Leadership Transition at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
A senior official from Oklahoma's public higher education oversight agency has been appointed as the temporary leader of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Joel Kendall, currently serving as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, will assume the interim presidency role starting January 12.
The announcement was made on December 22 by the Regional University System of Oklahoma, which oversees the institution. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, established in 1901 and serving approximately 5,200 students across campuses in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, is seeking a permanent replacement for Diana Lovell. Lovell formally stepped down from her position last week, with her resignation becoming effective at the end of December.
Jane McDermott, chair of the RUSO Board of Regents, expressed confidence in the appointment. "Dr. Kendall is a respected and steady leader with a strong commitment to Southwestern Oklahoma State University and its students," McDermott stated. "We are confident in his ability to guide the university forward while maintaining focus on student success, institutional priorities and service to the community."
Kendall will become the second interim president to lead Southwestern during the current academic year. Lovell, who had served as president since July 2021, began an extended leave of absence in August. In a December 16 email to the university community, she explained she was taking time "to address personal and family matters."
"As that approved leave of absence comes to a close, I have concluded that it is in the best interest of the university – and of my family and me – that I not return to my duties," Lovell wrote. She expressed gratitude "to the RUSO Board of Regents for their professionalism, support, and leadership throughout this process," though she provided no additional details about her circumstances.
During Lovell's absence, Janet Cunningham, former president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University (another RUSO institution), served as interim president. Kendall previously worked at Southwestern as provost and vice president for academic affairs under Lovell before joining the state regents in July. He will now take over presidential responsibilities from Cunningham.
Kendall brings extensive experience to the position, having spent nearly 27 years at Southwestern beginning in 1998. During his tenure, he held various roles including associate provost, professor, and department chair. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University, a master's degree from Indiana University, and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from the University of Oklahoma.
"It is a tremendous honor to return to Southwestern Oklahoma State University and serve an institution with such a rich legacy and a promising future," Kendall remarked. "It will be a privilege to work alongside a team of dedicated SWOSU professionals who are committed to helping students achieve personal and academic goals, while also meeting the region’s workforce needs."
