SSC Expands Social Sciences Division, Aims to Launch Paralegal Program

September 10, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Seminole State College Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles, Assistant Professor Paul B. Smith, J.D, Assistant Professor Dr. Brenda Prochaska and Social Sciences Division Chair Jeffrey Christiansen pose for a photo following a meeting about the College’s Paralegal program, set to launch in the fall of 2026. — _{Seminole State College Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles, Assistant Professor Paul B. Smith, J.D, Assistant Professor Dr. Brenda Prochaska and Social Sciences Division Chair Jeffrey Christiansen pose for a photo following a meeting about the College’s Paralegal program, set to launch in the fall of 2026.}

Seminole State College has hired Paul B. Smith, J.D. and Dr. Brenda Prochaska as Assistant Professors in the College’s Social Sciences Division. Smith, a former District Attorney for Oklahoma’s 22nd Judicial District, will help the College prepare to launch an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies in August 2026.

Smith served as District Attorney for District 22 — which includes Seminole, Hughes and Pontotoc counties — from January 2017 to January 2023. He previously held leadership roles in the office, including First Assistant District Attorney and Chief Prosecutor beginning in 2011, and Assistant District Attorney from 1990 to 2011.

During his tenure, Smith prosecuted major felony cases across the district, including a 2017 “no-body” child-abuse murder case — a homicide pursued without the victim’s remains — that drew state and national attention. He also led or participated in appellate and policy work related to jurisdictional changes following McGirt v. Oklahoma. He was admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, authorizing him to file briefs and appear before the court.

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SSC Leadership Students Navigate Teambuilding at OKC Riversport

September 10, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, students take part in the Dragon Boat Challenge on the Oklahoma River, working together to steer.

Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited Riversport in Oklahoma City on Sept. 4 to learn about the Boathouse District and participate in team-building exercises. Pictured: students take part in the Dragon Boat Challenge on the Oklahoma River, working together to steer.

In this photo, PLC students are shown testing their rhythm and endurance in Riversport’s Boathouse Experience, an indoor rowing simulator.

PLC students test their rhythm and endurance in Riversport’s Boathouse Experience, an indoor rowing simulator.

In this photo, State Sen. Mark Mann (D-District 46), who represents Del City and parts of Oklahoma City, speaks with students before dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.

State Sen. Mark Mann (D-District 46), who represents Del City and parts of Oklahoma City, speaks with students before dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Sen. Mann shared updates on 2028 Olympic events planned for OKC, including rowing and softball, and discussed tourism’s statewide impact. He then concluded his talk with details about student-focused legislation and ways to get involved in local and state government.

SSC Announces New President’s Leadership Class

August 27, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, freshmen members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class pose for a group photo. — *_{Freshmen members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class attended a reception at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum on Aug. 26.}*

Seminole State College has selected 26 freshmen students for Class XIX of the President’s Leadership Class.

The leadership students, along with their parents, attended a reception held at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum on Tuesday, August 26.

SSC President Lana Reynolds opened the evening with a warm welcome to students and their families. Members of the college’s Administrative Council then shared insights about their departments and how they contribute to student success. Speakers included Dr. Bill Knowles, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; Melanie Rinehart, Vice President for Finance, Grants & Enrollment; Jessica Isaacs, Dean of Instruction; and Marc Hunter, Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Security Officer.

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SSC Launches TimelyCare Platform to Expand Mental Health and Wellness Support

August 21, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, A phone showing the TimelyCare app is the central focus. — *_{With the start of the fall semester, SSC is now offering free virtual health support to all students.}*

Seminole State College has launched TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform that gives SSC students 24/7 access to care at no cost and without traditional insurance barriers, delivered by licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states.

Students can use TimelyCare on a phone or other device to get on-demand or scheduled medical care, TalkNow for immediate emotional support, mental health counseling by appointment (up to six sessions each academic year), health coaching, basic needs assistance, care navigation, a peer support community and digital self-care resources.

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SSC Kicks Off Fall Semester with Welcome Week Events

August 21, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, SSC students walk across campus during the first week of Fall semester.

With classes beginning Aug. 18 for the fall semester, Seminole State College welcomed students back to campus. Each day, SSC Student Activities offered free programming for students to enjoy as part of “Welcome Week,” including Waffles on a Stick, a welcome-back barbecue with an esports demo, a photo booth for back-to-school pics and do-it-yourself air plants.

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SSC Welcomes New Students at Orientation

August 18, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, Students fill the Jeff Johnston Auditorium during Seminole State College’s New Student Orientation on Aug. 16. — Students fill the Jeff Johnston Auditorium during Seminole State College’s New Student Orientation on Aug. 16. The program introduced campus technology, financial aid and student support resources, and offered time to connect with faculty and staff. Classes began at SSC on Aug. 18, but enrollment remains open through Aug. 22.

In this photo, SSC Student Support Services/SSS STEM Director Jana Wilson-Byrd (left) and President Lana Reynolds (right) welcomed students as the New Student Orientation event began. — SSC Student Support Services/SSS STEM Director Jana Wilson-Byrd (left) and President Lana Reynolds (right) welcomed students as the New Student Orientation event began.

In this photo, Seminole State College faculty and staff are shown on stage performing “Pick Your Professor,” a game-show skit where a student interviews professors to find the best fit for their learning style. — “Pick Your Professor,” a game-show skit where a student interviews professors to find the best fit for their learning style, takes the stage during New Student Orientation on Aug. 16. Pictured, from left: Director of Communications Josh Hutton, Student Support Services Tutor Shannon Bennett, Assistant Professor of Business and Education Brad Schatzel, Student Support Services Advisor Megan Goff and Director of Community Relations Kim Pringle.

Photo of the Mable Jackson Store located in Little Oklahoma.

Seminole’s Town Square for Education, Dialogue and Growth

August 15, 2025admin

By SSC President Lana Reynolds

Growing up in Seminole County, my family ran a small grocery store. It wasn’t just a place for buying essentials — it was a hub of community life. People came to exchange news, swap stories and even engage in spirited political debate. I still remember the thrill of campaign season, when candidates would make our store a regular stop. It wasn’t uncommon to see someone in slacks and a sport coat shaking hands in front of our gas pumps, explaining their vision for the future of our county.

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SSC to Host New Student Orientation Aug. 16

August 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, incoming freshman at the 2024 SSC new student orientation pose for a group photo. — _{Incoming students and their families will gather at Seminole State College’s Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium for New Student Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature sessions on financial aid, campus technology, student resources and opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and peers before the fall semester begins.}

Seminole State College will welcome incoming students and their families to campus for New Student Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium.

The annual event is designed to help students transition into college life, connect with campus resources and start the semester with confidence.

The day will begin at 11 a.m. with a joint welcome for students and parents in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium. At 11:30 a.m., parents will move to Social Sciences Room 104 for a session titled Financial Aid 101, while students remain in the auditorium for Slay the Classroom, a presentation on utilizing campus technology and tips for academic success.

At 12:20 p.m., students and parents will reunite in the auditorium for Know Your Resources = Know Your Power, a session focused on student support services and tools available to help them succeed.

From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., attendees are invited to enjoy free snacks and socializing in the Boren Library.

“This orientation is a great opportunity for students to meet faculty and staff, ask questions, and get comfortable with our campus before classes begin,” SSC Student Support Services/SSS STEM Director Jana Wilson-Byrd said.

For more information, contact Wilson-Byrd at j.wilsonbyrd@sscok.edu. Classes begin at SSC on Aug. 18 and enrollment remains open through Aug. 22.

SSC Extends Office Hours for Fall Semester Start

August 11, 2025August 14, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, SSC students are shown in the campus bookstore, purchasing essentials for the upcoming semester. — _{Extended office hours at Seminole State College will run from Aug. 16 through Aug. 22 to help students prepare for the fall semester. Services will be available in the Walkingstick Student Services Building, including admissions, advising, financial aid, testing and the SSC Bookstore.}

With classes beginning on Aug. 18 and enrollment open through Aug. 22, Seminole State College will offer extended office hours in the Walkingstick Student Services Building to provide students and prospective students additional opportunities to complete enrollment and prepare for the semester. Extended hours will begin Saturday, Aug. 16, and continue through the first week of classes.

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To accommodate busy schedules, SSC will keep the admissions office, advising offices, financial aid office, testing center and SSC Bookstore open beyond regular business hours. The extended schedule includes Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which also serves as Student Orientation Day. From Monday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, Aug. 21, offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 22, the hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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SSC GEAR UP Hosts Summer Camps for Area Students

August 7, 2025Josh Hutton

In this photo, participants in Seminole State College’s GEAR UP summer camp pose for a group photo outside the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. More than 160 students from 12 area schools attended the two-week event, which included campus tours, STEM lessons, recreational activities and college-readiness workshops. — _{Participants in Seminole State College’s GEAR UP summer camp pose for a group photo outside the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. More than 160 students from 12 area schools attended the two-week event, which included campus tours, STEM lessons, recreational activities and college-readiness workshops.}

Seminole State College’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) welcomed more than 160 students from 12 partner schools to campus this summer for two weeks of educational camps. The events were designed to provide sixth and seventh grade students with a glimpse into college life while building STEM skills and promoting academic success.

Students from Asher, Maud, Wewoka, Seminole, Varnum, Strother, Konawa, Okemah, Tecumseh, Wetumka, Holdenville and Moss participated in the camps, which offered a mix of campus tours, hands-on lessons and recreational activities.

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