Category Community

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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SSC Provides Christmas Gifts to Local Children

Josh Hutton
In this photo, pictured (left to right): freshman Kennedy Hudgins of Seminole, Academic Affairs Administrative Assistant Tina Morris, Student Affairs Administrative Assistant Toni Wittman and freshman Aubree Wilkins of Earlsboro, pose for a photo with gifts for 25 children in need. These gifts were donated by SSC employees through the Angel Tree program.

Seminole State College employees and students recently participated in the Angel Tree program, providing gifts to 25 children in need through the Salvation Army and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The SSC community purchased clothing and toys, carrying on a tradition of giving the college began in 1997. Pictured (left to right): freshman Kennedy Hudgins of Seminole, Academic Affairs Administrative Assistant Tina Morris, Student Affairs Administrative Assistant Toni Wittman and freshman Aubree Wilkins of Earlsboro.

SSC Participates in Southeast Oklahoma Legislative Briefing

Josh Hutton
Posing for a group photo, Seminole State College employees, Regents, Foundation Trustees, local community supporters, legislators and students show their support at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Southeast Region Legislative Briefing at Pete’s Place in Krebs on Dec. 3.
Seminole State College employees, Regents, Foundation Trustees, local community supporters, legislators and students show their support at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Southeast Region Legislative Briefing at Pete’s Place in Krebs on Dec. 3.

Seminole State College participated in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Southeast Oklahoma Legislative Briefing on Dec. 3 at Pete’s Place in Krebs. SSC was joined by delegations from other higher education institutions and state legislators for the event.

The program featured Sean Burrage, the new Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, who officially assumed his role as the system’s 10th Chancellor on Dec. 2. Chancellor Burrage outlined the State Regents’ 2025 legislative agenda, emphasizing initiatives aimed at advancing education and workforce training for adult learners.

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SSC Lights Up the Night with Holiday Fun

Josh Hutton
In this photo, local families alongside dozens of SSC student-athletes are busy working at crafting stations, helping community children create crafts.

Seminole State College hosted its annual Night at the Lights event on Dec. 2 at the Reynolds Wellness Center in Seminole. Local families enjoyed the community Snowman Wonderland light display, as well as cookies and hot chocolate provided by the College. Dozens of SSC student-athletes manned crafting stations, helping children create crafts.

In this photo, Several of the SSC athletics staff pose for a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Pictured (left to right): Women’s Basketball Head Coach Rita Story-Schell, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Hill, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, SSC President Lana Reynolds, Baseball Head Coach Mack Chambers and Women’s Softball Head Coach Amber Flores.

Several of the SSC athletics staff also assisted with the event. Pictured (left to right): Women’s Basketball Head Coach Rita Story-Schell, Women’s Soccer Head Coach Dan Hill, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, SSC President Lana Reynolds, Baseball Head Coach Mack Chambers and Women’s Softball Head Coach Amber Flores