Category Community

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.

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.

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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SSC Spreads Holiday Cheer to Veterans

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Se’Naqua Hildreth (left), the Voluntary Service Assistant with the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the VA Medical Center, accepts holiday greeting cards signed by the SSC campus community from Professor of History Marta Osby (right).
Se’Naqua Hildreth (left), the Voluntary Service Assistant with the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the VA Medical Center, accepts holiday greeting cards signed by the SSC campus community from Professor of History Marta Osby (right).

Seminole State College students, faculty, staff and administrators once again made the 2024 Veteran Appreciation “Holiday Cheer” project a success, continuing a nearly decade-long tradition of honoring veterans during the holiday season.

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Sen. Pugh Meets with SSC Students and Regents at Forum

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Oklahoma State Senator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee Adam Pugh poses with members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class. Pictured (left to right): Gavin Williams of Edmond, Logan Hill of Piedmont, Sen. Pugh, Adisen Williams of Mustang and Carter Sterling of Edmond.

Prior to speaking at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Dec. 12, Oklahoma State Senator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee Adam Pugh met with members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class. The students thanked Sen. Pugh for visiting campus and presented him with a gift. Pictured (left to right): Gavin Williams of Edmond, Logan Hill of Piedmont, Sen. Pugh, Adisen Williams of Mustang and Carter Sterling of Edmond.

In this photo, pictured left to right, President Lana Reynolds, Regents Marci Donaho and Curtis Morgan; State Senators Adam Pugh and Grant Green; Regents Robyn Ready, Ryan Pitts and Teresa Burnett pose for a group photo.

Following Forum, Senator Adam Pugh spoke with SSC President Lana Reynolds and members of the College’s Board of Regents. Pictured (left to right): President Lana Reynolds, Regents Marci Donaho and Curtis Morgan; State Senators Adam Pugh and Grant Green; Regents Robyn Ready, Ryan Pitts and Teresa Burnett.

Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees

Josh Hutton
In this photo Director of Human Resources Holly Wilson-Byrd (left) as the Staff Member of the Month and Assistant Professor of Microbiology Amanda Soward (right) pose for a photo after being recognized.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce recognized Director of Human Resources Holly Wilson-Byrd (left) as the Staff Member of the Month and Assistant Professor of Microbiology Amanda Soward (right) as the Faculty Member of the Month at their Forum on Dec. 12.

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Dec. 12. Assistant Professor of Microbiology Amanda Soward was honored as Faculty Member of the Month, and Director of Human Resources Holly Wilson-Byrd 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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