Weatherford, OK – The Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently recognized students during the 4th annual Dobby Awards on April 28. The ceremony also included scholarship presentations for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Students spent the academic year building experience through coursework, group projects, and program-based activities tied to their fields. Many contributed to community service efforts and took part in student organizations connected to their majors. Others represented SWOSU in competitions and field experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
The Rover Dawgs competed at a national event and placed fourth out of 60 teams, the highest finish recorded by the program. The result stands out among this year’s accomplishments across the college.
Outstanding Student Awards were presented in each program area. Faculty select these students based on academic performance, leadership in the classroom, and consistency across multiple semesters.
Outstanding Student Award Recipients:
Accounting—Courtney Riley
Agricultural Business—Grady Gaunt
Entrepreneurship—Antonio Ceniceros
Finance—Kayle Ivey
General Business—Elijah Long
Human Resource Management—Mollie Mefferd
Leadership & Organizational Studies—Blayze Clem
Management—Otto Heden
Marketing—Addison Schmidt
Organizational Leadership—Sarah Blackstone
Computer Science—Timothy Lee
Applied Engineering Management—Aaron Donaldson
Engineering Technology—Ana Arrieta
Graduate Programs (MBA/MS)—Michael Nguyen
Scholarships were also awarded through the SWOSU Foundation with support from donors and industry partners. Students submitted applications and were reviewed with input from faculty. Awards are based on academic performance and continued progress within their programs. Approximately $32,000 was distributed this year.
2026–27 Scholarship Recipients:
Computer Club Scholarship—Shon Hakanson
Crall/Shipley Endowment Scholarship—Aquetzalli Herrera Mendiola
Dobson Communication Corporation Endowment Scholarship—Rebecca Proffitt
Dr. Albert H. Gabriel Endowment Scholarship—Macey Scotten
Dr. Joe Anna Hibler Scholarship—Lilyan Rangel
Dr. Melody Ashenfelter Scholarship—Emmerson McDonald
Dr. W.W. Ward & Elsie Ward Memorial Scholarship—Karissa Ballard, Olivia Boeckman, Blayze Clem, Zoie Dunkleberger, Brady Harris, Dylan Hunt, Parker Jacks, Landen Lee, Maggi Mashaney, Bryce McClinton, Adelaide McClung, Reagan McIntyre, Mollie Mefferd, Brodie Miller, Caden Morrow, Rylie Paramore, Cooper Patton, Fabian Ponce, Andrew Rednose, Shelby Robinson, Carter Sampson, Carli Stuva, Abby Sweeney, Bryce Teut, Antonae Thompson, and Zoe Wittler
Ethel Grace Heinrich Wilson Memorial Scholarship—Pia Luciana Stein Velazco
Frank & Shirley Polk Scholarship—Bridget Burnett
K.B. Cornell, Sr. Scholarship—Aspen Cobb
MidFirst Bank Scholarship—Carissa Bailey
Nicholas & Judy Rains Computer Science Scholarship—Logan Green, Caleb Marsh, Tanner Moore, and Shaun Scheurer
Western Oklahoma Bankers Association Scholarship—Jadon Adcock and Tyler Ingram
The final recognition, the Dobson Student of the Year award, was presented to Ana Arrieta. The honor is the highest awarded within the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology and is selected each year by college leadership. It recognizes a student whose academic record, leadership, and involvement have distinguished them throughout their time in the program.
The Dobby Awards are named for Everett Dobson, a benefactor of the college whose continued support has shaped opportunities for students in business and technology programs. Scholarships presented during the ceremony are made possible through the SWOSU Foundation and its donors.
The event is coordinated by faculty and staff across the college. Erin Hawkins, administrative assistant for the College of Business and Technology, plays a central role in organizing the event each year. Garrett King and the SWOSU Foundation support the scholarship process and provide the funding that makes these awards possible for students.
For more information about the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology, visit https://www.swosu.edu/academics/business/index.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 committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.
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