Seven Seminole State College employees were recognized as “Legacy Builders” during the College’s annual Fall In-Service on Aug. 12. The recognition was part of this year’s “Brick by Brick: Building on 95 Years of Excellence” theme and highlighted employees whose recent achievements have strengthened the College, advanced student success and expanded SSC’s impact on campus and throughout the state.

Dr. Shakira Stafford and Dr. Mindy Choate were recognized for completing their doctoral programs. Stafford serves as SSC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director and helped write and develop the program at its outset. Choate, an associate professor of English and Distance Education Coordinator, has served the College for more than a decade and previously served as president of the SSC Faculty Senate.

Director of Physical Plant Clint Robertson was honored for his oversight of several construction, renovation and improvement projects across campus. Robertson coordinates maintenance and improvement projects, working with faculty and staff to ensure facilities are prepared to support College operations, events and activities.

Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was recognized for the national attention surrounding his latest poetry collection, Katabasis, which was nominated for consideration for the 2026 National Book Award in Poetry. Published by Turning Plow Press, Katabasis is Juhasz’s sixth book and explores grief, memory and recovery through the ancient concept of a descent into the world below. The National Book Foundation will announce its 2026 longlists, featuring 10 titles in each category, Sept. 15-17.

Director of Athletics Leslie Sewell was honored for the high standard of achievement established across SSC Athletics. During the 2025-26 academic year, the College’s women’s soccer, baseball and softball teams each competed in national tournaments. Academic achievement accompanied that success, with 76 SSC student-athletes named to the 2025-26 NJCAA All-Academic Teams and seven athletic programs earning NJCAA Academic Team Awards.

Director of Enrollment Management Edie Cathey was recognized for her leadership of the College’s enrollment and financial aid operations and for helping implement SSC’s new concurrent scholarship. The initiative covers the cost of books and fees for participating high school students in the College’s five-county service area, further reducing the financial barriers to earning college credit while still in high school.

Associate Professor of Agriculture Wendy Rich was honored for her leadership in organizing SSC’s eighth annual FFA Interscholastic Meet. The event became the largest in its history, bringing more than 1,800 high school students from 134 schools across Oklahoma to campus for agricultural competitions. Rich’s coordination of the event provided visiting students with a competitive educational experience while introducing students and schools from across the state to Seminole State College.

The Legacy Builders presentation was one of several activities held during Fall In-Service from Aug. 12-14 as SSC employees prepared for the fall semester