Seminole State College

Collegian

Seminole, Oklahoma • Volume 36 • Number 6 • March 2008

Local Group Attends Higher Education Day at Capitol A large delegation of campus and community leaders representing Seminole State College attended “Higher Education Day” at the State Capitol, Wednesday, Feb. 27. The event, sponsored by the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma, is held annually to demonstrate grass-roots support for Higher Education funding. A morning session was held in the chamber of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Speakers included HEACO President

Katherine Jones, Oklahoma State System for Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Glen Johnson, Oklahoma State House of Representatives Speaker of the House Chris Benge, and Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins. SSC freshman Larry Morgan Jr. of Hartshorne was selected as one of three students from across the state to make comments from the House floor about the value of higher education. Higher Education Day

activities included office visits with area legislators at the Capitol. A luncheon hosted by the College on the second floor of the Capitol was attended by Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor, Senator Harry Coates (R-28), Senator Richard Lerblance (D-7), Senator Charlie Laster (D-17), Representative Ryan Kiesel( D-28), Representative Danny Morgan(D32) , Representative Dale Turner (D24), Representative Brian Rennegar (D-17) , and Representative Terry Harrison (D-18). Group Photo: State leaders joined members of Seminole State College’s delegation to Higher Education Day for a photo on the Capitol steps. Pictured from left to right are: (Row 1) - Ashley Greene, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Dr. Rebecca Kennedy; (Row 2) - Jessica Burch, Jalisa Miles, Brooke Belles, Siah Scott, Rep. Ryan Kiesel and Rep. Danny Morgan; (Row 3) – Cole Germann, Brook Bailey, Mona Ridley, Stephanie Pollock, Larry Morgan, Dr. Jim Utterback, Sen. Harry Coates and Sen. Charlie Laster; (Row 4) – Cindy Guinn, Marta Osby, Edie Cathey, Sarah Rooney, Raven Campbell, Andi Hawkins, Kim Parks, Taylor Wassam, Tyler Crabtree and Sen. Richard Lerblance; (Row 5) – Cody Barlow, Tonya Dillard, Brett Gowdy, Kyler Johnson, Matt Smith, Luke Yates, Dr. Donna Hardin and Marci Donaho; (Row 6) – Larry Smith, Tina Jones, Brenda Cates, Jessica Schimmel, John Tonubbee, Harrel Kennedy and Jim Hardin; (Row 7) – Sheryl Noey, Carlos Sanchez, Terry Spencer, Nyree Cunningham and Melvin Moran; (Row 8) – Mark Schell, Katherine Benton, Kenny Pryor, Chris Lindley and Brad Walck; (Row 9) – Larry Morgan, Sr., Teresa Morgan, Karel Brewster, Rev. Gary Wilburn, Jenny Morgan, Kenneth Henderson, David Wilson and Lana Reynolds.

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Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ March 2008

Seminole Native Belles Named Seminole State Homecoming Queen

The 2008 SSC Homecoming Court - Front Row (l to r): Crown Bearer Ocean Thunder and Flower Girl Emily Ridley. Second Row (seated l to r): Andi Hawkins, LaNikia Barnett, Jalisa Miles, Cedar Shirey, Brooke Belles, Jessica Burch, Alexis Lopez and Cassie Beene. Third Row (standing l to r): Blake Gentry, Chris Conway, Larry Morgan Jr., Jewell Rider III, Cody Barlow, Garrett Steinmetz, Joe Ikhinmwin and Ky Burgess.

Seminole native Brooke Belles was crowned the 2008 Seminole State College homecoming queen during the half-time of the men’s basketball game against Redland Community College on Thursday. Belles is a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the President’s Leadership Class, and plans to major in nursing. She is the daughter of Kim and Andy Belles. She was escorted by Cody Barlow of Hartshorne. The engineering student is the son of Clyde and April Barlow. Eight candidates were vying for the title. Jessica Burch from Conyers, Ga. and Shawnee native Cedar A. Shirey tied for first runnerup. Burch, an education major, is the daughter of Ruben and Vanessa Burch. She is involved in Student Government Association (SGA) and CAB. She was escorted by Garrett Steinmetz of Apache. The life science student is the son of

Tom and Lanita Steinmetz. Cedar A. Shirey of Shawnee is the President of the Native American Student Association and is a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta. The art major is the daughter of Carl and Jana Jacobs. She was escorted by Jewell Rider III of Shawnee. Other ladies competing for the title were Alexis Lopez of Miami, Fl., and Seminole natives Lanikia Barnett and Cassie Beene. Lopez is a member of the Trojan volleyball team and is a member of the SGA and International Club. The art major is the daughter John and Cindy Lopez. She was escorted by Joe Ikhinmwin. The business student is from London and is a member of the Trojans’ basketball team. Barnett is the daughter of Henry and Fredricka English. She is active in the SGA and is a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee for the SSC Self-Study Accreditation Project and she plans to major in nursing. Her escort was

Chris Conway, also a Seminole native. He is the son of Freeda Conway. Beene is active in SGA and is a member of the Trojan softball team. The sports medicine student is the daughter of Rusty and Debra Beene. She was escorted by Ky Burgess. The Broken Arrow business student is the son of Susan and Kyle Burgess. Also vying for the title were Andi Hawkins from Prague and Jalisa Miles of Wewoka. Hawkins, an education major, is a member of CAB and is an assistant manager for the Belles basketball team. She is the daughter of Rick and Kathy Hawkins. She was escorted by Blake Gentry of Pocola. The HPER major is the son of Mark and Marsheilah Gentry. Miles is a member of the President’s Leadership Class. The nursing student is the daughter of Louis Henderson. She was escorted by Larry Morgan Jr. of Hartshorne. The pre-law student is the son of Teresa and Larry Morgan Sr. The queen and first runnerups were presented plaques by Student Government Association President Justin Huff. The sophomore accounting student from Prague is the grandson of Cheryl Dukes and the late Gene Dukes. Flower girl for the homecoming ceremony was 6year-old Emily Ridley. She is the daughter of SSC Human Resources Director Mona Ridley and David Ridley. Crown bearer for the ceremony was Ocean Thunder, the 8-year-old-son of Cedar Shirey and Jewell Rider III. Seminole State College’s homecoming is sponsored by the Student Government Association. SGA’s sponsor is SSC counselor Cynthia Yerby.

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Homecoming 2008 February 21

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Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ March 2008

SSC’s Chapter of Kappa Delta Sigma Hosts Creative Writing Workshop

Nathan Brown addresses a group at a recent SSC workshop.

The SSC chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) English Honor Society, sponsored the creative writing workshop, “Ground Zero: From Pen to Paper,” with author and artist Nathan Brown on February 7. The two-hour event focused on techniques to tap into one’s creative force, whether writing fiction or non-fiction. Brown, a professor at

the University of Oklahoma, is a published poet, photographer, and musician. His mission is to “take back poetry from the hard grip of academia and the depressed, beretsporting-Village-types who use poetry for personal therapy... both good reasons audiences for poetry have run for the hills.” His latest poetry books include Ashes Over The Southwest, Suffer The Little Voices

(a finalist for the 2006 Oklahoma Book Award), and Not Exactly Job (a 2007 release and finalist for the 2008 Oklahoma Book Award). As a follow-up to the workshop, Brown will return to SSC to read from his work. For more information on Brown’s work, visit his website at http://brownlines. com. Attending the workshop were: Scott Cave, Ed Cave, Jenny Crelia, Darletta Hinds, Holly Fipps, Ginger Little, Rayshell and Lloyd Palmer, and Kelli McBride. For more information about SKD or future events, contact faculty co-sponsors, Kelli McBride ([email protected]) or Rayshell Palmer ([email protected]). SKD is preparing it’s annual Spring initiation ceremony (April 17th in the Haney Center Foundation Hall), and the SSC literary/art anthology The Muse.

Seminole State Installs Siren Warning System on Campus Seminole State College will give its first test of a new siren warning system on March 7. SSC has taken another step to address campus security efforts. With the presents of natural disasters and in wake of many tragic events on campuses across the country, the College has purchased a Whelen siren to help notify the campus in the event of an emergency. The siren can be heard all over campus - three-fourths to a one mile radius, depending on weather conditions. The siren has five different warning sounds that can be used to alert the campus about different emergency situations. “Since we are about to enter tornado season, we will be able to alert the campus of weather or

other events,” said Campus Police Development Coordinator Dan Factor. Factor stated that the system also includes a live microphone, which will allow police to direct people in the event of an emergency. On Feb. 22, the siren was installed in the center of the campus, near the campus pond. The siren was installed in two days in three phases. First the equipment was placed and then a crane was brought to raise the pole. Lastly, the siren was programmed and a digital control box was given to the campus police station to operate the system. The siren was set up by Safteycom, the company responsible for installing Oklahoma City’s warning system - one of the largest

warning systems in the United States. As part of the siren’s maintenance and to acquaint the campus with the system, a testing alarm will take place every Friday at noon. The siren warning will last approximately 30 seconds; however, the first test on March 7 may last slightly longer. “We feel this system is a great investment. Tragic events such as Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech remind us of how important response time is to events. This siren will allow us to reach the campus instantly and keep everyone aware of events during a natural disaster or emergency situation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Brad Walck.

Marketing Committee Hosts a Sweet HLC Self-Study Kick-Off

Members of the SSC Marketing and Communications Committee for the SSC Higher Learning Commission Self-Study accreditation project take a minute to pose for a picture

Step 1: Grab a HLC Candy Bar

James and Joy Blanton Winners of a SSC gift basket

during Thursday night’s homecoming festivities. The group passed put more than 100 candy bars wrapped with facts about SSC’s Self-Study project and how the accreditation process affects

student, staff and the community. Pictured are: (seated) Yashanda Scruggs, (standing - l to r) Teresa Norman, Mechell Downey, Marie Dawson, Edith Cathey and SelfStudy Chair Pam Koenig. Committee member Jon Bartos was unavailable to be included in the photograph. While enjoying their sweets, attendees had a chance to view the newly launched SSC Self-Study website. Additionally, prizes and other sweet treats were given away at the event. This was the kick-off event to promote awareness of SSC’s SelfStudy program, a voluntary peer review process that ensures the quality and integrity of SSC’s programs and services. For additional information about SSC’s Self-Study, visit the College’s website at www.sscok.edu/ HLC.htm.

Step 2: Read the information on the candy wrapper about our self-study

Step 3: Pick up a prize if you had a winning sticker

Brent Jackson, President Utterback and Clark Byrum Winners of a gift basket (Jackson) and $100 ( Byrum) !!!!!

The SSC Self-Study website is up. Please visit the site at www.sscok.edu/HLC.htm. for the latest information on the project!

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Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ March 2008

Seminole State Regents Convene for March Board Meeting

Seminole State College President Dr. Jim Utterback (left) congratulates nursing instructor Donna Chambers on being granted tenure at the February meeting of the SSC Board of Regents. Also pictured are Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rebecca Kennedy and Board Chairman William Harrison, Jr.

The Seminole State College Board of Regents convened Feb. 13 for their monthly meeting. The SSC Board heard reports on campus activities, and approved comparable room and board fees for the next academic year. During the President’s Report, Dr. Utterback gave an update on the success of the Trojan Baseball Season Kick-Off Banquet and Alumni Reunion, and presented a summary of progress by committees preparing for the Higher

Learning Commission visit. The Board then reviewed and approved their first action item on the agenda - a request to increase room and Board fees by seven percent for the next academic year. Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Katherine Benton presented information to the board that showed the proposed increase in fees to be comparable to those implemented by several other peer institutions. Next, the Board approved a request to grant tenure for nursing

instructor Donna Chambers. Chambers is a registered nurse and has taught nursing courses for Seminole State College since 1989. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma. She is actively involved in and serves on several campus committees including the Faculty Senate, Scholarship Committee, Assessment of Student Learning Committee, and the Service Learning Committee. The final action item was the approval of an employee retirement incentive program for the next academic school year. The program helps the College prepare for the retirement of employees in key positions and stabilizes institutional finances through potential net savings in personnel costs. Board members present at the meeting included: Chairman Harrison, Jon Flowers, David Wilson, Roger Nansel and Marci Donaho. The SSC Board of Regents’ next meeting is scheduled for March 27.

Support the Belles and Trojans! March 6-9 the 2008 Oklahoma Propane Dealers NJCAA Region II Championship Basketball Tournament will take place at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Noble Complex. The Belles play on Thursday, March 6 at 8 p.m. against Connors and the Trojans on Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. against Carl Albert. Check with SSC’s Athletic Department at (405) 382-9541 for additional information.

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Morgan Attends Nigh Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City

Pictured (l to r): U.S. Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK-2nd District), Morgan and former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh.

Seminole State College student Larry Morgan of Hartshorne was one of 32 Oklahoma college and university students selected to attend the Nigh Institute Leadership Conference recently held in Oklahoma City. Morgan received a 2008 George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship through the Nigh Institute program funded by the Oklahoma Legislature.

During the leadership academy, students visited with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as attended sessions concerning Oklahoma’s local government, government relations, the national election, public policy, and Oklahoma’s economic future. “It was exciting to see and hear about the growth and development of the state,” said

Morgan. “I left inspired.” The students also had time to enjoy some of Oklahoma City’s numerous attractions. They toured the FBI headquarters, the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Center and attended the “State of the State” address. Morgan said he was particularly touched during his visit to the bombing memorial when he reflected on the young lives that were taken. In addition, the group had the opportunity to attend briefings from the Oklahoma Supreme Court, House of Representatives and Senate. Morgan, a freshman business and pre-law student, is active in several campus groups and volunteers for many service projects. He is a member of the Campus Activities Board, the President’s Leadership Class and works in the Student Support Services office.

What the latest news about SSC? Visit us on the web at

www.sscok.edu

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 Yashanda Anderson Scruggs. 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 distributed on the SSC campus and mailed to over 200 friends of the college. Seminole State College, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 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, printed by the SSC Print Shop, is issued by Seminole State College as authorized by the President of the college. At a cost of $280; 1,000 copies have been prepared and distributed. Questions, concerns, can be directed to Yashanda Scruggs at (405) 382-9525.

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Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ March 2008

Seminole State College Softball 2008 Regular Season Schedule Head Coach: Mark Dicus Assistant Coaches: Carlos Sanchez & Kristina McSweeney Student Assistant Coach: Keith Gunter

Day Fri/Sat Fri/Sat Mon Sat/Sun Tue Thur Fri Sat Wed Fri-Sun Tue Wed Tue Thur Sat Thur Tue Fri/Sat Tue Thur Sat Mon Tue Sat Fri-Sun

Date Opponent Feb. 8-9 Galveston Tournament Feb. 15-16 Blinn College Festival Feb. 18 Texarkana College Paris Junior College March 1-2 Eastern Okla. State Tournament March 4 Paris Junior College Rose State College * March 6 Eastern Oklahoma State * March 7 Texarkana College Coffeyville C.C. March 8 Crowder College Rose State College * March 12 Connors State * March 14-16 Wallace State Tournament March 18 Wallace State C.C. March 19 North Florida C.C. Florida C.C. - Jacksonville March 25 Carl Albert State College * March 27 Western Oklahoma State * Murray State March 29 Northern Oklahoma - Tonkawa * April 3 Eastern Oklahoma State * April 8 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M * April 11-12 Seminole State Tournament April 15 Connors State * Murray State April 17 Carl Albert State * April 19 Western Oklahoma State * April 21 Crowder College April 22 Northern Oklahoma - Tonkawa * April 26 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M * Coffeyville C.C. May 2-4 NJCAA Region II Softball Championship











* Denotes Conference Contests



Location Galveston, TX Brenham, TX Texarkana, TX Paris, TX McAlester, OK Seminole Seminole Seminole Seminole Seminole Seminole Midwest City, OK Warner, OK Hanceville, AL Hanceville, AL Madison, FL Jacksonville, FL Seminole Seminole Seminole Tonkawa, OK Wilburton, OK Seminole Seminole Seminole Tishomingo, OK Poteau, OK Altus, OK Neosho, MO Seminole Miami, OK Coffeyville, KS



Time TBA TBA Noon/2:00 6:30/8:00 TBA Noon/2:00 6:30/8:00 2:00/4:00 1:00/3:00 6:30/8:00 Noon/2:00 6:30/8:00 4:00/6:00 TBA 1:00/3:00 Noon/2:00 6:00/8:00 2:00/4:00 1:00/3:00 6:30/8:00 2:00/4:00 2:00/4:00 6:00/7:30 TBA 12:00/2:00 6:30/8:00 2:00/4:00 Noon/2:00 2:00/4:00 2:00/4:00 Noon/2:00 6:30/8:00

HallofFameStadium OklahomaCity,OK



Gate Admission for Home Games: $4.00-Adults, $2.00-Students Season Tickets Available to All Seminole State Athletic Events See more information at www.sscok.edu