Weatherford, OK – The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $15,000 in Finish Line scholarships to 10 students enrolled in Reach Higher degree programs, with awards averaging just over $1,500 per student. The scholarships are funded through the Finish Line scholarship program, an ongoing initiative that provides financial support to students at Oklahoma State System colleges and universities participating in Reach Higher adult degree completion programs. The funding assists adult learners who are nearing completion of their degrees.

Reach Higher is designed for adults who previously completed college coursework but did not finish a degree. At SWOSU most students in this program will complete a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in one of four areas: business, education, psychology, or technology.

Several scholarship recipients said the program has created an opportunity to complete long-standing educational goals while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

“The Reach Higher program has allowed me to fulfill a goal that will help change my career trajectory.” stated Bobbi Gray of Kingfisher. “The leadership courses I have and am currently taking are impacting me as a coach in the most beautiful way. I can complete this work solely because of the Reach Higher program.”

Amanda Schwartz of Moore said returning to college once seemed unlikely after spending 15 years homeschooling her four children.

“Before finding this program, I didn't think that going back to finish my degree would ever be an option,” Schwartz said. “Raising and educating my own four children have been my primary focus for all of those years. Now, with only my last two at home this is the perfect time to finish what I started 22 years ago and show my own children that it truly is never too late to finish.”

Dr. Todd Wiggen, Coordinator of SWOSU’s Organizational Leadership program, Reach Higher Flex Finish, said the adult-friendly degree completion options through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education allow students to progress toward graduation at a pace that fits their schedules.

“The program is geared to working adults by offering flexible enrollment and online coursework,” Wiggen said. “Many of our students may only take a class or two a semester due to their other obligations, and others will take five to six courses to try and finish as rapidly as possible. It is truly up to the individual.”

The Reach Higher program results in a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and provides concentration options that support career advancement across multiple professional fields to provide even greater flexibility for students.

The program is currently accepting students for the 2026 summer and fall semesters, and scholarship funding may still be available. Additional information is available by contacting Wiggen at todd.wiggen@swosu.edu.

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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