Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university. This collective total represents decades of commitment to SWOSU and demonstrates the essential role staff play in supporting students, faculty, and campus operations across all areas.
Staff Day highlights years of service as a way to recognize the role staff play in keeping the university operating year after year. Many of the employees recognized have supported multiple departments, worked through periods of change, and provided continuity for students, faculty, and fellow staff. Their combined service reflects the steady, day-to-day work that allows SWOSU to function and serve its campus community.
“Our staff have carried this university forward through years of change and growth,” said Interim President Dr. Joel Kendall. “Behind every service milestone is a person who has contributed time, knowledge, and care to this campus. SWOSU is better because of the people being recognized today.”
Years of Service Honorees
Employees were recognized for milestone service anniversaries in five-year increments, ranging from five to 30 years of service.
5 Years
Randa Castleberry—Athletics
Kimberly Chase—Academic Records
Xandra Goforth—Physical Plant
Odelkis Gonzalez—Alma Mater Merc
Sherry Gooch—Business Services
Molly Hawkins—Academic Records
Alecia Kelly—Physical Plant
Erica Majors—Information Technology Services
Chelsey Powers—Pharmacy
Stephanie Smith—College of Educ & Behavior Sci
Justin Tate—Information Technology Services
10 Years
Cathy Baker—Sayre Campus
Kendra Brown—Campus Police
Christina Butler—Business Services
Melanie Folsom—Academic Records
Annie Hartwig—Food Services
Jennifer Macaulay—Library
Danielle Taylor—Upward Bound
15 Years
Cindi Albrightson—Human Resources
Felisha Allen—Upward Bound
Edwin Detweiler—Athletics
Terry McFarland—Physical Plant
Kari Rogers—Assessment & Testing
20 Years
Joanne Chain—Campus Police
Roxanne Johns—Food Services
Shamus Moore—Information Technology Services
Jamie Novey—Upward Bound
25 Years
Erin Hawkins—College of Business & Tech
Kandy House—University Press
Willis Jones—Physical Plant
LaDonna Lucus—Business Services
Pamela Nichols—Athletics
30 Years
Terry Billey—Sayre Campus
Staff Day is organized by the SWOSU Staff Council, which represents staff from across the university and serves in an advisory role to university leadership. Through service recognition and employee-focused initiatives, the council supports staff engagement and helps ensure staff contributions are acknowledged and valued within the SWOSU community.
To learn more about SWOSU, visit www.swosu.edu/.
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