Seminole State College and the City of Seminole were among colleges, schools and businesses honored during a Business Partnership Excellence Awards Luncheon held Tuesday, March 12, at The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The award, sponsored by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), annually honors outstanding partnerships that lead to significant contributions in educating and developing Oklahoma’s workforce. Seminole State College and City of Seminole have worked cooperatively for decades, and their partnership has helped improve the economic climate of Seminole.

Since the College’s separation from the local high school in 1969, the city has stepped forward to assist with SSC’s critical needs. Working with Seminole citizens, a sales tax was passed to fund SSC until state funding could be put in place, and the city donated 40 acres for the campus building site. Decades later, city leaders proposed a sales tax extension to support the building of a new residence hall, providing much-needed housing for the campus. In 2017, SSC took on a project to build a multi-million dollar “Field of Dreams” sports complex to serve as the home of SSC Trojan Baseball, as well as a venue for regional and state baseball, soccer and softball tournaments. Realizing the potential economic impact of such a facility on the community, the city committed $450,000 to the project for water, sewer, and street improvements. Additionally, the city´s tourism council committed an additional $100,000 for construction costs and to fund a full-time project recruiter for tournaments.

“We are so honored to have our partnership with the City of Seminole recognized through this awards program.  We know that we are lucky to have such strong support from our community – and that begins with the City of Seminole.”

SSC President Lana Reynolds.

For more information about the OSRHE business partnership award, visit www.okhighered.org/RBPE.