Southwestern Oklahoma State University
11/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/03/2025 09:20
Pharmacy Student Represents SWOSU as Brad Henry International Scholar
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) student Rena Cole has been selected as a 2026 Brad Henry International Scholar, earning the opportunity to study abroad at Swansea University in Wales.
The scholarship, administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, provides Oklahoma regional university students with funding for tuition, fees, housing, and travel for a semester-long international study experience. Each participating university selects one student, who demonstrates academic excellence, outstanding communication skills, leadership, and exemplary character. Academic credit earned through the program is awarded by the student's home institution.
Cole, from Edmond, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Doctor of Pharmacy, with a minor in Chemistry. She chose SWOSU for its strong pharmacy program and supportive community, noting that the faculty and students "encourage each other to reach their full potential."
While at SWOSU, Cole has been an Orientation Leader, an anatomy tutor for Dr. Mark Garcia, and an undergraduate chemistry researcher under Dr. Tim Hubin. She has also been involved in the Pre-Pharmacy Club and worked as a Teaching Assistant and Residential Mentor for the Summer Science Program International. Her career goal is to become a Nuclear Pharmacist, building on a family legacy in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment and disease research. She hopes to contribute her skills to improving patient care and making a meaningful impact in oncology.
Through the Brad Henry International Scholars Program, Cole will study at Swansea University, where she plans to visit historical sites and museums and connect with students from around the world.
Cole said, "I am humbled and honored to have received the support of my mentors and the chance to represent SWOSU through this program." She expressed particular thanks to Dr. Tim Hubin, Dr. Taler Alexander, and Dr. Adam Johnson for their guidance throughout the application process.
"Rena has excelled in both research and leadership roles in my lab. Her intelligence, work ethic, and ability to process and synthesize complex concepts make her exceptionally well-prepared for this opportunity," said Hubin. "I have no doubt she will approach her semester abroad with the same dedication and excellence she has shown at SWOSU."
Swansea University has a long history of collaboration with global industries and emphasizes innovative teaching, research, and a supportive student experience. Cole's semester abroad will include academic study and opportunities to connect with Swansea University's international community.
The Brad Henry International Scholars Program is a competitive and prestigious award that allows students like Cole to gain firsthand experience in an international setting while representing Oklahoma's higher education system.
For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 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.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: this rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 90 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, League of Legends Club, Honors Association, Spanish Club, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on November 03, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 03, 2025 at 15:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]