Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 14. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Nilmini Senaratne was honored as Faculty Member of the Month, and Director of Residential Life and Student Activities Melinda Sims was honored as Staff Member of the Month.

The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wranger, 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.

Senaratne has worked at SSC for nearly four years. Aside from teaching chemistry courses, she assists in curriculum development, serves as a returning student advisor and as a Degree Program Mentor. She received both her master’s degree in Chemistry and her doctorate in Chemistry at Wichita State University.

She is a member of the Two-Year College Chemistry Consortium. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and playing with her dog. She resides in Shawnee with her husband, Anushka, and their six-year-old son, Viduna.

Sims has worked at SSC for 14 years. Her responsibilities on campus include the operation and oversight of the residence halls, scheduling maintenance needs for student housing, training staff and student resident advisors and planning campus activities. She received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Outside of work, she busies herself by chauffeuring her youngest daughter to school activities, spending time outdoors, riding four-wheelers and playing with her five grandchildren. She resides in Prague with her husband, Curtis, and their youngest daughter, Savana.