Seminole State College members of the Student Government Association and staff participated in the 2025 Student Government Association Student Leadership Retreat on April 12 at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. The event featured sessions on leadership, résumé building and managing school social media accounts. Pictured (left to right): SSC SGA Advisor and Recruitment Specialist Maddy Potter, SGA Freshman Senator Aubree Wilkins of Earlsboro, SGA President Adisen Williamson of Oklahoma City, SGA Secretary Zoe Davis of Shawnee and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles.
Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters joined colleges and universities across the state at Higher Education Day at the State Capitol on April 15.
Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol on April 15 to participate in the annual Higher Education and Oklahoma’s Promise Day. Sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the day underscores the value of public higher education and celebrates legislative support of key initiatives like the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce recognized Director of Nursing Dr. Misty Gray (left) as Educator of the Month and Research Librarian Ashley Bagwell (right) as Professional Staff Member of the Month at their Forum on April 10.
Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 10. Director of Nursing and Health Sciences Division Chair Dr. Misty Gray was honored as Educator of the Month and Research Librarian Ashley Bagwell was named Professional Staff Member of the Month.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wrangler recognize SSC employees several times during Forum each year. Individuals are nominated from across the campus and chosen by SSC administrators to receive the honor.
SSC STEM Division Chair Emily Carpenter (left) recently completed the University of Central Oklahoma’s Educator’s Leadership Academy. Dr. Elizabeth Albright (right), Chair of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Langston University and ELA Advisor, presented Carpenter with a certificate of completion.
Seminole State College STEM Division Chair Emily Carpenter recently completed the University of Central Oklahoma’s Educators’ Leadership Academy (ELA), a program designed for professionals across K-12, Career Tech and higher education institutions.
Carpenter, who received tenure at SSC in 2023, holds both a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Teaching, Learning and Leadership from Oklahoma State University. She is a National Board-certified teacher with 13 years of K-12 classroom experience and has served at SSC for nine years, including one year as an adjunct instructor prior to her full-time role.
The ELA Transformative Leadership Academy focuses on developing participants’ leadership capacity through a curriculum grounded in emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, leadership theory, negotiation management and legal frameworks in education. The program equips participants with tools to become more effective leaders within their institutions.
SSC Board of Regents Chair Curtis Morgan (left) presents the Military Friendly Silver Status Award to VA School Certifying Officer Stacey Foster (right) during the Board meeting on March 27. Foster was recognized for her instrumental role in helping the College earn the national designation.
Seminole State College has been designated a 2025-2026 Military Friendly School by Viqtory, earning Silver Status for its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students.
The Military Friendly designation honors colleges that meet high standards in student retention, graduation, job placement, and support services specifically tailored to veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families. SSC’s Silver Status places it among the top institutions nationwide recognized for outstanding service to military students.
The Seminole State College Board of Regents met March 27 to conduct business including the ratification of emergency expenses, the approval of policy revisions and the awarding of emeritus status to former Health Sciences Division Chair and Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Noble Jobe.
South Central Industries, Inc. CEO Tina Hanna and Chief of Staff Jessica Mathews Nickerson spoke to Seminole State College Assistant Professor Brad Schatzel’s macroeconomics class on March 25. Their presentation, “Confidence is Key: A Guide to Presenting Yourself with Strength and Authenticity,” covered professional greetings, attire, networking, interview strategies, and the role of humor in stressful situations. About 20 students, along with Schatzel and Division Chair Tammy Kasterke, attended.
Seminole State College Associate Professor of Agriculture Wendy Rich guides a Seminole County 4-H student through a hands-on livestock demonstration using “Susan the Sow” at the club’s monthly meeting on March 24. The interactive lesson taught participants about wildlife and livestock husbandry. The piglet delivery simulation proved to be a highlight for students and parents alike.
Several Seminole State College employees attended the 2025 Learning Innovations Summit at Rose State College on March 13-14. The event was hosted by The Oklahoma Council for Online Learning Excellence and focused on innovations in technology, teaching, student success and leadership. Pictured (left to right) are NASNTI Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey, Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Deanna Miles, Dean of Instruction Jessica Isaacs, Adjunct Professor of Biology Kara Stanley and NASNTI Student Success Specialist Ben Little.
Kara Stanley (right), SSC Adjunct Professor of Biology, delivered a presentation during the event, with assistance from Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate.
Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Awards. The event will take place on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz has been named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Award in poetry for his latest collection, “The Fires of Heraclitus.”
Presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, the Oklahoma Book Award recognizes outstanding literary works by authors with ties to the state. Winners in each category will be announced at the annual awards banquet on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Juhasz’s nominated work, “The Fires of Heraclitus,” explores themes of change, impermanence, and transformation, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher. Known for his belief in fire as a symbol of constant flux, Heraclitus viewed struggle and opposition as essential forces shaping existence—ideas reflected in Juhasz’s poetic work.
