Author Josh Hutton

Long Represents SSC at Nigh Leadership Academy

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College freshman Melanie Long, of Mustang, attended the Nigh Institute Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City from Feb. 1-4.

In this photo, SSC freshman Melanie Long, of Mustang, meets with former Governor George Nigh and former First Lady of Oklahoma Donna Nigh during the four-day Nigh Leadership Academy in Oklahoma City.

SSC freshman Melanie Long, of Mustang, meets with former Governor George Nigh and former First Lady of Oklahoma Donna Nigh during the four-day Nigh Leadership Academy in Oklahoma City.

Long joined college students from across the state for the four-day academy, where she participated in a variety of leadership activities, networking events and community service projects. The academy’s itinerary included a volunteer service project at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, a visit to the First Americans Museum, a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, a tour of the Express Personnel and the Clydesdale Ranch and an opportunity to attend an Oklahoma City Thunder game.

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SSC Upward Bound Students Take to the Court at OKC Thunder Game

Josh Hutton
In this photo, more than 120 high school students in the Seminole State College Upward Bound program pose on the basketball court for a group photo with the Oklahoma City Thunder Mascot, Rumble the Bison.

More than 120 high school students in the Seminole State College Upward Bound program had the opportunity to experience an exciting evening of NBA action at the Paycom Center, as they watched the Oklahoma City Thunder claim a 144-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 1. In addition to enjoying the game, several Upward Bound students participated in exclusive pre-game activities, including greeting Thunder and Kings players in the Spirit Tunnel and standing on the court during the National Anthem and player introductions. To cap off the night, every student took part in a special post-game photo opportunity on the court with Rumble the Bison, the Thunder’s mascot. SSC’s Upward Bound program serves 20 area high schools and is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides academic support, college preparation and enrichment experiences to help students achieve their higher education goals.

SSC Physical Therapist Assistant Program to Host Meet and Greet, Virtual Info Sessions

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program Director Shakira Stafford speaks at last spring’s pinning ceremony for graduates of the program from the ceremony stage.
Seminole State College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program will welcome guests at a meet and greet on Feb. 20 at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. (Pictured) PTA Director Shakira Stafford speaks at last spring’s pinning ceremony for graduates of the program.

Seminole State College will host an in-person meet and greet event and two virtual information sessions for students interested in enrolling in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The in-person event will take place on Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center campus in Shawnee, while the virtual sessions will be held on Feb. 12 and Feb. 19 from 12 to 1 p.m. Prospective students may register for the virtual session in advance by visiting sscok.edu.

At the meet and greet, prospective students will have the opportunity to connect with faculty and program graduates, explore the field of physical therapy, learn about job opportunities, and receive in-depth information about the program’s curriculum and financial aid options. The virtual session will provide an accessible way for students to learn about the program from the comfort of their homes.

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SSC Leadership Students Tour Oklahoma Stockyards

Josh Hutton
In this photo, members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class pose for a group picture in front of the Oklahoma National Stockyards

Members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited the Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City on Jan. 30 to learn about the impact of the cattle industry on the state’s economy. The students toured the facility, including walking the catwalks built above the cattle holding lots, viewed the sale ring and watched videos from a previous sale. In Since the Oklahoma National Stockyards was founded in 1910, more than 102 million head of livestock have passed through the market.

In this photo, SSC President’s Leadership Class students survey the cattle holding lots. Pictured (left to right): Addison Pringle, Shawnee; Abagail Tovar, Wilburton; Zoe Trenchard, Lewisville, Texas; Reeve Ross, Locust Grove; and Dustin Nicholson, Seminole.
SSC President’s Leadership Class students survey the cattle holding lots. Pictured (left to right): Addison Pringle, Shawnee; Abagail Tovar, Wilburton; Zoe Trenchard, Lewisville, Texas; Reeve Ross, Locust Grove; and Dustin Nicholson, Seminole.

Trojan Baseball Begins Season with Banquet Celebration

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Matt Hancock, 2003 Trojan alumnus and current Director of Tulsa County Parks and Recreation, addresses the crowd of attendees from the stage as the event’s featured speaker.

The Seminole State College Trojans baseball team celebrated the start of their 2025 season with the “First Pitch Banquet” on Feb. 1 at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. Nearly 250 guests were in attendance. Matt Hancock (pictured), 2003 Trojan alumnus and current Director of Tulsa County Parks and Recreation, was the event’s featured speaker.

In this photo, SSC Baseball Head Coach Mack Chambers stands in front of the crowd with his players behind as he introduced this year’s team.

SSC Baseball Head Coach Mack Chambers introduced this year’s team, spoke about improvements to the baseball training facility and thanked attendees for their support. The Trojans began their season on Jan. 30 with a three-game series against New Mexico Junior College, coming away with A 2-1 win-loss record.

In this photo, Current and past Trojan players and coaches pose for a group picture following the banquet.
Current and past Trojan players and coaches pose for a photo following the banquet.

OACC Director Visits SSC

Josh Hutton
In this photo, (pictured seated left to right) are: Professional Staff Association President Melinda Sims, Director Kidd, President Lana Reynolds and SGA President Adisen Williamsen; (pictured standing left to right) are: IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer Marc Hunter, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles, Classified Staff Association President Tisha Simon, SSC Legislative Consultant Karel Brewster, Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations Mechell Downey, Vice President for Finance, Grants and Enrollment Melanie Rinehart, Faculty Senate Vice President Paul Juhasz, and Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs.

Former Oklahoma State Senator Chris Kidd, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges, visited Seminole State College on Jan. 30. Following a tour of campus, including classrooms, science labs and the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex, Kidd had lunch with administrators and leaders from SSC employee organizations. Luncheon guests (pictured seated left to right) are: Professional Staff Association President Melinda Sims, Director Kidd, President Lana Reynolds and SGA President Adisen Williamsen; (pictured standing left to right) are: IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer Marc Hunter, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles, Classified Staff Association President Tisha Simon, SSC Legislative Consultant Karel Brewster, Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations Mechell Downey, Vice President for Finance, Grants and Enrollment Melanie Rinehart, Faculty Senate Vice President Paul Juhasz, and Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs.

In this photo, SSC Student Government President Adisen Williamsen (left), freshman from Mustang, presented Kidd (right) with a gift from the college.
SSC Student Government President Adisen Williamsen (left), freshman from Mustang, presented Kidd (right) with a gift from the college.

Experts Share Health and Safety Tips with SSC Leadership Students

Josh Hutton

The Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class kicked off their Spring semester with a program on “Health, Well-Being and Safety for College Life.” Following a luncheon in Utterback Ballroom of the SSC Haney Center on Jan. 21, the group heard presentations from local family physician Dr. Jenna Geohagan, Licensed Professional Counselor Stephanie Hassell and District Attorney for Pontotoc, Huges and Seminole Counties Erik Johnson. The speakers provided basic tips for good physical and mental health, as well as staying safe as a college student.

SSC Reports Success with GEAR UP Dreamcatcher Grant

Josh Hutton
In this picture, Seminole State College Comptroller Julie Hix (left) and Vice President of Finance, Grants and Enrollment Melanie Rinehart pose for a photo to celebrate the success of the GEAR UP Dreamcatcher grant, which concluded in 2024. Hix formerly served as Director of SSC’s GEAR UP program for five of the grant’s seven years.
Seminole State College Comptroller Julie Hix (left) and Vice President of Finance, Grants and Enrollment Melanie Rinehart celebrate the success of the GEAR UP Dreamcatcher grant, which concluded in 2024. Hix formerly served as Director of SSC’s GEAR UP program for five of the grant’s seven years.

Seminole State College has released its annual progress report on the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Dreamcatcher grant, which concluded in 2024 after seven years. The federal grant, awarded in 2017, provided critical college readiness, career exploration and academic achievement support to approximately 1,000 area students annually.

The Dreamcatcher GEAR UP grant funded six full-time positions, enabling SSC to deliver a wide range of services to students and schools within its five-county service area. Program offerings included college campus visits, free tutoring, career guidance, mentorship programs and financial aid workshops for students and families. The grant also supported scholarships for participants and provided partner schools with professional development, resources and guidance in implementing Individualized Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs).

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Department of Health Awards SSC ‘Certified Excellence’ for Healthy Initiatives

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Kimberly Ramsey, Adolescent Health Specialist with the Oklahoma State Health Department (center). poses for a photo with Mechell Downey, Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations (left), and SSC President Lana Reynolds (right).

Seminole State College has earned the “Certified Excellence” designation, the highest level of recognition from the Certified Healthy Oklahoma Program, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Health. This free, voluntary certification program recognizes organizations committed to fostering healthy environments and policies that encourage better nutrition, increased physical activity, and tobacco-free living. The award was presented by Kimberly Ramsey, Adolescent Health Specialist with the Oklahoma State Health Department (center). Accepting the award were Mechell Downey, Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations (left), and SSC President Lana Reynolds (right).

SSC to Host Annual Trojan Baseball Banquet

Josh Hutton
Matt Hancock.
Tulsa County Director of Parks and Recreation Matt Hancock, a 2003 Trojan alumnus, will be the guest speaker at the Trojan Baseball Banquet on Feb. 1.

Seminole State College will kick off the 2025 Trojan Baseball season with its annual “First Pitch” Banquet, set for Saturday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. The event brings together alumni, supporters and current team members.

Jeff Stych, a 1992 Trojan alumnus, will emcee the evening’s festivities. The program will open with an invocation led by current Trojan player Bennett Crafton and a greeting from SSC President Lana Reynolds.

This year’s banquet will honor anniversary teams from 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015, recognizing their contributions to the program’s legacy.

The keynote speaker for the event is Matt Hancock, a 2003 Trojan alumnus, who will speak about his journey from collegiate baseball to community leadership.

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