SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Patsy Parker as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 1, 2025.

Dr. Parker brings more than two decades of dedicated service to SWOSU and a distinguished record of leadership in higher education. Prior to her retirement in 2022, Dr. Parker held numerous leadership positions at SWOSU, such as Associate Dean of the Everett Dobson School of Business and Technology, Department Chair of multiple academic programs, and served as an HLC Criterion Committee Co-Chair. She also led SWOSU’s successful business program accreditation efforts with ACBSP and IACBE. She most recently served the university in several key roles, including as Acting Vice President of Student Affairs and Adjunct Professor in the College of Business and Technology.

Throughout her career, Dr. Parker has been a passionate advocate for student learning and academic innovation. Her extensive involvement in accreditation processes, curriculum development, and cross-campus collaboration has made a lasting impact on SWOSU’s academic mission. A respected educator and administrator, she continues to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, bringing her insights from the classroom to her leadership philosophy.

SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell shared, “Dr. Parker's proven leadership and deep commitment to our university make her an excellent choice to guide Academic Affairs during this time of transition. Her breadth of experience and longstanding service to SWOSU will ensure continuity and a steady focus on academic excellence as we move forward.”

Dr. Parker steps into the interim role following the announcement of Dr. Joel Kendall’s upcoming transition to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, where he will serve as Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs beginning July 1. As outlined in President Lovell’s April 23 message to the campus community, this interim appointment ensures a smooth and thoughtful transition in academic leadership.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Parker back to the Hilltop in this pivotal leadership role and in thanking her for her continued dedication to the SWOSU community.