August 17, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
Dr. Todd Wiggen, an associate professor at Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Everett Dobson School of Business and Technology in Weatherford, has been honored with the Peter Northouse Teaching Award by the Association of Leadership Educators (ALE).
The Peter Northouse Teaching Award, named after Dr. Peter Northouse, Professor Emeritus of Communication at Western Michigan University, recognizes outstanding contributions to leadership education through exceptional teaching and learning. Dr. Northouse is renowned for his work, including the widely acclaimed textbook, “Leadership: Theory and Practice,” now in its eighth edition.
Wiggen’s impact within ALE has been noteworthy, evident through his role as a conference mentor, reviewer for the Journal of Leadership Education, conference planning committee member, and Secretary of the Board of Directors from 2020 to 2022. Nominees for the ALE Peter Northouse Award must have achieved five years of professional service in their respective fields and demonstrate a commitment to innovative and high-quality teaching practices.
His recognition stems from his Innovative classroom approaches that enhance student learning experiences. Wiggen creatively integrates film/pop culture, adapts reality TV show competitions, incorporates board games, and orchestrates student debates on topical ethical issues to optimize their educational journeys.
Supporting Wiggen’s nomination, recent SWOSU graduate Elisabeth Salyer wrote in a letter, “Dr. Wiggen expects high-quality work and gives us the materials to exceed these expectations. Dr. Wiggen also highly encourages student interaction. He allows for differing opinions within the classroom and handles the difficult conversations with grace.
Carley Carney, another student, noted, “As an instructor, Dr. Wiggen demonstrates his care for his students through his responsiveness and understanding. He teaches us while relating to us on a personal level.”
Wiggen serves as the coordinator of SWOSU’s Reach Higher FlexFinish program and previously served as its four-year council chair for the State of Oklahoma from 2019 to 2023. Reach Higher is a program designed for working adults aiming to achieve a bachelor’s degree and who have already completed an associate degree or have completed at least 60 hours of college credit. SWOSU’s program offers online coursework and a combination of 8- and 16-week formats, ultimately leading to a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Students can specialize in business, psychology, education, or technology.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Local Schools Preparing to Save Lives
Sept. 6, 2024 SWODA Press Release Did you know… Drug-related deaths claimed 107,941 American lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for approximately 70%
Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Provides Major Sponsorship to SWOSU
Sept. 6, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced a major sponsorship from Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Communities, the university’s Official Sports Medicine Provider.
Smithsonian Exhibit on American Democracy Debuts in Cheyenne This Weekend
Sept. 5, 2024 A new exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will debut in Cheyenne this weekend. The traveling exhibit is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Program.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Merritt Graduate to Be Inducted into Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame
Sept. 5, 2024 Army Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee, a 2021 Medal of Honor recipient and Merritt graduate, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on October 26 at the Embassy Suites, located at
MA+ Architecture is Official 2024 SWOSU Homecoming Sponsor
Sept. 4, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The 2024 Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Homecoming festivities are slated for the week of October 26.
Weatherford Police Arrest Suspect in String of Burglaries
Sept. 4, 2024 A homeless man was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary following an investigation into a series of break-ins at a local trailer park in Weatherford. The incidents, which began on August 7th, led officers
UPDATE: Feed Provider Issues Statement
Sept. 3, 2024 The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., a respected provider of rodeo livestock for over 90 years, recently faced a heartbreaking tragedy, losing nearly 70 bucking horses in the last two weeks. The cause has
Missing Altus Couple Located in South Texas
Sept. 3, 2024 Police have located an Altus woman and her husband, who went missing last month, in Texas.
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Grant Detten to Orthopedic Clinic
Sept. 3, 2024 GPRMC Press Release Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Grant Detten, an accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon, to the Great Plains Orthopedics. Dr. Detten joins the team led
Rodeo Rush – Elk City Rodeo Results
Sept. 3, 2024 Provided Press Release For the 2024 bull riding champ at the Elk City Rodeo of Champions, it was payback time.
SWOSU Earns Top Rankings for Safety, Value, and Public Education
August 29, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has achieved significant recognition from Niche’s 2025 rankings, earning top spots across multiple categories. SWOSU has been named the #3 safest college campus in Oklahoma, reflecting
Erick Couple Arrested After Alleged Drug Use in Vehicle with Infant; Child Tests Positive for Methamphetamine
August 28, 2024 An Erick couple has been arrested and booked into the Beckham County Detention Center on $5,000 bonds each after authorities say they consumed controlled dangerous substances while in a vehicle with an infant present.
More Than a One Trick Pony
August 29, 2024 Press Release Elk City, Okla. – August 19, 2024 – Five trick riding and roman riding cowgirls will gallop into the Rodeo of Champions in Elk City, entertaining fans with daring feats of dangerous
Investigation Underway After Dozens of Horses Die at Oklahoma Rodeo Stock Business; Faulty Feed Suspected
August 28, 2024 More information has been released regarding the investigation into the deaths of dozens of horses at a western Oklahoma rodeo stock contracting business.
Mike Brown Secures Resounding Victory in Weatherford Mayoral Election
August 28, 2024 In a decisive victory, Mike Brown has been re-elected as the mayor of Weatherford, securing 72% of the vote in Tuesday’s election. Brown garnered 1,057 votes, significantly outpacing his competitors, Dustin Hayes and Robby
Clinton Man Dies in Semi-Truck Collision Near Gruver, Texas
August 28, 2024 A tragic accident occurred on State Highway 136, four miles south of Gruver, Texas, resulting in the deaths of two truck drivers on Tuesday afternoon. One of the victims was from Clinton.
Elk City Cowgirl to Compete at Rodeo of Champions
August 28, 2024 Press Release Elk City, Okla. – August 26, 2024 – An Elk City woman will be a contestant in the Elk City Rodeo of Champions this weekend.
Arapaho Secures OWRB Loan
August 28, 2024 The Arapaho Public Works Authority has secured a $285,000 loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure. The loan comes with 100% principal forgiveness, meaning the authority won’t have to
Reydon Man Accused of Stabbing
August 27, 2024 On August 24, the Roger Mills County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate a stabbing incident. Around 3:00 a.m., deputies responded to reports of an injured
Health Dept. Gives Local County Jail a “Perfect” Grade
August 27, 2024 After a surprise inspection conducted by the Oklahoma Health Department, Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says the county jail received a perfect grade. Manning credits the jail’s staff for maintaining a high-quality facility. Manning
GPRMC Partners with SWOSU to Launch Surgical Technology Program in Fall 2024
Provided Press Release Elk City, OK – August 19th, 2024– Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to bring a new Surgical Technology program to
Childress County Court Delivers Consecutive Sentences to Wellington Man
August 26, 2024 On Thursday, August 15, the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County, Texas, convened for a significant docket of pleas and sentencing. The session, overseen by the Honorable Judge Dale Rabe, featured District Attorney
Beckham County Woman Faces Drug Charges After Child Finds Methamphetamine
August 26, 2024 A Beckham County woman is facing drug-related charges following an incident in which a child discovered a jar of methamphetamine in her home.
Ridin’ For The Brand
August 26, 2024 Press Release Elk City, Okla. – August 26, 2024 – The Elk City Rodeo Association is proud to announce a new main sponsor.
Severe Heat Wave Hits Western Oklahoma This Weekend
August 23, 2024 A severe heat wave is expected to impact Western Oklahoma this weekend, with temperatures soaring well above the seasonal average and potentially reaching dangerous levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive
