Mariana Lucas of Ringwood, Oklahoma has been named the 2022 Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholar at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU.)
Lucas is a junior at SWOSU majoring in Parks and Recreation Management and minoring in World Languages.
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. The Foundation currently stewards over $37 million in assets for the benefit of SWOSU. For more information about the Johnny and Judy Beech Scholarship Fund or any SWOSU Foundation funds, please contact the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. at 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.