SSC Upward Bound Kicks Off Community Cleanup Program

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, pictured left to right, Upward Bound Coordinator Anna Skender, Upward Bound students Sosie Tucker, Marissa Massey, Jace Fitzgerald and Noah Higgins pose for a photo during their time spent helping clean up the community.

Seminole State College’s Upward Bound program recently launched the UB Cleans initiative, providing students with the opportunity to give back to their community. Participants volunteer alongside the Seminole Arts Council, cleaning various locations around Seminole. Senior students meet every Thursday after school to help beautify the community while working toward their volunteer goals for their Bridge Trip this summer. Upward Bound is 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Pictured (L to R): Upward Bound Coordinator Anna Skender, Upward Bound students Sosie Tucker, Marissa Massey, Jace Fitzgerald and Noah Higgins.

SSC Employees Attend Learning Innovations Summit

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Seminole State College employees who attended the 2025 SSC Learning Innovations Summit at Rose State College pose for a group photo. Pictured (left to right) are NASNTI Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey, Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Deanna Miles, Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs, Adjunct Professor of Biology Kara Stanley and NASNTI Student Success Specialist Ben Little.

Several Seminole State College employees attended the 2025 SSC Learning Innovations Summit at Rose State College on March 13-14. The event was hosted by The Oklahoma Council for Online Learning Excellence and focused on innovations in technology, teaching, student success and leadership. Pictured (left to right) are NASNTI Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey, Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Deanna Miles, Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs, Adjunct Professor of Biology Kara Stanley and NASNTI Student Success Specialist Ben Little.

In this photo, Kara Stanley (right), SSC Adjunct Professor of Biology, and Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate pose for a photo after delivering a presentation.

Kara Stanley (right), SSC Adjunct Professor of Biology, delivered a presentation during the event, with assistance from Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate.

SSC Leadership Students Visit OKC Memorial

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class are shown during a guided tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial by a National Park Ranger, who explained the symbolic significance of the memorial and provided insight into the events of April 19.

Members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum on March 13. Students were guided on a tour by a National Park Ranger, who explained the symbolic significance of the memorial and provided insight into the events of April 19, 1995. The group also toured the Memorial Archives and participated in the Uncover-Discover STEM Lab, which integrates investigative techniques used in the aftermath of the bombing.

In this photo, members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class are shown during a “First Person: Stories of Hope” presentation from a survivor of the 1995 bombing.

PLC students also attended a “First Person: Stories of Hope” presentation from a survivor of the 1995 bombing.

SSC Hosts University Transfer Session

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions at the University of Oklahoma Theresa Richardson speaks with SSC students about the transfer process on March 12. — *Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions at the University of Oklahoma Theresa Richardson speaks with SSC students about the transfer process on March 12.*

Seminole State College students had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the university transfer process during an informational session hosted by SSC’s Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services on March 12. The event featured guest speaker Theresa Richardson, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions at the University of Oklahoma.

Richardson provided attendees with an overview of the transfer process, covering key topics such as university applications, financial aid, advisement, scholarships and transfer fee waivers available through SSS. Following the presentation, she met with individual students to discuss their specific academic goals and provide personalized guidance for those considering a transfer to OU after completing their studies at SSC.

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SSC Professor Named Finalist for Oklahoma Book Award

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz poses with his most recent work, “The Fires of Heraclitus.” — Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Awards. The event will take place on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz has been named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Award in poetry for his latest collection, “The Fires of Heraclitus.”

Presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, the Oklahoma Book Award recognizes outstanding literary works by authors with ties to the state. Winners in each category will be announced at the annual awards banquet on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Juhasz’s nominated work, “The Fires of Heraclitus,” explores themes of change, impermanence, and transformation, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher. Known for his belief in fire as a symbol of constant flux, Heraclitus viewed struggle and opposition as essential forces shaping existence—ideas reflected in Juhasz’s poetic work.

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Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees

March 14, 2025Josh Hutton

Posing for a photo with their awards, are Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley (left) and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor (right) — The Seminole Chamber of Commerce recognized Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley (left) as the Faculty Member of the Month and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor (right) as the Staff Member of the Month at their Forum on March 13.

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on March 13. Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley was honored as Faculty Member of the Month, and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor was named Staff Member of the Month.

The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wrangler, recognize SSC employees several times during Forum each year. Individuals are nominated from across the campus and chosen by SSC administrators to receive the honor.

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Simmons to Be Honored at NJCAA Legacy Awards

March 13, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, former Seminole State College Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons speaks to the crowd during the 2024 Trojan Baseball First Pitch Banquet. — Former Seminole State College Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons will be honored at the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards on June 17 in Charlotte North Carolina. (File Photo from the 2024 Trojan Baseball First Pitch Banquet.)

Former Seminole State College Trojans Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons will be recognized at the National Junior College Athletic Association Coaches Legacy Awards. The event, which celebrates the winningest coaches in NJCAA history, will take place on June 17 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Simmons led the Trojans from 1975 to 2001 and again from 2012 to 2016. Over the course of his career, he amassed 1,804 wins, cementing his status as one of the most successful coaches in NJCAA history.

Under his leadership, SSC made 13 appearances at the NJCAA World Series, finishing as the national runner-up on four occasions. His teams also secured 16 NJCAA Region II titles and 13 NJCAA District championships.

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Presidents’ Assistants Gather at SSC to Share Insights

March 12, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, posing as a group are Presidents’ assistants from colleges across the state. Pictured (left to right): Michelle Nutter, Rose State College; Denise Bay, Northern Oklahoma College; Kinzi Hull, Redlands Community College; Courtney Payne, Carl Albert State College; Candace Raney, Eastern Oklahoma State College; Derotha Rivenbark, Connors State College; Mechell Downey, Seminole State College; and Tisha Simon, Seminole State College.

Presidents’ assistants from colleges across the state gathered at Seminole State College on March 7 for a networking session in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center Board Room. The event, hosted by SSC, featured discussions on scheduling tools, AI advancements for assistants, open meetings and records, campus morale initiatives and future meeting topics. SSC President Lana Reynolds welcomed attendees, and participants enjoyed a lunch courtesy of the College. Pictured (left to right): Michelle Nutter, Rose State College; Denise Bay, Northern Oklahoma College; Kinzi Hull, Redlands Community College; Courtney Payne, Carl Albert State College; Candace Raney, Eastern Oklahoma State College; Derotha Rivenbark, Connors State College; Mechell Downey, Seminole State College; and Tisha Simon, Seminole State College.

Congresswoman Bice Meets with Community Leaders at SSC

March 11, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice poses fro a group photo with Seminole community leaders. Pictured (left to right) are: Debbie Kuykendall, President of BancFirst; Steve Saxon, Seminole City Manager; Mark Schell, President of Security State Bank and Seminole Public School Board; Lana Reynolds, President of Seminole State College; Danny Morgan, Director of SSC’s Rural Business Center; Cory Crabtree, Mayor-Elect; and Adam Baker, Vice President of First United Bank.

U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice visited Seminole on March 7 to meet with community leaders in Seminole State College’s Haney Center Board Room. Bice updated the group on activities in Washington, D.C., and heard about the impact proposed cuts in federal funding would have on the college and community, as well as challenges being faced by financial institutions. Pictured (left to right) are: Debbie Kuykendall, President of BancFirst; Steve Saxon, Seminole City Manager; Mark Schell, President of Security State Bank and Seminole Public School Board; Lana Reynolds, President of Seminole State College; Danny Morgan, Director of SSC’s Rural Business Center; Cory Crabtree, Mayor-Elect; and Adam Baker, Vice President of First United Bank.