Sept. 10, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is the first public university in Oklahoma to be featured on the popular television series, “The College Tour.” The episode will showcase the vibrant campus life, stories of students, diverse academic programs and unique spirit of SWOSU to a national audience.
SWOSU invites the community to celebrate its national television debut with a special premiere event on Tuesday, September 10th, at 1:30 p.m. in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Following the episode premiere, there will be a brief topping-out ceremony to showcase the completion of the new Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health, as students sign the final beam and a crane raises it into place.
The Hodge Center is a two-story 58,428-square-foot building with classrooms, labs and spaces for SWOSU nursing and pharmacy students to work with health professionals. Construction on the facility was captured while The College Tour was filming on campus.
The crew of The College Tour filmed over five days on the SWOSU campus in June and the episode features the stories of 10 current SWOSU students and recent graduates.
Airing on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and other streaming services, “The College Tour” takes viewers on an immersive journey through exceptional colleges and universities across the United States. Each episode offers a glimpse into the student experience, highlighting academics, student organizations, campus traditions and the surrounding community.
“We chose SWOSU for its commitment to student success, diversity of students from all over the globe, and dedication to providing a high-quality, affordable education,” said Alex Boylan, host of The College Tour. “Our film crew was met with so many surprises during our time there – the beautiful campus, investment in facilities and equipment and the stories and passions of students who make SWOSU a special place to learn and grow. We really fell in love with this university and the community of Weatherford.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for potential students and their parents to get an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at SWOSU,” said Diana Lovell, president of SWOSU. “We look forward to showcasing SWOSU to viewers and invite anyone interested in learning more about us to tour our beautiful campus.”
The SWOSU episode will enjoy two premieres, premiering September 10th on thecollegetour.com and premiering on Amazon Prime in February 2025. A sneak peek of the episode is available before the premieres at https://www.swosu.edu/thecollegetour.php.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff who are committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Learn More about The College Tour
Visit the official website of “The College Tour” for more information: https://www.thecollegetour.com/
See the behind-the-scenes photos and videos taken when the production company was on-campus filming:
short behind-the-scenes videos:
https://swosu.box.com/s/jepm8ihtlchrhjocdtbecctleqp77ory
behind-the-scenes photos:
https://swosu.box.com/s/2fe5yqw3yvkz7t8gpr6twmr97j9k472k
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Recognizes Students at 2026 Distinguished Student Award Ceremony
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recognized students from across its academic colleges during the 2026 Distinguished Student Award Ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Fine Arts Center in Weatherford. The annual ceremony honors
SWOSU Biology to Host Plant Sale on April 18, Expanded Selections
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University will host a plant sale on Saturday, April 18, in the Old Science Building on the Weatherford campus. The sale will run
Dr. Denise Landrum-Geyer Named Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Dr. Denise Landrum-Geyer as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She will begin her role on May 1. Landrum-Geyer currently serves as chair of the
Moore Targets Oil, Gas Tax Clarity with New Legislation
Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma could see changes to how oil and gas operations are taxed as State Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, works to address what he calls inconsistent and unfair practices across the state. Moore, who
Moore-backed bill on oil and gas wastewater reuse advances in House committee
Oklahoma City, OK — A measure aimed at expanding industrial use of oil and gas wastewater for mineral development advanced this week in the Oklahoma House Energy Committee. Senate Bill 1930, known as the Oklahoma Brine Development
Moore-Led Bill Limiting Climate Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Industry Advances
Oklahoma City, OK — The Oklahoma Legislature is moving closer to approving a measure aimed at shielding oil and gas companies from climate-related lawsuits. House Bill 1439, authored by Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, and Sen. Julie Daniels,
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7th, for the Reydon School District Board of Education General Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important
Archer Pushes for Federal Funds, Energy Research Hub Advances
Elk City, OK — State Rep. Nick Archer says he is continuing efforts to bring federal investment back to Oklahoma, focusing on energy research and advanced computing as key opportunities for the region. Speaking recently, Archer emphasized
Overnight RV Fire Spreads to Elk City Home, No Injuries Reported
Elk City, OK – The busy week continues for local firefighters as crews responded to an overnight house fire in Elk City early Wednesday morning. According to reports, firefighters were dispatched to the 600 block of West
Books Are OPEN for the 2026 KECO Open – Register Now!
BOOKS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! Register for Championship Flight 🚨 All ABC flights are FULL. Join the wait list below. Join ABC Wait List View Full Tournament Info
Severe Storm Threat Returns as Elk City Crews Recover from Busy Day of Fires and Emergencies
Elk City, OK — Residents in the Elk City area are being urged to stay weather aware today as conditions set up for another round of potentially severe storms. According to local officials, the area faces a
SWODA Awarded $2.6 Million to Expand Rural Health Access and Transportation
Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority has been awarded $2.6 million to expand access to wellness services for rural residents. The funding comes through the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program, which focuses on
Joint Beckham, Wheeler County Effort Leads to Safe Recovery of Woman
Wheeler County, TX — A coordinated effort between the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office and the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office led to the safe location of a woman Sunday after concerns for her wellbeing were reported. According to
Elk City Firefighters Stay Busy with Fires, EMS Calls Over the Weekend
Elk City, OK — It was a busy weekend for the Elk City Fire Department, as crews responded to multiple fires and a high volume of emergency calls across the area. Firefighters first responded Friday night to
Custer County Under Burn Ban as Fire Conditions Worsen
Arapaho, OK — Custer County Commissioners enacted a countywide burn ban Monday morning amid dangerous fire conditions across western Oklahoma. The ban will remain in effect for the next 14 days. Under its terms, only limited activities
Top Oklahoma Schools Recognized at SWOSU SWIM 2026
Weatherford, OK — The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), one of the longest-running academic competitions in Oklahoma, was held March 26, 2026, on the SWOSU campus in Weatherford. The first SWIM contest was
Custer City Man Charged in Series of Grass Fires
Custer County, OK — A Custer City man has been charged with multiple felony counts after authorities say he set a series of grass fires across two western Oklahoma counties over several weeks. Skyler Dean Terrell, 31,
Drummond Highlights Rural Roots, Public Safety Record in Governor Bid at Elk City Event
Elk City, OK – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond brought his campaign for governor to western Oklahoma Friday night, speaking at the Elk City Golf and Country Club. Addressing a local crowd, Drummond leaned on his rural
Homeland Stores Announces Changes Impacting Elk City, Clinton Locations
Oklahoma City, OK – Homeland Stores has announced a series of changes across Oklahoma, including closures and consolidations, as part of an effort to strengthen the company and refocus on its core operations. In western Oklahoma, the
Illegal Alien Semi-Truck Driver Charged after Traffic Stop Uncovers over 20 Pounds of Methamphetamine
Oklahoma City, OK – JOSE CARLOS MORALES-GUTIERREZ, 31, a Mexican national who is in the country illegally, has been charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert
Wildfire Near Butler Prompts Evacuations, Multi-Agency Response
Butler, OK – A fast-moving wildfire north of Foss Lake near Butler kept firefighters and emergency crews busy Wednesday afternoon, prompting evacuations and drawing a large multi-agency response. According to local officials, the fire was first reported
Rising Medicaid Costs Take Center Stage in Oklahoma Budget Talks
Oklahoma City, OK — Rising Medicaid costs are becoming one of the biggest challenges facing Oklahoma lawmakers as they work to finalize the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Senator Brent Howard of Altus, who represents
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws in Roger Mills County
Cheyenne, OK – With the April 7th 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
Fire Weather Watch Issued as Dangerous Conditions Persist, Jumping Juniper Fire Remains Active
Western Oklahoma – A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening across much of western Oklahoma, including Roger Mills, Dewey, Custer, Beckham, Washita, Caddo, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Harmon counties, as dangerous
Texas Statewide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled April 2
Del Valle, TX – Emergency management officials across Texas will participate in a coordinated statewide emergency alert system test Thursday, April 2, 2026, as part of a preparedness exercise led by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
