Connection - October 2023

CONNECTION A Publication of Connors State College

October 2023

CSC Ag Students Return to Western Heritage Day with Oklahoma School for the Blind

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CONNORS STATE COLLEGE WARNER CAMPUS 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469 THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St. E MUSKOGEE, OK 74403

ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Chris McBeath VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

CONNECTION CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Krystle Lane Derotha Rivenbark Matthew Harmon Sierra Spencer Reagan Robinson Richard Benge

October 2023

FEATURE

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CSC Ag Students Return to Western Heritage Day with Oklahoma School for the Blind

CAMPUS LIFE

CSC Students Participate in Muskogee WISH Walk Students vs Staff Softball Game CSC Community Celebrates Release of Robbie Robertson’s Book, The Seven Anomaly

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EDUCATION

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Advance Your Career At Connors State College With Oklahoma Reach Higher

SPOTLIGHTS

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Student Spotlight: Sierra Spencer Alumni Spotlight: Teresa Dorsett ('87)

ATHLETICS

Cowboy & Cowgirl Soccer Athletes Earn Regional and National Honors 2023-2024 Men’s Basketball Preview 2023-2024 Women’s Basketball Preview

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Cover Photo: Connors State Students Help With Activities at OSB’s Western Heritage Days Event

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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, nation 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. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, crime statistics for both the Warner and Muskogee campuses may be reviewed at http://connorsstate.edu/asr. This publication was printed by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College & 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.

FEATURE

Connors State Ag Students Return to Western Heritage Day with Oklahoma School for the Blind Connors State College and the Oklahoma School for the Blind came together for a remarkable day filled with adventure and camaraderie during the annual Western Heritage Day in Haskell. The event, hosted at the Silver Spur Ranch & Lodge, aimed to provide students from the Oklahoma School for the Blind with an educational and authentic cowboy experience, breaking barriers and opening up new horizons for the young participants.

Students from the Oklahoma School for the Blind were paired with college students from Connors State, setting the stage for a day of exploration and personal growth.

One of the standout participants of the day was Macey Millar, a student from the Oklahoma School for the Blind. Macey's enthusiastic spirit and determination to

embrace challenges demonstrated the core values of this unique event. Despite her visual impairment, she eagerly tackled various activities, shattering preconceived notions about what individuals with visual impairments can achieve.

"I like that we get to do stuff that we are often told 'No, you can't do because you're blind' or 'No, that's too dangerous for blind people," Macey explained with a smile. She noted her limited vision, which allowed her to see only silhouettes from a distance or intricate details up close.

Macey found an enthusiastic partner in Cole Denny, a student from Connors State College. Cole was impressed by Macey's determination to experience everything Western Heritage Day had to offer. "It's been really enjoyable. She's good to talk to and likes to do everything," Cole

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FEATURE

remarked, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and friendship that thrived throughout the day.

The day's activities offered a taste of the Wild West, both inside and outside the ranch's rustic buildings. From petting animals to carriage rides and horseback adventures, the students relished every moment. Macey shared her excitement about being on horseback, noting that it had been years since her last equestrian experience.

This wasn't Macey's first time attending Western Heritage Day, and she was thrilled to be back, reveling in the opportunity to step away from her regular school routine. "It was the best experience I have ever had coming here.

Don't get me wrong, I love going to school,

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but it's nice to take a break every once in a while," Macey explained with gratitude.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it resonated with all the students involved in the event. The event provided a diverse range of activities, from fishing to pony rides, stagecoach rides, and even a rock climbing wall. Jake Walker, Head Rodeo Coach at Connors State College, commented on the event, saying, "It's a time for them to be off campus, so it doesn't matter if you're 8 or 18; you always enjoy a field trip to get out of the normal routine of school." For both the OSB students and the Connors State College participants, Western Heritage Day left an indelible mark. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking boundaries and embracing challenges.

CAMPUS LIFE

CSC Students Participate in Muskogee WISH Walk Again this year, the Connors State community came together in a show of solidarity to support Women in Safe Home's annual 'Walk in her Shoes' event, dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence. The day began with a run from the Warner campus to the Muskogee Civic Center, featuring members of the CSC cross-country and baseball teams.

Center, emphasizing inclusivity. Amongst the speakers at the courthouse was Dr. Ronald Ramming, Connors State's President, who addressed the attendees, underscoring the institution's commitment to the organization.

For more information regarding WISH or the Walk-a-Mile event, visit their website at https://www.wishmuskogee.org/.

In Muskogee, non-runners also participated, starting from the Muskogee courthouse and walking to the Civic

CSC Campus Life Hosts Annual Students vs Staff Softball Game at Miller Family Field Connors State College Campus Life recently brought a wave of excitement to the campus with their much-anticipated Faculty vs. Staff softball game. This annual event is a highlight on the college's social calendar, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition among the college's employees and students.

outside the classroom or office, strengthening the bonds that make Connors State College feel like a family.

This year, the Students narrowly defeated the Staff 12-11 in a game that came down to the last at-bat.

The event was more than just a fun-filled softball game; it was an opportunity for the college community to come together

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CAMPUS LIFE

Connors State Community Celebrates Release of Robbie Robertson’s Book, The Seven Anomaly In the face of adversity and change, people often find unique and unexpected ways to express themselves and chase their dreams. One such inspiring story is that of Robert Robinson, who, under the pen name Robert Devon, transformed his life during the COVID-19 pandemic by venturing into the world of writing.

Despite working full-time in maintenance and custodial services for C&W, Robbie embarked on a remarkable journey to become an author.

Robbie Robinson, a Wagoner, Oklahoma native, is a loving husband to his wife Tia, and father of 9 to his children Nicole, Adriannannah, Dewantez, Anyayzia, Robert Jr, Orlandis, Jae’von, Tianna, and Jordan. Robbie has a passion for sports, Star Wars, Sci-fi, and comics. Like many people, he found his daily life transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The lockdowns and restrictions that accompanied the pandemic made Robbie realize that he needed to find a new way to spend his time, considering his outgoing and social nature. With YouTube as his initial escape, he stumbled upon a video that would change the course of his life. Robbie came across a video featuring a list of the ten best ways to make passive income. The video emphasized the idea that writing a book could be a one-time effort with the potential for endless rewards. This concept struck a chord with Robbie, who saw it as a brilliant way to channel his creativity and fill the void left by the pandemic's restrictions.

Inspired by this newfound purpose, Robbie began writing his first book, "The Seven Anomaly." His journey as an author began with a unique perspective. Halfway through the writing process, he faced

CAMPUS LIFE

writer's block. However, rather than giving up, this challenge became the catalyst for his creative expansion. As he struggled to overcome writer's block on his first book, he envisioned an even grander story for a second one.

To preserve his ideas, Robbie was determined to finish his first book before embarking on the second. It was this commitment that helped him break through the creative barriers, ultimately leading to the completion of his debut work. His dedication paid off when he submitted the manuscript to five different companies, and all five accepted it for publication.

"The Seven Anomaly" takes readers on a journey into a dystopian world set a hundred years in the future. The story revolves around a 17-year-old boy who awakens from cryostasis to discover that he must assemble a team to save Earth from various rogue entities, including

cyborgs, androids, and humanoid beings known as the Brood. Robbie's debut novel promises an action-packed adventure that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

CSC Libraries hosted Robertson for a reading and signing where members of the Connors State community could celebrate the book’s release.

His goal for "The Seven Anomaly" extends beyond the pages of his book. Robbie envisions his work becoming a household name, possibly even a TV show or movie.

The dream of seeing his story come to life on the big screen motivates him to continue his creative endeavors. In a world where many feel constrained by their jobs and routines, Robbie's determination to explore new horizons serves as a beacon of hope. His journey encourages individuals to take that leap of faith and explore their untapped potential.

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EDUCATION

Advance Your Career At Connors State College With Oklahoma Reach Higher The Reach Higher program, led by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, is designed to support adult students in completing their college degrees while managing the demands of work, family, and financial responsibilities.

This initiative, which began in 2007, caters to individuals who have earned some college credits but encountered obstacles in finishing their degrees due to personal restraints, such as full-time employment.

Initially, it was tailored for working adults with at least 72 college credit hours, enabling them to earn their baccalaureate degrees.

After three years, the initiative grew. In 2010, Reach Higher expanded its scope to include individuals with at least 18 credit hours, focusing on associate degrees to provide broader access to higher education for adult learners.

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An important milestone in the program's evolution occurred in November 2018 with the launch of "DirectComplete." This expansion offered more options for adult degree completion within critical occupational fields in Oklahoma, preparing students for high-demand careers.

The collaborative nature of the Reach Higher program is noteworthy. It involves partnerships between the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, workforce boards, businesses, tribal agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions like Connors State College.

This collaboration ensures adult students receive comprehensive support, including financial assistance and various services, to complete their degrees with minimal personal cost.

EDUCATION

Connors State College's involvement in this initiative underscores its commitment to making higher education accessible to individuals regardless of their life circumstances. By partnering with Reach Higher, Connors State College not only provides a pathway for adult students to complete their degrees but also aligns educational opportunities with Oklahoma's critical occupations list, strengthening the state's workforce.

This collaboration represents CSC's dedication to supporting educational access and attainment, reaffirming its status as a leading institution in this regard. The partnership between Reach Higher and Connors State College offers adult students a promising route to secure their futures and contribute to Oklahoma's thriving workforce. For more information about the Reach Higher program and opportunities at Connors State College, visit reachhigherok.org.

With Connors State College and Reach Higher by your side, completing your college degree while balancing life's demands just got smoother.

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SPOTLIGHTS Student Spotlight: Sierra Spencer (Elgin, Oklahoma) Sierra Spencer, a sophomore at Connors State College, is a student from Elgin, Oklahoma. Graduating high school in 2022, Sierra has fully immersed herself in campus life. She holds leadership roles in several organizations, including the President’s Leadership Class and Aggie Club. Additionally, she works in the Communications and Marketing division, specializing in photography and digital graphics. In her leisure time, Sierra enjoys socializing with friends, practicing photography, and cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Her future ambitions include completing her Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education at Oklahoma State University, with the ultimate goal of becoming a classroom agriculture teacher. Sierra's love for Connors State's close-knit community has led her to encourage prospective students to explore the opportunities available here.

“When I attended Aggie Day my freshman year of high school, I immediately knew this was where I wanted to come to college. I have got to make so many meaningful connections through my involvement with so many programs and I could not be more blessed. I highly recommend high school juniors and seniors look into Connors State College.

They will be surprised at what they can accomplish”.

Alumni Spotlight: Teresa Dorsett (‘87) Teresa's journey started with her graduation from Geary High School in 1985 before joining the Connors State Cowgirls Basketball team that next fall, setting the stage for a promising athletic career. She graduated from Connors in May 1987. Remarkably, she has continued to play basketball for over three decades, taking her skills across borders and states.

Teresa's ambitions extended beyond the basketball court. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from East Central University in May 1989. Her academic

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journey continued with two Master's degrees in Education from the University of Oklahoma, and she plans to pursue a Ph.D. starting in 2024.

Teresa's story took a significant turn as she dedicated over 25 years to serving her community, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, holding vital roles including Executive Director of Administration, Executive Director of Education, and Lieutenant Governor. She now serves as the Chief of Staff.

SPOTLIGHTS

Teresa's journey continues to inspire, with her dedication to addressing mental health issues in native communities and her active involvement in her children's youth sports. Her passion for uplifting native youth is evident in her work with UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) and SIPI (Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute). Teresa also served two terms as the President of the Oklahoma Council for Indian Education.

Beyond her professional achievements, she's a devoted mother to six children, including three adopted and two foster children.

On October 14th, Dorsett was inducted into the Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame, highlighting her achievements both during and after her time here at Connors State.

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ATHLETICS

Cowboy & Cowgirl Soccer Athletes Earn Regional and National Honors In an exciting first season for Connors State College's soccer programs, two standout athletes have earned national and regional recognition. Yaw Frimpong, a player on the men's team, scored four goals in just two games, securing him NJCAA National and Region 2 Player of the Week honors. "I feel great in receiving this recognition. I thank my teammates for putting me in position to score, so this award belongs to us all,” says Frimpong.

Taylor Moore from the women's soccer team received the Region 2 Player of the Week award after scoring 2 goals in matches against Crowder College and NEO A&M in late September, marking a significant achievement for both programs.

“I'm grateful for the recognition. It's a huge honor not only for myself but for my team and school,” added Moore.

“It’s exciting to have players that have

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performed so well and were able to stand out enough to earn these honors. With a first-year program, there are a lot of challenges and you want to look at the bright spots when results aren’t necessarily going your way. To see their hard work pay off makes it all worth it,” remarked head coach, Adam Skolnick.

ATHLETICS

2023-2024 Men’s Basketball Preview After an impressive 2022 campaign where they finished the year with a noteworthy 24-6 record, the 2023 season marks a significant transition for the Cowboys.

With only four players returning from the previous season, the team will have a fresh look. The infusion of incoming freshmen and transfers promises a dynamic and transformed roster. This changing of the guard provides an opportunity for new faces to make their

mark and success.

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Under the guidance of Hall of Fame head coach Bill Muse Sr., the Cowboys are wellpositioned to build upon the program's historical success. The 2023 season is brimming with potential, and fans can look forward to witnessing a new era in Cowboys' basketball as they aim to carry on the program's winning tradition.

2023-2024 Women’s Basketball Preview As the new season approaches, the Connors State College Cowgirls' basketball team is gearing up for an exhilarating year ahead. Building upon the successes of 2022, there's a sense of anticipation and optimism that they will continue to make strides this upcoming season.

Last year, the Cowgirls boasted an 18-12 overall record. Having lost only one sophomore from last year’s team, and with the majority of their key players returning and the invaluable experience gained last season, the Cowgirls are

poised to compete with the best that Region 2 has to offer.

One of the standout stories from the previous season was the emergence of Haitiana Releford. She not only set a new Connors State College record with a remarkable 46 points in a single game but also earned All-America Honorable Mention honors. Releford will look to improve upon her success last season and lead the Cowgirls to new heights in 20232024.

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PHOTOS

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PHOTOS

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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE 700 COLLEGE ROAD WARNER, OK 74469