Category News

Bogle Named Full-Time Head Coach of SSC Men’s Basketball Ahead of Region II Tournament

Josh Hutton
Pictured is newly named Seminole State College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Austin Bogle.
Seminole State College named Austin Bogle as full-time Men’s Basketball Head Coach ahead of the Region II – Division I Tournament, which begins March 12 at Rougher Village Arena in Muskogee.

Seminole State College has named Austin Bogle as the full-time Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball team, removing the interim tag just in time for the Trojans’ run in the Region II – Division I Tournament. The announcement comes as SSC prepares to compete in the tournament at Rougher Village Arena in Muskogee from March 12-15.

Bogle, who has led the Trojans as interim head coach throughout the 2024-2025 season, brings a diverse background of collegiate coaching experience to the role. His coaching journey includes roles as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Hawaii, Special Assistant to the Head Coach at Southern Utah University, and Assistant Coach at Northeastern State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Utah Valley University, where he served as a student manager under current University of Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope and two-time NBA champion Mark Madsen.

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SSC Joins Read Across America to Encourage Young Readers

Josh 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.

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

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

Josh 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 to Host Golf Fundraiser Ahead of Spring Season

Josh Hutton
In this photo, members of the Seminole State College men’s and women’s golf teams pose for a group photo (pictured left to right, back row): Ethan Robbins, Johnny Howard, Chase Conner, Cooper Mercer, Jonathen Martens, Cayden Sherwood and Jackson Summar; (front row) Shelby Ellis, Allison Townley, Gracie Lasiter, Peyton Black and Chelsea Powell.
Members of the Seminole State College men’s and women’s golf teams (pictured left to right, back row): Ethan Robbins, Johnny Howard, Chase Conner, Cooper Mercer, Jonathen Martens, Cayden Sherwood and Jackson Summar; (front row) Shelby Ellis, Allison Townley, Gracie Lasiter, Peyton Black and Chelsea Powell.

The Seminole State College men’s and women’s golf teams are gearing up for an exciting spring season, and the community is invited to support their journey at the SSC Golf Fundraising Tournament on March 1, at the Jimmie Austin Golf Course in Seminole.

The tournament will feature a 4-person scramble format with a $100 per person entry fee, covering the green fee, cart, and lunch. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Participants will also have a chance to purchase $5 mulligans and compete for awards, including prizes for top-finishing teams, closest to the pin on holes 8 and 13, and longest drive on hole 2. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the SSC men’s and women’s golf teams.

Head Coach Ronnie Williamson expressed his enthusiasm for both the fundraiser and the upcoming season.

“I’m really excited about the spring season for both our men’s and women’s teams,” Williamson said. “We have a talented group of student-athletes who have been working hard, and I can’t wait for them to showcase their skills in competition.”

Following the fundraiser, the Trojans will officially kick off their spring season from March 9-13 in Wichita, Kansas. The men’s team, in particular, is coming off a historic year, highlighted by Carson Newton becoming the first All-American golfer in Seminole State College history. Newton secured a ninth-place finish at the Division II NJCAA Golf National Tournament in May 2024.

Community members and golf enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and support SSC golf at this fundraising event. For more information or to register a team, contact Ronnie Williamson at (405) 380-2867 or r.williamson@sscok.edu.

SSC Leadership Students Visit Historic Greenwood District

Josh Hutton
In this photo, SSC leadership students look on during a tour of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center in Tulsa.

In recognition of Black History Month, members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center in Tulsa on Feb. 25 for a docent-led tour. The visit provided students with an opportunity for reflection on the history of Black Wall Street and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

In this photo, SSC leadership students pose for a group photo in front of a neighborhood mural in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District.

After touring the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center, SSC leadership students explored Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. They viewed neighborhood murals, shopped at local businesses and dined at a local restaurant, immersing themselves in the culture and history of the area.

SSC Students Attend Career Fair and Thunder Game

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College students and Student Support Services/SSS STEM staff pose for a group photo at center court in the Paycom Center during the Thunder Stir career fair on Feb. 24.
Seminole State College students and Student Support Services/SSS STEM staff pose for a group photo at center court in the Paycom Center during the Thunder Stir career fair on Feb. 24.

Several Seminole State College students attended Thunder Stir on Feb. 24, a career fair hosted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The event provided students with opportunities to network, submit résumés to potential employers and explore university transfer options.

Throughout the afternoon, professionals from the Thunder organization led career-focused workshops on résumé writing, interview techniques, networking and personal brand development. As part of the experience, students were also invited to attend the Thunder vs. Timberwolves game that evening.

Student Support Services (SSS) and STEM Student Support Services (STEM SSS) sponsored and accompanied the students on the trip.

“The purpose of the event was to expose students to a professional environment and introduce them to diverse career opportunities,” SSS/STEM SSS Director Janna Wilson-Byrd said. “Many of our students are unaware of the wide range of careers available in business, engineering, health sciences, computer science and even professional sports. This experience helped them understand how their skills can transfer across industries.”

Kaitlyn Treat, a freshman psychology major, reflected on her experience.

“I learned more about my major and how to plan for my future,” Treat said. “Personal branding, especially online, is really important. This event helped me step out of my comfort zone and meet people with similar interests.”

The Seminole State College SSS Project is 100% federally funded at $306,514 annually while the STEM SSS Project receives $272,364 in federal funding each year. Both programs provide support for first-generation, economically disadvantaged and disabled students.

For more information, contact Janna Wilson-Byrd, Director of SSS/STEM SSS, at (405) 382-9642 or visit the SSC website at sscok.edu.

SSC Trojans to Face Rose State Raiders in Inaugural ‘Battle at Bricktown’ Doubleheader

Josh Hutton
This photo shows an ariel view of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. (Photo provided by the OKC Comets.)
The Seminole State College Trojans baseball team will face off against the Rose State College Raiders for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 1, at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. (Photo provided by the OKC Comets.)

The Seminole State College Trojans baseball team is set to take the field at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City for the first-ever Battle at Bricktown on Saturday, March 1. The Trojans will face off against the Rose State College Raiders in a doubleheader, with games scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission to the event is free for all attendees.

This special event, made possible through a partnership between Seminole State College, Rose State College, and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, offers a unique opportunity for players and fans alike. The ballpark, home to the Oklahoma City Comets, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, provides a professional setting that enhances the experience for student-athletes.

SSC Baseball Head Coach Mack Chambers is excited about what the event represents for the program and the community.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our players,” Chambers said. “They get the chance to compete in a big setting, something akin to the JUCO World Series. It’s also a great opportunity for our community and fans to see excellent baseball at a stadium where pros play.”

As of the latest standings, the Trojans hold a 7-4 record, while the Raiders stand at 5-7. Both teams will look to add key wins as they battle in one of the top ballparks in the state.

Chambers hopes the Battle at Bricktown will become an annual showcase, providing a high-profile stage for NJCAA baseball and strengthening the rivalry between the two programs.

For more information about SSC baseball, visit sscathletics.com.

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

Josh 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.

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