Tag April 2025

Speaker of the House to Deliver Keynote at SSC’s 92nd Commencement

Josh Hutton
Pictured is, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert.
Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert

Seminole State College will hold its 92nd Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in the Raymond Harber Field House on campus. The event will recognize students completing coursework requirements for their degree programs.

Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Hilbert represents House District 29, which includes parts of Creek and Tulsa counties. At age 30, he is the youngest Speaker in Oklahoma history and only the second Republican Speaker under 31 nationwide since 1873.

Commencement Livestream

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AI Expert Explores Fact vs. Fiction in Campus Talk at SSC

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Dr. John Hassell, Associate Professor of Software development at the OU Polytechnic Institute and SSC alumnus, speaks on the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium stage during his presentation “AI Myths: A Clear Look at Artificial Intelligence” on April 23.

Dr. John Hassell, Associate Professor of Software development at the OU Polytechnic Institute and SSC alumnus, spoke on the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium stage during his presentation “AI Myths: A Clear Look at Artificial Intelligence” on April 23. Students, community members, faculty and staff attended the event, which was sponsored by the SSC STEM Division. Hassell’s talk explored common misconceptions about AI, including the ideas that it is conscious, unbiased or a cure-all for complex problems. He also discussed the differences between predictive and generative AI and emphasized the importance of data quality and human oversight.

SSC Honor Society Leads Donation Drive for Campus and Community Needs

Josh Hutton
In this photo, pictured (left to right) posing for a group photo are PTK members Cynthia Bird, Laura Suthers, Bella Bishop, PTK faculty advisor Dr. Andrew Davis and Matthew Breske, who organized the effort to collect essential goods for students and animals in need.

Seminole State College students in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently led a successful donation drive to benefit the SSC Food Pantry and a local animal shelter. Pictured (left to right) PTK members Cynthia Bird, Laura Suthers, Bella Bishop, PTK faculty advisor Dr. Andrew Davis and Matthew Breske, organized the effort to collect essential goods for students and animals in need. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that recognizes academic excellence among students at two-year colleges. To be eligible for membership, students must complete at least 12 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. In addition to academic achievement, the organization emphasizes leadership, service and fellowship.

SSC Student Government Members Attend Leadership Retreat

Josh Hutton
In this photo, pictured (left to right): SSC SGA Advisor and Recruitment Specialist Maddy Potter, SGA Freshman Senator Aubree Wilkins of Earlsboro, SGA President Adisen Williamson of Oklahoma City, SGA Secretary Zoe Davis of Shawnee and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles pose for a group photo.

Seminole State College members of the Student Government Association and staff participated in the 2025 Student Government Association Student Leadership Retreat on April 12 at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. The event featured sessions on leadership, résumé building and managing school social media accounts. Pictured (left to right): SSC SGA Advisor and Recruitment Specialist Maddy Potter, SGA Freshman Senator Aubree Wilkins of Earlsboro, SGA President Adisen Williamson of Oklahoma City, SGA Secretary Zoe Davis of Shawnee and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles.

SSC Alumnus to Present on Artificial Intelligence Myths

Josh Hutton
Dr. John Hassel

Seminole State College will host Dr. John Hassell, associate professor of software development at the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute and former SSC student, for a presentation titled “AI Myths: A Clear Look at Artificial Intelligence.” The event will take place Wednesday, April 23 at 9 a.m. in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Auditorium on the SSC campus. It is free and open to the public.

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SSC Delegation Participates in Higher Ed and Oklahoma’s Promise Day

Josh Hutton
In this photo, a large group of college students from across the state of Oklahoma pose for a photo with legislative leadership on the Capitol stairwell.
Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters joined colleges and universities across the state at Higher Education Day at the State Capitol on April 15.

Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol on April 15 to participate in the annual Higher Education and Oklahoma’s Promise Day. Sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the day underscores the value of public higher education and celebrates legislative support of key initiatives like the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship.

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Higher Ed Chancellor Visits SSC

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Sean Burrage speaks to high school students participating in the FFA Interscholastic Meet on SSC's campus.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Sean Burrage toured Seminole State College’s campus on April 10. During his visit, he spoke to high school students participating in the FFA Interscholastic Meet, attended a reception with SSC employees, toured the BCM Sports Complex and met with representatives from the College’s Board of Regents and the SSC Educational Foundation. (Pictured) Burrage spoke with SSC students during a classroom visit.

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Chamber of Commerce Honors Two SSC Employees

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Director of Nursing Dr. Misty Gray (left) and Research Librarian Ashley Bagwell (right) pose for a photo with their recently received awards.
The Seminole Chamber of Commerce recognized Director of Nursing Dr. Misty Gray (left) as Educator of the Month and Research Librarian Ashley Bagwell (right) as Professional Staff Member of the Month at their Forum on April 10.

Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on April 10. Director of Nursing and Health Sciences Division Chair Dr. Misty Gray was honored as Educator of the Month and Research Librarian Ashley Bagwell was named Professional Staff Member of the Month.

The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee along with the Lions Club and Kontoor Brands/Wrangler recognize SSC employees several times during Forum each year. Individuals are nominated from across the campus and chosen by SSC administrators to receive the honor.

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SSC Hosts Community Leaders Breakfast

Josh Hutton
In this photo, Kontoor/Wrangler Fulfillment Center Director Ray McQuiston speaks to the group of civic leaders.

Seminole State College welcomed civic leaders from Stroud, Holdenville, Seminole, Konawa, Prague, Okemah, McLoud, Maud, Meeker, Wewoka and Cromwell on April 9 for a breakfast. The event was sponsored by SSC’s Rural Business and Resources Center. The featured speaker was Kontoor/Wrangler Fulfillment Center Director Ray McQuiston (pictured), who presented on engaging and motivating local communities.

In this photo, Civic leaders in attendance at the event pose for a group photo (pictured, seated, left to right): Ron Gott, Kristy Lesley, Bob Pearman, Gary Babinec, Steve Saxon, Danny Morgan, Cory Crabtree, Theresa Barkhimer, Jimmy Porterfield and Cliff Bryant; (standing, left to right) Leslie Wilbourn, Tom Ryan, Becky Stone, Jeff Wilbourn, Jim Greff, Daniel Bruton, Dave Herriman, Ruby York, Amy Britt and Roberta Davis.

Civic leaders in attendance at the event were (pictured, seated, left to right): Ron Gott, Kristy Lesley, Bob Pearman, Gary Babinec, Steve Saxon, Danny Morgan, Cory Crabtree, Theresa Barkhimer, Jimmy Porterfield and Cliff Bryant; (standing, left to right) Leslie Wilbourn, Tom Ryan, Becky Stone, Jeff Wilbourn, Jim Greff, Daniel Bruton, Dave Herriman, Ruby York, Amy Britt and Roberta Davis.