February 9, 2022
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has scheduled the dedication of the General Thomas P. Stafford Archives for Friday, March 11, at 2 p.m. at the Al Harris Library at SWOSU Weatherford.
The archives will utilize the latest in preservation technology and techniques to house sensitive historical documents and papers and will highlight Stafford’s lifetime of achievements.
“We are deeply honored that our longtime benefactor and partner, General Thomas P. Stafford, has designated the Al Harris Library here at SWOSU as the repository for his papers and historic documents,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell.
Lovell said the Stafford Archives are a splendid addition to SWOSU’s rich heritage in aerospace and defense education and accomplishment.
“The General’s vision, generosity and involvement have equipped us to build a facility that will serve as a world-class repository for researchers, historians and students to study the incredible work and events to which the General has been central over during his many decades of public and military service and scientific and corporate leadership.”
A Weatherford native, Stafford established the Stafford Air & Space Museum in 1993 with two rooms near the Weatherford Airport (which is also now named for Stafford)—today, the museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and preserves over 63,000 square feet of historic information and educational resources.
“Stafford is a renowned Oklahoma Hall of Fame laureate who is the first NASA astronaut to ever become a General and was the first General to fly in space. His work was essential to the development of stealth technology and his longtime friendship with Soviet Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov stands out as a beacon of cooperation amidst the tensions of the Cold War. Our SWOSU students for generations to come will learn so much from General Stafford’s life, work and example,” said SWOSU Libraries Director Jason Dupree.
Stafford also established the Stafford Endowment at SWOSU in 1992 which was, at the time, the largest single gift ever made to the university. The endowment continues to provide a unique experiential learning program for SWOSU’s prestigious Stafford Scholars, over 165 of which have been designated to date. The Stafford Scholars program represents a positive, valuable ongoing collaboration between SWOSU and the Stafford Air & Space Museum.
General Stafford, who received SWOSU’s first-ever honorary doctorate in 2015, will make remarks at the dedication of the archives.
He will be joined by Oklahoma State Representatives Rhonda Baker, Mike Dobrinski and Anthony Moore, and Oklahoma State Senators Brent Howard, Darcy Jech, and Jake Merrick, all of whom represent the SWOSU service area which stretches from the Texas border in western Oklahoma to the western suburbs of Oklahoma City in Canadian County.
Regent Connie Reilly, chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents, will address the participants as will Allison D. Garrett, chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
United States Senator Jim Inhofe (Oklahoma), who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and United States Congressman Frank D. Lucas of Cheyenne (OK-3), who serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology, are also scheduled to speak.
Former SWOSU Presidents Dr. Joe Anna Hibler and Dr. Randy Beutler, along with Linda Hays, wife of the late former SWOSU President Dr. John Hays, will also be present along with longtime Weatherford Mayor and SWOSU alumnus Mike Brown.
Seating space at the event is extremely limited and due to ongoing public health concerns, the event is invitation-only.
For more information, contact Kari Jones in the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement at 580-774-3267 or kari.jones@swosu.edu.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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.
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.
