Weatherford, OK – Five students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have been named Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars for the academic year 2025-2026.
The 2025-2026 Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars are:
Janae Barker of Sayre, Oklahoma, is a junior majoring in Wildland Fire Management.
Leo Crowl of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a sophomore majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
Ina Hodge of Indiahoma, Oklahoma, is a junior majoring in Parks & Recreation Management.
Austin May of Sayre, Oklahoma, is a freshman majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
Avrie Nowakowski of Mcloud, Oklahoma, is a senior majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
A native of Clinton, the late Dr. Ken Rose completed his undergraduate studies at SWOSU in 1967 and earned his master’s degree, also from SWOSU, in 1970. He then earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1980. Rose was a committed scholar and an expert on SCUBA diving who conducted extensive research on the effects of hyperbaric pressure on divers and the psychological factors impacting diver performance.
Rose devoted his life to education. From 1968-74, Rose taught, coached, and served as principal at Washita Heights Public Schools in Corn. In 1974, he joined SWOSU as an instructor in physical education, later advancing to professor. He chaired the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, was later named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and, eventually, dean of the College of Professional & Graduate Studies. Among many significant achievements Rose facilitated during his four-plus decades of service to SWOSU is the evolution of the PRM Department into one of the most unique and dynamic academic programs of its type in the country. Rose passed away on September 2, 2020. He was a devoted husband to Susan and a loving father to David, D’Ann, Wesly and Tiler.
The SWOSU Foundation, Inc. was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information about the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund or any SWOSU Foundation funds, please contact the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.
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 committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit swosu.edu.
