The Seminole State College Board of Regents convened on Dec. 12 to deliberate on an interlocal cooperation agreement for consortium purchasing, a utilities cost-saving initiative and updates on major campus renovations.
The meeting began with a presentation on the grant programs at the College by Senior Director of Grants and Compliance Rich Thornton. Followed by a report from SSC President Lana Reynolds, who provided updates on personnel changes and recent campus events. Then Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles discussed ongoing construction and renovation projects, including the drainage system near the Walkingstick Student Services building and the secured motor pool parking lot on the north side of campus.
The first item on the agenda was the approval of The Oklahoma Purchasing System agreement, enabling SSC to join a consortium of institutions benefiting from increased negotiation power. Becoming a part of the consortium will streamline the construction of SSC’s future esports lab. The esports program is funded by the Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions federal grant. The Board approved the agreement.
Next, the Board discussed and approved two related items concerning a utilities cost-saving opportunity through Ideal Impact. The first item reviewed was the company’s statement of work, which involves optimizing existing equipment to reduce energy consumption. The second item was a lease-purchase agreement that establishes an 80/20 revenue-sharing structure, allowing SSC to retain 20% of the savings for unrestricted use. The Board approved both measures, citing potential long-term benefits for the College’s budget.
Under the consent agenda, the Board approved several items, including the ratification of the 2025-2026 academic calendar, the renewal of the annual maintenance contract with Jenzabar for the campus software operating system and the program review for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. These measures will now be submitted to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for final approval.
Board members present at the meeting included Chair Curtis Morgan, Teresa Burnett, Ryan Pitts, Robyn Ready and Marci Donaho.
The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.