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.

Soward earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and her Master of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She began her teaching career in Beijing, China, where she taught for two years before returning to Oklahoma to teach high school biology for nine years. In 2019, she was honored as the Meeker Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Soward has worked at SSC for nearly three years, teaching microbiology courses and advising returning students. She is a member of the Professional Development Committee in the Faculty Senate and mentors students in the Health Sciences degree program.

She and her husband Steven reside in Shawnee with their three children, Sophia, seven; Emilyn, five; and Jameson, three.

Wilson-Byrd received her bachelor’s degree in biology from East Central University and her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education Student Personnel and Training from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has worked at SSC for 16 years, holding a number of roles, including Employment Readiness Skills Instructor, Talent Search Advisor, Sponsored Programs Compliance Officer/Deputy Title IX Officer, and currently, Director of Human Resources.

She is an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Wilson-Byrd and her wife Janna reside in Shawnee. She has three sons, Ethan, Andrew, and Levi Newell; a daughter-in-law, Abby Newell; and three grandchildren, Easton, 11; Samson, four; and Andi Elizabeth, eight months.