SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Representatives from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the City of Weatherford recently joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard for a visit to Fort Sill that highlighted the Guard’s military capabilities and community partnerships.

The visit gave local leaders a firsthand look at the Guard’s mission, which includes both national defense responsibilities and a range of efforts that directly benefit communities across Oklahoma. The event also reflected the growing partnership between SWOSU and the Oklahoma Army National Guard through ongoing leadership development and workforce training programs.

The group traveled from the Weatherford Airport to Fort Sill aboard Oklahoma Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters. While on base, participants observed a live fire exercise featuring the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and attended briefings from senior Guard leadership. Speakers included LTCOL Kale Rogers, Commander of the 45th Field Artillery Brigade; LTCOL Brent Hill, Battalion Commander of the 1-160 Field Artillery Regiment; and LTCOL Kurt Jarvis, Battalion Commander of the 1-158 Field Artillery Regiment. Presentations focused on the Guard’s work both overseas and in Oklahoma communities.

Attendees included SWOSU administrators and faculty members, along with key leaders from Weatherford. Mayor Mike Brown, Economic Development Director Yolanda Creswell, Emergency Manager Mike Karlin, and Police Chief Angelo Orefice represented the city, joined by other elected officials and public-school administrators from the area.

SWOSU has partnered with the Oklahoma Army National Guard since 2007 through the Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) Program, which prepares students to serve as commissioned officers in the National Guard. The program, operated in collaboration with the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, provides leadership training for students who later serve their communities as Guard officers. SWOSU has also worked with the Guard to offer federal wildland firefighting certification training to Guard soldiers. Earlier this year, SWOSU and the Oklahoma Army National Guard were honored with a 2025 Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award in recognition of their collaboration.

“Our partnership with the Oklahoma Army National Guard reflects SWOSU’s commitment to service and leadership,” said Chad Kinder, SWOSU Vice President for Strategic Partnerships. “From the GOLD Program to wildfire training, we’re proud to help prepare soldiers and strengthen communities across Oklahoma.”

To learn more about the SWOSU GOLD program, visit https://www.swosu.edu/academics/academic-departments/parks-recreation-management/gold/index.php.