The RUSO Board has selected Dr. Joel Kendall to be the next President of SWOSU. Kendall was named interim President in January. A release prepared by RUSO praised Dr. Kendall and his ties to the school and region.
“Kendall brings extensive experience in higher education, deep ties to SWOSU, and a strong understanding of the university’s role in serving students, communities, and workforce needs across western Oklahoma. His selection provides continuity in leadership and reflects the Board’s confidence that he will continue leading SWOSU with a clear focus on student success, academic quality, and service to the state,” the release read.
Kendall is from western Oklahoma and has spent a large portion of his career at SWOSU. He recently joined the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education before returning to SWOSU as an interim president following former President Dr. Diana Lovell’s resignation in December.
“A native of Mooreland, Oklahoma, Kendall began his career at SWOSU in 1998 as an instructor in communications and later became a full professor. He went on to serve as academic department chair, associate provost, and provost and vice president for academic affairs. Most recently, he served as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education,” the release read.
In the release, Kendall extended his gratitude and reassured that he would continue working alongside the community.
“I am grateful to the Board of Regents for the opportunity to serve Southwestern Oklahoma State University in this role,” Kendall said. “SWOSU has been an important part of my life and career, and I am honored by the trust placed in me. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners as we prepare SWOSU graduates to lead, serve, and meet Oklahoma’s workforce needs.”
Read the full release here