Admissions Staff

Dr. 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.

 

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Taryn Hansen, Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment (NE OK & Texas)

My name is Taryn Hansen, and I was born and raised in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In 2017, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. Shortly after graduating college, I moved to Edmond, Oklahoma with my family. While I will always hold a special place in my heart for the States surrounding the Great Lakes, I have grown incredibly fond of the land where the wind comes sweeping down the plains.  
 
I’ve worked in higher education for most of my career in roles such as the Communications and Marketing Specialist for The University of Central Oklahoma; the Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for The Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre at The University of Oklahoma; and now the Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. I am a big believer in the power of higher education and have always enjoyed helping students in their educational journey.  

I am proud to be a member of the Bulldog Family! It is a joy to represent SWOSU and share with potential students what makes it so special. In my opinion, SWOSU possesses an incredible community spirit, radiates positive energy, and provides its students with valuable (and fun!) experiences. It is everything you would want from an institution of higher education.  

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading murder mystery novels; playing Dungeons and Dragons; visiting The Plaza District in OKC; attempting to beat my husband at board games; and honing my crafting skills. 

 

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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.

 

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Brittlee Russell, Recruiter (OKC Metro and Eastern OK)

My name is Britlee Russell and I work as a recruiter for Southwestern! I am originally a native of Northeast Oklahoma, graduating from Dewey High School, but I fell in love with Southwestern Oklahoma in my time at SWOSU!

My grandparents met during their time as students here, so when it was time for me to be looking at colleges, SWOSU was at the top of my list. I came to campus for the first time and it was love at first sight! During my time in undergrad, I was passionate about making the hilltop home for myself and the students around me on campus, at the BCM, and all around Weatherford.

I graduated in May of '26 with my Bachelor's in Marketing, and when I received the opportunity to help create that home for prospective and incoming students at Southwestern, I had to take it! I plan to get my master's in business administration from Southwestern; and when I am away from campus I enjoy spending time with friends, cooking, being active, and watching the OKC Thunder!

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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!

 

 

 

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Samantha Barrios, Admissions Coordinator

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!

 

 

 

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Nalia Volz-Tavai, Recruiter (Southern 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!

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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!

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Michelle Stinson, Gear Up College Success Coach

Hello! My name is Michelle Stinson, and I am from Weatherford, Oklahoma. I graduated from Weatherford High School, and it was only natural for me to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in my hometown.

My connection to Southwestern began long before I became a student. My father was the BSU/BCM Director on campus, so growing up, my life revolved around college students and helping them make a successful transition to campus life. My parents encouraged me to live in the dorms so I could meet new people and truly experience life as a college student rather than live at home and continue spending time with the same friends. I loved my time in Stewart Hall and still have friendships today that began during my college years. I graduated from Southwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Returning to Southwestern has been a full-circle experience for me. The university that shaped so much of my childhood and college experience is now the place where I have the privilege of helping the next generation of students find their path.

After graduating working in Weatherford, I felt a calling to return to Southwestern and continue helping college students achieve success and pursue their educational dreams. I spent five years working in Financial Aid before recently transitioning to Admissions and Recruitment.

My role as a Gear Up College Success Coach feels like the perfect fit for me and allows me to use many skills I have gained through my previous experiences. I have the opportunity to help students discover their passions while they are in middle and high school and then continue supporting those who choose SWOSU through their freshman year on campus. I also advise concurrent students, travel to Altus and Clinton schools to work with Gear Up students and meet with freshmen to make sure they have the resources they need to be successful both on campus and in the classroom.