SSC Board of Regents Approves Employee Pay Raises

The Seminole State College Board of Regents approved a salary increase for all full-time employees, alongside the budget for the upcoming fiscal year at their meeting on June 15.

During the meeting, President Lana Reynolds provided an update on personnel changes, end of the academic year campus activities and sports teams’ postseason performance.

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SSC Students Venture to Italy for Global Studies Program

 Seminole State College students pose for a photo in Milan during a tour of northern Italy as part of the College’s Global Studies program.

Twelve Seminole State College students recently returned from a tour of northern Italy as part of the College’s Global Studies program. The students enrolled in either a humanities or business course tied to the region before embarking on the trip. Students visited Milan, Padua, Venice, Florence and Pisa. Pictured students explore Milan, a global leader in fashion and modern art.

Trying to keep dry under umbrellas, SSC students pose for a photo outside of the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

Despite the rainy weather, SSC students visited the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. The site has been the cornerstone of public and religious life in the city for centuries.

SSC Students pose for a photo on the steps outside of the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

While in Florence, the students admired the art in the Accademia Gallery. The art museum is the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture of David, as well as works by Bartolini, Monaco, Botticelli and many others. Students were accompanied on the trip by SSC employees Emily Carpenter and Kendall Rogers.

Spring Honor Roll Recognizes SSC Students

Seminole State College has released the names of honor roll students for the 2023 spring semester. Three separate honor rolls recognize students for their academic achievements.

The President’s Honor Roll is comprised of students who maintain a perfect 4.0 grade-point-average in at least 12 credit hours of coursework.

Students named to the Vice President’s Honor Roll must have a 3.5 grade-point-average or better and no grade below a “C”.

The Part-Time Students’ Honor Roll is for students who maintain a 3.5 grade-point-average with no grade below a “C” in at least six, but less than 12 college credit hours.

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Black Hope/Black Dreams Exhibit Opens at Seminole State College

Seminole State College is hosting the Early Oklahoma: Black Hope/Black Dreams traveling exhibit in the lobby of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center throughout the month of June. The exhibit, curated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, features the accomplishments of three individuals who had a vision for greater opportunity and equality for themselves and others.

Edward (Edwin) Preston McCabe arrived in Oklahoma Territory in 1889. He was experienced in finance, law, land development and politics. McCabe sought a place where African Americans could establish their own towns like other groups of Americans.

Roscoe Dunjee was a newspaperman, activist, humanitarian and a man of extraordinary conviction and legendary accomplishment. Founded in 1915, Dunjee’s newspaper was titled the Black Dispatch. Dunjee also took aim at the legal system and the issues, incidents, and laws that deprived African Americans of their rights of citizenship and human dignity.

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first African American admitted to the University of Oklahoma Law School on June 18, 1949, and the first to graduate in August 1951. Through her,

African Americans succeeded in challenging the separate but equal doctrine as it applied to educational opportunities.

The exhibit is sponsored by the SSC Educational Foundation and is being held in commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday. Seminole State College’s summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

SSC Talent Search Participants Attend Cultural Events

 Seminole State College Talent Search/FOCUS federal grant program participants pose for a photo outside of the Lion King musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

On June 1, the Seminole State College Talent Search/FOCUS federal grant program hosted a trip for 90 sixth graders, SSC students and staff volunteers, and high school mentors to see the Lion King musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

SSC Talent Search/FOCUS Program, along with volunteers from SSC Student Support Services Program pose for a photo during their trip to the OKC Broadway production of Hamilton.

The SSC Talent Search/FOCUS Program, along with volunteers from SSC Student Support Services Program, attended the OKC Broadway production of Hamilton and enjoyed Logan’s for lunch. “This event was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we were so excited to offer to our upper classman participants from our area high schools. We plan to have many more similar events in the future,” Talent Search/FOCUS Advisor Angela Harjo said. For more information about the FOCUS Program, please visit sscok.edu/sponsored-grant-programs/talent-search or call 405-382-9703.

Pitts Reappointed to SSC Board of Regents

Ryan Pitts, the senior attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Ryan H. Pitts, P.C. in Holdenville, has been reappointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to serve on the Seminole State College Board of Regents.

The reappointment was confirmed by the Oklahoma State Senate Education Committee on May 17 and sent to the Oklahoma State Senate for final approval. The nomination was carried by Senator Grant Green (R-District 28).

Members of the SSC Board of Regents are appointed for seven-year terms. Pitts’ term as a regent will conclude on July 1, 2030. The Regents serve as the College’s governing body and have the supervision and management responsibilities for the College.

Pitts was initially appointed by Governor Stitt in July of 2020. For the 2022-2023 academic year, he is serving as Chair of the SSC Board of Regents.

He and his family make their home in Wewoka, and in addition to his law practice, he also serves as a municipal judge for the cities of Holdenville and Wewoka.

“Ryan Pitts has been a great addition to the Board, and an active supporter of the College. His insight and involvement in the surrounding communities are invaluable. We look forward to continuing our work with him,” President Lana Reynolds said.