The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) held a regular meeting at Seminole State College (SSC) on Feb. 1. The meeting was part of the OSRHE’s ongoing effort to visit and learn more about the state’s public colleges and universities. SSC President Lana Reynolds greeted the Regents and made a presentation on the college’s history, academic initiatives, community impact, partnerships, athletics and opportunities for students.
SSC Student Government Association President Benjamin Parker, of Shawnee, spoke with the state regents about his experiences at the college. Pictured (left to right) OSRHE Chair Jack Sherry, Parker and Oklahoma State System of Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett.
Seminole State College hosted area colleges at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Southeast Oklahoma Legislative Briefing at Pete’s Place in Krebs on January 26. SSC attended the event with a delegation of state legislators.
SSC President Lana Reynolds welcomed attendees to the event and introduced Chancellor Allison Garrett of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
In her remarks, Chancellor Garrett discussed the importance of higher education in improving the economy and business climate of the state. The State Regents are requesting $1.1 billion in state funding for FY25, which reflects an increase of $122.4 million or 12.2% over the FY24 appropriation of $1 billion.
Oklahoma State System of Higher Education Chancellor Allison Garrett presents the proposed budget and speaks about the economic impact of higher education at the Southeast Legislative Briefing in Krebs on Jan. 26.
Chancellor Garrett gave a summary of the budget request to attendees of the event. The State Regents are requesting $9.5 million for FY25 to fund the Inspired to Teach program and expand concurrent enrollment.
Public higher education’s budget request also includes strategic investments that align with Oklahoma’s projected workforce demand in STEM and healthcare and focus on increasing adult degree completion. The State Regents seek $41.5 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM disciplines, expand nursing education program and medical residency capacity to address the
state’s shortage of nurses and doctors, and provide additional scholarships for adult students nearing completion of a college degree or pursuing an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate.
The proposed budget also seeks $71.4 million in to fund performance-based institutional allocations to address operational needs, address rising risk management costs, strengthen college access and academic success services for students, and fund strategic collaborations and shared services to drive long-term efficiencies across the state system.
State Representative Danny Williams (R-Seminole), Representative Dell Kerbs (R-Shawnee) and Representative Danny Sterling (R-Tecumseh) attended the event on behalf of SSC.
Others representing Seminole State College at the event were President Leadership Class students sophomore Dalton Fowble, of Wellston; freshman Olivia Stevenson, of Shawnee; freshman Daylan Saxon, of Seminole; and freshman Jaylee Friend, of Prague; SSC Regents Chair Kim Hyden and Bryan Cain; SSC Educational Foundation trustees Jim Hardin, John Hargrave, Executive Director of the Avedis Foundation Dr. Kathy Laster, Rhonda McKee and Mark Schell; community supporters Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon and Lisa Saxon; SSC employees President Lana Reynolds, Director of Community Relations Kim Pringle and Communications Coordinator Josh Hutton.
The event was attended by delegations representing Carl Albert State College, Connors State College, East Central University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Seminole State College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
The Seminole State College Board of Regents met Jan. 18 to discuss changes to the College’s bereavement policy and review the terms of President Lana Reynolds’ employment. The College’s annual Year-in-Review publication was also unveiled during the meeting.
Seminole State College has released the names of honor roll students for the 2023 fall semester. Three separate honor rolls recognize students for their academic achievements.
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.
When Latricia Trammell was inducted into the Seminole State College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018, someone asked her if she ever thought she’d be a coach in the WNBA when she was still a student at the college. “Without a doubt,” Trammell said. “If sports have taught me anything, it’s that if you do the right thing, work hard—and win, impossible is nothing.”
Trammell, 55, has been a basketball coach for 30 years, but 2023 marked her first season as a head coach in the WNBA. The Dallas Wings named Trammell to the position last June.
The Avedis Foundation has awarded a $70,000 grant to the SSC Educational Foundation to add a shade structure and update handicap-accessible seating to the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex’s adaptive field.
The field, named the Avedis Adaptive Field, which opened in 2022, is designed for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. It is the home of A League of Their Own, a co-ed softball league for young people with disabilities. The field is also utilized for t-ball games in the summer months.
Seminole State College freshman Haley Smith (right), of Seminole, speaks with Admissions Clerk Jessica Guinn (left) about enrollment on Jan. 5. The spring semester begins Jan. 8 at SSC. Enrollment remains open through Jan. 12. Prospective students may visit sscok.edu, call 405-382-9797 or enroll at the Walkingstick Student Services Center – located on Highway 9 on the south side of campus.
Seminole State College employees recently provided gifts to 23 children participating in the Angel Tree programs sponsored by the Salvation Army and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The Angel Tree program connects donors with children in need. SSC employees purchased clothing and toys and donated the items.
“I am honored to work with such a great group of people that help sponsor these Angels every year,” Student Affairs Administrative Assistant Toni Wittman said.
Providing gifts to children in the Angel Tree program has been an annual tradition at SSC since 1997.
Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Dec. 14. Assistant Professor of STEM and Accreditation Coordinator Dr. Deanna Miles was honored as Faculty Member of the Month and Coordinator of Distance Education Laura Votaw as Staff Member of the Month.
The Seminole State College Educational Foundation hosted its annual Holiday Reception fundraising event on Dec. 11 at the Crossing Hearts Ranch in Tecumseh. Over 100 people were in attendance and the event raised more than $27,000 for scholarships and capital projects at the College.
Pictured (left to right) President of SSM Health St. Anthony – Shawnee Angi Mohr, SSC President Lana Reynolds and President and CEO of the Avedis Foundation Dr. Kathy Laster pose for a photo at the event. Both Mohr and Laster also serve on the SSC Educational Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Former Oklahoma State Senators Harry Coates (left) and Charlie Laster (right) greet current State Senator Grant Green (center) at the Holiday Reception on Dec. 11.
