Seminole State College has named Ann Benson as the new director of the College’s Nursing Program. Benson began her duties Jan. 5.
Benson has worked at SSC for four years. During her time at the College, she has taught Psychosocial Nursing and the Nursing Leadership capstone course. She has also taught Maternal, Newborn and Pediatrics and served one semester as a Medical Surgical I clinical instructor.
“I am a firm believer in the nursing program at SSC and the impact it has on our students’ lives,” Benson said. “I have seen firsthand how this program changes the trajectory of students—both professionally and personally. Many of our students come from rural Oklahoma and have a strong desire to stay here, serve their neighbors, and care for their hometown communities. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to support and strengthen a program that not only prepares excellent nurses, but also helps sustain health care in the communities that need it most.”
Benson earned her Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Oklahoma. She completed her Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certification at Southwestern Medical College in Dallas, Texas, and received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.
As a campus leader, Benson is a member of the SSC Faculty Senate and previously served on the Faculty Welfare Committee.
“I want SSC’s nursing program to be known across the state for producing highly trained, compassionate and professional nurses,” Benson said. “Our graduates should be recognized not only for their strong clinical skills, but also for the empathy, integrity and professionalism they bring to patient care. My goal is for employers to see an SSC nurse and immediately associate that name with excellence, dedication and a commitment to serving others.”
In the community, Benson is a member of Beta Sigma Phi civic sorority, serves on the board of directors for the Prague Kolache Festival and is a member of First Baptist Church of Prague, where she teaches Sunday school.
Benson was named an Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute Fellow in 2011 and was recognized as the March of Dimes Pediatric/Adolescent Nurse of the Year in 2013.
“SSC nursing plays a vital role in strengthening both the regional workforce and overall health outcomes,” Benson said. “Many of our students live in these communities and surrounding areas. They are raising their families here, putting down roots, and they genuinely want their communities to be as strong and healthy as possible. By educating nurses who stay and serve locally, we help address workforce needs while also improving continuity of care.”
She and her husband, Bryan Benson, have been married 43 years and make their home in Prague. They have two children and five grandchildren. Their sixth grandchild is expected in February.