Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), has announced the appointment of Dayna Hardaway as the institution's next Assistant Vice President for Human Resources. Hardaway will officially begin her role on April 21, 2025, and will report directly to SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell.

Hardaway, a proud SWOSU alumna, brings more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership to the role, including nearly a decade dedicated to human resources leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Human Resources for Wichita Falls Independent School District, where she leads recruitment, retention, employee relations, and educator support systems for a dynamic school district in partnership with Midwestern State University and other community partners.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dayna Hardaway back to the Hilltop," said President Dr. Diana Lovell. "Her deep personal connection to our university, her proven record of building systems that support employee growth and retention, and her genuine passion for people make her the ideal leader to guide our human resources division into the future."

Hardaway is a two-time graduate of SWOSU, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1993 and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 1997. Her Bulldog legacy runs deep, with multiple family members, including her parents, husband, and siblings, all proudly SWOSU graduates. She met her husband, Del Hardaway, at SWOSU, and the couple recently celebrated 31 years of marriage. Their daughter, Allyson Patty, continues the family tradition of service in education, currently working in Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Throughout her career, Hardaway has held roles as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and HR leader. She has been recognized for her collaborative leadership style, grounded in character, communication, and commitment—values she credits to her time at SWOSU.

"SWOSU shaped who I am as a leader and as a person," said Hardaway. "It is an incredible honor to return to the university that gave me so much and to serve alongside dedicated faculty and staff who are transforming lives every day. I look forward to contributing to SWOSU's continued success by supporting and developing our talented employees."

Hardaway succeeds David Misak, who is retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to SWOSU. She will serve as a member of the President's Cabinet, Executive Council, and Administrative Council, providing strategic leadership for the university's human resources functions.

For more information, please contact the SWOSU Office of Public Relations & Marketing at 580-774-3063 or visit www.swosu.edu.