SSC Delegation Attends Higher Ed Day -

Seminole State College student Kimberly Cotter spoke to state leaders during the “Higher Education Day” program at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 11. She, alongside students Ruth Herman, East Central University, and Natanya Hernandez, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, shared how higher education at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities has positively impacted their lives. A large delegation of campus and community leaders representing Seminole State College attended. The event, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), is held annually to demonstrate grassroots support for Higher Education funding.

SSC community supporters pose for a photo with legislators following a luncheon at the Faculty House on Feb. 11.

Speakers included: Matt Pinnell, Lieutenant Governor; Greg Treat, Senate President Pro Tempore; Rep. Jon Echols, Majority Floor Leader; Rep. Jadine Nollan; Chancellor Glen D. Johnson; and Jeanie Webb, Rose State College President, who serves as Chair of the Council of Presidents.

Prior to the afternoon program, community and campus leaders representing Seminole State College were guests at a luncheon held at the Oklahoma University Faculty House. Legislators present included State Senators Darcy Jech and Ron Sharp. State Representatives in attendance were Logan Phillips, Danny Sterling and Zack Taylor. Other special guests were Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson and OSRHE Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations LeeAnn McNally.

SSC President’s Leadership Class members Tie Ehler of Davenport, Kenzie Sheldon of Prague, Hannah Lay of Earlsboro, Rylee Treloar of Depew and Jace Wallace of Elmore City deliver gift bags to legislators at the State Capitol.

Following introductions by SSC President Lana Reynolds, the elected officials spoke to the SSC delegation about their support of higher education and their outlook on the new legislative session.

Kimberly Cotter addresses legislators about how higher education has impacted her life at the State Capitol. — SSC student Kimberly Cotter addresses legislators about how higher education has impacted her life at the State Capitol on Feb. 11 in honor of “Higher Ed Day.”

Community supporters in attendance included: Karel Brewster, Brewster and Associates; Mitch Enos, Seminole Chamber of Commerce Past President, Edward Jones Financial Representative; Randy Gilbert, Owner, Gilbert & Sons Trucking; Suzanne Gilbert, SSC Foundation Trustee Owner/Agent, Gilbert Insurance Agency; Kim Hyden, SSC Regent, President of Gary A. Crain, Inc.; Dr. Donna Hardin, Retired SSC Professor; Jim Hardin, SSC Foundation Trustee, Retired Seminole County Treasurer; John Hargrave, SSC Foundation Trustee, President Emeritus of East Central University; Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, SSC Vice President Emeritus; Harrel Kennedy, Retired Higher Education Administrator; Chris Moore, SSC Foundation Trustee, BancFirst Seminole President; Curtis Morgan, Chair of SSC Board of Regents, Owner of Tiger Trucks; Pam Morgan, Retired City of Seminole Court Clerk; Jeramy Rich, SSC Foundation Trustee, Owner, Jeramy Rich Companies; Mark Schell, SSC Foundation Trustee, President of Security State Bank of Oklahoma; Lloyd Simmons, Former SSC Trojan Baseball Coach, Scout with Kansas City Royals; Andy Tucker, SSC Foundation Trustee and Okemah Economic Development Director; and Lance Wortham, SSC Foundation Chair and Owner of Shawnee Office Systems.

SSC students gather for a group photo in front of the State Capitol following Feb. 11’s “Higher Ed Day” program.

Several SSC students were in attendance. Members of the SSC President’s Leadership Class included were Connor Buchanan, Varnum; Kristen Casteel, Shawnee; Kandyce Davidson, Wewoka; Preston Davis, Oklahoma City; Kelsey Edminsten, Okemah; Candice Ervin, Moss; Tie Ehler, Davenport; Callen Golloway, Blanchard; Jerome Hilton, Maud; Hannah Lay, Earlsboro; Trevor Martin, Owasso; Tiffany Maxey, Catoosa;

Sydney McClaskey, Maud; Brady McEntire, Daingerfield, Texas; Isabella McGeisey, Shawnee; Shelby Moutaw, Strother; Charles Presley, Jr., Seminole; Nate Santiago, Southlake, Texas; Kenzie Sheldon, Prague; Carli Stafford, Wewoka; Rylee Treloar, Depew; Jace Wallace, Elmore City; Creed Watkins, Duncan; Sydney Whaley, Shawnee; Channing Wortham, Shawnee. SSC students Tijah Johnson, SSC Student Government President, Shawnee; and Kimberly Cotter, SSC Agriculture Student, Dale, were also in attendance. College representatives present were: Jeff Cheng, Faculty Senate President; Tony Crouch, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs; Kristin Dunn, Director of Community Relations; Dr. Linda Goeller, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Bill Knowles, Vice President for Student Affairs; Steven Little, Marketing & Web Coordinator; and Lana Reynolds, President.