December 8, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
The SWOSU Alumni Association Emeritus Award, established in 2015 by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, recently recognized former SWOSU faculty who have played a pivotal role in the lives of students and alumni.
The 2023 Emeriti Honors & Reception was held on Nov. 28 in the Skyview Suite of the Pioneer Cellular Event Center on the Weatherford campus.
This year, the Alumni Board of Directors selected three distinguished individuals for the honor: Dr. David Ralph, Dr. Cynthia Foust, and Dr. W. Edward Rolison.
Dr. David Ralph joined SWOSU in 1975 as an instructor in Pharmacy Administration and Director of Continuing Education. Over his 47 years of service to SWOSU, he held key roles, including Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs for the SWOSU College of Pharmacy (1985–2000), Associate Dean of the college (2000–2016), and later as the Dean in 2016. Ralph is the first SWOSU Pharmacy graduate to attain the position of dean for the College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Cynthia Foust, Vice President Emeritus and Associate Professor of Nursing until 2014, began her journey at SWOSU as adjunct faculty in 1977, when the School of Nursing opened its doors. Foust later moved to full-time status in 1979 and transitioned to administration in 2004. Her service extended beyond her role in nursing to various committees, boards, and leadership positions: Student Government Association co-faculty sponsor until her retirement, Student Nursing Association co-chair during her tenure as nursing faculty, accreditation committee co-chair in 2010, SWOSU strategic planning co-chair, Weatherford Rotary Club President, and Regional Hospital Board Vice-President and Trustee. She served on the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for five years and as President in 2005. She also graduated from Leadership Oklahoma Class XXI and is a lifetime member. Her 35 years of service to SWOSU have left a lasting impact on the university community.
Dr. W. Edward Rolison, Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Department of the Social Sciences at SWOSU, he taught political science and history during his thirty-five years of service at the university. His recent publication, “On Democracy: Essays on Principles Fundamental to American Government and the 2020 Presidential Election,” demonstrates his ongoing commitment to academia.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, SWOSU proudly acknowledges these exceptional individuals for their lasting impact on the community.
Previous SWOSU Alumni Association Emeritus Award honorees include the following:
– 2022: Patsy Parker, Steve Pray, Earl Raleigh, Pete Huerta (posthumous).
– 2021: Randy Beutler and James South.
– 2020: Melody Ashenfelter, Charles Chapman, Kelli Litsch, Les Levy, and Ken Rose (posthumous).
– 2019: Radwan Al-Jarrah, Vicki Gilliland, Charles “Skip” Klingman, and Terry Segress.
– 2018: Stuart Burchett, Les Crall, John Hays, and Blake Sonobe.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Clinton Man Wanted After Allegedly Falsifying Convictions
April 26, 2024 A Clinton man is wanted in Beckham County after being charged with unlawful actions related to licensed dealers and private sellers of firearms after allegedly attempting to obtain firearms after being convicted of various
Elk City’s Sparks Talks Open Transfer Rule
April 25, 2024 Elk City Superintendent Mike Sparks gave an update recently on enrollment numbers for the school district and also gave his thoughts on the new “open transfer” rule that will go into effect during the
Shoplifting Leads to Assault Charges for Mangum Man
April 26, 2024 A Mangum man was charged earlier this month in Beckham County after allegedly stealing items from an Elk City store and assaulting an officer during the arresting process.
Robbery Suspect Allegedly Used BB Gun – Charged
April 24, 2024 A Clinton man with a history of burglary charges has been charged in Custer County District Court after being accused of robbing a Clinton convenience store with a BB gun that looked like a
Accident Disrupts Power in Elk City
April 23, 2024 Power was disrupted Monday afternoon for about 6 hours for PSO customers on the north side of Elk City after power line poles with multiple transformers were pulled down by a city trash truck.
Pedestrian Death on I-40 Under Investigation
April 22, 2024 Authorities are investigating a fatal accident on Interstate 40 that involved a semi and the death of a pedestrian.
Fatal Accident Near Mangum
April 22, 2024 A single vehicle accident Sunday afternoon in Greer County has left one person dead and another in critical condition.
BKSO App Helps Locate Missing Juvenile
April 22, 2024 The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office App is getting credit for helping locate a missing juvenile from Elk City last week.
Relay for Life Fundraiser to be Hosted at SWOSU on April 26
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the world’s largest fundraising event dedicated to helping communities in their fight against cancer, on Friday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 11
Rep. Archer Talks House’s Proposed Budget
April 19, 2024 The Oklahoma House of Representatives rolled out their initial budget numbers earlier this week, which is a $12.6 billion appropriation to state agencies, programs and infrastructure.
High Speed Pursuit Ends in Beckham Co.
April 19, 2024 Multiple agencies from Oklahoma and Texas were led on a high speed pursuit Thursday that saw a Houston man arrested.
“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.
