SWOSU Press Release

Little Rock, AR - Seven undergraduate psychology students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently presented their original research at the 2025 Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) Convention held in Little Rock, Ark. This regional conference, affiliated with the American Psychological Association, brought together students and faculty from across the southwest, including Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and New Mexico, for a weekend of academic exchange and professional development.

The participating students—Mena Sanders, Breanna Guthrie, Peyton Dawson, Jurnee Cole, Alica Francis, Andrew Lockhart, and Isaac Dabney—are undergraduate researchers at SWOSU. They presented under the mentorship of psychology faculty members Dr. Kristi Bright, Dr. Jorie Edwards, and Dr. Stephen Burgess. Together, the group shared 10 posters across a wide range of topics, including aphantasia, imagination and parenting styles, emotions and dream recall, college major and career goals, reaction time in relation to video game play, burnout, quiet quitting, locus of control and university commitment, social support, and the connection between anxiety and compassion.

For each student, this was the first time presenting at a professional academic conference. Alongside their poster sessions, students attended keynote lectures, participated in peer discussions and explored the local culture in downtown Little Rock.

SWPA is one of the oldest regional psychological associations in the country and brings together researchers, educators and students from across southwestern United States. The event provides undergraduate researchers with the opportunity to present in a professional setting, build connections, and gain experience in academic communication.

SWOSU’s Department of Psychology emphasizes student engagement in research and learning beyond the classroom. The department offers undergraduates opportunities to participate in faculty-led research and prepare for careers in a variety of psychology-related fields. Students may also take part in Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and active undergraduate psychology organizations that support both academic and community involvement.

For more information about psychology programs at SWOSU, visit swosu.edu/academics/academic-departments/psychology.

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.