EXHIBIT 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT





We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statements  No.
33-81276  (1994 Stock Option  Plan),  333-92143  (1999 Stock Option  Plan),  and
33-97850  (Employee  Stock Purchase  Plan),  each on Form S-8, and  Registration
Statement No. 33-94378  (Dividend  Reinvestment Plan) on Form S-3, of our report
dated January 22, 2000,  incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form
10-K of Southwest Bancorp, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
March 28, 2001