Connection: Volume 4, Number 6

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C E L E B R A T I N G

W A R N E R

C O W C H I P

D A Y

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N PRESIDENT Dr. Tim Faltyn VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS Dr. Ron Ramming

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VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

CONNORS CONNECTION C O N T R I B U TO R S Dr. Ryan Blanton Wayne Bunch Von Castor Ami Maddocks Neil Myers Stacy Pearce Lindsey Taylor GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Morgan Cook Stacy Pearce E D I TO R S Cindy Anderson Ami Maddocks

Connors State College, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, 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 was printed and issued

by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College and Community Relations. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination or endorsement is intended by Connors State College.

CSC Receives Transformative $5 Million Grant Connors State College (CSC) was recently awarded a five-year Title III grant totaling $5 million from the U.S. Department of Education. Connors was one of only a few institutions in the U.S. to receive the entire $5 million. Other awarded institutions received less than half of that amount.

“Receiving this grant is likely the most transformative thing to happen to our campus since we opened campuses in Muskogee,” said CSC President Dr. Tim Faltyn.

Connors will use the funds to develop online and hybrid courses in various disciplines, develop comprehensive online support services, and to create a Native American Success and Cultural Center.

“We feel very honored to have received these funds,” said Dr. Ryan Blanton, Associate VP of External Affairs. “We are grateful for the trust the U.S. Department of Education has shown in us and are eager to begin changing the lives of our students for the better.”

CSC is a public, two-year community college located in the heart of Oklahoma’s Native American Nations in Eastern Oklahoma with campuses in Muskogee and Warner, Oklahoma. CSC’s sevencounty primary service area, totaling 4,563 square miles, is a predominantly rural area with high poverty rates (19.9% average), low incomes ($18,045 average), and low rates of educational achievement (only 15.6% of adults have a bachelor’s degree). Native Americans make up the largest minority group in the region, 23 percent of the total area population and 31percent of Connors’ student population.

“Improving our distance education offerings will make a huge difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Faltyn.

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONS “A large majority of our students drive 60 or more miles, one way, to attend classes.

Offering additional online classes will make it more convenient for students to complete their degree.”

Many of Connors’ students have work and family responsibilities. Forty-eight percent work and 53 percent are single parents. The online courses currently offered fill quickly, indicating students’ need for flexible class options.

Connors State College will use the funds to: • Develop online and hybrid courses in various disciplines. Hybrid courses are those offered in a combination of online and face to face meetings. This will increase curricular offerings for students in need of accessible, flexible course options. The college’s proposal includes comprehensive professional development for faculty, who will develop and pilot 35 courses for online delivery. In addition, six online/hybrid degree programs will be made available.

• Develop comprehensive online support services to boost the success of both online and traditional students. This will eliminate the need for students to come to campus to receive services such as financial aid assistance and advising.

Online support services will ensure all CSC students have around-the-clock access to the support they need to be successful.

• Create a Native American Success & Cultural Center to boost Native American student success, including supplemental instruction, academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and cultural resources. To further facilitate increased access to online courses and services for Native American students, Connors will equip an ITV classroom and computer lab at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

“We strive every day to make a difference in the lives of our students, faculty, staff and community,” said Faltyn. “The Title III grant helps us achieve this goal.”

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Connors outshoots OSU in Competition The Connors State College Shooting Sports Team outshot OSU in recent competition.

Members of the Connors team are (Row 1, Left to Right): Clayton Moubrey, Winterhawk Grimmett, Tyler Fletcher, Team Coach Robert Holtfreter, Korbin Reich and Danny Phillips.

(Row 2, Left to Right): Briley Cozad, Seth Willard, Jay Gilbertson, Miranda Harshbarger

Connors State College’s Shooting Sports Team finished 11th overall in the Fort Hays State University Sixth Annual Fall Intercollegiate Shoot, held September 20 and 21, beating Oklahoma State University by 15 targets. Connors finished tied for 8th in American Trap, 11th in Wobble Trap, 12th in American Skeet, and 10th in Doubles Trap.

Seth Willard and Jay Gilbertson led

the CSC team, each breaking 340 out of 400 targets overall. Gilbertson placed 4th in combined American and Doubles Skeet, posting an outstanding score of 98 out of 100.

On the women’s side, Miranda Harshbarger distinguished herself, finishing 3rd overall and taking second place in combined American and Doubles Skeet with a score of 92 out of 100.

Junior Aggie Day Brings Area FFA Members to Campus Nearly 270 eighth through tenth grade students from schools across Oklahoma recently competed in the Connors State College Jr. Aggie Day. Jr. Aggie Day offers an opportunity for high school ag students to hone their skills and compete in a variety of competitions.

“The high school students did very well,” said Debbie Golden, coordinator for the event. “Jr. Aggie Day provides a great opportunity to encourage their ag activities and to show them our campus and let them interact with our ag instructors.”

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Students competed in an Opening Ceremonies Contest, FFA Knowledge Quiz Bowl, Animal Science Quiz Bowl, Green Hand Written Quiz, Parliamentary Procedure and Equine Evaluation. Individual and/or teams were awarded in each category.

Tyler Fletcher additionally shot well, posting a 97 out of 100 in American Trap, finishing tied for 9th place in the discipline. Fletcher, Harshbarger, Danny Phillips, Willard, Briley Cozad, and Gilbertson all posted one or more perfect round throughout the competition. The CSC Shooting Sports Team travels next to St. Louis for the ACUI Central Midwest Conference Championship.

Rodeo team competes in Stillwater P O H L M A N , O G D E N A N D J AC K S O N E A R N OV E R A L L P L AC I N G S The Connors Rodeo Team competed Intercollegiate Rodeo Association bulls for the weekend. Taylor, from at a college rodeo held in Stillwater, (NIRA) Central Plains Region.

Canadian, Oklahoma, finished third in Oklahoma, and hosted by Oklahoma Sophomore Preston Ogden of the long round, and Macom, of Stigler, State University, October 9-11.

Quinton, Oklahoma, and CSC Oklahoma, finished fifth in the long Sophomore Meghan Pohlman finished Alumnus Clint Jackson (OSU) of round. first overall and was the women’s Warner, Oklahoma, placed second CSC alumni CJae Lenhart (Pittsburg breakaway champion for the weekend. overall in the team roping, finishing State) and Dylan Humphrey (NSU) The native Australian finished second second in the short round and second in were also point earners. William in the long go, second in the short go, the average.

Whayne (NWOSU) and Michael and first overall. Pohlman also placed Sophomore bull riders Kole Bowman, Edgmon (NWOSU) have also placed at in the breakaway roping the previous Jarod Shane Taylor, and Dakota Macom the college rodeos this fall. weekend at the college rodeo held in were all point earners. Bowman, of The last college rodeo for this Pratt, Kansas. After this weekend’s Wolco, Oklahoma, finished second semester will be October 30-November win, Pohlman is sitting atop the in the short round and second in 1 at Northwestern Oklahoma State breakaway standings for the National the average, covering a total of three University in Alva, Oklahoma.

Meghan Pohlman, Sophomore Gatton, Queensland, Australia

Preston Ogden, Sophomore Quinton, Oklahoma

Clint Jackson, Alumni Warner, Oklahoma CONNORS CONNECTION | 5

Westbrook inducted into oacc hall of fame Connors State College’s current President, Dr. Tim Faltyn, presents the college’s thirteenth President, Dr. Carl O. Westbrook, with a trophy recognizing Westbrook’s induction into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes the achievements of his extensive career in higher education.

Connors State College’s thirteenth president, Dr. Carl O. Westbrook, was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges’ Hall of Fame. Westbrook served as president from 1978 to 1994 and was the first Connors president to come to the position with presidential experience at the community college level.

Westbrook always dreamed of being a rancher, but as a student at Sam Houston State University he found this dream put on hold. World War II called him into service in the Navy before finishing his bachelor’s degree in 1948.

From there it was at the University of Houston where he would gain his master’s degree. On the way to achieving his Ph.D., he took the opportunity to travel. It was in South America that he was part of a United Nations’ effort to study education. He, with 19 other team members from Italy, India and Great Britain, studied the school system of Columbia, saying it was one of the most broadening educational experiences of his life.

Upon his return, in 1965, Dr. Westbrook, his wife Emily and their son Vincent, accepted a graduate assistantship with the department of Agricultural Education at Oklahoma State University and he began his doctoral studies in agricultural education. With his residence requirements satisfied at OSU, 6 | OCTOBER 2014

he accepted the position of Director of New Mexico Vocational Technical School in El Rito. In 1968 he was hired

by New Mexico State University to establish a branch campus in Grants, New Mexico. He served as head of this campus for four years before accepting a position as the Dean of Students and Professor of Higher Education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

One year later, in 1973, he was elected President of Lamar Community College in Colorado where he remained for five years before moving to Oklahoma as the President of Connors State College.

“It provided a great opportunity for our family to move to rural America,” remembers Westbrook. “We really enjoyed our time in Warner as a family.”

Westbrook was the thirteenth president of Connors State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. He came on board at a time when school funding was low and yet, during his 17 years as President, the college experienced tremendous growth in people, buildings and finances. Under his leadership the college’s recruitment efforts were intensified, campus beautification was continued and renovation projects were strengthened.

Westbrook’s passion for people can be seen in the programs he began – programs that focused on enhancing the lives of others. The nursing program

began and soon became one of the best in the region. An Agriculture Equine Program was developed to teach students the skills necessary to train horses. Programs in Service to the Aging and Child Development were added to teach students to care for the young and old alike.

Westbrook made a significant impact on his community. The love, passion and programs he offered to help others were a direct reflection of an individual who cared about people.

He made it his mission to reach out to the community. He developed a High School and Community Relations department to help others achieve their academic goals; and, an entertainment group was developed which allowed Connors students to travel throughout the state spreading the Connors mission and recruiting new students.

During his tenure, Connors’ branch campus in Muskogee became a reality.

Associate Degree program offerings were increased. Campus buildings were built or extensively remodeled. Intercollegiate sports programs were expanded to include women’s softball and men’s and women’s tennis. National basketball and livestock judging championships were achieved; and, he developed an efficient faculty, staff and administration structure that gave each individual a sense of partnership in all endeavors.

“One of the best things I remember about my time at Connors was being able to sustain a great staff and expanding the college into the city of Muskogee,” said Westbrook. “Building a new campus there was one of my highlights.”

Under his command, Connors acquired 1,316 acres of land south of Warner that includes farmland, wetlands and wildlife habitat and is used to this day to teach students the importance of rural life. He built a new library and administrative wing, which was later named after him and is now known as the Westbrook Library and Learning Center. Four months after Westbrook’s retirement from Connors, the Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents asked him to serve as the interim president of Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell.

Westbrook retired from OPSU in 1996.

“We are honored to continue the great work Dr. Westbrook started at Connors,” said CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “He has dedicated his life to teaching others and we are very grateful to have this opportunity to recognize a truly great leader.”

The Hall of Fame induction was designed to recognize the tireless commitment to improving higher education opportunities for all Oklahoma citizens, regardless of their wealth, heritage, or previous academic experience. Throughout his career, Westbrook has been a well-respected leader, admired by faculty, staff, students, and peers.

“It is a very special honor for me personally,” said Westbrook. “This is truly one of the highlights of my career.”

Handley Earns Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Connors State College student and Phi Theta Kappa Mu Chi member Amanda Handley was recently awarded the Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship. She is one of 200 recipients of the $1,000 award, which helps financially support students of community colleges.

“It is meant to buffer some of the expenses that can make continuing your education difficult,” said Handley. “This means, I can spend it on anything from tuition and books to rent or gas for transportation to get to class.”

Colleen Noble, Retention Specialist and Co-Advisor to Phi Theta Kappa, supported Handley during the application process, which began in March and included several essays, her biography, career goals and keeping up with all required documents. Students must have maintained a 3.5 GPA, have completed at least 12 college coursework hours and be a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

“I encouraged all the Mu Chi members to take the eligibility quiz for the Spring Common Scholarship and to apply if they were eligible. Amanda did all the hard work to complete the application,” said Noble.

Essays for the application included defending your stance on the viability of space exploration and the acceptability of visible tattoos and piercings in the workplace.

“In the last essay they wanted us to take the stance that tattoos and piercings should be integrated into the workplace, however I didn’t think I would be picked for this scholarship because I called the organization out,” said Handley. “They were being hypocritical.

At our conventions we are asked to wear business casual attire with no visible piercings or tattoos, so I wrote that you cannot expect change if they are unwilling to change themselves.”

Handley is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and has attended charitable events such as County Relay for Life and Mudstock. She is also the Vice President of Fellowship for the Mu Chi chapter.

“She is wonderful representative for Connors State College and Phi Theta Kappa,” said Noble. “Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious, and she will continue to excel in her leadership skills and educational goals at Connors and her senior level institution.”

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Connors Inducts third Athletic Hall of Fame Class Eleven former Connors State College athletes were inducted to the Third Annual Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 18, at the Muskogee Country Club.

Inductees included Mike Daniel (baseball), Pete Evans (football), Ed Hardeman (leadership), Harold Lackey (football), Monte Madewell (basketball), John Rodriguez (baseball), Carl Scott

(basketball), Carri Hayes Storts (basketball), Dan Sulivant (football), Sheree Johnston Vinson (softball), and John Whisenant (basketball).

“We are very excited about the third Athletic Hall of Fame Class, who have excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields of Connors State College,” said CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse. “The Connors State

Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy or Cowgirl who participated in CSC athletics. This is a well-deserving class.”

A reception was held at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony at 6 p.m.

Carl Scott

Carri Hayes Storts

Dan Sulivant

Ed Hardeman

Harold Lackey

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John Wisenant

Monte Madewell

Mike Daniel

Pete Evans

Sheree Johnston Vinson

Bill Huddleston, Emcee

Rowdy Morris, BCM Director

Dr. Tim Faltyn, President

Bill Muse, Athletic Director

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9-11

Students, faculty and staff at Connors State College gathered together on September 11, to remember those lost in the tragic terrorist attacks on that day thirteen years ago. Guest speaker, Tim Smith, who currently serves as The American Legion Department of Oklahoma Commander, encouraged the

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group to do their best every day and not just when tragedy strikes.

“As we move away from the 9/11 event in years, we sometimes forget the tragedy and loss of that day 13 years ago. I remember the fear that all Americans felt those first 24 hours as we waited to see what was going to happen next. I remember, as do many, exactly where I was and what transpired for the first few days and weeks after that,” said Mike Jackson, West Campus administrator and director of student affairs.

“Many of our students don’t know, or forget, the part that so many men and women in service play every day that allows them to go to class or whatever

they please without fear. They may not have had to pay the debt but others have for them. The price of freedom has never been free.”

Connors State College students were treated to a Blues & BBQ Cookout

by Sodexo Food Services and the CSC Student Activities department.

Sodexo, the food vendor for all CSC student cafeteria meals, wished to treat

students to something special and show off their new smoker at the same time. The outdoor event was held on the Fine Arts front lawn and Blues Musician Harley Hamm entertained.

COWBOYS

CONSERVE

CSC IMplements Oklahoma 20%x2020 Campaign Connors State College has officially launched an Oklahoma Facilities Energy Program 20%x2020 campaign called “Cowboys Conserve,” coinciding with the start of the 2014 fall semester.

The mission of Oklahoma Facilities Energy Conservation Program, 20%x2020, is to reduce the energy consumed in facilities owned or operated by the State of Oklahoma while maintaining a comfortable, productive building environment. Derived from the strategic objectives in Governor Mary Fallin’s 2011 Oklahoma First Energy Plan, 20%x2020 was established by Senate Bill 1096 in 2012.

This bill set a target goal of cumulative energy reduction in state buildings of not less than 20% from the 2012 fiscal year baseline by year 2020.

In compliance with the state energy conservation program, Michelle Boyd, CSC Budget and Contracts Agent and newly appointed Energy Manager, began filling out infrastructure information in late May of this year. Fast forward to September and Boyd says that the total support of the Connors State College leadership was crucial,

allowing she and CSC Controller Kim Ryals to launch several initiatives in support of their new program.

Boyd explained that, “I see the end goal to the college’s energy conservation and I am mapping a way to get there.”

Connors State has already made great strides in implementing that map in recent months.

Boyd worked with the college’s creative services office to develop an image and motto for the program that incorporates the school logo, and then announced the new program to faculty and staff at fall in-service. Ryals and Boyd have asked each department to count their current plug load to help them discover opportunities for conservation.

The college also recently launched an energy reduction competition that will award each faculty and staff member a fleece jacket with the new “Cowboys Conserve” logo after they earn four “green tickets”. These tickets are handed out during building walkthroughs to those staff members who are taking ownership of the program in their areas and promoting the values of the

20%x2020 program.

This particular incentive harnesses two key principles of social psychology, in addition to keeping people warm when the thermostat is set back this winter. The jacket winners should feel more committed to the program after choosing to wear the jacket and the trend of the new jackets on campus will create a sense of energy conservation as a social norm.

For now, Boyd continues to focus on getting Connors State’s background data entered into the state’s EnergyCAP tracking program. She is also working to implement everything she can to get the program fully launched before the spring’s busy budget season.

Her efforts seem to be working, as she notes that multiple people have already approached her proudly describing the part they are taking to reduce their energy usage on campus.

As 20%x2020 is implemented throughout Oklahoma, regular energy performance reports will be posted to www.ok.gov/20x2020.

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CSC's O'Quinn Recognized as Teacher of the Year The Muskogee Area Teachers Consortium is a group of more than 21 schools working together to improve education in the Northeast Oklahoma region by holding leadership seminars, fairs and competitions. The Muskogee Area Educational Consortium District Teachers of the Year Recognition, held at the ICTC building in Muskogee, included Robin O’Quinn, Division Chair of Communication & Fine Arts and Developmental Education from Connors State College.

“Mrs. O’Quinn’s greatest asset as a teacher is her dedication to our students,” said Julie Dinger, Interim Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs- Assessment and Curriculum, and Division Chair of Social Sciences.

“Mrs. O’Quinn will do whatever it takes

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to help our students succeed, and she understands just how important her role is in their academic journey.”

Dr. Ron Ramming, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, said O’Quinn helps new students who may be unequipped for college-level work.

“Mrs. O’Quinn has the gift of being able to reach her students and get them to perform to the best of their ability,” said Ramming. “She sets high expectations and holds the students accountable while providing the extra attention that some students need.”

Dinger said O’Quinn works to maintain contact with students while still keeping her teaching load each semester and is an enthusiastic supporter of many student activities at CSC.

“Students from across our campuses recognize her as a mentor, and perhaps more importantly, a trustworthy ally in their educational journey,” said Dinger.

O’Quinn has been teaching for 34 years and has been at CSC since 2011 and believes teaching is a privilege.

“Parents entrust me with their children, and students entrust me to assist them to achieve their educational goals,” said O’Quinn. “I have been blessed to be given this profession, and I take it very seriously.”

Rodeo Team Participates in Western Heritage Day The Connors State College Rodeo Team spent a day interacting with children from the Oklahoma School for the Blind during Western Heritage Days. Western Heritage Days is an event hosted by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association specifically for the Oklahoma School for the Blind.

The event, held at the Silver Spur Ranch Indoor Arena in Haskell, Oklahoma, offered the CSC Rodeo Team the opportunity to help with horseback and pony rides, stage coach

and wagon rides, mechanical bull riding, dummy roping, rock wall climbing, fishing and mentorships to the kids from the School for the Blind.

“We wanted to instill in our students the importance of giving back to the community, and this sounded like a great event,” said CSC Head Rodeo Coach, Jake Lawson. “It’s also a cause that touches us personally as we graduated a student from our horse program, Landon Edwards, who was an alumni of the School for the Blind.”

The CSC Rodeo Team became involved through a client of their horse program and father of a former rodeo student, Mr. Jack Bogart. Bogart serves on the leadership board of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and asked the CSC Equine Program to participate.

“Our students did a tremendous job bonding and looking after the students,” said Lawson. “It is a great event and we are very honored to have been a part of it.”

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Warner Cowchip Day Festival a Success On October 4, the Warner Chamber of Commerce hosted the 27th Annual Warner Cowchip Day Festival.

Numerous Connors State College student organizations helped make the event successful and the CSC float placed first in the annual parade.

Connors State College was this year’s featured sponsor, hosting the 5K Bull Run, while Stacy Pearce, CSC creative services specialist, designed the festival logo, t-shirt and posters.

The day began early with the Third Annual 5K Bull Run on the Warner

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Campus. More than 200 runners competed, taking advantage of the crisp morning weather.

“This is the first year it hasn’t been raining during the run,” said Dr. Ryan Blanton, executive director of the Connors Development Foundation.

“Rain or shine we are grateful for the support of all of our runners.”

The festival continued at Rogers Memorial Park where several Connors student groups and area organizations set up fundraising booths.

Festival goers enjoyed live music by

Lifeline and Fly County Coalition, great food, and an inflatable castle and slides for children.

The parade featured several entries from community businesses and organizations. The CSC cheerleaders handed out candy and balloons, taking first place in the parade float division.

“I am so proud of our students, faculty and staff who came out today and supported our community,” said CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “It’s that kind of commitment that makes Warner such a great place to live.”

CSC Hosts Colt Starting Challenge USA An awe-inspired crowd gathered at the Connors State College Fred Williams indoor arena to watch six expert horse trainers compete to gentle and ride six unbroken horses in just a few hours using Natural Horsemanship methods.

This exciting two-day event was sponsored by the Connors State College Equine and Rodeo program “It’s exciting to watch these guys gentle an unbroken colt,” said CSC Head Rodeo Coach, Jake Lawson. “The trainers will have a total of three and a half hours to train their horse enough to ride through an obstacle course.”

The horses in this event had never been saddled, bridled or ridden. On the first day the trainers had two one-hour sessions to work with their horses in their round pen. On the second day, they had two 45-minute sessions to work with their horses. The round pens were then removed from the arena, and each rider was given 15 minutes to ride their horse through an obstacle course.

The winner was awarded a buckle.

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Warner students visit connors state college A group of 4th – 12th grade students recently visited the Connors State College campus as part of a Math and Science Partnership Grant Warner Schools and Connors received from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The students learned how to measure a horse to determine its weight and how to test for particles in water.

While students benefited from the learning experiences, the program is aimed at the instructors, offering professional development of instructors to increase academic rigor in the STEM fields and create a connection between PK-12 and higher education.

“The Warner teachers were there to learn of specific lessons and activities that they could take back to their classroom and do innovative activities to increase their students’ interest and engagement in math and science,” said Robin O’Quinn, program coordinator at Connors State College. “The students came to observe, rather than participate, and then take the excitement and interest back in order to work in collaborative learning projects in their classrooms.”

Collaborations with local school districts is an important endeavor for Connors State College.

“We want to ensure that our communities realize how important they are to us. We value them and want to make sure we do what we can to create a unity that cultivates success. We as an institution are working to build bridges with our area schools to ensure that students begin to determine early what they want to pursue when they go to college not if they go to college,” said O’Quinn.

“Multiple opportunities are there for them to achieve the goals they dream about. We want to create a connection between PK-12 and higher education to have the best possible success for our students.”

Grady Speaks on Self-Esteem of Natives

Dr. Gary Grady, instructor in psychology at Connors State College, made presentations at two recent psychology conferences.

Dr. Gary Grady presented findings of his research on “Self-Esteem of Native American College Students” at a convention recently in Washington, D.C. 16 | OCTOBER 2014

Thirty percent of Connors’ students are Native American, and Grady spent five years gathering data from students in an effort to understand Native American self-esteem levels and the source of their sense of self-worth compared with nonNative students. He received a travel grant from the American Psychological Association to attend the convention, and he was invited by the Cultural Psychology Division of the APA. In September, Grady was on a panel at the annual conference of the Oklahoma Network of Teachers of Psychology

at Oklahoma State University that discussed best practices in teaching online classes. Grady, who teaches two online classes each semester at Connors in addition to his on-campus classes, shared his approaches to meeting some of the challenges they present.

A musician who performs regularly, Grady also sang two songs at the OSU conference that he wrote and uses to teach psychology — “The Psychology Psong” and “Freud Didn’t Start Psychology.” The songs are available on YouTube for classroom use.

Students & Community Participate in Program On Domestic Violence and Sexual Misconduct More than 250 Connors State College students and other guests gathered together on the Warner campus to talk about domestic violence and sexual misconduct. The growing number of cases being reported in the media of late offered a prime opportunity for CSC leadership to educate students and the public on this growing issue.

The issue of sexual misconduct and violence has become a major factor on college campuses. Many colleges and universities are being investigated for failing to adequately address the Title IX issues. All three major Oklahoma universities have had to address these issues with their respective athletic programs within the last year, and OSU is currently under investigation for its handling of an incident last year.

“For years we have had a culture in the United States where sexual assault was often tolerated and there was very little support for the victims of such crimes. This appears to be changing and in major ways,” said CSC Director of Student Services, Mike Jackson.

CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn, began the program by talking about a former student who was killed in an act of domestic violence.

“As the president Connors State College and a member of the Muskogee Community, I recognize the need for a change when it comes to Domestic Violence. The death of one of our students, Melinda Shatto, really opened

my eyes to this very issue and I wanted to be here today because this has become a personal passion of mine,” Faltyn said.

Participants watched a short video called, “Telling Amy’s Story,” about a Penn State student who was a victim of domestic violence. The film follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred on November 8, 2001.

The victim’s parents and co-workers, law enforcement officers, and court personnel share perspectives on what happened to Amy in the weeks, months, and years leading up to her death.

“I believe it needs to be noted that violence against women is more than cuts and bruises and broken bones.

Women who experience a traumatic event, such as domestic violence or sexual assault, often experience effects from the abuse like intrusive memories, flashbacks and generalized fear. These feelings jeopardize the quality of their life for years after,” said Jackson.

Following the video a panel of local experts and advocates in the field of domestic violence gave opening statements and answered questions about violence against women. Panelists included Muskogee District Attorney, Larry Moore, Muskogee Court Clerk and WISH Board Member, Paula Sexton, Women in Safe Home Executive Director, Evelyn Hibbs, Muskogee City Attorney, Roy Tucker, CSC Chief of Police, James Mendenhall, and Social Sciences Division Chair, Julie Dinger.

“Tonight’s event, and others like this, shows that we recognize the significant achievements that we have made in reducing domestic violence in America,” said Faltyn, “but we need to recommit ourselves to the important work still before us.”

Connors Hosts Area College Fair Hundreds of high school and college students packed the Melvin Self Field House on the Warner campus to explore their college options as part of CSC’s annual College Fair.

“Our College Fairs are a little different than most,” said CSC’s Recruitment Director, Logan Knapper. “As a two year college, we wanted to not only attract high school students to us, but we wanted to provide an opportunity for our students to meet with recruiters from four year universities.”

A majority of Connors’ students transfer to four-year universities after earning their associate’s degree in one of Connors many degree options. As one of the most economical institutions, Connors offers a wide range of classes and activities, at a reasonable rate, attracting nearly 3,000 students per semester.

Counselor Round-up A Success

Connors State College recently awarded 45 scholarships at their annual Counselor Roundup Event. The scholarships were given to participating counselors to award to a deserving student at their local school.

“Counselor Roundup is an event we host each year that allows us to meet face-to-face with counselors from local high schools,” said CSC Recruitment Director Logan Knapper. “It gives us a chance to communicate, build relationships and network with the counselors about Connors and what we have to offer to their students.”

This year’s event hosted 45 counselors who heard from keynote speaker Jose Dela Cruz, Coordinator for Academic Affairs Projects for the Oklahoma State 18 | OCTOBER 2014

Regents of Higher Education. Dela Cruz discussed the many benefits of concurrent enrollment, a program allowing high school juniors and seniors to take college level courses and get a jump start on their college career.

Counselors also participated in roundtable discussions where they met with different departments at Connors State College. These discussions focused on a wide range of topics designed to educate the counselors so they can, in turn, better help their students.

“It’s important for the counselors to know what we have to offer their students,” said CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “Counselor Roundup is a great way to educate them on our programs, services and community engagement.”

Cowboys Ranked #20 in Pre-season Poll The Connors State Cowboys are primed to defend their Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference championship from a year ago and the Sporting News College Basketball Yearbook magazine appears to agree.

The magazine’s national rankings have the Cowboys ranked No. 20 in the nation for the upcoming 2014-15 basketball season. It’s the second time in the past

four seasons that the Cowboys have been ranked by the national publication.

Connors posted a 23-7 record a year ago in the OCAC and reached the Region II championship game, falling in the title game in a five overtime battle.

“It’s nice to be ranked by the Sporting

News once again,” said Cowboys Head Coach Bill Muse. “We have a lot of work yet to be done to deserve such recognition. Only time will determine if we deserve that kind of ranking.

“I know our kids will work hard to live up to the pre-season poll,” said Muse.

Pearce honored for design & photography

Just a few weeks apart, Stacy Pearce, Connors State College Creative Services Specialist and agricultural communications instructor, earned honors for her graphic design and photography entries at two separate conferences.

Pearce took grand prize in the “Stockyards Safari” photo competition during the Ranch House Designs Agricultural Marketing and Photography Workshop in Fort Worth, Texas. Her winning entry featured colorful dream catchers, shot during the workshop’s tour of the historic stockyards. RHD, the presenting agricultural marketing company, along with renowned Houston photographers “Luke & Cat” selected 12 finalists from entries submitted by more than 40 conference attendees. The field

was then narrowed to the top three before the grand prize entry was announced via the company’s social media accounts.

The Connors 105 Campaign logo, a project Pearce completed for the Connors Development Foundation, received Honorable Mention in the logo category at the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association awards competition in Quapaw, Oklahoma, which featured entries from public and private higher education institutions across the state.

With 704 submissions in 38 categories, OCPRA set a record for the largest number of entries in the awards competition with an average of 19 entries per category. Judges for the competition are selected from out-of-state public relations and communications professionals not associated with the organization.

“I am honored to have my work selected for these awards by industry experts,” said Pearce. “I have a passion for graphic design and photography, so working in this capacity for Connors is a perfect fit.”

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CONNORS CONNECTION | 19

Monte Madewell Monte Madewell began his coaching career in 1971 at Berryhill High School as an assistant coach. He then moved to Haskell High School serving as assistant coach before taking over as head coach where he posted a 113-26 record in five seasons. He began an outstanding junior college coaching career in 1979.

During his 20 years as head coach of the Connors State Cowgirls, Madewell amassed an 82 percent winning percentage posting a record of 547-121, which resulted in more than 27 wins per year. He coached 17 NJCAA All-Americans, many Academic All-Americans and two National Players of the Year. His teams were perennial contenders for the Region II championship and won an NJCAA National Championship in 1985 and finished runner-up in 1989.

Madewell was inducted into the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame and Oklahoma High School Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002.

In all, Madewell led the Cowgirls to eight Region II and Bi-State Conference championships and eight appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament.

The Cowgirls also obtained the No. 1 ranking in the NJCAA basketball poll

during seven different seasons.

Madewell’s teams post 73 straight home victories from November 1982 to February 1990. It was during his eight-year stretch that Madewell led the Cowgirls to a 103-2 record.

In 1985 he was selected as the NJCAA Coach of the Year and coached the NJCAA All-Star Game. His career record for the only two head coaching jobs that he held was 660-147.

Madewell served as Connors State College’s Athletic Director for 21 years and as the NJCAA Region II Director for eight years. He retired from Connors in 2001 before becoming the Superintendent of Warner Public Schools, retiring in 2012.

Madewell and his wife Susan, a former Cowgirl and retired elementary teacher, live on Fort Gibson Lake. They have a daughter, Mindy, also a former Cowgirl, who lives in Tahlequah with husband Nick Baker, along with three children, and a son Martin and wife Ashley, who reside in Tulsa with their daughter Saylor.

Madewell was inducted into the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 18, 2014.

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