Four former Seminole State College employees were granted emeritus status by the College’s Board of Regents at their meeting on March 24. Brenda Cates, Carol Hartman, Susan Walker and Frank Washington were recognized during the Board meeting and, following the meeting, a reception was held in their honor at the Utterback Ballroom.

Cates worked for SSC for 20 years. During her time at the College, she served in several capacities, including TRiO Office Manager, Talent Search Advisor and Enrollment Management Specialist/High School Recruiter. She assumed her last position in 2014, where she advised students and acted as the Americans with Disabilities Act campus liaison. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree from East Central University. Cates retired in 2016.

Hartman started at SSC as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1988. She also worked as an Employment Readiness job developer and the Business and Industry Training Coordinator. She served as president for both the Classified Staff Association and the Professional Staff Council on campus. She holds an associate’s degree from

Seminole State College, and a bachelor’s degree from Mid-America Christian University. She retired after 30 years at the College in 2018

Walker first began working at the College as an adjunct in 2007 and took on a full-time role in 2014. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Health Physical Education and Recreation at East Central University in 1980. She went on to complete her master’s of science in Curriculum and Instruction in Education with Science Emphasis in 1994 at Oklahoma State University. She also received a master’s of science in Biomedical Sciences – Parasitology in 2004 at OSU. She retired in 2020.

Washington held the position of Educational Talent Search Advisor. He has more than 20 years of experience in accessing and advocating for veterans. He served as a proud member of the U.S. Army and was recognized as an Outstanding Soldier in Advanced Individual Training. Washington retired from SSC in 2011. He currently serves at the pastor at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Wewoka.

SSC policy on emeritus status states that the Seminole State College Board of Regents, at its discretion, may honor recommendations of the President granting retired faculty, administrators, or professional staff members emeritus status after retirement. In evaluating candidates for this honorary status, consideration may be given to length of service, special recognitions and activities, and similar items related to performance.