Weatherford, OK — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has selected Dr. Joel Kendall to serve as president of Southwestern Oklahoma State University after appointing him interim president in January.

Kendall brings extensive experience in higher education, deep ties to SWOSU, and a strong understanding of the university’s role in serving students, communities, and workforce needs across western Oklahoma. His selection provides continuity in leadership and reflects the Board’s confidence that he will continue leading SWOSU with a clear focus on student success, academic quality, and service to the state.

RUSO Board Chair Jane McDermott said Kendall’s experience, institutional knowledge, and leadership make him the right person to continue leading SWOSU.

“Dr. Kendall brings deep experience, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the people it serves,” McDermott said. “He has helped strengthen the university’s academic foundation, supported growth in programs tied to Oklahoma’s workforce needs, and earned the confidence of those who know SWOSU best. We are pleased to select him as president and confident he will continue leading the university in a way that supports students, strengthens communities, and advances the mission of RUSO.”

Kendall said he is grateful for the opportunity and focused on leading SWOSU forward.

“I am grateful to the Board of Regents for the opportunity to serve Southwestern Oklahoma State University in this role,” Kendall said. “SWOSU has been an important part of my life and career, and I am honored by the trust placed in me. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners as we prepare SWOSU graduates to lead, serve, and meet Oklahoma’s workforce needs.”

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Sean Burrage praised the selection.

"Dr. Kendall is a highly capable and respected leader, and this appointment demonstrates the RUSO Board’s confidence in his ability to lead Southwestern Oklahoma State University,” Burrage said. “In his time as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Oklahoma state system of higher education, his many accomplishments reflected both the vision and expertise required to advance workforce development and student success. Combined with his extensive experience at SWOSU, Dr. Kendall brings a strong understanding of both statewide priorities and the university’s mission. I look forward to working with him as he leads the institution forward and continues to serve students, employers, and communities across the region."

A native of Mooreland, Oklahoma, Kendall began his career at SWOSU in 1998 as an instructor in communications and later became a full professor. He went on to serve as academic department chair, associate provost, and provost and vice president for academic affairs. Most recently, he served as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

During his leadership at SWOSU, Kendall helped advance academic programs tied to high-demand fields, including engineering physics, engineering technology, computer science, nursing, allied health, and education. He also worked with regional and state partners to support development of the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health.

Kendall holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Allison, have two adult sons.

About The Regional University System of Oklahoma

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) oversees six regional public universities dedicated to preparing students for career success across Oklahoma. Enrolling more than 40,000 students annually, RUSO institutions produce the educators, health care professionals, business leaders and other critical career graduates needed to meet the state’s workforce demands while keeping education affordable and accessible. RUSO alumni contribute to their communities and fuel Oklahoma’s economic growth.

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