At the Fall 2024 Employee In-Service held at Seminole State College on Aug. 14, six employees were recognized for their outstanding contributions during the previous academic year. Themed “Building Brighter Tomorrows,” the In-Service event celebrated these individuals in a special segment titled “Stargazing,” which spotlighted their achievements.
![Pictured left to right are Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz, Director of the Rural Business and Resources Center Danny Morgan, Admissions Clerk and VA School Certification Officer Stacey Foster, Director of NASNTI Kay Wallace, Softball Head Coach Amber Flores and Women’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Hill.](http://www.sscok.edu/media/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Shining-Stars-1024x732.jpg)
Women’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Hill was honored for his leadership in taking his team to the NJCAA national tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Hill also celebrated a significant milestone with his 100th career win on September 13.
Kay Wallace, Director of the Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTI) Grant, was recognized for her exceptional efforts in coordinating, promoting and hosting one of the largest events ever held at SSC. On September 21, Wallace brought David Grann, the author of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” to campus, for a presentation on his research and writing.
Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was recognized for his literary achievement with the publication of his fifth book, a collection of poetry titled “The Fires of Heraclitus.” Juhasz’s status as a published author serves as an inspiration to his students, providing a real-world example of the impact of composition and literature.
Stacey Foster, SSC Admissions Clerk and VA School Certification Officer, was recognized for her work supporting local active military and veterans. In November, during Veterans Day observances, Foster organized a Military and Veteran Resource Fair and arranged for 3,000 American flags to be planted at the campus intersection of State Highways 3 and 9.
Danny Morgan, Director of the SSC Rural Business and Resources Center, was recognized for his exceptional service and leadership over the past year. Morgan not only managed his responsibilities with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce but also took on the operational oversight of the new Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex. Due to his respected background as a former State Legislator, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education entrusted SSC’s Foundation with the distribution of a $2.5 million matching scholarship program established by the Chickasaw Nation.
Softball Coach Amber Flores was recognized for her continued success in leading her team to victory and for her accomplishments in professional women’s softball. This year, Flores achieved her 500th career win at Seminole State College on April 6 and gained national attention in her second year as Head Coach of the Oklahoma City Spark professional softball team.
“All six of these employees excelled in a special way this past year. They made an impact on our campus and community, and they brought positive attention to Seminole State College by accomplishing something big,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said during the program.