This page is created and maintained by James M. Branum, proud resident of Parker Hall. This site is exclusively my responsibility, and is not in any way affiliated with SWOSU.

Save Parker Hall! Attention Parker Hall residents, and former residents of Parker Hall! It has come to my attention that SWOSU is planning to close down Parker Hall. This will be the last semester that Parker Hall will be open. The current plans are to make Rogers, Jefferson, and Neff Halls men's dormitories, and Oklahoma and Stewart Hall women's dorms. The last word I heard is that they will run "feasibility studies" to decide what to do with our beloved home. Parker Hall is more than just a dormitory, or a buidling. It is an institution. Some say that it is the closest thing Southwestern has to a fraternity. I would have to agree. In the midst of a very apathetic campus with little campus life, Parker Hall shines out as a dorm with traditions, and comradarie. I realize that as always, money is the rationale behind this. I understand that the school may have no choice. What I don't understand is why the administration did not choose to discuss the possibility of the closure of this dorm to the people who live in it until now. Finally, at our last dorm meeting they chose to tell us about it. Many members of the administration have been very friendly to residents, but the admin. has refused to rename Rogers Hall when we move over there. It is time to take action to preserve the history and tradition of Parker Hall. I am not sure what can be done, but if you want to be a part of the movement to do something, contact me at (405)774-6040, or by email at westok@brightok.net. I am also currently preparing a letter to the editor of the campus newspaper that will state something to the effect of. . . To the Editor: We the residents of Parker Hall protest the plans to close down our home, Parker Hall. While, there are financial constraints that the school must face when managing a residential housing system, we object to the decision to close our dorm being made without at least extending the courtesy of discussing this with the residents of our dormitory. We ask that the administration fully look into any other possible way of maintaing a high level of effeciency in residential housing, without shutting down Parker Hall. Parker Hall is more than a dormitory. It is a proud instituion that is actively involved in campus life. Without Parker Hall, all students will be hurt. Remember, your dorm may be next. If there is no other alternative, we ask that the name of Parker Hall be given to Rogers Hall if we are forced to move there, so that the traditions and history of Parker Hall will not be lost. Sincerely, (The names of all residents of the dorm who wish to sign it would be placed here. I would also like to add the signatures of alums who want Parker Hall to stay open, with the years they lived here after their name.) .