SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the 20th class of its President’s Leadership Class (PLC), a selective leadership development program that recognizes high-achieving students with strong leadership potential. Sixteen high school seniors from across the state have been chosen for the 2025–26 academic year.

The new members of PLC Class 20 include:

• Presley Evans, Clinton High School

• MacKinley Brewer, Elk City High School

• Trace Bonham, Fairview High School

• Caden Bussey, Erick High School

• Corbin Cansler, Mooreland High School

• Zoie Dunkleberger, Moore High School

• Karis Freeman, Marlow (Homeschool)

• Branigyn McAdoo, Pathways Middle College

• Alexis Rice, Ripley High School

• Elijah Grubisa, Tuttle High School

• Owen Wren, Warner High School

• Ava Grimes, Washington High School

• Alyssa Foust, Weatherford High School

• Steele Chism, Weatherford High School

• Myka Taggart, Weatherford High School

• Avery Steele, Yukon High School

Each PLC freshman receives a $1,000 scholarship during their first two years at SWOSU, along with a room scholarship for their freshman year. Students also enroll in a leadership course tailored specifically for PLC students. After completing two years in the program, members are invited to attend a university-sponsored trip to Washington, D.C., where they explore national leadership institutions and connect with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation.

SWOSU has also selected two students for its Transfer President’s Leadership Class. Kinzie Bell of Crescent, transferring from Northern Oklahoma College, and Logan Jenkins of Edmond, transferring from Rose State College, will join the program this fall. Like their first-time freshman peers, transfer students receive a $1,000 annual scholarship for two years, participate in select PLC programming, and take part in the Washington, D.C. trip after completing their second year.

The PLC program at SWOSU is designed to recognize outstanding leadership qualities and to encourage participation as SWOSU campus leaders and future leaders in Oklahoma. In addition to leadership training and coursework, PLC students engage in campus activities, recruitment initiatives, alumni relations, and events that build communication, collaboration, and service skills.

Learn more about the President’s Leadership Class at SWOSU: https://www.swosu.edu/presidents-leadership-class/index.php.

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.