Three Seminole State College employees received awards at the 51st annual Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Conference at Oklahoma City Community College Oct. 5.

SSC’s 2018 Outstanding Employees were Director of Upward Bound Rich Thornton, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jarrod Tollett and Administrative Assistant for the Vice President of Student Affairs Toni Wittman.

Thornton began working at SSC in 2002. As Director of Upward Bound, he plans, directs and evaluates activities and programs designed to assist low-income and potential first generation college students in completing high school and entering post-secondary education. Thornton received his Associate of Science from SSC in Applied Science in Business and Information Systems, his Bachelor of Science from Mid-American Christian University and his Master of Education from East Central University.

In 2001, Tollett started as an adjunct at SSC. He was hired for a full-time position with the college in 2008. Tollett teaches physics, calculus, astronomy, physical science and engineering courses at the campus. Tollett received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from ECU, a Bachelor of Arts in History from ECU and a Master of Education from ECU.

Wittman began her career at SSC in 1992. She works closely with the Vice President of Student Affairs to ensure Title IX compliance, as well as reporting, purchasing and scheduling. She also lends a hand in enrollment, recruitment and testing. Wittman received her Associate of Science from SSC in 1985 and her Bachelor of Science from MACU in 2000.

Each of in OACC’s 13 member institutions selected three employees to honor during the conference. Beyond the awards ceremony, the conference featured dozens of presentations from community college professionals across the state and more than 200 attendees.