SWOSU and OSIDA Partner to Expand Workforce Opportunities

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, June 9, during a ceremony at SWOSU's Weatherford campus. The agreement formalizes SWOSU's role as an official educational partner of OSIDA and expands collaboration on aerospace education, workforce development, and industry engagement.

The MOU was signed by SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell and OSIDA Board Chair Dr. Brenda Rolls. Leadership from both organizations emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships to support students, strengthen Oklahoma's workforce, and advance the aerospace industry.

The event included a tour of SWOSU's Department of Engineering Technology, where OSIDA representatives visited with students about their projects and career goals.

OSIDA Board Chair Dr. Brenda Rolls and SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell celebrate the formal partnership between their organizations.

(Left to right): Wesley Javorsky, Field Representative for Congressman Frank Lucas; Steve Carson, Field Representative for U.S. Senator James Lankford; State Senator Darcy Jech; State Senator Brent Howard; Former NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine, Managing Partner with Artemis Group; Dr. Diana Lovell, SWOSU President; Dr. Brenda Rolls, OSIDA Board Chair and President/CEO of Frontier Electronic Systems (FES) of Stillwater; Craig J. Smith, OSIDA Executive Director; Dr. Chad Kinder, SWOSU VP for Strategic Partnerships; Dr. Joel Kendall, SWOSU Provost and VP for Academic Affairs; Gabe Sherman, Senior Partner with Artemis Group.

By establishing this agreement, SWOSU and OSIDA have created a framework for connecting students to internships, jobs, and partnerships tied to the Oklahoma Air & Space Port and Industrial Complex at Burns Flat. Workforce development is a key part of the collaboration, with OSIDA working alongside SWOSU to link students and graduates with companies across Oklahoma's aerospace and defense industries. The agreement also outlines plans to explore opportunities for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) testing to support SWOSU's ongoing work with the United States military.

This partnership builds on existing efforts, including SWOSU's collaboration with Premium Aerospace, which employs graduates from the university's Engineering Technology program at its Burns Flat facility. The new agreement strengthens SWOSU's ability to connect students with meaningful career opportunities while supporting industry needs in the region.

Engineering Technology students showcased their projects during the visit.

Students had the opportunity to share their work with OSIDA representatives during the visit to SWOSU's Department of Engineering Technology.

The visit highlighted the work being done by SWOSU's Engineering Technology students.

"On behalf of the OSIDA Board, I am pleased to formalize this strategic collaboration, strengthening the partnership between SWOSU and OSIDA," said OSIDA Board Chair Dr. Brenda Rolls. "This collaboration will shape the future of our state for generations, as OSIDA fosters growth in Oklahoma's space industry while SWOSU educates the students who will propel our space economy forward."

"Events like today's demonstrate the power of collaboration, and we are especially grateful to the OSIDA for their leadership and support," said SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell. "Together, we're not just preparing students for the workforce-we're shaping the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will drive Oklahoma forward."

In addition to SWOSU and OSIDA leadership, the event drew support from local, state, and national representatives. Attendees included Wesley Javorsky from the office of Congressman Frank Lucas; Steve Carson from the office of Senator James Lankford; State Senators Darcy Jech and Brent Howard; former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, now Managing Partner of Artemis Group; and other aerospace and higher education leaders.

For more information about SWOSU's programs, visit https://www.swosu.edu.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

About OSIDA
The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is a state agency that supports aerospace innovation and economic growth in Oklahoma. It manages the Oklahoma Air & Space Port, which includes a public-use general aviation airport, an FAA-licensed spaceport, and a 1,100-acre aerospace industrial park. OSIDA's mission is to provide infrastructure, resources, and partnerships that enable aerospace companies to thrive in Oklahoma.

Dr. Brenda Rolls, President and CEO of Frontier Electronic Systems, serves as chair of the OSIDA Board and plays a key role in guiding the agency's strategic direction.