March 28, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News NEWS SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 • 11 New Spring Admission Option Expands SWOSU Nursing Program Southwestern Oklahoma State new classrooms, student study ar- allows SWOSU to expand oppor- University (SWOSU) will soon eas, a large conference room, and tunities for students entering a be able to admit more nursing a lactation room that provides critical workforce field,” said Ken- students each year after adding a private space for mothers. The dall. “We are grateful to members spring admission option to its Tra- project also allows the department of the Oklahoma Legislature for ditional Bachelor of Science in to convert portions of its existing their support of deferred main- Nursing (BSN) program for the facilities into additional simulation tenance funding, which allowed first time in program history. space. Simulation training is a key the university to restore and re- Beginning in January 2027, the part of nursing education, giving purpose an important part of program will admit students in students opportunities to practice campus while helping strengthen both the fall and spring semesters. patient care skills and clinical de- Oklahoma’s healthcare workforce Until now, SWOSU Nursing has cision-making before entering hos- pipeline.” accepted new students only once pital and community healthcare For more information about the per year in the fall. The additional settings. SWOSU Department of Nursing, admission cycle will allow the de- “This expansion allows SWOSU visit www.swosu.edu/nursing/. partment to gradually expand en- Nursing to admit more qualified rollment and open the program to students who are ready to serve our ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN more qualified applicants prepar- communities,” said Elissa Saun- OKLAHOMA STATE ing to enter Oklahoma’s healthcare ders, Chair of the SWOSU Depart- UNIVERSITY workforce. ment of Nursing. By thoughtfully Southwestern Oklahoma State Applications for the first spring expanding our Traditional BSN University (SWOSU) was founded cohort are currently open and will program, we are creating more in 1901 and offers over 100 under- remain available through July 1, opportunities for students while graduate and graduate programs 2026. supporting the growing need for across three locations in Weather- Demand for the program has re- nurses across western Oklahoma ford, Sayre, and Yukon. The univer- mained strong in recent years, with and the state.” sity serves over 5,000 scholars and more qualified applicants than the Interim President Joel Kend- prides itself on affordability, small department has had space to ad- all said the Parker Hall renova- class sizes, and over 200 faculty and mit. The new admission cycle will tion demonstrates how deferred staff committed to helping students allow SWOSU to gradually grow maintenance funding is helping achieve their academic and person- the program while providing more across the state. had previously gone unused. The and created additional classroom strengthen high-demand academic al goals. opportunities for students seeking The expansion became possible renovation was completed through and learning space needed to sup- programs while improving campus For more information about careers in nursing and helping ad- through renovations to the third deferred maintenance funding pro- port a larger nursing program. facilities. Southwestern Oklahoma State dress healthcare workforce needs floor of Parker Hall, a space that vided by the Oklahoma Legislature The updated floor includes three “The renovation of Parker Hall University, visit www.swosu.edu. ELK CITY Elk City Middle School plays tennis. Students explored exhibits, learned about space explora- tion, and discovered the incredible achievements of astronaut Thomas P. Stafford. Members of the EC Shooting Team participated in the Weatherford FFA Trap Shoot. Kruz Killhoffer took 2nd place and Jax Smith took 3rd in their division. We want to wish you a great season! We hope each of you have a great season! We hope you have Elk City Nursing Home a great 301 N. Garrett, Elk City 580-225-2811 580.243.0466 year! *UHDW3ODLQV 1DWLRQDO%DQN 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | gpbankok.com 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | Elk City Wal-Mart | gpbankok.com 580-225-2265 Good Luck Teams! Good Luck Area Teams! :UG6W 1210 S. Main St, Elk City (ON&LW\2. 580-225-0100   Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. www.elksupply.com ZZZSL]]DKXWFRP ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. • 102 S. 580-225-2580 Main St.•580.225.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank &DUU\RXW‡&XUEVLGH‡'HOLYHU\ Carry-out • Hut Lane • Delivery SAYRE: 711 NE Highway 66 • 580-928-2580