Weatherford, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents has announced a temporary change in leadership at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

President Diana Lovell has requested extended personal time to be with her family. She intends to return to her post for the spring semester. In a statement, the RUSO Board expressed full support for Lovell during her leave.

In the interim, Dr. Janet Cunningham has agreed to serve as Acting President of SWOSU. Cunningham brings nearly 50 years of professional experience in higher education. She previously led Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, serving as president from 2006 until her retirement in 2022.

Cunningham will begin her duties on Monday.

Lovell became the 18th president of SWOSU on July 1, 2021.