Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Athletic Auction held Saturday, August 9, was also the stage for a special recognition.

Mr. Jim Loomis of Weatherford, a 1966 SWOSU alumnus, was presented with one of the university’s highest honors, the SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit.

SWOSU President the late Dr. John Hays established the Order in 2004—it is the highest honor in the personal gift of SWOSU’s chief executive. Induction into the Order is reserved for individuals who have shown outstanding achievement on the state, national or international level, in the arts, sciences, business, industry, the professions, sports, social service or public service. This recognition represents recognition of significant distinction that a member of the SWOSU family has attained.

Loomis’s deep roots at SWOSU span over six decades. A native of Woodward, Oklahoma, he enrolled at SWOSU in 1962 and was a member of the football team during his undergraduate years, graduating in 1966. After graduation, he spent six years coaching before returning to campus to serve as Director of the Physical Plant, a post he held for nearly 15 years.

His contributions go far beyond administration. Mr.?Loomis served as the founding head coach of SWOSU’s men’s soccer program from 1999 to 2001, earning Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year honors in his final season In his role as a contractor, he has been instrumental in building key SWOSU facilities, including the Pioneer Event Center, the Everett Dobson Golf Training Facility, the Hook-Loomis Strength & Conditioning Center, and the iconic Centennial Clock Tower as well as the new Hodge Center. For over a decade, he has also served on the SWOSU Athletic Alumni Association Board of Directors, making enduring contributions in both leadership and service.

“Jim Loomis is a part of the fabric of SWOSU,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. Lovell. “His service is a shining example of the quality of alumni this university produces.”

Loomis is married to Jeanne and together they had two sons, Michael and Steven. Steven passed away in his teens. Michael is married to Cori Hook Loomis (daughter of Dr. Carl Hook, a 1967 SWOSU graduate & 2019 Distinguished Alumnus) and they also have three sons: Austin ( a 2018 SWOSU graduate), Carter and Trevor. Jim also has two great grandchildren (Austin’s children – Ellie and Liam).

President Lovell’s selection of Jim Loomis for the Presidential Order of Merit honors not only his exceptional achievements across athletics, construction, coaching, and alumni engagement—but also his unwavering dedication to SWOSU’s mission and community.

For more information, please visit www.swosu.edu.