SSC Secures Two Federal Grants to Enhance Academic Support

July 10, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Seminole State College Student Support Services and STEM SSS Director Janna Wilson-Byrd speaks before a crowd at fall 2024’s new student orientation event. — _{Seminole State College Student Support Services and STEM SSS Director Janna Wilson-Byrd speaks before a crowd at fall 2024’s new student orientation event. The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the college with an SSS grant totaling $1,532,570 and a STEM SSS grant at the amount of $1,351,820.}

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Seminole State College two federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grants. The first is a traditional SSS grant totaling $1,532,570, and the second is a STEM SSS grant totaling $1,361,820. Both grants are for a five-year period and are designed to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities.

Through services including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, counseling and mentoring, TRIO SSS helps students overcome barriers to success and graduate or transfer with minimal debt.

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SSC Students Explore England and France on Global Studies Trip

July 2, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Participants of Seminole State College’s 2025 Global Studies trip pose in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament during their visit to England and France. — *_{Participants of Seminole State College’s 2025 Global Studies trip pose in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament during their visit to England and France.}*

Thirteen Seminole State College students and employees recently returned from a nine-day Global Studies trip to England and France, held May 20-29. The educational tour was led by STEM Division Chair Emily Carpenter and Professor of History Marta Osby.

Prior to departure, students completed coursework in either Modern Western Civilization or Global Studies in International Business, providing academic context for their travel experiences.

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Young Learners Dive into Robots, Recipes and Gardening at SSC

June 24, 2025Josh Hutton

Seminole State College Librarian Ashley Bagwell (left) and SSC sophomore Addison Pringle (center) lead young campers during the Mini Makers Art Lab on June 17. The activity was part of the first week of Kids on Campus, held June 16-19 at SSC.

SSC Professor of Mathematics Jarrod Tollett speaks with students during the STEM – Aquatic Robots class.

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SSC NASNTI Program Hosts STEM Events

June 23, 2025June 24, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Danielle Boyer, citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa, speaks at the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium on June 16.

Danielle Boyer, citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa, speaks at the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium on June 16. Her presentation, titled “Opportunities Through STEM,” highlighted her work in youth robotics and efforts to preserve Indigenous languages. The event was hosted by the Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions federal grant program. The program is 100 percent federally funded in the amount of $450,000 annually.

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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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