Category Faculty & Staff

SSC Earns Military Friendly Status

Josh Hutton
In this photo, 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.
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.

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South Central Industries Presents to SSC Business Class

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College Assistant Professor Brad Schatzel, South Central Industries, Inc. CEO Tina Hanna and Chief of Staff Jessica Mathews Nickerson pose for a group photo.

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.

SSC Agriculture Professor Presents at 4-H Meeting

Josh Hutton
In this photo, 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.

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.

SSC Employees Attend Learning Innovations Summit

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College employees who attended the 2025 SSC Learning Innovations Summit at Rose State College pose for a group photo. 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.

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.

In this photo, Kara Stanley (right), SSC Adjunct Professor of Biology, and Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate pose for a photo after delivering a presentation.

Kara Stanley (right), SSC Adjunct Professor of Biology, delivered a presentation during the event, with assistance from Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate.

SSC Professor Named Finalist for Oklahoma Book Award

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz poses with his most recent work, “The Fires of Heraclitus.”
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.

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Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees

Josh Hutton
Posing for a photo with their awards, are Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley (left) and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor (right)
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce recognized Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley (left) as the Faculty Member of the Month and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor (right) as the Staff Member of the Month at their Forum on March 13.

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on March 13. Assistant Professor of English Jamie Worthley was honored as Faculty Member of the Month, and TRIO Accounting Clerk Yahnah Factor was named 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.

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Simmons to Be Honored at NJCAA Legacy Awards

Josh Hutton
In this photo, former Seminole State College Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons speaks to the crowd during the 2024 Trojan Baseball First Pitch Banquet.
Former Seminole State College Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons will be honored at the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards on June 17 in Charlotte North Carolina. (File Photo from the 2024 Trojan Baseball First Pitch Banquet.)

Former Seminole State College Trojans Head Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons will be recognized at the National Junior College Athletic Association Coaches Legacy Awards. The event, which celebrates the winningest coaches in NJCAA history, will take place on June 17 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Simmons led the Trojans from 1975 to 2001 and again from 2012 to 2016. Over the course of his career, he amassed 1,804 wins, cementing his status as one of the most successful coaches in NJCAA history.

Under his leadership, SSC made 13 appearances at the NJCAA World Series, finishing as the national runner-up on four occasions. His teams also secured 16 NJCAA Region II titles and 13 NJCAA District championships.

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Presidents’ Assistants Gather at SSC to Share Insights

Josh Hutton
In this photo, posing as a group are Presidents’ assistants from colleges across the state. Pictured (left to right): Michelle Nutter, Rose State College; Denise Bay, Northern Oklahoma College; Kinzi Hull, Redlands Community College; Courtney Payne, Carl Albert State College; Candace Raney, Eastern Oklahoma State College; Derotha Rivenbark, Connors State College; Mechell Downey, Seminole State College; and Tisha Simon, Seminole State College.

Presidents’ assistants from colleges across the state gathered at Seminole State College on March 7 for a networking session in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center Board Room. The event, hosted by SSC, featured discussions on scheduling tools, AI advancements for assistants, open meetings and records, campus morale initiatives and future meeting topics. SSC President Lana Reynolds welcomed attendees, and participants enjoyed a lunch courtesy of the College. Pictured (left to right): Michelle Nutter, Rose State College; Denise Bay, Northern Oklahoma College; Kinzi Hull, Redlands Community College; Courtney Payne, Carl Albert State College; Candace Raney, Eastern Oklahoma State College; Derotha Rivenbark, Connors State College; Mechell Downey, Seminole State College; and Tisha Simon, Seminole State College.

SSC Joins Read Across America to Encourage Young Readers

Josh Hutton
In this picture, SSC Assistant Volleyball Coach Bobbi Leitha and Softball Head Coach Amber Flores pose for a photo with Mrs. Marley’s class following their reading on March 6.

From March 3-7, Seminole State College employees and students shared their love of reading with Mrs. Donna Marley’s second-grade class 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: SSC Assistant Volleyball Coach Bobbi Leitha and Softball Head Coach Amber Flores pose for a photo with Mrs. Marley’s class following their reading on March 6.

In this photo, SSC President Lana Reynolds reads “If I Ran a Zoo” by Dr. Seuss to Mrs. Marley’s second-grade class on March 7.

SSC President Lana Reynolds reads “If I Ran a Zoo” by Dr. Seuss to Mrs. Marley’s second-grade class on March 7.