m. when a

Lovell Takes Leave, Cunningham Named Acting President at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has announced a temporary change in leadership at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. President Diana Lovell has requested extended personal time to be with her

Woodward County Paramedic Killed in Highway Collision
Dewey County, OK — A Woodward County EMS paramedic was killed Thursday afternoon in a collision on U.S. Highway 270 that also injured three others, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said 55-year-old Jeffery W. Jones

Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University; Rep. Archer Denounces Radical Ideology
Orem, Utah — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk, 31, was addressing an outdoor

Marlow Man Injured in Rollover Crash on Highway 54
Custer County, OK – A Marlow man was injured early Wednesday morning when his commercial vehicle rolled over on State Highway 54 in Custer County, about 11 miles south of Thomas, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Citizen of the Year and More Celebrated in Clinton
Clinton, OK – Clinton’s business and civic leaders gathered Friday night at the Frisco Center for the annual Clinton Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, where longtime community leader Ken Baker was honored as the 2025 Clinton Citizen

Cheyenne Man Arrested After Police Chase on Stolen Mini-Bike
Elk City, OK – A Cheyenne man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing a mini-bike from Tractor Supply in Elk City and leading law enforcement on a chase through Beckham County. According to a probable