Since the fall of 2025, numerous administrative changes have taken place at SWOSU. These changes have affected the administration, and unfortunately, much of the information communicated has remained vague, leading to confusion and misunderstandings about the situation at SWOSU.
For better understanding, here is a recap of what has happened since June 2025. Dr. Joel Kendall resigned from his position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of SWOSU at the end of June 2025. A provost oversees academic programs, faculty affairs, curricula, and research. They help to define the institution’s academic priorities and standards. Dr. Patsy Parker then assumed the role of Interim Provost on June 1. Subsequently, Dr. Lovell’s Leave of absence began at the end of September, and Dr. Cunningham assumed the role of Interim President for the initial duration of her leave. However, Dr. Lovell’s resignation was announced in mid-December. Following this, SWOSU began its search for a new president, and it was at this time that the position of interim president was offered to Dr. Kendall, who accepted. Furthermore, on Wednesday, February 11, Dr. Jason Johnson was appointed as SWOSU’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective April 1, pending approval from the RUSO Board of Regents.
All these significant changes over the past year have been difficult to keep track of and have created uncertainty about the future. We have had a series of interim appointments of indefinite duration, but stability could be about to return.
Fortunately, Dr. Kendall, Dr. Parker, and Dr. Johnson are not newcomers to SWOSU. They are all internal candidates who have worked here for many years and are very familiar with SWOSU’s vision and policies. This has ensured stability despite changes.
Last semester, the administration conducted a nationwide recruitment campaign for a new provost. Last December, a member of our team had the privilege of interviewing Patsy Parker about the provost recruitment process to gain a better understanding of how it unfolded.
“The nationwide recruitment for a new president attracted 65 applications. From these, the selection committee shortlisted 10 candidates for virtual interviews. Four finalists were invited to campus for a day visit, including one internal candidate, Dean Jason Johnson. The other three candidates are external,” said Parker.
The dean’s selection committee is composed of 10 members:
Lisa Friesen, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Jason Dupree, Director of the Library
Jared Edwards, Past President of the Faculty Senate
Jon Henrickson, Current President of the Faculty Senate
Jake Estes, President of the Students’ Association
Taler Alexander, Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Les Ramos, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy
Darryl Barnett, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
Chad Kinder, Vice-President of Strategic Partnerships
Patsy Parker, Interim Dean
Parker indicated that Cabinet members selected the committee after determining who was best suited to represent the university’s needs. The committee’s mandate was to propose two or three finalists to the president. Lovell was expected to appoint the new provost upon his return in early January. But following her resignation, Parker was once again asked to serve as interim provost while the final decision was made.
On January 28, a member of our team interviewed Kendall about the search for the future provost, and Kendall said, “I think I’ll just say the process is still in progress. That’s fine. We had a great search committee that continues some great work in that area.”
We now know that the choice has fallen on Johnson, an intern candidate, and that he should begin his new role by April 1.
Despite a year of transition, SWOSU has demonstrated unity. We asked Kendall, “Who do you feel has kept the ship stable and steady? “ he said, “We have great administration here. Lori Boyd, our Vice President for Administration of finance is doing an incredible job. Of course, we have Patsy Parker over there, who’s been the interim provost, and she’s a longtime leader at Southwestern, done a great job. Other members of up here, Adam Johnson, Vice President of Student Services, William Clemens, Vice President for PR marketing, we have Dana Hardway, our Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Chad Kendall over there, and our Vice President for Strategic Planning, all then kind of made huge decisions. We were so thankful to have Janet Cunningham here in the fall.” Indeed, despite the numerous changes in administration, SWOSU has placed its trust in its interns for key vacant positions. This has ensured stability. Even though some uncertainty remains because our president is interim, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for SWOSU.
