Western Oklahoma State College

WESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Scholarship Endowments

Even though an education at Western has been rated as one of the most affordable in the state, a large number of Western's students still demonstrate a need for financial assistance. This contribution directly impacts students. If you are interested in setting up a scholarship endowment, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

AAFB Mighty 97th Scholarship
Western Oklahoma State College has a longstanding relationship with Altus Air Force base and has helped countless enlisted individuals reach their educational goals.  In an effort to offset the cost of fees which are not covered by the Department of Defense, the WOSC Foundation, Inc. has established the AAFB Mighty 97th Scholarship Fund to provide support for active duty military at Altus Air Force base. You must be eligible for tuition assistance (TA) to apply.  Application is required and can be aquired from the AAFB Liaison Office.

Altus Alumni
The Altus Alumni Association has established a scholarship for a deserving Altus High School graduate with a 2.50 GPA or better, enrolling in their first year of studies at Western Oklahoma State College.

Evelyn Cathryn (Ewing) Fickessen Altus Alumni
In memory of Evelyn Cathryn Ewing Fichessen, the Altus Alumni Association has established a scholarship for a deserving Altus High School graduate with a 3.00 GPA and attending or planning to attend Western Oklahoma State College.

Altus Garden Council
The Altus Garden Council established a scholarship endowment to provide educational opportunities for a student majoring in biological science and an interest in botanical studies.

ARKLA, Inc.
A scholarship endowment has been established in memory of R.W. "Dick" Moore, a long-time employee of ARKLA, Inc. This scholarship is available for a deserving student with a 2.5 or better grade point average.

"AWESOME" Ed Drury Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded through the WOSC Rodeo Program therefore, scholarship applications are not necessary.

Gary C. 'Sonny' Banister Scholarship
Initial funds for the Gary C. 'Sonny' Banister Scholarship Endowment were presented in the summer of 2017 in memory of Gary C. 'Sonny' Banister by his wife, Debbie Banister.  Sonny was a lifetime resident of Altus.  He had a distinguished 40 year career in law enforcement serving with the Altus Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.  Law Enforcement was his life and he always exemplified a passion for the profession.  The scholarship is designed to provide funding to encourage student success in the honored profession of Criminal Justice through Law Enforcement.

Beth Bevan Memorial Scholarship
The Beth Bevan Memorial Scholarship Endowment was initiated in memory of Beth Bevan by her husband, Paul, friends and family members in March 2013. The endowment is a perpetual reminder of Beth Bevan's charity of heart and kindness of spirit. To be considered for selection applicants must be a full time student enrolled or planning to enroll at Western Oklahoma State College pursing a degree in nursing, allied health or any academic field. Priority will be given to applicants pursing a degree in allied health professions. The applicant must have a 2.5 GPA base upon a 4.0 grading scale.

Darlene Bock Scholarship
The Darlene Bock Scholarship was initiated by Darlene Bock, a long-time educator at Altus Junior College/Western Oklahoma State College.  Darlene taught for more than 25 years and "loved every day of it!"  The intent of the scholarship is to support students who share this same passion for teaching.  The schoalrship is awarded to a student from southwest Oklahoma, graduating from Western with a minimum 3.0 GPA and pursuing a degree in teaching.  Financial need is not a determinate.  A special committee will be formed each year to choose a recipient and the award will be presented at commencement.

BPOE (The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) lodge #1226, Altus, OK Lodge
The Altus BPOE Lodge #1226 Scholarship Endowment was established in March 2010 to assist a student or students pursuing a degree program in any academic discipline at Western Oklahoma State College. The BPOE Lodge #1226 has been an integral part of this area in providing benevolence support of the youth of our community as well as verteran services and other benevolent activities.

Lucille O. Brewer Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship was established through a bequest from the Lucille O. Brewer Estate. The scholarship was established in response to her request and desire to benefit students attending Western Oklahoma State College.

Dee and Iverna Butchee
Friends and family of Dee Butchee and Iverna Butchee have established an endowed scholarship in their memory. Dee was a former Regent of Western and he and Iverna were well known in the agriculture communities of southwest Oklahoma. Applicants must pursuing a degree program in the academic area of agriculture or a general education degree program with an emphasis in an agricultural related curriculum.

Betty Caswell Memorial Scholarship
Roger and Sherry Teigen established a perpetual scholarship in memory of Sherry's mother, Margie Betty Davis Caswell, to assist a student pursuing a degree program in his/her chosen field. The scholarship is to be awarded to a student from Jackson County and will be awarded during the freshman and sophomore years.

Cecil R. Chesser
The Cecil R. Chesser Scholarship Endowment was established in 1996 to honor Cecil R. Chesser, Dean Emeritus of Western Oklahoma State College, for a deserving student with a 3.5 or better GPA, majoring in the academic area of history, journalism or a general education degree with an emphasis in history or journalism.

Sue Cooley
The Delta Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Eta Chapter established the Sue Cooley Scholarship Endowment in honor of Sue Cooley and her dedication to the Altus Public Schools. To be eligible, a student must be an elementary education major and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Sam Craig
Family and friends of Sam Craig have established an endowed scholarship in his memory for a deserving senior band member from Altus High School. The recipient must hold a minimum GPA of 2.75, enroll in the band program, and maintain the GPA in order to retain the scholarship for the second semester. Contact the Altus High School band director for more information.

Beverly and Weaver Creed Endowment
To be eligible for the Beverly and Weaver Creed Scholarship a student must be full time and pursuing a degree program in the field of business or other academic fields of study. Business is the first preference and the student must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Emory Speer Crow 
The family of Emory Speer Crow, former Western Regent, established an endowed scholarship in his memory for a deserving student from Harmon County carrying a 3.0 GPA.

John and Mollie R. Daniel 
As a bequest from Mollie R. Daniel, the Daniel Scholarship Endowment was established to benefit students attending Western Oklahoma State College. The endowment is a lasting tribute to their devotion to providing scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Barry Jo Davis Scholarship Endowment
The Barry and Jo Davis Scholarship was established in memory of Barry Davis, long time rodeo coach at Western Oklahoma State College and Mary Josephine "Jo" Butchee Davis. Jo was an avid supporter of Barry, his rodeo career and the rodeo activities at Western Oklahoma State College. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist a student involved in the collegiate rodeo program.

Joseph B. Devenport III Scholarship Endowment
The endowment is designed to provide scholarship assistance for single parents attending or planning to attend Western. The scholarship is a perpetual reminder of Mr. Devenport's awareness of the financial hardships for single parents and his appreciation for higher education. The student must maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Dixon
Alyce Dixon Kirchoff and Russell Kirchoff have established an endowed scholarship, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Dixon, for a deserving student employed with Dixon-Kirchoff, Inc. of Hollis, OK. or a dependent of a current employee. The scholarship is also designed for a Harmon county student with a 2.5 or better GPA.

Lee and Angie Ewing
The Lee and Angie Ewing Scholarship Endowment was established through a bequest from the Ewing's Estate in fulfillment of their desire to provide scholarship funding as an expression of further service to their community and the college Lee had attended. The recipient(s) must be a full time student enrolled or planning to enroll at Western in any academic field of study. The student must have and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average. The scholarship is primarily intended for students in Western's geographic area of service. Another factor will be financial need, although students from outside the geographic area or without financial need may apply.

FCA Scholarship Endowment
FCA student organization established this endowment to provide an on-going scholarship program to benefit an outstanding or deserving student participant. The intent is to provide an opportunity for future FCA campus groups to provide additional funding to increase the endowment dollars for an annual scholarship.

Gamma Mothers Club
The Gamma Mothers Club Scholarship was established in 1993 to enhance the education of women with children. This scholarship provides funds for a Western student showing evidence of financial need and enrolled in a degree program in the health care profession. The student must maintain a 2.5 GPA.

B.P.W. Rhoda Belle George 
The Altus Business and Professional Women's Club and friends have established in memory of Rhoda Belle George a scholarship for a female with a 2.50 or better GPA, majoring in any academic field of study.

Eunice Griffin Memorial Scholarship
The Eunice Griffin Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established through funding provided to Western Oklahoma State College by the Eunice Griffin Estate Bequest in December of 2009. These funds were given in response to Eunice Griffin's request and desire to establish a scholarship to benefit students attending Western and studying business. To be considered for selection applicants must be a full a time student enrolled or planning to enroll at Western Oklahoma State College pursuing a degree in business. The applicant must have a 2.5 GPA based upon a 4.0 grading scale.

Frank A. Haferland Scholarship Endowment
To be considered for selection, the student must be enrolled in the aviation program at Southwest Technology Center with an emphasis in Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics. Upon completion of this program at Southwest Technology Center, the scholarship is transferable to Western Oklahoma State College. This scholarship was provided as a perpetual reminder of Mr. Haferland's dedication to aviation and the students.

Dr. and Mrs. Harold M. Haines Scholarship Endowment
A 3.0 GPA is required to receive the Haines Scholarship which was given in their memory by their children. The student should be pursuing a degree in the academic area of Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Jennifer Harkins
This scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of Jennifer Harkins. The recipient must be a graduate from Altus High School, have at least a 3.0 GPA and have exhibited throughout high school an interest in vocational agriculture or art. Special consideration will be given to a candidate who has encountered hardships or challenges in life, and, ideally, has faced life's challenges in the spirit of Jennifer Harkins.

Citizens of Vision for Higher Education of Harmon County
A group of citizens of Harmon County has joined together to provide scholarship opportunities for an immediate Hollis High School graduate. A one year scholarship is provided for the college of the recipient's choice or two years if the recipient enrolls at Western Oklahoma State College.

Sue Bryce Hartsell and Henry F. Hartsell, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
This endowment was established by Henry F. Hartsell, Sr. in 2010.  Sue Hartsell attended Altus Junior College/Western Oklahoma State College where she was very active on campus.  Henry taught both history and aviation at Western and served as the Director of Technical Education.  To be considered for selection, student must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be seeking a degree in Liberal Arts.  Preference will be given to an aviation student. 

Roger L. Heath
The Western PionAir Flying Club established the Heath Memorial Scholarship to provide scholarship opportunities for students who have completed the Western Private Pilot Ground School, passed the FAA written test, and accepted as a private or commercial flying lab student. Contact the head of the aviation department for details.

Jim Holland
The WOSC Foundation, Inc. established a scholarship endowment in memory of Jim Holland, longtime college faculty member and southwest Oklahoma educator. To be considered for selection, a student must be pursuing a degree program in the field of teacher education.

Jackson County Athletic Hall of Fame Endowment
The Jackson County Athletic Hall of Fame established a scholarship to support an outstanding athlete from Jackson County. The student is to attend Western Oklahoma State College.

Helon LaGree Western History Scholarship Endowment
The endowment was established by the Western Trail Historical Society in recognition of Helon LaGree for her dedication to the Museum of the Western Prairie and the Western Trail Historical Society. The recipient must have a special interest in history, journalism, literature or visual arts. The recipient will work directly with the Museum of the Western Prairie and the history department of Western Oklahoma State College in developing a research project and in addition to the scholarship, the recipient will receive one hour of credit for the research.

Zola Long
As a bequest from Zola Long, former educator and native of Hobart, Oklahoma, the Zola Long Memorial Scholarship was established through her desire to strengthen education in southwestern Oklahoma. Scholarships will be awarded annually to worthy students attending Western Oklahoma State College.

Emma Fewell Madden
The Emma Fewell Madden Scholarship Endowment was established to honor the memory of Emma Madden, English instructor emeritus at Western Oklahoma State College. The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a non-traditional female student, twenty-five years of age or older, who is returning to college pursuing a degree in English.

Richard and Dorothy Maffry Scholarship
The Maffrys, professors emeriti of Western, established the scholarship to benefit aviation students attending Western. The intent of the scholarship is to provide supplemental funding to offset the per hour flying cost for aviation students attaining private pilot status and/or advanced status in commercial or instrument rating.

Mary Wayne Moates Scholarship Fund
This fund was established in 2020 to honor Mary Wayne Moates.  Mary worked Civil Service at the Altus AFB hospital for many years.  She continued her education at Western Oklahoma State College, attaining her Associates of Arts Degree.  Mary was a dedicated volunteer and served her church and her community in numerous capacities.  To be considered for this scholarship, student must be a female with at least a 2.5 GPA and studying in the field of math.

Waldo T. and Lily Clark Oden
Family and friends of Waldo T. and Lily Clark Oden have established an endowed scholarship for a deserving student pursuing a degree in music, fine arts or any other academic area. The student must have at least a 3.5 GPA.

Julia Osterhout and Elizabeth Shirley Memorial Scholarship
This daughter and mother were dedicated to the education of young women. The young woman from Altus receiving the Julia Osterhout and Elizabeth Shirley Memorial Scholarship must be a full time student planning to attend Western Oklahoma State College. The scholarship will provide funding for the freshman and sophomore years.

Pioneer Aggie Advisory Club
The Pioneer Aggie Advisory Club established a scholarship endowment for second year students at Western who have earned 24 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA and have declared a major in agriculture.

Pioneer Heritage Scholarship
The Pioneer Heritage Scholarship Endowment is comprised of individuals, organizations, and bequests that provide much needed financial scholarship support to deserving students.  Included in the endowment are:

• The Phil Birdine Scholarship established in recognition and appreciation of Dr. Phil Birdine who served as Western's 5th president from 2010-2018.
• The Earl Herron Scholarship established by family and friends as a tribute to the memory of Earl Herron for his dedication and support of the Altus High School athletic program. 
• The Hoyt Shadid Scholarship established in memory of the former Altus mayor and member of the Western Board of Regents.
• The William N. (Bill) Shaffer Scholarship provided by Mr. Shafer through a bequest out of respect for his tenure at Western Oklahoma State College and the students he served.
• The Rick Vassella Scholarship established in memory of Rick by his family and friends.  Rick was an avid golfer and Western Oklahoma State College Alumnus.
• The Marsha Carson Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Marsha Carson to provide funding for a student involved in the vocal music program at Western Oklahoma State College.
• The Joanne Roberts Scholarship Endowment was established by Joanne 'Lil Red' Roberts. Joanne was a professional clown for over 26 years and had a heart for helping students achieve a higher education.

President's Partners of Western Oklahoma State College
The President's Partners Scholarship Endowment will serve as a permanent endowment to provide scholarship funding to enhance the Western Oklahoma State College Foundation, Inc. annual scholarship program. Applications are not accepted for this enhanced funding resource.

Red River Federal Credit Union
This endowment was established by the Red River Credit Union in 1992 and will provide up to a $1,000 annual scholarship opportunity ($500 per semester) at Western for credit union members or their dependents. The student must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

James Robert (Jim Bob) Redelsperger
The James Robert (Jim Bob) Redelsperger Scholarship Endowment was established by family and friends to honor the memory of Jim Bob Redelsperger, a student attending Western. Redelsperger was killed at the age of 20 in an automobile accident. The scholarships will provide financial assistance for students in an agriculture-related field of study. The recipient(s) must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Jessie Howard Reynolds
Jessie Howard Reynolds, a 1939 alumnus of Altus Junior College, established the scholarship endowment. To be eligible for the scholarship, the recipient must be from this five county area with a major in teacher education and have a 3.0 GPA.

Velma Robison Memorial Scholarship
Velma worked as a secretary at Western Oklahoma State College in the Aviation Department and Early Childhood Development Program.  Velma worked diligently to make sure all details of the two departments were addressed, and she took great pride in assisting with the activities of the PionAir Flying Club and events sponsored for the children involved with the Early Childhood Development Program.  To be considered for selection, a student should be pursuing a degree program in the academic area of Aviation or Early Child Hood Development. 

Emily B. Smith
The Emily B. Smith Scholarship Endowment was established to honor the memory of Emily Blanton Smith who served as the first Dean of Altus Junior College. The scholarship award is to be presented to a freshman college student planning to attend Western during their sophomore year. The student must be a social science major with an outstanding GPA.

Roger and Sherry Teigen Scholarship Endowment
Having a love for entrepreneurship, Roger and Sherry Teigen established this scholarship to recognize and assist student(s) attending Western who demonstrate interest in or exemplify examples of entrepreneurship. The full time student should pursue a degree program in business and specifically demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship.

Roger and Sherry Teigen Altus High School Scholarship Endowment
The scholarship is to be awarded annually to a student graduating from Altus High School and will be for the freshman year only. Roger and Sherry Teigen established this scholarship out of their own special interest for Altus High School and the desire to provide the initial incentive for a deserving student to move forward with independent commitment in higher education at Western Oklahoma State College.

Sherry Teigen Business Scholarship
The scholarship was established in memory of Sherry Teigen who lived an example of outstanding leadership in business and was a role model for all she worked with. The scholarship(s) will be awarded to an exceptional female student(s) that demonstrate an interest in business and especially entrepreneurship.

Miss Jess and Miss Ola Thaggard
Jack and Clifford Thaggard established an endowment as a reminder of two great women who served their family and community in the pioneer spirit. The student must be pursuing a degree in the academic area of business and carrying a 2.5 GPA.

E.F. and L.V. Walker
The E.F. and L.V. Walker scholarship Endowment was established is memory of E.F. Walker and in honor of L.V. Walker who had a total of 90 years of combined teaching experience. The scholarship will be awarded to one male student and one female student carrying a 2.5 GPA.

Jack and Jewell Walker Scholarship Endowment
To be considered for selection, the student must be a full time student enrolled or planning to enroll at Western pursuing a degree in the area of aviation or a general education degree program. The scholarship was established through a bequest by the Jack and Jewell Walker estate for their appreciation of Western Oklahoma State College.

Loreta Vaughan Walker and William 'Bill' Walker Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship was initiated by their children and spouses of their children to honor the Walkers.  The recipient(s) must demonstrate strong work ethics, good character, a positive attitude, and be enrolled or enrolling at Western in any academic field of study.  The student(s) must have a 2.5 GPA and have a desire to achieve a four-year degree. 

The Misty Michelle Wallace 
Family and friends of Misty Michelle Wallace established an endowed scholarship as a memorial to Misty. This scholarship is designed to provide funds each year for a deserving senior athlete from Blair High School. Contact the Blair High School counselor for more information.

Mr. and Mrs. C.W. West Scholarship Endowment
Ruth Tigert established the scholarship in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. West. The scholarship is designed to provide scholarship funding in music for students at Western. First preference is for vocal music; second preference is for instrumental music and availability for general education purposes.

Western Ambassador (President's Leadership) Scholarship
Western Ambassadors are a select group of student representatives chosen by a panel composed of Western students, faculty, staff, and administrative personnel. The Western Ambassadors participate in public appearances, tours, and media events. Leadership and public speaking training and opportunities are provided. For complete qualifying information about the Western Ambassadors, contact the office of development and alumni or the public information office.

Western Artist Association
The Western Artist Association of Altus, Oklahoma, established an endowment in 1991.
Additional funds were contributed in memory of Louis Given to establish the scholarship for regularly enrolled students of the art department at Western.

Zella O. Brunk Wilson
The Zella O. Brunk Wilson estate established this scholarship endowment to enable generations of young people to have the opportunity to achieve their desired goals in higher education. Special consideration will be given students pursuing a degree program in the field of elementary education.

Georgia M. Winton
As a bequest from Miss Winton's estate, the Georgia M. Winton endowment was established to provide scholarship opportunities for a student participating in a general field of music study.

WOSC Agriculture Scholarship
The WOSC Agriculture Scholarship Endowment was established in February 2008 by the WOSC Foundation, Inc. from proceeds of the sale of the foundation owned rodeo arena property and undesignated foundation funds. The scholarship was created by the foundation in support of the Western Oklahoma State College Agriculture program and designated for students enrolled in an agriculture related field of study.

WOSC Nursing Club
The WOSC Nurising Club Scholarship Endowment was established to benefit nursing students and provide a vehicle in which future nursing club members, nursing faculty, alumni, and friends of the WOSC nursing program could contribute additional funds to the ongoing growth of the endowment.  Contact the head of nursing department for details.

WOSC Rodeo Scholarship
The WOSC Rodeo Scholarship Endowment was established in February 2008 by the WOSC Foundation, Inc. from proceeds of the sale of the foundation owned rodeo arena property and undesignated foundation funds.  The scholarship was created by the foundation in support of the Western Oklahoma State College Rodeo program.

Edward L. Zeiser Scholarship
The Edward L. Zeiser Scholarship was established in the spring of 2019 by Edward L. Zeiser in honor of Altus Junior College as the beginning of Mr. Zeiser's pursuit of a higher education. The scholarship is designed to provide funding and encourage student success. Mr. Zeiser says, "It is my hope that this scholarship will help a member of the Air Force or someone who serves the community in any capacity to get a start on his or her college education."  To be considered for selection, candidate should be an active duty airman with the rank of E4 or below and stationed at Altus AFB, a spouse of a member of the armed forces or a person who actively provides service to the community.

Additional scholarship funding
Additional scholarship funding is available through the WOSC Foundation, Inc. and provided from non-specified endowments. Amounts may vary on all scholarships depending on interest earned.