Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) formally dedicated the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health on Thursday, March 12, marking a major milestone in the university’s effort to expand healthcare education and rural health services across Oklahoma.
The dedication ceremony brought together federal, state, and local leaders along with university officials, community partners, and members of the Hodge family to celebrate the new $27 million facility located on SWOSU’s Weatherford campus.
The Hodge Center was made possible through a combination of public and private investment, including $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding approved by the Oklahoma Legislature, a $5 million philanthropic gift from the late Jerry Hodge, a 1965 SWOSU alumnus, and his wife Margaret, and $7 million in economic development sales tax funds approved by Weatherford voters through the Yes! Weatherford initiative in 2020.
“This building represents what can happen when a great idea is supported by a community, a university, and a state working together,” said SWOSU Interim President Dr. Joel Kendall during the dedication ceremony. “What we celebrate today is not just a new facility, but a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare in rural Oklahoma.”
Kendall also expressed appreciation to the Oklahoma legislature for helping make the project possible.
“We are deeply grateful to the Oklahoma Legislature for its investment in this project through ARPA funding,” Kendall said. “Our legislators entrusted Southwestern with the responsibility of using these funds in a way that will strengthen healthcare and workforce opportunities across Oklahoma.”
SWOSU is scheduling a ceremony after the end of this year’s legislative session to honor the legislators for their support of the project.
The Hodge Center will significantly strengthen SWOSU’s nationally recognized Doctor of Pharmacy program while supporting its new Doctor of Community Health degree. In addition, the facility will expand the outreach and services of the SWOSU Center for Rural Health, supporting healthcare access and workforce development in underserved communities across western Oklahoma. By increasing training capacity and strengthening rural health partnerships, the Hodge Center will help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve communities across the state.
Kendall also recognized the role of the Weatherford community in helping bring the project to fruition.
“The citizens of Weatherford made a tremendous statement of support for the future of healthcare in this region when they approved the Yes! Weatherford initiative,” Kendall said. “Their willingness to invest in a project like this demonstrates the pride this community has in Southwestern and the shared belief that this university can play a major role in improving rural healthcare across western Oklahoma.”
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from numerous dignitaries, including U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Sean Burrage, Weatherford Mayor Mike Brown, Custer County Commissioner Bruce Walker, Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Chair Jane McDermott, and Oklahoma House Higher Education Committee Chair Toni Hasenbeck.
The facility also honors the legacy of Jerry Hodge, whose vision and generosity helped launch the project. Hodge, a longtime supporter of SWOSU and the College of Pharmacy, believed strongly in expanding healthcare opportunities for rural communities.
“This center builds on Southwestern’s 125-year mission of preparing professionals who serve where they are needed most,” Kendall said. “The work that begins here will strengthen rural healthcare across Oklahoma for generations.”
The dedication event was hosted by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc., which coordinated fundraising efforts and stewardship of the Hodge family gift.
Although the dedication ceremony was a private event for project partners and dignitaries, the public will have opportunities to tour the facility during an upcoming open house on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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