SSC and Citizen Potawatomi Nation Partnership Recognized at Statewide Ceremony

Josh Hutton
Pictured (left to right): Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chair Dennis Casey; SSC Rural Business and Resources Center Director Danny Morgan; Chancellor Sean Burrage; Citizen Potawatomi Nation Vice Chair Linda Capps; SSC President Lana Reynolds; SSC Business and Industry Coordinator Talina Lee; and OSRHE Secretary Steven W. Taylor. The partnership between SSC and CPN was recognized at the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award ceremony on May 6.

Seminole State College and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) were recently honored for their decades-long partnership supporting education, business development, and regional economic growth. The collaboration was recognized at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award ceremony, held May 6 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The annual award celebrates 27 innovative partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses across the state. The program, which utilizes Economic Development Grants from the State Regents, is designed to highlight successful collaborations that enhance the state’s workforce and strengthen local economies.

Kyla Guyette, chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission; State Regents Chair Dennis Casey; State Regent Steven W. Taylor; and Chancellor Sean Burrage participated in the ceremony.

“When Oklahoma businesses partner with our colleges and universities, they’re not just accessing talent — they’re investing in our state’s future,” said Burrage. “The State Regents are proud to recognize and celebrate these positive collaborations that promote economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Oklahoma.”

As part of the award, institutions provide $500 for tuition waivers to employees of the partnering business, support student internships, arrange faculty externships, and contribute equipment or materials to enhance the partnership. The State Regents provide a $500 match for each tuition waiver granted.

The partnership between SSC and CPN includes multiple initiatives aimed at supporting education and workforce development. CPN’s Workforce and Social Services program places full-time employees at SSC, while the College actively participates in CPN’s annual College and Career Fair. CPN has also donated equipment to SSC’s golf program and maintenance department. Furthermore, the Nation supports the SSC Educational Foundation through sponsorships. CPN Chairman Rocky Barrett currently serves as a trustee, and Vice Chair Linda Capps is a former trustee.

“This partnership has played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for our students and our community,” said SSC President Lana Reynolds. “We’re proud to work with CPN to create meaningful pathways for workforce training and higher education.”