SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 1. Seminole State College. Collegian. Seminole, Oklahoma Volume 45 Number 8 March 2017

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1 March DATE LINE, 2017 PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HERE SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 1 Seminole State College Collegian Seminole, Oklahoma Volume 45 Number 8 March 2017 SSC Delegation Attends Higher Ed Day at the State Capitol SSC students and employees gather after the afternoon session of Higher Ed Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol. A delegation of Seminole State College students, employees and supporters attended Higher Education Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 14. The event, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, is held annually to demonstrate grassroots support for Higher Education funding. OSRHE Chancellor Glen Johnson welcomed those in attendance during an afternoon session held in the chamber of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Following his introductions, remarks were given by Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb. Other speakers included Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Shulz, Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Jon Echols and Oklahoma Council of Presidents Chair Randy Beutler. Several students from across the state then spoke about the importance of higher education, including SSC sophomore Jeston Bennett of Earlsboro. Prior to the afternoon program, community and campus leaders representing Seminole State College were guests at a luncheon held at Jamil s Steakhouse in OKC. Special guests included Chancellor Glen Johnson, State Senator Jason Smalley and State Senator Ron Sharp. State Representatives in attendance were Dell Kerbs, Steve Kouplen, Leslie Osborn and Kevin Wallace. Following introductions by SSC President Dr. Jim Utterback, the elected officials spoke to the SSC delegation about higher education funding and the upcoming legislative session. While at the Capitol, SSC students visited the offices of state officials to deliver candy and special #IHeartHigherEd booklets the cover showcasing the Valentine s theme of this year s event. Each booklet contained feature stories of SSC students, and highlighted the positive impact of higher education and the difference it has made in students lives. SSC students in attendance were: Jeston Bennett, Earlsboro; Taylor McClure, Tecumseh; Miles Piersall, Seminole; Nick Lee, Okemah; Mary Dodgen, Shawnee; Jake Goodson, Vilonia; Jarris Hamilton, Durant; Parker Johnson, Fort Worth, TX; Sydney Smith, Okemah; Paige Vanlandingham, Seminole; Kamy Walck, Shawnee; Zane Watters, Seminole; Gavin Aldridge, Earlsboro; Deinna Burkitt, Seminole; Adam Choate, Seminole; Gavin Cox, Seminole; Maycee Cox, Holdenville; Genesis Dockery, Earlsboro; Hunter Dugan, Tecumseh; Ashley Elmore, Shawnee; Zachary Ilbery, Checotah; Destanie Jacoway, Tecumseh; Jordan Parks, Seminole; Kelsey Ross, Moss; Lucy Sargent, Prague; Miranda Shupe, Chandler; Colton Red Smith, Stroud, Hayden Thompson, Depew; and Gage Wright, Stroud. Community supporters present were: Tara Bennett, wife of SSC student speaker Jeston Bennett; Myrna Bennett, mother of SSC student speaker Jeston Bennett; Bryan Cain, Wewoka Security State Bank President; Jeramy Rich, SSC Educational Foundation Chair; Jim Hardin, Retired Seminole County Treasurer; Mark Schell, Seminole Security State Bank President; Karel Brewster, Brewster and Associates; Dr. Donna Hardin, Retired SSC English Faculty; Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, SSC Vice President Emeritus for Academic Affairs; Harrel Kennedy, Retired Vice President for East Central University; Doyle Long, Seminole Chamber of Commerce President; and Cameron Worthy, son of SSC student speaker Jeston Bennett. College representatives in attendance were: Dr. Jim Utterback, SSC President; Lana Reynolds, Executive Vice President; Larry Smith, Director of SSC Rural Business and Resources Center; Bill Knowles, Vice President for Student Affairs; Braden Brown, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs; Kristin Dunn, Coordinator of Media Relations; Cindy Guinn, Assistant to the Executive Vice President; Laura Harrison, Student Support Services Advisor; and Janna Manlapig, Student Support Services/ STEM Student Support Services Director.

2 PAGE 2 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN March 2017 Seminole Chamber Honors SSC Personnel Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Feb. 9. Assistant Professor of Life Sciences Susan Walker was honored as Educator of the Month and Business Office Cashier Amelia Hendrix was honored as Staff Member of the Month. The Seminole Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, along with the Lions Club and Blue Ribbon Realty, 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. Walker began her career at SSC in 2007 as an adjunct instructor. In 2014, she assumed her current role as Assistant Professor of Life Sciences. She teaches Principles of Biology, General Biology and Microbiology at the College. Walker holds an Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology from Colby Community College in Susan Walker Educator of the Month Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Health, Physical Education and Recreation from East Central University. She also earned both a Amelia Hendrix Staff Member of the Month Master of Science in Curriculum and Institutional Education and Master of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences from Oklahoma State University. Outside of work, Walker raises registered Texas Longhorn cattle and enjoys hiking, gardening, baking and going on outdoor adventures with her two grandsons. She resides in Konawa and has three daughters, Shiloh, Sammi and Sierra. Shiloh is an SSC graduate, Sammi will graduate from SSC this May and Sierra is a first year SSC nursing student. Hendrix came to SSC in 2014 from American Loans in Shawnee. She currently serves as a Cashier in the Business Office where she assists with student accounts. Her duties include applying payments, updating billing information and releasing financial aid refunds. She also issues vehicle parking permits. On campus, she is an active member of the Classified Staff Association. Hendrix holds an Associate in Science in Business from SSC. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling and cooking. She and her fiancé Scott reside in Maud. SSC Honors Black History Month In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, Seminole State College hosted a special program featuring the play Who Will Sing for Lena? on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Who Will Sing for Lena is a dramatic performance featuring actress Vanessa Adams-Harris who plays the role of Lena Mae Baker. The play is based on the life of Baker an African American maid who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of her white employer and executed by the state of Georgia in The play was written by Dr. Janice L. Liddell and directed by Todd Murray. Adams-Harris is a Muscogee Creek American Indian with African American/European ancestry. She is a 2015 and 2017 Oklahoma Chautauqua Scholar, mixed-media artist, actor, director, producer, adjudicator, workshop facilitator/presenter, spoken word artist and human rights activist. Her credits include print/commercial modeling and national and international appearances with award-winning solo shows as civil rights matriarch Rosa Parks, Oklahoma legend Ada Lois Sipuel-Fisher and Lena May Baker. She attended The University of Tulsa majoring in Theatre and Anthropology. Actress Vanessa Adams-Harris as Lena Mae Baker

3 March 2017 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 3 Student Spotlight Katelyn Miller - Sociology Major Katelyn Miller (left) with her younger sister Elizabeth. After graduating from Wetumka High School in 2015, Katelyn Miller began her college journey at Seminole State College. I liked how close it was to home. It was an easy transition, she explained of her decision to attend. There are also so many people here that I know and have grown-up with, she added. A current sophomore at SSC, Miller is a social sciences major. She first considered physical therapy, but admitted she didn t enjoy all of the science courses. She then decided on sociology, adding that she always enjoyed her social science classes in high school. I knew I wanted to help people, one way or another, she explained. Miller mentioned Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems as two of her favorite classes. She also added that she has enjoyed having "I love being in the dorms and meeting all the different people." - Katelyn Miller Kendall Rodgers an Assistant Professor of Psychology/Sociology at SSC as one of her instructors. I love her teaching style, Miller said. Miller maintains a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She also lives on campus in the Roesler Residential Learning Center and works as an RA. I love being in the dorms and meeting all the different people, she said. Miller is also a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) at the College. The group helps organize student activities. I like being around all the people. I also enjoy working with Melinda, she said of Melinda Sims, SSC Residential Life and Student Activities Coordinator. We have hosted a magician on campus and also took students to play laser tag in Ada, Miller mentioned as the most recent SSC student activities. Off-campus, Miller holds two jobs. She works at the Reynolds Wellness Center in Seminole and the Dairy Queen in Wetumka. I work at one or both jobs each day. I do try to keep one day open a week for homework, she explained. Outside of work and school, Miller stays active. She enjoys rock climbing and hiking and mentioned Mt. Scott and Turner Falls as two of her favorite places to hike in Oklahoma. I usually just go with friends and family. Whoever wants to join me, she said. Miller plans to graduate from SSC this May. She will then continue her education in sociology at East Central University in Ada. She would ultimately like to become a Pediatric Cancer Therapist or a Juvenile Delinquent Therapist. Growing up, a lot of people helped me when I had trouble with my speech. I d like to help others, too, she concluded. The Seminole State COLLEGIAN is published during the fall and spring semesters by the Seminole State College Office of Media Relations, under the direction of Kristin Dunn. The staff reserves the right to edit submitted material for spelling and style. Consideration is given to all submitted material, but submission does not ensure publication. No anonymous material will be considered. All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Seminole State College. The COLLEGIAN is ed to SSC employees, students and friends of the college. Seminole State College, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and other Federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication is issued by Seminole State College as authorized by the President of the college. Questions and concerns can be directed to Kristin Dunn at (405)

4 PAGE 4 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN March 2017 It's Spring Break T ime! Spring Break is fast approaching and several Seminole State College students and employees shared their plans for the week-long break March Cynthia Cherry Homtown: Choctaw Freshman Major: Health, Physical Education, & Recreation Cynthia plans to go camping in the Rocky Mountains in Tennessee. She will also be getting a new tattoo. Grace Akkasirrskul Seminole Freshman Major: Athletic Training Over the break,grace plans to go hiking in Colorado. Natasha Rodgers Shawnee SSC Bookstore Director Every break since she can remember, she has shown animals or watched her family show in the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Ronnie Williamson Seminole SSC Upward Bound Advisor Ronnie will take his traditional spring vacation in Maui, Hawaii where he'll go whale watching and run the Leprechaun 5k. Robert Hanson Shawnee Sophomore Major: Art Robert will be going on a road trip through Dallas and Mississippi. Nick Lee Okemah Freshman Major: Social Sciences/ History/ Government Nick has been house hunting. During break he will choose a house and do some reconstruction and redecorating. Have suggestions or story ideas for the Collegian? Do you know someone who wants to be on our list? Let us know at k.dunn@sscok.edu!

5 CYAN March 2017 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN MAGENTA YELLOW PAGE 5 SSC Board of Regents Convene for February Meeting The Seminole State College Board of Regents convened on February 16 for their monthly meeting. At their February meeting, the Board awarded tenure to a faculty member and approved a finance and lease agreement resolution with the SSC Educational Foundation for a new baseball complex. During the President s Report to the Board, Dr. Jim Utterback gave an update on recent campus activities and events, including Higher Ed Day at the Capitol, the Trojan Baseball Season Kick-Off Banquet and several student organization activities. Under the first item of business, the Board granted tenure to Jarrod Tollett, Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Subsequently, in accordance with Board policy, Tollett will be promoted to Associate Professor status. Tollett began teaching at SSC as an adjunct instructor in 2001 and was hired as a full-time faculty member in Tollett teaches physics, astronomy, physical science, engineering and mathematics courses at the College. He holds a Bachelor of Science Professor of Mathematics, was granted tenure during the College s Board of Regents Meeting Thursday afternoon. Pictured, left to right, are President Dr. Jim Utterback, Board Chair Leesa Adams, Tollett, and S.T.E.M. Division Chair Dr. Linda Goeller. in Physics and a Bachelor of Art in ter of Education in Secondary EduHistory from East Central Universi- cation from ECU. ty in Ada. Tollett also earned a MasUnder the next item of business, the Board approved a resolution to enter into a finance and lease agreement with the Seminole State College Educational Foundation for the development and construction of a new baseball complex. The new baseball field and facilities will not only provide the College s nationally-recognized baseball program with a state-of-the-art facility, but will benefit the community as well. The new complex can be used to attract games and tournaments throughout the state and beyond, bringing in potential tourism dollars to local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. This agreement will allow the SSC Educational Foundation to develop a financing plan for this project and proceed with construction with the understanding that the College will lease the facility upon completion. Board members present at the February meeting were: Chair Leesa Adams, Bryan Cain, Marci Donaho, Curtis Morgan, and Ray McQuiston. The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March, Former Trojans Return Home for Baseball Banquet Special guest speaker Nick Blackburn former Minnesota Twins pitcher and past Trojan player speaks to the crowd about his experiences playing Major League Baseball during the annual Trojan Baseball Kick-Off Banquet on Feb. 4. During the banquet, SSC Head Baseball Coach Dax Leone, Myers children Jake Myers and Stacey Melton and SSC Assistant Baseball Coach James Martin present Eric Myers jerseys for the retirement of #31. Myers was a former player, assistant coach and head coach for the Trojans. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 37 after a long battle with brain cancer. BLACK

6 CYAN PAGE 6 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN MAGENTA YELLOW March 2017 NASA Indian Taco Sale SSC Student Activities Photos by SSC Student Sunny Weddle Magician/Comedian Dewayne Hill BLACK

7 CYAN DATE LINE, March 2017PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HERE SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN A Day with the Eagles NASA students also learned about the mandate to rescue. The eagles at the CPN Aviary had all suffered debilitating injuries. NASA had the privilege of a personal visit with a Golden Eagle suffering from an eye-sight disability. Mayanabe s (Potawatomi for He sees poorly ) disability was caused by lead poisoning. While enjoying Mayanabe s company, NASA noticed the eagle s perked feathers. The aviary employees informed the students that this was a positive reaction to the group s aura. They further explained that he was comfortable and did not feel threatened. The CPN Aviary doesn t only care for eagles. Another raptor that has flown into the Aviary s care is a Peregrine Falcon. Thomoyake Comanche for Thunder, or literally The Heavens are Singing was given up by her previous falconer owner. NASA enjoyed over an hour of educational conversations with the aviary staff and wind-blown experiences with the eagles. In Potawatomi origin stories, the Eagle intercedes with the Creator to save humankind. To Natives, the MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK PAGE 7 Eagle also represents protection of prayers to the heavens. For more information, you can contact the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary by phone at , ext.1496 or visit their website at SSC student Sunny Weddle visits the CPN Aviary where she views the Golden Eagle named Mayanabe. By Sunny Weddle, SSC Staff Writer Members of the Seminole State College Native American Student Association (NASA) recently took a trip to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary and had an upclose experience with eagles living under special care. The CPN Aviary offers homes to injured eagles, and is also a source for cultural ceremonial events. The facility also opens opportunities to reconnect tribal members with the living eagle. During the trip, NASA members admired a gathering of Bald Eagles within the architecture of the main enclosures. The facility is the first of its kind to incorporate culturally significant elements into the facility design. The architecture focuses on practices to provide the eagles with permanent homes in an environment that replicates a portion of the eagle s wild habitat. Pictured (l-r), SSC students Sunny Weddle and Thomas Walters, along with CPN employees Mindee Duffell, Bree Dunham, Ethan Huff, Tesia Zeintek, and Jennifer Randell, view the Golden Eagle Mayanabe inside the CPN Eagle Aviary reception room

8 PAGE 8 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. March GOES 2017 HERE SSC Hosts Second Annual Chili Bowl Cook-Off The Seminole State College Art Club recently held their second annual fundraiser a Chili Bowl Cook-Off where the organization raised close to $700. Dana Alsbrook was announced as the winner and was presented with a traveling trophy for her entry To Bean or Not to Bean? Proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to fund student field trips to art museums and to bring in visiting artists to the SSC campus. SSC student and employee volunteers organize each entry and prepare to serve the chili to hungry guests. Pictured (l-r) are Cindy White, Jessica Lorance-Hawkins, Destiny Donaldson, Lynette Atchley, Ashley Cole and Meagan Livingston March SSC Baseball 3 Western Oklahoma State College 4 Western Oklahoma State College 5 1:00 PM vs. Western Oklahoma State College 8 TBA vs. Hutchinson (KS) Game played at Oklahoma Christian 11 TBA vs. Arizona Spring Break Games March 11th-18th 21 2:00 PM vs. Murray State College 23 6:00 PM vs. Oklahoma Christian 28 Neosho County (KS) Game Neosho County (KS) 30 Oklahoma Christian Game Oklahoma Christian Aaron Alsbrook accepts a trophy from SSC Assistant Professor of Art Angela Church on behalf of his wife Dana Alsbrook, who was announced this year s Chili Bowl Cook-Off winner. March SSC Softball 3 3:00 PM vs. Allen County (KS) Game 2 vs. Allen County (KS) 4 2:00 PM vs. Grayson College Game 2 vs. Grayson College 7 2:00 Eastern Oklahoma State Game Eastern Oklahoma State 9 2:00 PM vs. Carl Albert State College 4:00 PM vs. Carl Albert State College 21 2:00 Northern Oklahoma - Tonkawa Game Northern Oklahoma - Tonkawa 23 2:00 Northern Oklahoma - Enid Game Northern Oklahoma - Enid 25 2:00 Murray State College Game Murray State College 28 2:00 PM vs. Western Oklahoma State 4:00 PM vs. Western Oklahoma State 30 2:00 PM vs. Rose State College Game 2 vs. Rose State College