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.

Rich has served as an Assistant Professor of Agriculture at Seminole State College for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Agriculture Education from Oklahoma State University. At SSC, she teaches agriculture courses, mentors students in the agricultural degree program and serves as faculty co-sponsor of the SSC Shooting Sports Club and faculty sponsor for the SSC Aggie Club. She also served as Faculty Senate President in the 2022-23 academic year. Rich organizes SSC’s annual FFA Interscholastic Meet, which last year attracted 1,100 middle and high school students from 100 different schools.

The next item was the Board’s review and approval of a revised lease-purchase agreement for the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex with the Seminole State College Educational Foundation. The updated agreement allows the Foundation to refinance its debt through bond sales. The new terms will increase the College’s monthly payments and extend the commitment by two years. Once the financial commitment is completed, SSC will gain full ownership of the sports complex. The Board approved the revised agreement after hearing from Foundation Chair Mark Schell and Vice Chair Lance Wortham, who provided insights into the refinancing necessity following increased construction costs post-pandemic.

The Board then approved the establishment of a women’s and men’s cross-country program at SSC. The new athletic program, once approved by the National Junior College Athletic Association, is expected to begin in the fall of 2025. The program will enhance student recruitment and generate additional revenue for the College. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles emphasized the sport’s popularity among area high schools and its existing presence in NJCAA Region II institutions.

SSC Regents in attendance were Chair Curtis Morgan, Teresa Burnett, Bryan Cain, Marci Donaho, Ryan Pitts and Robyn Ready. The next meeting of the SSC Board of Regents is scheduled for March 27.