Skylar Croskey of Chickasha, Jase Hammersley of Gould, Ryan Kellar of Albany (OR), and Jayce Lovelady of Fletcher have been named the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars for the 2023-2024 Academic Year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
Croskey is a Junior majoring in Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement.
Hammersley is a junior majoring in Parks and Recreation Management.
Kellar is a junior majoring in Parks and Recreation Management.
Lovelady is a freshman majoring in Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement.
The Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Fund benefits the SWOSU Parks & Recreation Management (PRM) Department.
A native of Clinton, the late Dr. Ken Rose completed his undergraduate studies at SWOSU in 1967 and earned his master’s degree, also from SWOSU, in 1970. He then earned his Doctorate of Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1980. Rose was a committed scholar and an expert on SCUBA diving who conducted extensive research on the effects of hyperbaric pressure on divers and the psychological factors impacting diver performance.
Rose devoted his life to education. From 1968- 74, Rose taught, coached and served as principal at Washita Heights Public Schools in Corn. In 1974, he joined SWOSU as an instructor in physical education, later advancing to professor. He chaired the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, later was named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and, eventually, dean of the College of Professional & Graduate Studies. Among many significant achievements Rose facilitated during his four-plus decades of service to SWOSU is the evolution of the PRM Department into one of the most unique and dynamic academic programs of its type in the country. Rose passed away September 2, 2020. He was a devoted husband to Susan and a loving father to David, D’Ann, Wesly and Tiler.
The SWOSU Foundation, Inc. was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information about the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund or any SWOSU Foundation funds, please contact the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.