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Taler Alexander
Taler Alexander, Director of Enrollment Management
I’m a proud Weatherford native with deep roots in the community, with my parents and grandparents graduating from university. Choosing to attend SWOSU myself was an easy decision. I have both a bachelor's and master’s degree in education from SWOSU; and, in 2025, I earned a Doctor of Education from Abilene Christian University.
Throughout my career at SWOSU, I have served in multiple roles within the Admissions & Recruitment Office, gaining experience across enrollment and student success initiatives. Today, I serve as Director of Enrollment Management, overseeing concurrent enrollment, undergraduate admissions and recruitment, as well as advising and retention efforts. I also get the privilege of leading the President’s Leadership Class, a program that played a meaningful role in my own student experience. I am passionate about helping students confidently transition to college and feel honored to welcome new Bulldogs into the SWOSU family each semester
Outside of work, my husband, Cody, a fellow SWOSU graduate, and I enjoy life with our son, Rowdy, who joined our family in early 2023. We love spending time outdoors, cooking for friends and family, and cheering on the SWOSU Bulldogs.
Salina Garza
Salina Garza, Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment
I was born and raised in Elk City and moved to Weatherford in 2015 to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University. As a proud first-generation college student, pursuing higher education was a major milestone for both me and my family, and it ultimately became my career path. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Southwestern.
Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping students navigate their own college journeys. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, first as a Graduate Assistant, then as an Administrative Assistant, Admissions Coordinator, and now as the Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment. In my current role, I advise concurrent students, travel to recruit future Dawgs, and plan large campus events such as SWOSU Saturday. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is walking alongside students during the pivotal transition from high school to college.
Outside of the office, you can find me spending time with my husband, David, who is also a SWOSU graduate, and our two boys, Sonny and Skylar. Whether we are cheering on the Dawgs or enjoying time at the Stafford Space Park, we are proud to call SWOSU home.
Halle Clayton
Halle Clayton, Admissions Coordinator
My name is Halle Clayton, and I grew up right here in Weatherford! I graduated high school from Corn Bible Academy. I received a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from SWOSU and worked in healthcare for a few years, but I was pulled back to Admissions and Recruitment during 2023. In my years at SWOSU, I spent them mostly at the Baptist College Ministry, but I also spent so much time being an orientation leader.
My husband also graduated from SWOSU with both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing. We have one little one who we are already teaching to do say, “Go Dawgs.” During my free time, I either want to be super active, or I want to do absolutely nothing, so I rotate between watching movies or shows, working out, drinking coffee, and playing volleyball.
Emily Cox
Emily Cox, Recruiter (Southern OK)
Hi! I’m Emily, and I’m originally from the Oklahoma Panhandle—Guymon, to be exact. I graduated from Fairview High School before heading to Southwestern Oklahoma State University to follow in my mom’s footsteps as a SWOSU Bulldog. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies here and am currently pursuing my master’s degree at SWOSU as well.
During my time as a student, I had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Leader and be involved in several campus organizations. As an Orientation Leader I served on the Advisory Board and started working with New Student Orientation and Admissions and Recruitment Offices. That’s when I realized how much I loved helping students feel at home at SWOSU.
SWOSU truly shaped who I am today. I loved my time here as a student, after a short break between graduation & the fall semester coming back to work in the office where I spent so much of my college career felt like the perfect fit. Being able to pour into prospective students and help them find their place here is the reason I’m so grateful to be part of the Admissions and Recruitment team.
Outside of work, you can usually find me traveling, running, painting, cuddling my dog Honey, and of course cheering on the Dawgs!
Brian Lewis
Brian Lewis, Microsoft Dynamics Specialist
Hello! I'm Brian, and I’ve lived in western OK my whole life. I visited various colleges as a freshman, but SWOSU became my first choice because of its scholarships, majors, and community. I had a great experience at SWOSU. After I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Admin in Finance, I decided I didn’t want to leave and completed a Master’s in Business Admin. I love Weatherford and the fun college-town atmosphere. In my spare time, I love reading, exercising, hunting, and spending time with my family. I love being a part of the Admissions & Recruitment team that welcomes new students to the University. Choose SWOSU! You won't regret it!
Samantha Barrios
Samantha Barrios, Admissions Coordinator
Samantha Barrios
Hi! I’m Samantha, a western Oklahoma native and Admissions Coordinator at SWOSU.
I enjoy playing a part in helping students begin their college journey and ensuring a smooth transition from applicant to Bulldog. As someone from western Oklahoma, I value the strong sense of community at SWOSU and ensuring students feel supported and welcomed as they navigate their college journey. Outside of work, you can find me running, cheering on the OKC Thunder, or spending time with my family.
Go Dawgs!
Nalia Volz-Tavai
Nalia Volz-Tavai, Recruiter (OKC Metro and Eastern OK)
My name is Nalia Volz-Tavai but around here you’ll probably hear me called Nini, and I answer happily to both! I grew up right in the middle of a big family in the small town of Geronimo, Oklahoma. After graduating high school, I knew SWOSU was where I wanted to go. While I was a student, I loved trying new things and connecting with new faces, all in hopes of figuring out where I belonged. Some of my favorite memories were made at the BCM and while working at the SWOSU Bookstore. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in business, thinking I’d have to look far to find the perfect job… but surprise! Coming back to SWOSU as a recruiter has been such a full-circle moment, and I absolutely love helping future Bulldogs start their own journey from high school to the hilltop. When I’m not on campus, you can find me hanging out with friends, trying new crafts, or at a fun concert.
I’m so happy to be a member of the Admissions and Recruitment team and as always… GO DAWGS!
Julia Toney
Julia Toney, Administrative Assistant II
Hi, I’m Julia! I was born & raised in San Antonio, Texas before completing my Bachelor’s at the University of Evansville in Indiana. Once I graduated in 2019, I moved up to Chicago, Illinois, where I lived for six years & worked at Steppenwolf Theatre as well as the British International School of Lincoln Park. The Windy City was also where I met my wonderful partner, Rio, as he was finishing his PhD. He is now Dr. Rio Bergh and teaches in the Language & Literature department at SWOSU.
I am grateful to work as administrative assistant for SWOSU’s Office of Admissions & Recruitment, where I enjoy welcoming folks in for tours & assisting incoming students. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Health Information Management. In my spare time, I love reading, hiking, playing video games & puzzling over the latest New York Times Crossword. Go Dawgs!