**For Immediate Release**
Lofland Returns to Alma Mater
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 02-01-2006
By Laura Dahl

Goodwell, OK - Jessica Lofland, 2000 graduate of Oklahoma Panhandle State University, recently returned to her alma mater to serve as Director of Student Services and Enrollment Management. She completed a master’s degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2004, and her past student and professional backgrounds prepared her for this position.

While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at OPSU, Jessica stayed active in a number of student organizations. She served as Collegian editor, student association president, was a student ambassador and assisted with the Plainsman yearbook. She also was a member of the dorm council and media club. Lofland believes her great experience as an OPSU student will enhance her position in Student Services. In addition, she served as Communications Coordinator at Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb. and was also involved in enrollment management and development at Miles Community College in her hometown of Miles City, Mont.

Serendipity led this Montana native to attend OPSU. Her high school counselor gave Lofland permission to miss one week of school to visit her grandparents in Perryton, Texas if she used part of the time to visit a university. On the way home, Jessica and her mother stopped in Goodwell and spent an hour touring the campus, meeting people and gathering information.

Lofland decided she belonged at OPSU and enrolled. It was only later she found out that her great grandmother attended OPSU shortly after it opened as Pan-handle Agricultural Institute and her grandfather played football at OPSU under the late Carl Wooten for two years before serving his country during World War II. When asked about her return to OPSU, Jessica said, “I am happy to be back at OPSU. It’s a place where I am comfortable, and I enjoy the friendly atmosphere.”

Jessica’s duties include coordinating and overseeing all student services such as activities, student conduct, and housing. She will also work with personnel in other departments to coordinate enrollment functions. She plans to focus on meeting the social needs of students by offering more campus activities and hopes to create a more collegial atmosphere. Lofland said, “Because it’s a small campus, I have the opportunity to build relationships with most students, and I hope I can make a difference in their college experience.”

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