Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) proudly recognized longtime benefactor and SWOSU Alumni Association Past President Mike Wilkes, ’75, with the prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during the SWOSU Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting on Friday, October 24, 2025, prior to the kickoff of this year’s SWOSU Homecoming festivities.
The Presidential Order of Merit is one of SWOSU’s highest honors, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the mission of the university. SWOSU President the late Dr. John Hays established the Order in 2004—it is the highest honor in the personal gift of SWOSU’s chief executive. Induction into the Order is reserved for individuals who have shown outstanding achievement on the state, national or international level, in the arts, sciences, business, industry, the professions, sports, social service or public service.
Wilkes has been a steadfast advocate for his alma mater for decades. He and his wife, SWOSU Foundation, Inc., Emeritus Trustee Judy (Smalley) Wilkes, ’76, reside in Moore, Oklahoma, where they are deeply involved with church and family activities. The Wilkeses founded Houston-based Arrow Industrial Equipment in 1997 and Southwestern Paint Panels in 2006 and operated the firms until 2023, retiring in 2024.
“Mike Wilkes is a loyal, generous SWOSU Bulldog,” said Cunningham. “During his twenty years of service on the SWOSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, Mike made invaluable contributions to our institution. He helped spearhead SWOSU’s work with donors to build the ‘Duke’ statue that stands proudly near Centennial Plaza and guided the Association to establish our Emeriti Honors which recognize the achievements and service of former SWOSU employees. Mike and Judy have also generously endowed the Bud & Wanda Smalley Memorial Scholarship which provides ongoing financial assistance to our SWOSU students.”
Cunningham concluded, “We are truly grateful!”
The SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit is headed by the SWOSU President and stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. An independent, institutionally related charitable entity headquartered on the SWOSU Campus in the historic Burton House, the Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information, please contact the SWOSU Office of Institutional Advancement at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.
For more information, visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.