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.

That humble store taught me that when people gather with purpose, powerful things happen. And that spirit — of community, conversation and collaboration — still lives on at Seminole State College.

More than an academic institution, SSC has become our region’s town square. From hosting Governor Kevin Stitt, Senators and members of Congress, to facilitating local workforce development forums and regional business roundtables, our campus continues to serve as a meeting place where ideas are exchanged, and futures are shaped. The monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum, where SSC regularly honors faculty and staff, is just one of many examples of how this campus intersects with community life.

In the last year, leaders from across our state have walked our halls to engage in critical conversations about the future of Seminole County and rural Oklahoma. Our Rural Business and Resources Center — funded through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce — has brought together small business owners, civic leaders and state agencies to discuss the pressing challenges of our workforce and brainstorm collaborative solutions.

SSC is listening, and we are adapting.

To meet the demands of a shifting job market, we’ve expanded our academic offerings and bolstered our partnerships. We recently launched new 2+2 transfer programs in computer science to cybersecurity (in partnership with OU’s Polytechnic Institute) and agricultural education (in partnership with Oklahoma State University). These pathways not only cut down the cost of a degree but also alleviate transfer stress for students seeking careers in high-demand sectors. We’ve also deepened our vocational and healthcare education tracks through our growing partnership with Gordon Cooper Technology Center. From physical therapy assistants and medical lab technicians to engineering technicians, these fast-track programs offer students the ability to enter the workforce with specialized skills in as little as 18 months.

We’ve revitalized our nursing program, supported by a new simulation lab and a modernized curriculum. Our Fall 2024 nursing cohort achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam—an achievement that speaks to both the hard work of our students and the commitment of our faculty. With the continued shortage of healthcare professionals in rural Oklahoma, we are proud to train the next generation of caregivers close to home.

We’ve made these changes with affordability in mind. SSC students pay less than half the cost of tuition and fees at Oklahoma’s research universities, saving an average of $1,000 per semester compared to the statewide average. We offer flexible course delivery — online, in-person, or hybrid — to meet students where they are.

This past year, we also celebrated the incredible contributions of our faculty and staff — the backbone of this institution. Whether mentoring students one-on-one, leading service projects in our community, or presenting at state and national conferences, their dedication continues to elevate the educational experience at SSC. Our new campus wellness center—now fully operational—offers students and employees access to fitness equipment, wellness resources and recreational space to support their physical and mental health. Looking ahead, we are excited to unveil our state-of-the-art esports lab in Winter 2025, expanding opportunities for students to engage in digital competition, teamwork and cutting-edge career pathways.

As you think about Seminole State College, I hope you will think about more examples of how SSC continues to be at the heart of growth in our region. Please be reminded of the economic impact of the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex, the success of our student-athletes on national stages, and the inspiring stories of alumni, staff and faculty whose dedication elevates our mission.

I’m reminded of those campaign stops in my family’s grocery store—where community members gathered not just to listen, but to shape the future. Today, Seminole State College is that place. A space for civic dialogue. A launching pad for opportunity. A town square for the 21st century. As always, I am deeply grateful for your support of Seminole State College. We are proud to stand at the center of this community — and even prouder to grow alongside it. As we prepare to welcome students back for the fall 2025 semester, beginning Aug. 18, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Together, we continue to shape a brighter future for our region.