Category Faculty & Staff

SSC Faculty Present on Accessibility at National Conference

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Seminole State College Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Deanna Miles (left) and Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate (right) pose for a photo after presenting at the 48th Annual AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Seminole State College Assistant Professor of STEM Dr. Deanna Miles (left) and Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate (right) presented at the 48th Annual AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) Conference in Denver, Colorado, July 14-18. They shared SSC’s efforts to ensure all courses and programs are accessibly designed for all learners. Hundreds from across the nation attended the conference. Also pictured is NASNTI Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey (center).

In this photo, Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey (left) and NASNTI Student Success Specialist Ben Little pose for a photo after attending the AHEAD conference .

Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions Computer Science Specialist Alecia Bailey (left) and NASNTI Student Success Specialist Ben Little attended the AHEAD conference to explore assistive technologies and accommodations in higher education. A component of SSC’s NASNTI federal grant program is to bolster accessibility across campus.

Pringle Elected President of Oklahoma College Public Relations Association

Josh Hutton
This is a portrait of Kim Pringle.
Kim Pringle

Seminole State College’s Director of Community Relations Kim Pringle was recently elected President of the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) during the organization’s monthly board meeting on July 15.

Pringle, who has served on the OCPRA Board for the past four years, will now lead the statewide organization that supports marketing and communications professionals at colleges and universities across Oklahoma. OCPRA offers professional development, networking opportunities and a competitive awards program that honors outstanding work in higher education communications.

“I am honored to serve as President of OCPRA and continue to work alongside such talented professionals from institutions across the state,” Pringle said. “The organization plays a vital role in connecting communications teams and celebrating the creative work that supports student success and institutional growth.”

Pringle brings a diverse background and seven years of experience at SSC to her new leadership role. In addition to directing the College’s community relations initiatives, she serves as the liaison to the SSC Educational Foundation, co-directs the President’s Leadership Class with President Lana Reynolds, oversees the Business and Industry division, and represents the College at numerous public events.

Pringle holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a Vocal Certificate from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Education from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

She and her husband, Travis, reside in Shawnee with their two daughters, Addison and Breckyn.

SSC Public Relations Team Wins Best of Show at Statewide Competition

Josh Hutton
In this photo, SSC Web and Multimedia Coordinator Brooks Nickell (left) and SSC Director of Communications Josh Hutton (right) pose for a photo after winning Best of Show at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association Annual Conference.
SSC Web and Multimedia Coordinator Brooks Nickell (left) and SSC Director of Communications Josh Hutton (right) won Best of Show at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association Annual Conference on July 14 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa. The award-winning entry “Undercover President” was written by Hutton and filmed and edited by Nickell.

Seminole State College’s Public Relations team earned the Best of Show award at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Annual Conference, held July 13-15 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Catoosa. The team won the top prize for their short video “Undercover President,” a spoof of the television series “Undercover Boss,” in which SSC President Lana Reynolds disguises herself as a student to encourage her peers to complete the FAFSA.

This marks the second time in three years that the SSC Public Relations team has won Best of Show. The group previously received the top honor in 2023 for their “Together We Grow” advertising campaign.

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SSC Students Explore England and France on Global Studies Trip

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Participants of Seminole State College’s 2025 Global Studies trip pose in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament during their visit to England and France.
Participants of Seminole State College’s 2025 Global Studies trip pose in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament during their visit to England and France.

Thirteen Seminole State College students and employees recently returned from a nine-day Global Studies trip to England and France, held May 20-29. The educational tour was led by STEM Division Chair Emily Carpenter and Professor of History Marta Osby.

Prior to departure, students completed coursework in either Modern Western Civilization or Global Studies in International Business, providing academic context for their travel experiences.

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SSC Athletic Director Honored for Leadership Achievement

Josh Hutton
Seminole State College Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles (left) presents Athletic Director Leslie Sewell (right) with a plaque recognizing her completion of the Advanced Leadership Track of the 2024-2025 Council on Student Affairs Leadership Academy.

Seminole State College Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles (left) presents Athletic Director Leslie Sewell (right) with a plaque recognizing her completion of the Advanced Leadership Track of the 2024-2025 Council on Student Affairs Leadership Academy. The six-month program is designed for student affairs professionals with at least five years of experience, focusing on advanced leadership concepts, strategic decision-making and organizational innovation in higher education. Sewell participated in case studies, peer discussions and expert-led workshops aimed at refining leadership skills and fostering institutional success.

SSC Awarded $25,000 Grant to Launch STEAM Initiative

Josh Hutton
Yasminda Choate
Yasminda Choate

Seminole State College has been awarded a $25,000 planning grant from the Teagle Foundation through its Cornerstone: Learning for Living initiative. The national program supports efforts to revitalize the liberal arts by integrating transformative texts and fostering shared learning experiences. The grant application process was spearheaded by Associate Professor of English Yasminda Choate and Professor of Mathematics Jarrod Tollet.

The funding positions SSC to apply for a multi-year implementation grant of up to $250,000 in the coming year.

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SSC Announces Expected Graduates

Josh Hutton
In this photo, a large crowd of graduating students, faculty, staff, family members and more, look on as Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert delivers the commencement address.
Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert delivers the commencement address as Seminole State College’s Class of 2025 looks on in front of a capacity crowd at the Raymond Harber Field House on May 9.

Seminole State College students completing degree requirements at the end of the 2025 spring and summer semesters, along with 2024 fall graduates, participated in the College’s annual commencement exercises on Friday, May 9.

The graduation ceremony was held at 10 a.m. inside the Raymond Harber Field House on campus. Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert served as the featured guest speaker.

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State Regents Staff Visit SSC to Share Student Success Initiatives

Josh Hutton
Pictured front row (left to right): OSRHE staff members Tracy Romano, Manager of Academic, Online and Workforce Development Initiatives; Angel Icenhour, Director of Concurrent Enrollment Programs; and Jenny Wood, Coordinator for Academic Programs and Student Success. Second row: SSC staff members Sheila Morris, Registrar; and Edith Cathey, Director of Enrollment Management. Third row: Alicia Ryan, Financial Aid Specialist; Kim Pringle, Director of Community Relations; and Laura Votaw, Online Degrees Coordinator. Fourth row: Davis Kappele and Cindy Nolen, Academic Advisors; and Talina Lee, Business and Industry Coordinator.

Seminole State College welcomed representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on May 5 as part of their statewide roadshow. Their goal is to provide essential information and resources to key student-facing staff members on college campuses, including registrars, academic and faculty advisors, admissions counselors and concurrent enrollment personnel, to ensure they are equipped to support student success. Pictured front row (left to right): OSRHE staff members Tracy Romano, Manager of Academic, Online and Workforce Development Initiatives; Angel Icenhour, Director of Concurrent Enrollment Programs; and Jenny Wood, Coordinator for Academic Programs and Student Success. Second row: SSC staff members Sheila Morris, Registrar; and Edith Cathey, Director of Enrollment Management. Third row: Alicia Ryan, Financial Aid Specialist; Kim Pringle, Director of Community Relations; and Laura Votaw, Online Degrees Coordinator. Fourth row: Davis Kappele and Cindy Nolen, Academic Advisors; and Talina Lee, Business and Industry Coordinator. Enrollment is open for summer and fall courses. For assistance, contact the SSC Advising Office at (405) 382-9797 or advising@sscok.edu.

SSC Educational Foundation’s Annual Spring Banquet Draws Large Crowd

Josh Hutton
Pictured, Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds (left) and SSC Educational Foundation Chair Mark Schell (right) present the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Brad Walck during the SSC Educational Foundation’s 30th Annual Spring Recognition Banquet on May 1. Walck was honored for his 22 years of service at SSC, where he held several roles including Vice President for Student Affairs and Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds (left) and SSC Educational Foundation Chair Mark Schell (right) present the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Brad Walck during the SSC Educational Foundation’s 30th Annual Spring Recognition Banquet on May 1. Walck was honored for his 22 years of service at SSC, where he held several roles including Vice President for Student Affairs and Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

The Seminole State College Educational Foundation hosted its 30th Annual Spring Recognition Banquet on Thursday, May 1 in the Utterback Ballroom of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. A crowd of 450 guests filled the venue, and the event raised just over $60,000—making it the most successful banquet in the event’s history.

The banquet serves as a major fundraiser and recognition event, honoring alumni, employees and students. This year, Phil Johnson and Karen Romine were inducted into the SSC Alumni Hall of Fame. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to longtime SSC administrator Dr. Brad Walck.

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SSC Honor Society Leads Donation Drive for Campus and Community Needs

Josh Hutton
In this photo, pictured (left to right) posing for a group photo are PTK members Cynthia Bird, Laura Suthers, Bella Bishop, PTK faculty advisor Dr. Andrew Davis and Matthew Breske, who organized the effort to collect essential goods for students and animals in need.

Seminole State College students in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently led a successful donation drive to benefit the SSC Food Pantry and a local animal shelter. Pictured (left to right) PTK members Cynthia Bird, Laura Suthers, Bella Bishop, PTK faculty advisor Dr. Andrew Davis and Matthew Breske, organized the effort to collect essential goods for students and animals in need. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes academic excellence among students at two-year colleges. To be eligible for membership, students must complete at least 12 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. In addition to academic achievement, the organization emphasizes leadership, service and fellowship.