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Portrait of Ben Walkingstick and his wife Bonnie.

Walkingsticks Honored at Chandler Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Josh Hutton

Former Seminole State College Regent, Foundation Trustee and long-time supporter Ben Walkingstick and his wife Bonnie were recently recognized at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce banquet by the Oklahoma National Guard with the Thunderbird Medal, honoring their “lifetime of exceptional service.” The Walkingsticks’ efforts to save the community’s local Armory and preserve it as the Route 66 Interpretive Center, as well as their financial support and political influence were credited as improving the City of Chandler and the State of Oklahoma. Lt. Col. Jack Vaughan, battalion commander for the 1-160th, said the Walkingsticks represent the National Guard motto “Always Ready, Always There.” Bonnie Walkingstick, a local business owner and civic worker, was also honored at the banquet as Chandler’s “Citizen of the Year.”

The Walkingsticks were recognized at Seminole State College with the prestigious “Founders Award” in 2011 for their support of the college. The Walkingstick Student Service Center is named in their honor and annual scholarships are provided to area citizens through their generosity.

Hailey Wallace delivers her Higher Education Day Speech at the State Capitol on Feb. 15.

SSC Student Delivers Address at Higher Education Day

Josh Hutton

EDITOR’s NOTE: Seminole State College freshman Hailey Wallace, of Wellston, was one of four students representing colleges and universities across the state selected to speak at the 2022 Higher Education Day at the Capitol on Feb. 15. Wallace’s father, House Appropriations Chair Kevin Wallace, introduced her during the program held in the Oklahoma House of Representatives Chambers. Her speech is printed below:

Continue reading “SSC Student Delivers Address at Higher Education Day” →

SSC Educational Foundation Trustees Tour Sports Complex

Josh Hutton
Several Trustees of the Seminole State College Educational Foundation toured the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex following their quarterly Board meeting on Feb. 16. The Trustees toured indoor facilities and the Trojan baseball field. Pictured in Center Field (left to right) are: Jim Hardin, Lance Wortham, Jeramy Rich, Doug Humphreys, Sue Snodgrass, Steve Degraffenreid, Suzanne Gilbert, Darren Frederick, David Wilson, Billy Norton, Rhonda McKee, John Hargrave, Haley Coates and Mark Schell.
Several Trustees of the Seminole State College Educational Foundation toured the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex following their quarterly Board meeting on Feb. 16. The Trustees toured indoor facilities and the Trojan baseball field. Pictured in Center Field (left to right) are: Jim Hardin, Lance Wortham, Jeramy Rich, Doug Humphreys, Sue Snodgrass, Steve Degraffenreid, Suzanne Gilbert, Darren Frederick, David Wilson, Billy Norton, Rhonda McKee, John Hargrave, Haley Coates and Mark Schell.
SSC President Emeritus Dr. Jim Utterback, who is overseeing the project, visits with Trustees during the tour. Construction continues on the complex, which includes a college baseball field, four youth baseball/softball fields, the Avedis Adaptive Field for persons with special needs and a soccer field. The SSC Educational Foundation is the owner and operator of the facility.
SSC President Emeritus Dr. Jim Utterback, who is overseeing the project, visits with Trustees during the tour. Construction continues on the complex, which includes a college baseball field, four youth baseball/softball fields, the Avedis Adaptive Field for persons with special needs and a soccer field. The SSC Educational Foundation is the owner and operator of the facility.
Pictured (left to right): SSC Educational Foundation Chair Lance Wortham, SSC President Lana Reynolds and SSC President Emeritus Dr. Jim Utterback pose with a check for $25,000 to the SSC Educational Foundation from SSC President Lana Reynolds.

Reynolds Makes Donation to Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds recently fulfilled her pledge of $25,000 to the SSC Educational Foundation to assist with the construction of the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex.

The Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex is under construction just west of SSC on Highway 9. The seven-field complex will serve as home to the Seminole State College Trojan baseball and soccer teams. The facility also includes an adaptive field for people with special needs.

“I am excited about what this project means to our college and community. This complex will provide sports fields for hosting tournaments for teams of all ages and abilities throughout the region and state. I believe it will make a great home for our SSC teams, it will be a great recruitment tool for future players, and it will provide a tremendous economic boost to the area,” President Reynolds said.

Pictured is an aerial view of the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex under construction. The aerial shows three new baseball fields, a new soccer field and the Avedis Adaptive Field.
Fundraising efforts are still underway as the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex draws closer to completion.

For more information on the Brian Crawford Memorial Complex or to make a donation, visit sscok.edu/BCMSC or contact SSC Educational Foundation Advancement Coordinator Kimberli Owen at (405)-382-9506.

Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles (first row, third from left) poses alongside other members of the Arbuckle Panel at the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall on mental wellness.

SSC Professor Attends Oklahoma Academy Town Hall on Mental Wellness

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles recently attended the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall. This year’s event was held at the River Spirit Hotel in Tulsa from Nov. 7-10.

The Oklahoma Academy is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established to provide citizens with the opportunity to discuss public policy and make recommendations. The organization was founded by Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon in 1967. The organization adopted its Town Hall process in 2001. Since its adoption, the process has led to the passing of 77 pieces of legislation.

Pictured is Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles, who participated in the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall from Nov. 7-10 at the River Spirit Hotel in Tulsa.
Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles participated in the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall from Nov. 7-10 at the River Spirit Hotel in Tulsa

This year’s theme was “A Path for a Healthier Oklahoma: Addressing Mental Health and Improving Mental Wellness

SSC President Lana Reynolds nominated Knowles to attend the Town Hall and join a discussion group. Knowles has worked at the College for 12 years. Beyond teaching psychology, she also coordinates the SSC Help Center, a place on campus for students to find support when facing mental health issues.

Knowles served on a panel group during the event. There, along with other attendees, she made recommendations on mental health public policies based on extensive research and questions posed by the event’s organizers.

The Oklahoma Academy will release its official recommendations in January, prior to the legislative session.

Pictured are the Nineteen nursing students that participated in the pinning ceremony at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.

Expected Graduates of SSC’s Nursing Program Recognized at Pinning Ceremony

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College held a pinning ceremony at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on Dec. 9 for nursing students expected to meet degree requirements this semester.

Due to the program’s continued growth, this marked the third year the College has hosted a pinning ceremony in the fall. The following 19 students were eligible to complete degree requirements and are expected graduates: Savannah Bagwell, Autumn Bowie, Kelsey Britton, Devin Carpenter, Jessica Davidson, Cylie Holik, Landry King, Noah Kolarik, Nancy Lerma, Jessica Lindsey, Kayci Loveland, Michelle Mayfield, Keli Moucka, Sean Moucka, Haley Perry, Jessica Stockton, Lindsey Vazquez, Shanna Visnieski and Makenzie Yort.

Pictured (left to right): Nursing Program Director Crystal Bray, Assistant Professor Cynthia Tainpeah, nursing graduate Michelle Mayfield, Assistant Professor Damalia Lester and Assistant Professor Sheryl Denton pose during SSC Nursing's pinning ceremony.
Nursing faculty recognized SSC student Michelle Mayfield, of Shawnee, with the Spirit of Nursing Award at the pinning ceremony on Dec. 9. Pictured (left to right): Nursing Program Director Crystal Bray, Assistant Professor Cynthia Tainpeah, nursing graduate Michelle Mayfield, Assistant Professor Damalia Lester and Assistant Professor Sheryl Denton.