Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university. This collective total represents decades of commitment to SWOSU and demonstrates the essential role staff play in supporting students, faculty, and campus operations across all areas.

Staff Day highlights years of service as a way to recognize the role staff play in keeping the university operating year after year. Many of the employees recognized have supported multiple departments, worked through periods of change, and provided continuity for students, faculty, and fellow staff. Their combined service reflects the steady, day-to-day work that allows SWOSU to function and serve its campus community.

“Our staff have carried this university forward through years of change and growth,” said Interim President Dr. Joel Kendall. “Behind every service milestone is a person who has contributed time, knowledge, and care to this campus. SWOSU is better because of the people being recognized today.”

Years of Service Honorees

Employees were recognized for milestone service anniversaries in five-year increments, ranging from five to 30 years of service.

5 Years

• Randa Castleberry—Athletics

• Kimberly Chase—Academic Records

• Xandra Goforth—Physical Plant

• Odelkis Gonzalez—Alma Mater Merc

• Sherry Gooch—Business Services

• Molly Hawkins—Academic Records

• Alecia Kelly—Physical Plant

• Erica Majors—Information Technology Services

• Chelsey Powers—Pharmacy

• Stephanie Smith—College of Educ & Behavior Sci

• Justin Tate—Information Technology Services

10 Years

• Cathy Baker—Sayre Campus

• Kendra Brown—Campus Police

• Christina Butler—Business Services

• Melanie Folsom—Academic Records

• Annie Hartwig—Food Services

• Jennifer Macaulay—Library

• Danielle Taylor—Upward Bound

15 Years

• Cindi Albrightson—Human Resources

• Felisha Allen—Upward Bound

• Edwin Detweiler—Athletics

• Terry McFarland—Physical Plant

• Kari Rogers—Assessment & Testing

20 Years

• Joanne Chain—Campus Police

• Roxanne Johns—Food Services

• Shamus Moore—Information Technology Services

• Jamie Novey—Upward Bound

25 Years

• Erin Hawkins—College of Business & Tech

• Kandy House—University Press

• Willis Jones—Physical Plant

• LaDonna Lucus—Business Services

• Pamela Nichols—Athletics

30 Years

• Terry Billey—Sayre Campus

Staff Day is organized by the SWOSU Staff Council, which represents staff from across the university and serves in an advisory role to university leadership. Through service recognition and employee-focused initiatives, the council supports staff engagement and helps ensure staff contributions are acknowledged and valued within the SWOSU community.

To learn more about SWOSU, visit www.swosu.edu/.

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