Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have partnered to increase collaborations in the critical fields of nursing and education. The partnerships signed on March 8 promote degree completion for students and enable both institutions to collaborate in these areas of critical need.
The first of the two partnerships enable pre-education majors at WOSC to qualify for the Inspired to Teach Scholarship while at WOSC, transfer to SWOSU after completing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in Pre-Education and maintain their active status in the Inspired to Teach scholarship. This articulation agreement, supported by the Inspired to Teach scholarship, is a joint effort between SWOSU and WOSC to address the ongoing teacher shortage in Oklahoma.
The second partnership provides a transfer pathway for students from WOSC in the Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program to pursue SWOSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program specifically for licensed registered nurses. The partnership will help support students as they continue their nursing educational journey from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It will also provide WOSC students with an Associate’s degree in Pre-Education the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at SWOSU.
“Our commitment during this critical time of need is to support Oklahoma in addressing its nursing and teacher shortages, ensuring that our healthcare and education systems are strengthened,” said SWOSU President, Dr. Diana Lovell. “We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Wiginton and WOSC for partnering with us on these meaningful agreements.”
The articulation agreements between the two institutions were signed by SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell and WOSC President Dr. Chad Wiginton at a ceremony held in the Loweta Chesser Conference Center at Western Oklahoma State College on March 8, 2023.
Upon successful completion of required courses, eligible WOSC students will be able to complete their bachelor’s degree at SWOSU.
“With an agreement in place that provides a clear pathway for Western's nursing graduates into SWOSU's BSN program, the process is simplified, ensuring a smooth transition from one institution to the other,” said WOSC President, Dr. Chad Wiginton. "With President Lovell’s support, we are both working diligently to do our part in addressing the nursing shortage and providing quality healthcare employees for Western Oklahoma and beyond.”
Interested students should contact their academic advisor. To learn more about SWOSU, visit swosu.edu and to learn more about WOSC, visit wosc.edu.