Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Dec. 14. Assistant Professor of STEM and Accreditation Coordinator Dr. Deanna Miles was honored as Faculty Member of the Month and Coordinator of Distance Education Laura Votaw as 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.

Miles has worked at SSC for four years. She teaches courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Anatomy and Pathophysiology, as well as other Biology courses as needed. She serves as the Biology Degree Mentor, advising Biology and Health Sciences students. She also works with other STEM faculty and the SSC advising office to ensure students know the

courses to take in order to successfully transfer into Allied Health programs, as well as four-year degree programs. As the Accreditation Coordinator, she organizes the editing and research involved in the College’s Higher Learning Commission accreditation process.

Miles received her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, her master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University and her medical doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.

She is the Vice President of the SSC Faculty Senate, she serves on the Distance Education and Assessment Committee and assists with the PRIDE student organization.

She and her spouse Nabilah reside in Oklahoma City.

Votaw has worked at SSC for 10 years. As the Coordinator of Distance Education, she supervises the Online Degree Program and serves as an advisor. She also coordinates the Reach Higher Program, which assists working adults who have completed some college coursework return to higher education and complete their degrees.

She earned her associate degree in Behavioral Sciences at SSC, her bachelor’s degree in Human Service Counseling at East Central University and her master’s degree in Human Service Counseling: Executive Leadership from Liberty University.

She is a member of the Council for Online Learning Excellence, the SSC Professional Staff Council and serves on a number of committees on campus, including the Student Success Committee, Institutional Assessment Committee and Distance Education Committee.

She and her husband, Gregory, reside in Seminole.