SWOSU Department of Business

10/09/2026

Todd Berge Wiggen
From thinking he might one day enter politics to becoming a professor after a career in the military, this week’s throwback features a SWOSU Bulldog whose career path took a few unexpected turns!

As an undergraduate, he originally planned to major in Radio/Television News before switching to Government and earning a BA. He even completed a second bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications. At the time, he thought he might eventually enter politics in some form. Little did he know, his journey would eventually lead him to a doctorate and a career in higher education!

If he could give his undergraduate self one piece of advice, it would be to pursue a master’s degree instead of a second bachelor’s. And, of course… invest in Microsoft!

For today’s Bulldogs, his advice is all about developing the skills that go beyond the classroom. Interpersonal communication, public speaking, and leadership are all skills employers value, and student organizations can be a great place to strengthen them. He also encourages students to consider a short-term study abroad experience and gain valuable intercultural experience. In fact, SWOSU is headed to Scotland in 2027!

But perhaps the most unexpected part of his college story? He was a founding member of his Sigma Nu chapter AND somehow ended up on the cheer squad! When his girlfriend at the time, a cheerleader, asked him and a fraternity brother to fill in for a halftime performance, he decided to give it a try. He enjoyed it so much that he stayed on the squad for the rest of the year and made the squad again the following year. His fraternity brother? Not quite as enthusiastic about the experience.

From Government major to military career to professor, you never know where your SWOSU journey might take you!

Ona scale of 1–10… how are we rating Dr. Wiggen’s college cheer days? 👀 Bonus points in all Dr. Evert’s classes if you can guess the year.

10/08/2026

From serving in leadership with SWOSU Collegiate Farm Bureau to gaining professional experience at the Arapaho District Attorney’s Office, Grady Gaunt has made the most of his time at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

A Fall 2026 graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Agricultural Business, Grady has been named to the President’s Honor Roll every year and was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Agricultural Business through the Dobson College of Business and Technology. He has also served as a two-year officer with SWOSU Collegiate Farm Bureau, where he has advocated for agriculture and policy while developing his leadership skills, supporting agricultural education, serving the community, and building professional connections.

We asked Grady what he enjoyed most about his time at SWOSU and in the Department of Business:

“The close-knit community. Everyone knows each other and supports one another. I have made relationships here that go beyond the classroom.”

Grady’s SWOSU experience has also been shaped by the relationships he has built with his professors. He shared that his favorite part of the Department of Business is “the relationships you make with professors that is hard to do at other universities. At other universities you can be a number, but here professors take the time to get to know you and care about your success outside of SWOSU.”

After graduation, Grady plans to attend law school in Fall 2027 and is currently applying. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys spending time on the farm with his cattle and horses, which he hopes will remain a big part of his life.

Congratulations, Grady! We’re proud to celebrate all you’ve accomplished at SWOSU, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! GO DAWGS! 🐾💙

10/08/2026

We are so thankful for the opportunities we have to impact this incredible community!

Thank you for giving our amazing Investment Group the opportunity to come speak!

10/05/2026

They always say the best friendships are built in college. In the last 30 years, we wonder how many have started in the Lobby of the Stafford Building.

10/02/2026

Jordan Selman
From studying Entrepreneurship at SWOSU to eventually returning to the classroom as a university professor, this week’s throwback features a familiar Bulldog face, Ms. Selman! Her journey is a great reminder that you don’t always have to know exactly where your career is headed to find where you’re meant to be.

“I majored in Entrepreneurship as an undergraduate. At the time, my plan was pretty simple: graduate, enter the workforce, and see where the opportunities took me. I definitely did not have my entire career path mapped out.

If I could give my undergraduate self one piece of advice, it would be to join a club, attend campus events, meet new people, and branch out more. Some of the best parts of the college experience happen outside the classroom.

For current Bulldogs, my advice is to get involved and make connections. Get to know the other students in your classes, build relationships with your faculty, ask questions, and engage in what is happening around you. Those relationships and experiences can make a bigger difference than you realize.

Never in a million years would my younger self have predicted that I would end up teaching at the university level! I enjoy being around students, getting to know them, and watching them grow in confidence as they prepare for their careers. My career path has taken me in directions I never expected, and I’m grateful that it did.”

And we can’t forget the throwback photo itself! From the old-school digital camera days to the memories made at SWOSU, some things may change, but being a Bulldog never goes out of style.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your undergraduate self? Let us know down below! 👇

10/01/2026

From studying abroad in Austria and the Czech Republic to taking on leadership roles across campus, Mollie Mefferd has made the most of her time at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

A December 2026 graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, Mollie has been named to the President’s & Dean’s Honor Roll every semester and was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Human Resource Management in Spring 2026. She also served as President of the Global Leadership Initiative and Treasurer of Zeta Phi, was initiated into Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, and gained valuable professional experience through an internship with Northwest Crane and Logistics.

We asked Mollie what she enjoyed most about her time at SWOSU and in the Department of Business:

“Gaining valuable friendships to last a lifetime.”

Mollie’s SWOSU experience has also challenged her to grow both personally and professionally. She shared that her favorite part of the Department of Business is
“being challenged every day but always being able to gain help from my amazing professors.”

Today, Mollie is working as a Human Resource / Safety Administrator at Totran Transportation Services. After graduation, she plans to continue gaining experience in human resources as she builds her career.

Congratulations, Mollie! We’re proud to celebrate all you’ve accomplished at SWOSU, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! GO DAWGS! 🐾💙

09/30/2026

From cheering on the Hilltop to building a career in accounting, Kaitlyn Wilson’s SWOSU journey gave her the experiences, relationships, and confidence to thrive long after graduation.

Kaitlyn earned her Bachelor of Accounting in 2022, followed by her MBA in 2023. During her time at SWOSU, she was involved across campus as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Delta Mu Delta, New Student Orientation, and the Student Government Association (SGA). She also spent countless hours cheering at campus and athletic events, serving as co-captain during her final two seasons.

Within SGA, Kaitlyn served two years as a representative, one year overseeing special projects and coordinating events like drive-ins and bingo nights, and her final semester as Vice President. She also worked in the Registrar’s Office, helping students with enrollment and transcript requests.

Two of her favorite SWOSU memories were receiving the Outstanding Accounting Student Award in 2022 and watching both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams capture GAC Championships in the same year. Experiencing those moments alongside her best friends made them even more special!

After graduation, Kaitlyn began her career with Love’s Travel Stops as an Income Tax Accountant. While working full-time, she completed her MBA, helped recruit for the company’s internship program, and began building her professional career. After two and a half years in Income Tax, she transitioned to Store Payables, where she now works as an Inventory Staff Accountant II, gaining experience in automation, inventory accounting, and managerial accounting.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn serves on the Dobson CBT Business Professionals Advisory Board and the Redbud Classic Board, staying connected to business and community development.

What did she enjoy most about SWOSU?

"The people! There truly is no place like the Hilltop. The support, encouragement, and sense of community I experienced at SWOSU is incredible."

Her advice for current Bulldogs?

"Dive in! The more you invest in your college experience, the more you will gain from it."

The leadership opportunities, mentorship, and professional experiences Kaitlyn gained at SWOSU helped give her the confidence and foundation to succeed. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog! GO DAWGS! 🐾💙

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Interested in investing? Come check out the SWOSU Investment Group!

The SWOSU Investment Group gives students an opportunity to learn more about investing, discuss the markets, and build practical financial knowledge alongside fellow students.

📍 Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
📌 STF 117
All are welcome!

The group is led by faculty adviser, Marc Leonard, with student officers Kayle Ivey, Dylan Hunt, and Cooper Patton.

Whether you’re already interested in investing or just curious about how it works, come join us!