Meeting Miss America

Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class students met with Jane Jayroe Gamble, a third generation Oklahoman and a former Miss America.  Gamble was the featured speaker during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce monthly forum on April 11. Gamble held a career in broadcast journalism for 17 years as a prime time news anchor in Oklahoma City and Dallas Fort Worth. She is also the author of several inspirational books – her most recent titled Practice: Unleashing the Power of Faith.  Gamble visited with the students and described her journey to becoming Miss America as a girl from a small Oklahoma town. She encouraged them to not give up on their dreams and that almost anything is obtainable if you are willing to put forth effort and hard work.  

Seminole Chamber Honors SSC Personnel

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 11. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Sam Rivera was honored as “Faculty Member of the Month” and Director of Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services Janna Manlapig was honored as “Professional Staff Member of the Month.”

The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Blue Ribbon Realty, 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.

Sam Rivera

Rivera completed his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management at Union Institute and University. He received his master’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Oklahoma.

While living in California, Rivera served the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department for 23 years before retiring. Following his time in Sacramento, Rivera took on the role of SSC Chief of Police from 2015 to 2017. Since that time, Rivera has held the position of Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice.

He is involved with a number of campus organizations and committees. He is a member of the Assessment Learning Committee, the Chair of the Professional Development Committee and an advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

Rivera and his wife Stephanie reside in Wewoka. They have four adult children: Samantha Kale of Foresthill, California; Andrew Rivera of Auburn, California; Ryan Rivera of Killeen, Texas; and Reagan Rivera of Shawnee.

Janna Manlapig

Manlapig received her bachelor’s degree in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University and her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

In her role as Director of Student Support Services and STEM Student Support Services she administrates grants and plays a key role in helping students with their academic pursuits.

She is involved with the Student Success Council and Professional Staff Council. She also sits on advisory boards for nursing and MLT. She is an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee, where she participates on the meal service team, plays in the hand bell choir and plays percussion for the youth service on Wednesday evenings.

She and her fiancée Holly reside in Shawnee. Manlapig has two children, Mitchell and Kamryn.

SSC Representatives Present at Prague Career Fair

Seminole State College Professor of English Jessica Isaacs (left) and STEM Student Suport Services Adviser Kristen Bean presented at the Prague High School Career Fair March 27. Bean provided information to students about careers in Higher Education, as well as different programs at SSC. Isaacs spoke about being a college professor and the different programs and events within the Language Arts and Humanities Division at the College. 

SSC Hosts Regional Speech Tournament

Seminole State College hosted its third speech and debate tournament of the academic year on March 15 and 16. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s Southeast Regional was the largest tournament this season, bringing in 16 schools and 293 students and coaches.

The action began 9:00 a.m. Friday and continued with debate rounds through 8:00 p.m. The events continued most of the day Saturday with speeches and acting events until the awards assembly, where performers filled the Jeff Johnston Auditorium to await the results. 

John Bolander (right), SSC Assistant Professor of Speech, coordinated the tournament and helped with the Extemporaneous Speech topic draw with Riverfield coach David Wright (left).