The State Regents’ Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE) recognized a Seminole State College administrator for her outstanding work in online education during the State Regents meeting on April 28. SSC Interim Executive Director of Business Service Melanie Rinehart was honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for Individual Leadership.

Over the past year, Rinehart served as the Director of Distance Education. In that role, she helmed the launch of the College’s first three fully online degree programs in the fall of 2021. Throughout the year, more programs were added, bringing the current total to 14. During the awards ceremony, COLE noted Rinehart’s contributions to the distance education programs at SSC, which initially included collaborating with multiple divisions across campus to ensure online learners have an experience equal to that of traditional learners.

“Online education is an increasingly integral component of Oklahoma higher education,” Chancellor Allison D. Garrett said. “Our goal as a system is to continue providing an innovative,

academically rigorous online learning experience that expands college access and increases flexibility for students working to complete their degrees.”

Rinehart has experience in higher education finance and financial aid services, working at St. Gregory’s College in Shawnee before coming to Seminole. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from St. Gregory’s University.

SSC’s Online degree program courses can be taken at an accelerated pace. If students want to take an accelerated path, they can finish their degrees in 18 months. A student may also choose to take a slower pace to accommodate for jobs and family life. All online degrees are transferrable to any state university or college. For more information, prospective students may visit www.sscok.edu/ODO/online, contact online@sscok.edu or call 405-382-9577.