SSC Student Support Services Launches “Mental Health Mondays”

Seminole State College grant programs Student Support Services (SSS) and SSS STEM are hosting “Mental Health Mondays” each first Monday of the month. The events feature informational presentations followed by discussions about different topics pertaining to mental health. The events take place at 12 p.m. in room 106 of the Scott Building. March’s meeting centered on friendship. Students learned what to look for in a healthy friendship, how to recognize toxic friendships and the benefits of friendship on our mental and physical health. Those in attendance shared stories and snacks and played Friendship Bingo.

Continue reading “SSC Student Support Services Launches “Mental Health Mondays””

Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on March 14. Assistant Professor of Life Sciences Truitt Eubank was honored as Faculty Member of the Month and Bookstore E-Commerce Specialist Lesley Ward as 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.

Continue reading “Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees”

SSC Public Relations Team Reads to Kindergarten Class

Seminole State College Communications Coordinator Josh Hutton (left) and Web and Multimedia Coordinator Brooks Nickell (right) read “The Bad Seed” by Jory John to Danielle Morgan’s kindergarten class at the Prague Early Childhood Center on March 11. Bringing readers into classrooms is part of a national effort to raise awareness about the importance, value and fun of reading. Such reading programs are designed to motivate kids to read and celebrate the diversity in communities and across the country.

SSC and Tourism Council Foundation Partnership Honored

Seminole State College and the Seminole Tourism Council were among colleges, organizations and businesses honored during a Business Partnership Excellence Awards Luncheon held March 7 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

For the past 25 years, the Seminole Tourism Council has supported projects aimed at attracting visitors to Seminole and boosting the local economy. This includes funding more than 100 events, programs, building projects and marketing activities. Over the last decade, the Council has directed funds to support the creation, development, operation and improvements for SSC’s Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex. This $12 million facility has been a catalyst for other economic development – including helping stimulate the building of a new housing addition, a hotel, two restaurants and a family fun center.

Initially, the Council matched college funds to support a position designed to help plan the complex and recruit tournaments and events. On subsequent occasions, the Council funded specific projects at the field, such as enhancing the soccer field, fencing the property, purchasing sod for walkway areas and purchasing materials for additional parking lots.

“We are so honored to have our partnership with the Seminole Tourism Council recognized through this awards program. They have been an integral part to the success of the sports complex,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said.

SSC Nursing Partners with Local Agencies for Disaster Training Event

Seminole State College nursing students got a hands-on experience in disaster response on Feb. 28 at the softball field parking lot on campus. Nursing students worked alongside local agencies to respond to a simulated school bus wreck.

The scenario was designed to test the students’ ability to assess the situation and work alongside other first responders to triage and treat patients. The students acted as nurses, while volunteers played the roles of injured bus passengers.

Continue reading “SSC Nursing Partners with Local Agencies for Disaster Training Event”

SSC Receives Community Health Grant from SSM Health

Pictured (left to right): SSM Health Senior Community Health Specialist Jose Rojas, SSC President Lana Reynolds, SSM Health St. Anthony – Shawnee President Angi Mohr and Psychology Professor and Help Center Coordinator Christal Knowles hold up a check representing the recently received community health grant from SSM Health St. Anthony – Shawnee.

Seminole State College recently received a community health grant from SSM Health St. Anthony – Shawnee in the amount of $10,000. The grant will be used to continue offering free mental health counseling to students through the College’s Help Center. Pictured (left to right): SSM Health Senior Community Health Specialist Jose Rojas, SSC President Lana Reynolds, SSM Health St. Anthony – Shawnee President Angi Mohr and Psychology Professor and Help Center Coordinator Christal Knowles.

SSC Professors Present at Popular Culture Conference

Four Seminole State College language arts and humanities professors presented at the 2024 Southwest Popular and American Culture Association (SWPACA) Conference during the week of Feb. 21-24 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A panel consisting of Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz, Associate Professor of English Andrew Davis and Associate Professor English Yasminda Choate presented on pedagogical approaches to teaching writing composition through the lens of popular culture, titled “Aerosmith to Zombies: Using Pop Culture to Engage Students in First-Year Writing.” Juhasz also read two short stories, “All American and “Where the Wild Things Were,” from his most recent collection, “As If Place Matters.” Associate Professor of English Jessica Isaacs read poetry from her manuscript “Mother Makes Potions.”

The four professors teach English Composition, Creative Writing, Film and Literature courses at SSC.

The mission of the SWPACA is to promote an innovative and nontraditional academic movement in humanities and social sciences celebrating America’s cultural heritages. The annual conference provides an outlet for scholars, writers, and others interested in popular/American culture to share ideas in a professional atmosphere and increase awareness and improve public perceptions of America’s cultural traditions and diverse populations.

Bagwell and Horne Families Make Donation to SSC

Seminole State College Educational Foundation Trustee and Vision Bank President and CEO Steve Bagwell (left) recently donated several prints of artwork by Kelly Haney and other items to SSC. SSC Talent Search Advisor Damaris Haney (center), the daughter of Kelly Haney, and President Lana Reynolds (right) accepted the donation on behalf of the College. The items donated were part of the late Bill Horne’s private collection. In addition to Haney’s work, the donated items included prints from artist George Montgomery, famous for his depiction of the American West, and a headdress that was gifted to Horne by Haney in the 1970s. Horne, Bagwell’s father-in-law, was a member of the Vision Bank Board of Directors and an honorary Chief of the Methodist Indian Mission of Oklahoma. Haney served as a State Representative, a State Senator and Chair of the Appropriations committee – as well as in tribal government. The Enoch Kelly Haney Center on SSC’s campus carries his name as a tribute to his efforts to bring funding to the College. The donated works of art will be displayed in the Haney Center alongside many other pieces by the artist.