By Landry Brewer

Amarillo, TX – Randy is dandy at writing great books.

Former Southwestern Oklahoma State University President Randy Beutler recently won the Finalist Award in Contemporary Non-Fiction for his book “Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena: The Story of the Beutler Stock Contracting Legacy” at the Western Writers of America Annual Convention in Amarillo, Texas.

The book tells the story of the impact that the First Family of Rodeo's stock company has had on the development of professional rodeo in the United States from 1929 until today.

"It was an honor to be considered for this prestigious award by the Western Writers of America," Beutler said.  "I'm grateful to Bennie, Connie, Rhett, and Tracy Beutler for giving me the opportunity to write this book."

Raised on a ranch near Elk City, Beutler is a 1979 Canute High School graduate and holds bachelor's and master's degrees from SWOSU as well as a juris doctor degree from Taft Law School.

He taught at multiple high schools, spent time in the Oklahoma legislature, worked for the governor, then went to work in higher education.

In 2010 Beutler became SWOSU's 17th president and served in that role until retiring in 2021.

Copies of "Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena" may be purchased at the Elk City Museum Complex.