Kelli McBride, Seminole State College Language Arts and Humanities Division Chair (left), and Clint Robertson, SSC Director of Physical Plant (right), were recognized during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 9 as Faculty Member of the Month and Staff Member of the Month, respectively.
Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 9. Director of Physical Plant Clint Robertson was honored as Staff Member of the Month, and Language Arts and Humanities Division Chair Kelli McBride was named Faculty Member of the Month.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wrangler, recognizes SSC employees several times during Forum each year. Individuals are nominated from across campus and selected by college administrators.
Seminole State College has been designated a 2026-2027 Military Friendly School by Viqtory, earning Silver Status for its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. The College was also recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly School for 2026-2027.
The Military Friendly designation honors colleges that meet high standards in student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment and support services tailored to veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families. SSC’s Silver Status places it among institutions nationwide recognized for outstanding service to military students.
“Seminole State College is proud to serve those who have served our country, as well as the spouses and families who support them,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said. “These recognitions reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming campus and helping active service members and veterans reach their academic and career goals.”
Chair the SSC Board of Regents Marci Donaho (left) congratulates retired Associate Professor of Sociology Tracy Jacomo (right) on receiving emeritus status following the meeting on March 26.
At its March 26 meeting, the Seminole State College Board of Regents approved Board policy revisions, a lighting upgrade for the Enoch Kelly Haney Center and emeritus status for former SSC employee Tracy Jacomo.
SSC President Lana Reynolds spoke about personnel updates, campus activities, athletics, the Haney roof project and investment planning related to the MacKenzie Scott donation during her report to the Board. SSC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles and Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs presented to the Board about the College’s tenure policy.
From March 2-6, Seminole State College employees and students shared their love of reading with students at Wilson Elementary School in Seminole during Read Across America Week. The nationwide initiative encourages children to explore literature, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Pictured: President Lana Reynolds and SSC sophomore Hannah Upchurch of Seminole read If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss on March 5.
SSC freshmen and members of the men’s basketball team Kanaan Guerrero of Cushing and Jaden Johnson of Tulsa read Hey Grandude by Paul McCartney to Wilson Elementary students on March 3.
Administrators and staff from Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Enid and Stillwater visited with Seminole State College leaders on Feb. 26 to discuss Higher Learning Commission accreditation efforts. Representatives from both institutions learned about methodology and shared ideas about required criteria related to Mission, Institutional Integrity, Student Success and Planning. Pictured standing (left to right) are: Harli Dodge, NOC Director of Recruitment; Marc Hunter, SSC Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Security Officer; Dr. Mash Howard, NOC Stillwater VP; Kelli McBride, SSC Language Arts and Humanities Division Chair; Mechell Downey, SSC Director of Board Relations and Administrative Operations; Dr. Deanna Miles, SSC Accreditation Coordinator; Julie Huster Haney, NOC Academic Affairs Assistant; Dr. Kathleen Swain, NOC Director of First-Year Experience; Dr. Kathleen Otto, NOC Institutional Research; Emily Carpenter, SSC STEM Division Chair; and Cara Beth Johnson, NOX Business Faculty. Seated (left to right) are: Jeremy Hise, NOC Enid Vice President; Dr. Bill Knowles, SSC VP for Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Shelly Mencacci, NOC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Lana Reynolds, SSC President; Jessica Isaacs, SSC Dean of Instruction; and Brad Schatzel, SSC Assistant Professor of Business and Education.
Seminole State College Concurrent Academic Advisor Cindy Nolen, Director of Enrollment Management Edith Cathey and Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs attended the Summit for Dual Credit Programs Feb. 15-17 at the South Padre Island Convention Center in South Padre Island, Texas. Hosted by South Texas College and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, the conference brought together K-12 and higher education leaders nationwide to share strategies and best practices to strengthen dual credit and concurrent enrollment programs, support student success and ensure college-level rigor in courses offered to high school students.
Seminole State College women’s basketball Head Coach Rita Story-Schell was honored during the Belles’ home game Monday, Feb. 16, after earning her 450th career win with a Feb. 12 victory over Western Oklahoma State College in Altus. Pictured (left to right): Athletic Director Leslie Sewell, sophomore forward Alona Cooper-Rochovitz, Story-Schell and SSC President Lana Reynolds.
Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Thursday, Feb. 12. TRIO Office Manager Rejeanna Tidmore was honored as Staff Member of the Month, and Associate Professor of Nursing Christine Clay was named Faculty Member of the Month.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wrangler, recognizes SSC employees several times during Forum each year. Honorees are nominated from across campus and selected by College administrators.
Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz has released his sixth book, Katabasis, a new collection of poems published by Turning Plow Press.
In Katabasis, Juhasz explores grief, memory and the complicated work of recovery, using the ancient idea of a descent “into the world below” as a lens for modern life. Turning Plow Press describes the collection as a journey through darkness marked by loss, hope and the reality that “healing is not linear.”
Social Sciences Division Chair Jeffrey Christiansen will deliver a special presentation on George Washington on Feb. 13 in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center Lecture Hall.
Seminole State College will host a Presidents’ Day presentation, “George Washington: The Indispensable Man,” on Friday, Feb. 13. Social Sciences Division Chair Jeffrey Christiansen will lead the program at 10 a.m. in the Haney Lecture Hall.
“This program will examine the unique and unrivaled importance of George Washington to the success of the American Revolution and the founding of the United States as a constitutional republic,” Christiansen said.
The presentation will cover Washington’s command of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War to his support of the new federal constitution and eight years of service as the nation’s first president.
