SWOSU Hodge Center Open House Saturday

SWOSU Hodge Center open house welcomes community Saturday

The SWOSU Hodge Center open house is set for Saturday as the university invites the public to explore its newest healthcare facility.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host a community event at the Jerry and Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy and Rural Health in Weatherford.

The open house runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 317 E. Davis Ave., offering a chance for residents, alumni, and supporters to tour the facility.

SWOSU Hodge Center open house features tours and services

The SWOSU Hodge Center open house will include a variety of activities designed to engage the community.

Guests can participate in guided facility tours, showcasing the $27 million center, which includes modern academic classrooms and a public health hub.

The event will also feature a Drug Take Back program in partnership with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, allowing residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

Community outreach and higher education initiatives are supported by institutions like Southwestern Oklahoma State University, which focuses on workforce development across the region.

Center aims to strengthen rural healthcare access

The new facility is designed to expand healthcare education and improve access to services in underserved areas.

Officials say the center will help train future professionals to serve rural Oklahoma communities, where healthcare shortages remain a concern.

Public health development and rural healthcare initiatives are also supported by agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Funding and timeline highlight community investment

The SWOSU Hodge Center open house also reflects a collaborative funding effort.

The project includes $15 million in ARPA funding, $7 million from the “Yes! Weatherford” sales tax initiative, and a $5 million private gift from alumnus Jerry Hodge and his wife, Margaret.

Although the center was officially dedicated in March 2026, it is expected to be fully operational for students by the Fall 2026 semester.

Higher education funding and infrastructure projects are often supported by agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, which promotes access to training and resources.

Officials say the open house is an opportunity to celebrate a major investment in both education and rural healthcare.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS