Hooten Takes Oath of Office at SSC Board Meeting |

New Seminole State College Regent David Hooten took the oath of office during the SSC Board of Regents meeting on Aug. 20, officially beginning his service on the College’s governing board. Seminole City Attorney and Oklahoma Army National Guard Brigadier General Brad Carter administered the oath. Hooten was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt and confirmed by the Oklahoma State Senate Education Committee in April. His seven-year term began July 1 and expires July 1, 2033.

Hooten is the owner of Hooten Oil Co. and a 1979 graduate of Seminole High School. He earned a degree in business administration and accounting from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, in 1983 and is a Certified Lubrication Specialist through the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. He and his wife, Teri, have three children.

Following the oath of office, SSC President Lana Reynolds provided updates on personnel, the College’s new Paralegal Studies program, the demolition of the former Sarkeys dormitory, campus activities, enrollment and grant programs.

After the report, the Board elected officers for the coming year. Regent Curtis Morgan was elected chair, Regent Ryan Franklin was elected vice chair and Regent Robyn Ready was elected secretary.

In this photo, Seminole City Attorney and Oklahoma Army National Guard Brigadier General Brad Carter (left) congratulates new Seminole State College Regent David Hooten (right) following the administration of the oath of office during the SSC Board of Regents meeting on Aug. 20. Hooten’s seven-year term began July 1, 2026, and concludes July 1, 2033. — _{Seminole City Attorney and Oklahoma Army National Guard Brigadier General Brad Carter (left) congratulates new Seminole State College Regent David Hooten (right) following the administration of the oath of office during the SSC Board of Regents meeting on Aug. 20. Hooten’s seven-year term began July 1, 2026, and concludes July 1, 2033.}

The Board also approved revisions to four institutional policies.

A revision to Board Policy II-7-2 regarding Program Review updated the College’s procedures to align with changes to Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education requirements governing the review of academic programs.

The Board approved a revision to Board Policy II-7-5 regarding unauthorized use of College property and facilities. The updated policy included language prohibiting camping, establishing temporary living quarters or sleeping overnight on College property without prior written authorization from the vice president for academic and student affairs.

Regents also approved revisions to Board Policy III-5-6 regarding service and emotional support/assistance animals. The updated policy more clearly distinguishes between service animals and emotional support/assistance animals, outlines documentation and approval requirements for emotional support/assistance animals, and clarifies where each type of animal is permitted on campus and under what conditions.

A revision to Board Policy III-7-8 regarding Title IX policy and procedure was also approved. The administrative update replaced the name of an individual previously identified in the policy with the title of the applicable College position.

The Board approved the College’s financial report through July 31, as well as purchases of more than $15,000 to High Point Networks LLC, KB Electric LLC and Village Travel.

Regents Curtis Morgan, Robyn Ready, Ryan Franklin, Teresa Burnett, David Hooten and Haley Coates were present for the meeting. The next scheduled meeting is Oct. 22.