Dr. Lovell announces resignation

SWOSU’s leadership for next semester remains unclear

Coy Pope, Co Editor-in-Chief • December 16, 2025

According to various outlets, the Regional University System of Oklahoma announced today that SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell had submitted her resignation.

Dr. Lovell sent an email to the SWOSU community on Tuesday afternoon regarding her resignation. The email read:

“Dear Colleagues and Students,

The announcement of my recent resignation may have raised questions, and I wanted to share a brief message with you directly.

Earlier this year, I requested and was granted an extended leave of absence to address personal and family matters. As that approved leave of absence comes to a close, I have concluded that it is in the best interest of the University—and of my family and me—that I not return to my duties. I am deeply grateful to the RUSO Board of Regents for their professionalism, support, and leadership throughout this process.

I have truly loved serving Southwestern Oklahoma State University and will miss this community greatly. Together, we made a substantial impact—securing state support and building the Hodge Pharmacy Building; gaining approval for SWOSU’s second doctoral degree in Community Health; strengthening workforce pathways and building partnerships in critical fields such as healthcare, aerospace, and teacher education through collaborations with hospitals, industry, and state and federal partners; and expanding access to higher education through concurrent enrollment partnerships with more than 30 high schools, giving students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. These accomplishments reflect the dedication and shared commitment of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters across Oklahoma.

I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that SWOSU’s best days are still ahead. I wish each of you continued success in the important work you do on behalf of our students and communities.

Godspeed, and my warmest wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season.

Go DAWGS!

With gratitude,

Diana Lovell”

This is the first and only communication with students regarding Dr. Lovell since September 11th, when it was announced that Lovell would be taking personal time this semester and returning in January. At that time, Dr. Janet Cunningham was announced as the Acting President. RUSO has not yet announced if Cunningham will continue this role into the new semester.

RUSO held a special meeting this afternoon in Oklahoma City; the agenda for this meeting can be read here.

Lovell took office on July 1, 2021, and was SWOSU’s 18th President.

Dr. Lovell at her inauguration on April 29, 2022.

The Southwestern is awaiting comment from RUSO. If more information becomes available, The Southwestern will continue to make updates.

About the Contributor

Coy Pope, Co Editor-In-Chief

Coy Pope is a senior from Yukon, Oklahoma, majoring in Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement and Wildland Fire. He enjoys writing and covering sports and other activities, events, and anything SWOSU-related. Previously, Coy was the editor-in-chief for the YHS Insight, a publication that he wrote for during all four years in high school. Coy enjoys watching football with friends and family, and deems himself the biggest Chiefs fan on campus!