Educational Coalition Welcomes New Member

June 17, 2025Josh Hutton

Dr. Jason James (far right), recently named superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, joins (left to right) Gordon Cooper Technology Center Superintendent Julie McCormick, Oklahoma Baptist University President Dr. Heath Thomas and SSC President Lana Reynolds for a group photo.

The Shawnee Educational Coalition welcomed a new member during a luncheon hosted by Seminole State College at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on June 16. Dr. Jason James (far right), recently named superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, joined (left to right) Gordon Cooper Technology Center Superintendent Julie McCormick, Oklahoma Baptist University President Dr. Heath Thomas and SSC President Lana Reynolds. The group has met monthly for more than a year to strengthen workforce development, create educational pathways for area residents and foster networking and partnership opportunities.

SSC Athletic Director Honored for Leadership Achievement

June 16, 2025Josh Hutton

Seminole State College Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles (left) presents Athletic Director Leslie Sewell (right) with a plaque recognizing her completion of the Advanced Leadership Track of the 2024-2025 Council on Student Affairs Leadership Academy. The six-month program is designed for student affairs professionals with at least five years of experience, focusing on advanced leadership concepts, strategic decision-making and organizational innovation in higher education. Sewell participated in case studies, peer discussions and expert-led workshops aimed at refining leadership skills and fostering institutional success.

SSC Board of Regents Approve FY26 Budget

June 10, 2025Josh Hutton

_{SSC Board of Regents member Bryan Cain (left) was recognized for his service to the College at the meeting on June 9. Following the meeting, President Lana Reynolds (right) presented him with a plaque and gavel, commemorating his time at the College.}

At their meeting on June 9, the Seminole State College Board of Regents approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

President Lana Reynolds began the meeting with an update on campus activities and personnel additions. New hires include former District Attorney for District 22 Paul Smith, who will serve as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Brenda Prochaska, also joining the Criminal Justice program as Assistant Professor; Alexus Thomas, named Director of Clinical Instruction for the Physical Therapist Assistant program; and Butch Cantrell, hired as Assistant Professor of Nursing.

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SSC Launches Esports Program

June 5, 2025June 10, 2025Josh Hutton

_{A rendering of Seminole State College’s future Esports Lab, with construction set to be complete in winter 2025. The facility will support the college’s new esports program with courses launching in Fall 2025.}

Seminole State College will launch a new esports program in Fall 2025, combining competitive gaming with academic coursework designed to support career pathways in esports and digital media.

Scholarship opportunities will be available to students who join the Esports team. These scholarships aim to support students dedicated to both academic achievement and the evolving field of competitive gaming.

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SSC Announces Kids on Campus Summer Camps

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, an instructor helps point out wildlife during one the courses at a previous SSC Kids on Campus event. — *_{Seminole State College’s annual Kids on Campus summer camp returns with two sessions this year—June 16-19 and July 7-10, offering half-day and full-day programs for children ages 5 to 14.}*

Seminole State College will host its annual Kids on Campus summer camp across two sessions: June 16-19 and July 7-10. Camps will run daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering half-day or full-day options for children ages 5 to 14.

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Spring Honor Roll Recognizes SSC Students

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025Josh Hutton

*Seminole State College has released the names of the students who were named to the President’s, Vice President’s and Part-Time Students’ Honor Rolls for the Spring 2025 semester*

Seminole State College has released the names of honor roll students for the 2025 spring semester. Three separate honor rolls recognize students for their academic achievements. This semester 424 students were named to either the President’s, Vice President’s or Part-Time Student’s Honor Rolls.

The President’s Honor Roll is comprised of students who maintain a perfect 4.0 grade-point-average in at least 12 credit hours of coursework.

Students named to the Vice President’s Honor Roll must have a 3.5 grade-point-average or better and no grade below a “C”.

The Part-Time Students’ Honor Roll is for students who maintain a 3.5 grade-point-average with no grade below a “C” in at least six but less than 12 college credit hours.

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SSC Awarded $25,000 Grant to Launch STEAM Initiative

May 20, 2025May 27, 2025Josh Hutton

Seminole State College has been awarded a $25,000 planning grant from the Teagle Foundation through its Cornerstone: Learning for Living initiative. The national program supports efforts to revitalize the liberal arts by integrating transformative texts and fostering shared learning experiences. The grant application process was spearheaded by Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate and Professor of Mathematics Jarrod Tollet.

The funding positions SSC to apply for a multi-year implementation grant of up to $250,000 in the coming year.

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SSC Community Course Highlights the Art of Natural Self Care

May 19, 2025May 20, 2025Josh Hutton

Seminole State College Business and Industry Training Coordinator Talina Lee (right) experiences a hands-on demonstration of a charcoal mud face mask, led by Natural Remedies class instructor Jacqueline Bourne (left) on May 15. The community course, “Natural Beauty: Where Nature Meets Self-Care,” explored holistic methods for enhancing hair, skin and nail health. Students also created essential oil salt scrubs during the session. Lee coordinates a range of non-credit courses for the public through the College’s Business and Industry department.

SSC Talent Search Students Attend Broadway Musical “& Juliet”

May 14, 2025May 14, 2025Josh Hutton

Pictured (left to right): Tecumseh High School student Anna Harvey, Shawnee High School students Bristel Tipton, Destini Richards and Manuela Parada.

On May 3, Seminole State College Talent Search/FOCUS students and staff gathered for dinner before attending the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical “& Juliet” at the OKC Civic Center. The show offers a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, asking what would happen if Juliet chose her own fate after Romeo’s death—set to a soundtrack of pop hits by Max Martin. Pictured (left to right): Tecumseh High School student Anna Harvey, Shawnee High School students Bristel Tipton, Destini Richards and Manuela Parada. The Talent Search Central and West Projects are 100% federally funded in the amounts of $388,326 and $277,375 annually. For more information, visit sscok.edu/sponsored-grant-programs/talent-search or call (405) 382-9709.

SSC Announces Expected Graduates

May 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, a large crowd of graduating students, faculty, staff, family members and more, look on as Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert delivers the commencement address. — _{Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert delivers the commencement address as Seminole State College’s Class of 2025 looks on in front of a capacity crowd at the Raymond Harber Field House on May 9.}

Seminole State College students completing degree requirements at the end of the 2025 spring and summer semesters, along with 2024 fall graduates, participated in the College’s annual commencement exercises on Friday, May 9.

The graduation ceremony was held at 10 a.m. inside the Raymond Harber Field House on campus. Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert served as the featured guest speaker.

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