Student Chases College Rodeo Dreams at SSC

Some people mark time by the places they’ve lived, by the vehicles they’ve driven. Kimberly Cotter, a sophomore at Seminole State College, marks time by the horses she’s owned. 

“When I was three, my parents went to a miniature horse sale for fun — just something to do as a family. Well, they ended up buying some,” Cotter said, “so I started showing miniature horses at the age of three.” Continue reading “Student Chases College Rodeo Dreams at SSC”

SSC Extends Online Delivery of Courses Through the End of the Spring Semester

Seminole State College will continue with the online delivery of instruction through the end of the spring semester in light of the coronavirus outbreak. 

“We have been constantly monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and are working to keep our students and employees safe, while continuing to provide quality service and instruction,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said. 

In accordance with actions taken at other colleges and universities in the state, as well as other recommended health precautions, SSC will close campus to the public beginning March 30 until further notice. Buildings and offices will remain accessible to employees who need to be on campus to handle essential functions. The college will continue to restrict the number of personnel on campus, but employees will continue to handle student and public inquiries remotely by email and phone.  

Computer labs in the David L. Boren Library will remain open to provide needed technology access for students who may not have it. The SSC Food Pantry, also located in the Boren Library, will remain open for students and employees. 

SSC will not hold its traditional graduation ceremony this spring. Instead, the College is exploring virtual options to honor students for the completion of their degrees.  

 “We’re currently working on a digital solution so we can still recognize our graduates for their tremendous accomplishments,” President Reynolds said. 

Once details for the virtual ceremony are finalized, the College will provide an update to its graduating class of 2020.  

Campus housing has been closed since before Spring Break and will remain closed for the semester. Arrangements are being coordinated through Student Affairs and Housing to allow students to collect their belongings in a limited, structured method. The College is discussing several options regarding providing credits and pro-rated refunds for room and board. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be based on many factors, including financial aid status. 

“I realize this will continue to be a transition for all of us, and there are still many questions to be answered. However, I know our campus will work together to tackle these challenges as they arise. I am so very proud to be a part of this college, and to work with its outstanding faculty, staff and students.  We will get through this together,” President Reynolds said. 

Students may check campus announcements regarding the College’s response to COVID-19 at www.sscok.edu/covid19/covid.html. 

SSC Postpones Spring Banquet and Emeritus Reception

The Seminole State College Educational Foundation Executive Committee has decided to cancel its Annual Spring Recognition Banquet, which was originally scheduled to occur on April 30. Additionally, the campus reception scheduled to honor former employees being recommended to the SSC Board of Regents to receive Emeritus status has been postponed to a later date.

In compliance with sanctions on large gatherings and other recommended precautions in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the College will not proceed with either event this spring.

“We hope to be able to reschedule the Spring Recognition Banquet for a later date, possibly in the fall. This will give us the opportunity to properly recognize those who we had planned to honor next month,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said.

Seminole State College has shifted to electronic delivery methods of instruction for all of its courses to help safeguard student and employee health. Students may check campus announcements regarding the College’s response to COVID-19 at www.sscok.edu/covid19/covid.html.

SSC Continues to Take Precautionary Measures During COVID-19 Pandemic

Following its Spring Break, the Seminole State College campus will open to provide core services on Monday, March 23, 2020. At this time, offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no extended hours scheduled. In areas of campus operations where it is possible, employees will be allowed to tele-commute from home. Supervisors, in coordination with area Vice Presidents, will be asked to work with employees in their areas to fairly and efficiently plan necessary coverage, while trying to limit the number of people on campus.  

“We realize this is a complicated endeavor,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said. “The assistance, cooperation and patience of all affected will be essential in making this plan work.” 

 Seminole State College will shift to electronic delivery methods of instruction for the foreseeable future. Students may check campus announcements regarding the College’s response to COVID-19 at www.sscok.edu/covid19/covid.html. 

Two computer labs in the David L. Boren Library will be open specifically for SSC students without computer access. Each lab will have a ten-student limit. Extra efforts will be made to sanitize the labs frequently.  Students who must bring children with them to a computer lab may do so by appointment only. Such arrangements may be made by emailing Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Linda Goeller (l.goeller@sscok.edu) or Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Robin Crawford (r.crawford@sscok.edu). 

“I want to thank the faculty of Seminole State College who are working diligently to develop course delivery methods to our students,” President Reynolds said. “I also want to thank our leadership team for thoughtfully and purposefully working through various scenarios and institutional challenges over the past week. Additionally, we greatly appreciate the support and encouragement demonstrated by our dedicated and caring Board of Regents.” 

All events and meetings scheduled on campus involving 10 or more people will be cancelled immediately until further notice. Any outside group renting space on campus for an event may reschedule or receive a refund of their down payment. 

 Since the National Junior College Athletic Association has suspended all spring sports, athletes will be instructed to remain at home following Spring Break and not return to the residence halls. The possible need for the College to house and feed other students, including international students, is currently being evaluated. 

The College’s food service provider, Great Western Dining, will continue to cover whatever student needs the campus has on a “takeout” basis. 

In an effort to address the needs of our campus community, both students and employees, the SSC Food Pantry will be open during hours posted on the SSC website. Additionally, students needing access to pantry items at other times may contact SSC Vice President for Student Affairs by email at b.knowles@sscok.edu.  Only non-perishable items are available through the pantry. 

“This is a very fluid situation. We will continue to provide our students, employees and community supporters with updates. We will continue to work together to ensure the protection and well-being of our students and employees as we navigate through this unprecedented event,” President Reynolds said. 

Any employee, or student, who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or is exposed to anyone who tests positive for the virus, should inform the SSC President’s office immediately. Calls may be made to 405-382-9200. 

PLC Meet State Banking Leader

Members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited with Gene Rainbolt, a state banking leader and philanthropist, who served as the guest speaker at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum Luncheon on March 12.  Rainbolt is the founder of BancFirst, which since its beginnings in 1989 has become the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma with assets of $8.6 billion and offices in 58 communities.  The organization also owns Pegasus Bank which has three banking locations in Dallas, Texas.

Crusaders in the Community

Group of people standing in a gym receiving an award.

Seminole State College Basketball Head Coach Don Tuley honored the Seminole County Ministerial Alliance with the Crusaders in the Community Award at halftime during the men’s basketball game on Feb. 27 at the Raymond Harber Field House. The award was established three years ago to honor local African Americans making a difference. The award is given during Black History Month each year. The Ministerial Alliance was selected for its commitment to fundraising in an effort to provide scholarships to SSC students. Pictured (l-r) Coach Tuley, Reginald Woods, Calissa Woods, Marilyn Guient, Willie Guient, Wilma Berry, Regina Robison, John Berry, Shelly Brown, Darrell Brown, Reginald Wright and Frank Washington.