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Taler Alexander
Taler Alexander, Director
I'm Taler, born and raised in Weatherford to a family that has been a part of this community for three generations. My parents and grandparents graduated from SWOSU, so there was no question where I’d be pursuing my education after high school. During my time as a student at SWOSU, I was an Orientation Leader and a member of the President’s Leadership Class (Class V) along with other clubs and organizations. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education as well as a Master of Education in School Counseling from this wonderful university, and I hope to finish my Doctorate in Education from Abilene Christian University in 2024. I've worked in several different roles within the Admissions & Recruitment Office during my time at SWOSU. Now, I'm the Director of Admissions & Recruitment where I manage undergraduate admissions, recruitment, and orientation programming.
I also serve as the academic advisor for all concurrent enrollment students at the Weatherford campus, and I get the privilege of overseeing the President’s Leadership Class. I love helping students make the transition to college and welcoming them into the Bulldog Family through our events such as SWOSU Saturday, New Student Orientation, Camp Duke, and Welcome Week. My husband, Cody, also has a degree from SWOSU and owns his own welding business here in Weatherford. In early 2023, we welcomed our first child, Rowdy, and we absolutely love being his parents. We enjoy spending time together outside, cooking for friends and family, and cheering on the SWOSU Bulldogs!
Salina Garza
Salina Garza, Assistant Director (Recruiter for NW OK and TX Panhandle)
Hey Dawgs! My name is Salina Garza, and I’ve been in Admissions & Recruitment since 2021. I was raised in Elk City, OK where I graduated high school and committed to SWOSU soon after. As a first-generation college graduate, it was important for me to find a community where I could thrive and grow. I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology as well as a Master of Education, both from this university. Joining the staff at SWOSU was an unexpected and rewarding decision, and I’ve worked in a variety of roles before becoming the Assistant Director for Admissions & Recruitment. SWOSU accepted me as an alternative admit and shaped me into the professional that I am today. I love being a part of such a close-knit university and am lucky to call SWOSU home.
In 2019, I got married to my high school sweetheart, David, who received his bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from SWOSU and is now an Industrial Engineer at Boeing. I had my first child in November of 2021, and my absolute favorite thing is being a mom. We are excited to raise our son in such a wholesome and welcoming community like SWOSU. I also love my job because of the students, coworkers, and new student experiences. GO DAWGS!
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, and after a long summer of running away from Weatherford, I returned to the hilltop. 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. It was only a matter of time before I came back to this department. Returning to things I love like Weatherford and SWOSU after a hiatus has become a big theme for my life.
In 2021, I married my husband Dakota, who also graduated from SWOSU with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During my free time, I enjoy not only cooking or baking, but creating my own recipes and attempting to perfect them. I either want to be super active, or I want to do absolutely nothing, so I rotate between watching movies, working out, and playing volleyball. I also love spending time with my husband and sometimes our dog, Kelso, who is the grumpiest looking cocker spaniel you will ever meet, but he is always crazy and happy, I promise! I am so excited to be back with the bulldog community and grateful to be part of the Admissions and Recruitment team!
Tiffany Seal
Tiffany Seal, Admissions Coordinator
Hi, I'm Tiffany! I was born and raised in Weatherford, so SWOSU has always been the school on the hill to me. Like other Weatherford High School graduates, I didn't want to attend college in the town where I grew up, but SWOSU felt right. I began as a Special and Early Childhood Education major before I realized I didn't love what I was doing, so I took a break from courses. In 2021, I came back to the university as an administrative assistant for the Nursing Department before joining the Admissions & Recruitment team as an admissions coordinator. Upon coming back, I decided to finish the degree I started all those years ago. Although I didn't have the most traditional college experience, I've now received my bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kris, and our son, Oliver. It's even better when we're making memories with my family, besties, and celebrating all things red, white, and blue. Every summer, I look forward to adventuring with family, trail riding in the side by side, and enjoying the mountain air in Colorado. I love being a part of the bulldog community and helping students follow their dreams at SWOSU!
GO DAWGS!
Jacob Leal
Jacob Leal, Recruiter (OKC Metro & Eastern OK)
Hello, my name is Jacob Leal. I was born on August 3, 1992, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. My parents are Christi and Donnie Leal. I have three siblings, my sisters Casie and Jessica, both older and my little brother Devyn. I graduated from Elk City High School in 2011 and went on to graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2024 with my bachelor's in computer science. In August of 2024, I got engaged in Switzerland to my lovely fiancé Alexis Mills. In my spare time, I love watching football with my Dad, talking to my Mom every Wednesday night while she commutes to work, and spending time with my fiancé watching anything we can on Netflix.
Emily Cox
Emily Cox, Recruiter (Southern OK)
Hey! I’m Emily, and I was raised in the Oklahoma Panhandle, Guymon to be exact. I chose SWOSU to continue my education to follow my mother’s footsteps in being a SWOSU Bulldog. During my time at SWOSU, I was an Orientation Leader and part of various other organizations. As an Orientation Leader, I served on the Advisory Board and started working in the New Student Orientation and Admissions and Recruitment Offices. I knew I loved SWOSU and making it home for incoming students. Truly, my time at SWOSU has shaped me into who I am today. I loved my time at SWOSU as a student, so I felt like it was the right choice coming back to the office that I’d spent most of my time in during college. The opportunity to make a difference in prospective students’ lives and welcome them to the Hilltop is why I am glad to be part of the Admissions and Recruitment team! I love traveling, running, painting, cuddling my dog, Honey, and of course, cheering on the Dawgs.
Brian Lewis
Brian Lewis, Microsoft Dynamics Specialist
I’ve lived in western OK my whole life. I visited with various colleges, but SWOSU became my first choice because of its scholarships, majors, and community. I had a great experience at SWOSU both academically and socially. After I graduated in 2016 with my Bachelor’s in Finance, I decided I didn’t want to leave. My wife and I love Weatherford and the fun college-town atmosphere. I recently finished a Master’s in Business Administration and am excited to be part of the Admissions & Recruitment team that welcomes new students to the University. In my spare time, I love reading, exercising, hunting, and spending time with my family.