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 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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

SSC Joins Read Across America to Encourage Young Readers

March 10, 2025Josh Hutton

In this picture, SSC Assistant Volleyball Coach Bobbi Leitha and Softball Head Coach Amber Flores pose for a photo with Mrs. Marley’s class following their reading on March 6.

From March 3-7, Seminole State College employees and students shared their love of reading with Mrs. Donna Marley’s second-grade class at Wilson Elementary School in Seminole during Read Across America Week. The nationwide initiative encourages children to explore literature, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Pictured: SSC Assistant Volleyball Coach Bobbi Leitha and Softball Head Coach Amber Flores pose for a photo with Mrs. Marley’s class following their reading on March 6.

SSC President Lana Reynolds reads “If I Ran a Zoo” by Dr. Seuss to Mrs. Marley’s second-grade class on March 7.

Local Business Leaders and SSC Faculty Collaborate on Workforce Readiness

March 3, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Faculty members from Seminole State College’s Business and Education division meet with local business leaders during a Business Advisory Meeting. Pictured (left to right): SSC Business and Education Division Chair Tammy Kasterke, Assistant Professor Brad Schatzel, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Mitch Enos, Seminole Chamber of Commerce CEO Amy Britt, Assistant Professor Stephen Brooks, Business and Education Division Office Manager Tabatha Lusk, SSC Rural Business and Resources Center Director Danny Morgan, SSC Business and Industry Coordinator Talina Lee, Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon and South Central Industries CEO Tina Hanna.

Faculty members from Seminole State College’s Business and Education division met with local business leaders during a Business Advisory Meeting held on campus on Feb. 27. The discussion focused on how SSC can better support local businesses, essential skills students need to develop, internship opportunities and adapting to the evolving workforce landscape. Pictured (left to right): SSC Business and Education Division Chair Tammy Kasterke, Assistant Professor Brad Schatzel, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Mitch Enos, Seminole Chamber of Commerce CEO Amy Britt, Assistant Professor Stephen Brooks, Business and Education Division Office Manager Tabatha Lusk, SSC Rural Business and Resources Center Director Danny Morgan, SSC Business and Industry Coordinator Talina Lee, Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon and South Central Industries CEO Tina Hanna.

SSC Board of Regents Approves Cross-Country Program and Tenure for Ag Professor

February 24, 2025Josh Hutton

The Seminole State College Board of Regents awarded tenure to Assistant Professor of Agriculture Wendy Rich (center) at their meeting on Feb. 24. Also pictured are SSC President Lana Reynolds (left) and Board of Regents Chair Curtis Morgan (right).

The Seminole State College Board of Regents convened to discuss the awarding of tenure to a faculty member, the establishment of a new cross-country program, and a revised lease-purchase agreement for the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex on Feb. 24. The meeting date was rescheduled from Feb. 20 due to inclement weather.

The meeting began with a report from SSC President Lana Reynolds, who provided updates on campus activities, legislative developments and athletic programs.

With the first action item, the Board considered and approved the awarding of tenure to Assistant Professor of Agriculture Wendy Slusher-Rich. President Reynolds presented the tenure recommendation, highlighting Professor Rich’s contributions to student success and her leadership on campus.

Continue reading →

Pushcart Prize Nominee Paul Juhasz on Storytelling’s Power to Heal

December 20, 2024Josh Hutton

In this photo, Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz poses with his published works. The author was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize for his flash memoir “Row.” — *Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz poses with his published works. The author was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize for his flash memoir “Row.”*

For Paul Juhasz, storytelling has always been more than words on a page—it’s been a means of survival. Born in Connecticut and shaped by experiences across seven states, Juhasz now writes and teaches in Oklahoma, a place where stories are as much a part of the landscape as the red earth. As an Assistant Professor of English at Seminole State College, he’s passing on power of storytelling to his students.

That storytelling prowess has earned him significant recognition. This year marks the second consecutive time Juhasz has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, one of the highest honors in independent publishing. Established in 1976, the Pushcart Prize celebrates the best poetry, short fiction and essays published by small presses.

Continue reading →

SSC Hosts Retirement Reception for Employee

December 18, 2024Josh Hutton

In this photo, IT Technician David Cobb poses with his retirement reception cake.

Seminole State College hosted a retirement reception for IT Technician David Cobb in the E.T. Dunlap Student Union on Dec. 13. Cobb worked for SSC for six years. Prior to working for the College, he served as the IT Director for Seminole Public Schools for 11 years and an instructor at Tecumseh High School for 13 years. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Land Management at the University of Oklahoma. Following his retirement, he plans to seek out the best barbeque and Mexican food he can find, attend more OU games and travel. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 43 years. They have two children, Matthew and Lara, and five grandchildren.

In this photo, Cobb talks about his time working at SSC and thanks the crowd of family, friends and colleagues for attending the reception. — *Cobb talks about his time working and SSC and thanks the crowd of family, friends and colleagues for attending the reception.*