A Publication of Connors State College
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CSC Hosts Annual Chirstmas Dinner and Concert
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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE WARNER CAMPUS
700 College Road Warner, OK 74469
Inside this issue VOLUME 10, NUMBER1
THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS
2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403
ADMINISTRATION PRE S I DE NT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming
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A nnual C hr is t m as D i nner and C onc er t
COMMUNITY
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COWBOY FAMILY
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Fall B ul l S al e B r i ngs S uc c es s • A g. D ept ar t m ent H os t s C ow boy C las sic • T im ed E vent R odeo and Vers i t ilit y S how • G R M Food D r i ve • S t udent s H el p D ec orat e N at i onal C em et er y
EDUCATION
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Meet Hall • P TA / N urs i ng P i nning C erem ony
ATHLETICS
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Women’s Basketball Early Season Success • M en’s B as ket ball U pdates
CAMPUS LIFE
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Life A round C am pus
VICE PRES I DENT F O R ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick VICE PRES I DENT F O R FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis
FEATURE
CONNECTION LA Y OUT & DE S I GN Annie Jo Gilbert CONTRI B UTO RS Kassie Adams Carlie Clay Annie Jo Gilbert Robin O’Quinn Stacy Pearce Rochelle Vanover Janet Wansick
Meet Hill, Hix-Var ner, Far mer, and Crockett
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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, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 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.
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FEATURE
Connors State College Hosts Christmas Community Feed and Student Concert Connors State College added some festive fun last month at the school wide Christmas concert with acts ranging from carols to skits. Tryouts were held for the students prior to the show, and those who were selected practiced twice a week to get talents perfected. Talents displayed included singing carols, playing solos on the piano,
and acting out a skit from Three Wise Men and The Night Before Christmas. Solo singers included Johnathan Rowe, Kassie Adams, Kylee Lockhart, Bobby Pilkerton and Tristan Vandaley. Skit actors were composed of: Wyatt and Walker McMahan, John Paul Donselson, Anthony Craig, Jimmy Joe Tyler and Taylor Miller. The cast also
included a live band with members: Jake Lawson, Jake Walker, DJ Gray. Warner Public schools middle school choir students also came to perform two songs. CSC would also like to give a big thank you to professors Rebecca Hill, Rochelle Vanover and Lori Palmer for the behind the scenes work and decorating. The Concert is something rather
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FEATURE
new for Connors State but there are big plans to watch it continue to grow over the years. “As we are trying to build our music program, events like the Christmas concert will be stepping stones for our students moving forward,” said Jake Lawson, assistant dean of students. “Both the concert and SGA sponsored community dinner were
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an opportunity for us to give back and showcase our students.” Doors opened at 5:30 for a free community Christmas dinner before the show. The entree included stuffing, rolls, smoked turkey and gravy. Lawson said that the number of plates served was the highest they have had in years. “We were excited about the
growth the dinner had, feeding more than we fed last year,” said Lawson. “We look forward to what this could mean for the CSC and Warner community in the future.” Children from around the area got to meet Santa Clause after the performance and received a special treat at door on their way home.
CSC Agriculture Bull Sale is Successful Connors State College hosted their annual Fall Bull Sale on December 5. A total of 29 bulls by 12 producers entered this year’s sale. The high selling bull, a SimAngus sire produced by White Star Cattle Company of Overbrook, Kansas,
sold for $4,100. Angus bull #411, produced by Lee Angus, started the sale as the top sire. The total average of the bull sale amounted to $2,460 per bull. Livestock Nutrition Center sponsored the meal for the buyers served by the Ag
COMMUNITY Ambassadors. Livestock Show Team and Livestock Judging Team worked the pens, ring, block, and office. The spring test has already begun. The next sale will be on April 9th, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.
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COMMUNITY
Cowboy Classic Cattle Show Has Great Turnout Connors State College held their annual Cowboy Classic Cattle Show at the Warner Campus, December 7 & 8, 2019. Students of all ages and across the tri-state area brought their cattle in hopes of taking home the title of grand champion. The Connors State College Livestock
Show Team was in charge of setting up the show and making sure that it was a successful day. They spent the weekend checking in the showman, assisting the judge, announcing the classes, and working the concessions. The judges for the weekend included Annie Jo Gilbert,
Logan Corbett, Jesse Henson and Mason Blinson on Saturday, and Phil and Justin Stacy, and Jordan Martin on Sunday. The cattle show had a large turnout, and Connors State College would like to thank the many sponsors that helped make the day a success.
Alumni & Friends Timed Event Rodeo and Versitility Show Draws Large Gathering
Connors State College equine and rodeo programs recently hosted two competitions- the Alumni & Friends Versatility Ranch Horse Show and a Timed Event Rodeo. Both were open for entry to students, alumni, friends, and the public. The annual Timed Event Rodeo, held Friday, November 22, had over 175 indivuduals competing in breakaway roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and team
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roping. Among those entries were current and former students, alumni and friends. Gate admission reflects an excess of 300 in attendance. Prizes for first through fourth place included horse blankets, buckets, hay bags, ropes, money and more. Sponsors of this year’s Alumni & Friends Versatility Ranch Horse Show and Timed Event Rodeo were: Oklahoma Quarter Horse
Association ; Cross Telephone; RSM Farm Supply; Chayrer Performance Horses; Lost Treasures- Ronnie & Bridgie Jackson; Wister Farm & Ranch Supply-Linda Walden and Family; Jim & Yevonne Loftin; Mouser Herefords- Bob & Vicki Mouser; Silver Spur Ranch- Roy Webb & Family; Randy Upshaw; Farm Call Vet- Dr. Matthew Walkup; Jerry & Linda Shoemake; Glover Vet Services.
Gospel Rescue Mission Food Drive Helps Many
Connors State College paired up with Gospel Rescue Mission and organized Thanksgiving baskets to give away to those in need in the Muskogee area. CSC donated 800 pounds of potatoes and 320 cans of green beans to their cause. CSC received donations from the faculty and staff for the potatoes, and the CSC Student Government Association was in charge of gathering donations for the green beans. CSC was able to utilize the efforts put forth by the Ag Ambassadors / SGA food drive, as well as, the food drive held at the basketball game in Muskogee at the Civic Center, sponsored by Armstrong Bank. The Gospel Rescue Mission, Inc.
is a 501/c/3 non-profit corporation whose stated purpose is to help men and women to rediscover purpose and live an abundant life. They offer services to help those experiencing hunger, homelessness and hopelessness as they encourage and inspire men and women to reach toward their original design and live an abundant life. Connors State College students learn the value of giving back to their communities while working toward their academic goals. Throughout the month of November, CSC hosted a number of food drives benefitting those in our area. Some of the food collected was in preperation for the CSC Food Pantry. CSC is proud to say the
food pantry opened thier doors on January 14, 2020, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the semester. The food pantry is open to CSC students, providing them with meals while the campus is closed. CSC will be making deliveries to the Muskogee campus every Wednesday for those who are in need. The food pantry also will provide toiletries and miscellaneous items for students that need them. If there are any questions about donations or giving to the pantry, please contact the CSC Food Pantry Coordinator, Rochelle Vanover, rochelle.vanover@connorsstate.edu.
CSC Students Help Decorate the National Cemetery Bonnie Harper, who coordinates the decorations of the National Cemetery in Muskogee,Okla., is a Gold Star Mother who lost her son in Iraq. This past season Connors State College sent students to help
decorate the National Cemetery. Students went to the National Cemetery and placed wreaths over the headstones of the fallen soldiers. The students wanted to honor the families and soldiers for
those who fought for our country, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. For more information or how to volunteer, contact Scott Williams, CSC Advisor, at daniel.williams@ connorsstate.edu. CONNORS CONNECTION
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COWBOY FAMILY
Rebecca Hill, Faculty
Rebecca Hill is an English instructor within the Division of Communication and Fine Arts at Connors State College.
Originally from Fresno, California, Hill and her family lived on a 38-foot sailboat for four years while she was in her teens. “It was a wonderful experience, but I am more at home out in the pasture than on a sailboat,” said Hill. Hill graduated from St. Johns River State College with an Associate of Arts degree, and then transferred to the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. From there, she attended the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for a post-graduate degree in Romantic and Victorian Studies. At Connors, Hill teaches Humanities I, English Composition I and II, Academic Literacy, and Fundamentals of English. Hill has come to think of Warner as her new hometown. “After I finished school, I moved to Warner to be with my family,” said Hill. “I immediately fell in love with the area, and hey, lucky me, Connors State College was here
Pamela Farmer, Student Coming from Hulbert, Okla., PJ Farmer graduated from CSC in December 2019. As a small child, Farmer always knew she wanted to be a physical therapist. Life happens, and plans change. “After my mom, who by the grace of God, survived two brain aneurysms and stayed for weeks in the hospital in October 2015 one of the nurses asked if I had ever thought about nursing,” said Farmer. Farmer said she decided to attend school at CSC due to convenience, location, and the NCLEX pass rates of the nursing program. “Connors has given me not only some of the best friends through nursing school, but also has given me instructors who have become mentors and friends,” said Farmer. While at Connors, Farmer served as the president of the Student Nurses Association. Farmer is currently doing a nursing residency at Hastings
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Hospital, where she will get to spend time in Med Surg, ICU, OB, and the ER, and then be able to decide where she would like to work. Farmer never had plans of becoming a nurse. “I had always said I would never be a nurse because it takes a special person to do what they do,” said Farmer. “God definitely had other plans for me, and I would not change being a nurse for anything.” Farmer also enjoys spending time laughing with my family and friends. While at Connors, Farmer was awarded the outstanding clinical performance award given through the nursing department.
too!” Connors has had a big impact on Hill’s life. “During my time here, I’ve learned what teaching is all about, and that is helping students to achieve their goals,” said Hill. “And, yes, while it is truly gratifying to be able to teach others about a subject that fascinates me – English -- more importantly, I get to help others who want to make a difference in their own lives, and that truly means something to me.” Outside of teaching, Hill is very involved on campus. She is part of the Global Education Committee and the Student Awards Committee, judges the Muskogee Regional Science Fair, and was one of the teachers who read to the school children at the recent Fall on the Farm event. Hill said she enjoys her Connors State family and the area. “I also thoroughly enjoy working at a place where we still pray and include God in our events,” said Hill.
In Honor Of Lindsey Hix Varner, Alumni Lindsey Hix Varner went to be with the lord January 7, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Varner is the 2002 graduate of Muskogee High School, and attended school at Connors State College on a rodeo scholarship, graduating with an associate’s degree in Agriculture. Upon graduation, Varner attended Oklahoma State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. Varner then began her career with OSU extension as an Extension 4-H educator in Pottawatomie County and later Bryan County. While working as an extension educator, she completed her Master’s degree in Agriculture Education from OSU. During her time in extension, Varner helped many students realize their passion for agriculture and always offered a helping hand to students in conquering all of their biggest goals. In 2012, Varner became the
agricultural education instructor for Milburn Public Schools. Varner was an avid lover of animals and was big in barrel horses and always enjoyed working with her family and grandparents at the track with their race horses. Growing up, Varner was active in 4-H and FFA even serving as a state 4-H ambassador and multiple offices in her local FFA chapter. Varner’s passion for agriculture exuded in her love for rodeos, livestock shows and youth education. She was the matriarch or “gentle giant” of her household. She was a brave, fierce warrior and an ultimate fighter that stared cancer down for 18 months handling her condition and treatment with dignity and grace. Varner was the loving wife to Keegan, and mother to Kohen and Kennedy. CSC would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Hix and Varner families.
Alta Crockett, Staff Alta Crockett, a Muskogee, Oklahoma native, is the Director of Human Resources for Connors State College. Crockett attended Connors as a first-generation, non-traditional student and graduated in May 2007 with an associate of science degree in business administration. “I was married with kids and had a full-time job when I enrolled as a freshman,” said Crocket. “I had a good job without a degree, but knew attending college would be a turning point for me. I completed my degree at Connors and went on to Northeastern State University to get my Bachelor’s degree [in business administration]. She graduated Cum Laude from NSU in May 2010. “I was right,” Crockett continued. “A college degree kicked open opportunities I never expected; my position here as the HR Director is one of them.”
Crockett said she wasn’t looking for a new job, and was content as the HR Director at Bacone College. “This position found me,” said Crocket. “I am excited to be here.” A new face on staff, Crockett began her tenure in October 2019. “I was excited about the opportunity to work at a college that is established and well known in my community,” said Crockett. “I like the new challenges that I face on a day-to-day basis, and enjoy learning more about my job.” Crockett likes that Connors has traditional students, but caters to the non-traditional, as well. “People have financial responsibilities and families to support,” said Crockett. “They still should have the opportunity to be a learner and, hopefully, a lifelong learner at that!” Crockett has two sons and four grandchildren with her husband Eric. CONNORS CONNECTION
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EDUCATION
Meet Oklahoma A&M Regent, Joe Hall Joe Hall serves as a member of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents, to which he was appointed by Gov. Henry in 2003, reappointed by Gov. Fallin in 2011, and again by Gov. Stitt in 2019. The owner and CEO of Joe D. Hall General Contractors, LLC, Hall is involved in construction/engineering and real estate development in Western Oklahoma. Hall said his father – a civil engineer who also worked in the construction business – was the greatest influence on his career. Hall also is involved in ranching operations. “We live on a ranch, so our free time is consumed by cattle, farming and all other ranching chores,” said Hall. Hall knew the love of his life early on. “I started dating Vickie in the 8th grade,” said Hall. “That’s 44 years and counting!” He and Vickie have two daughters:
Grace, 30, and Hope, 28. Hall’s mother and grandmother both played the organ in their church for 50+ years, combined; both taught piano and lived only a block apart. “Most people don’t know that I played in piano recitals for both my mother and grandmother at a rate of 4 or 5 per year for the first 17 years of my life,” said Hall. “But none since then!” Hall had a few words to describe himself, provided by the women in his life. “My wife Vickie said ‘devoted,’ daughter Grace said ‘wise,’ and daughter Hope said ‘loyal,’” said Hall. “All of these are very humbling.” Fall has come to be the regent’s favorite season because of the cooler weather, changing colors, Thanksgiving, football, harvest and hunting. Hall’s advice for Connors State College students?
“Be responsible and do what you say you are going to do,” said Hall. “This puts you ahead of 95% of the rest of the world.”
Celebrating New PTA’s at the PTA Pinning Ceremony Connors State College, in cooperation with Indian Capital Technology Center, held the annual pinning ceremony for 13 graduates of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Muskogee ICTC. The pinning ceremony, followed by a reception, recognizes the accomplishments of the graduates, following clinical and coursework completion. The Physical Therapist Assistant Program helps students gain the skills needed to help individuals regain physical function and
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improve mobility under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. “Seeing the joy on the students’ faces at graduation and knowing how hard they’ve worked for months was very rewarding,” said Sarah Foster, PTA Program Director. This year’s graduates are: Kirsten Baker, Hayley Brown, JayCee Buckmaster, Brooke Butler, Katy Harper, Kyle Haworth, Jonathan D. Jones, Marshal King, Nicole Murray, David Stout, Tiffany Thompson, Erann West, and Sheena Yeager. Of the 13 graduates, five students:
Brown, Buckmaster, Butler, Murray, and Stout, are recognized in the National Technical Honor Society as members. Brown also graduated as an honor student, obtaining a 94% in her classes or higher, and Murray obtained perfect attendance. For more information about the Connors State College and ICTC Physical Therapist Assistant program, call Jody Butler, Connors PTA Advisor, at 918-463-6215.
Nursing Program Pins 17 Nurses Connors State College celebrated the graduation of 17 new nurses in a pinning ceremony held December 13, 2019 on the Warner campus in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The pinning ceremony signifies the nursing students’ official initiation into the brotherhood and sisterhood of nurses. The modern ceremony is rich with symbolism; it is the right of passage which can be traced all the way back to the 1860s when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition for her diligent service to the injured during the Crimean War. By 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates was standard throughout the United States, and Connors follows this practice. The Nursing Program at the
Connors State College has a high success rate of students placed after graduating. Sandra Watson, the Connors’ Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health, said, “This is exciting for our community because the projected need for nurses in Oklahoma exceeds the current capacity of the schools in Oklahoma.” Among some of the graduates, the class nominated two students who spoke to their fellow classmates and the family and friends present about the classes’ journey together. Rhonda Clemons represented the Traditional Nurse program, and Shelby Hammett represented the Career Ladder program. Students received their pins from their instructors, participated in the Candle Lighting Ceremony, and gave
the Nightingale Pledge. Students graduating from the Traditional Nurse program were: Megan Arnold, Misty Bell, Heather Bridges, Sarah Childress, Rhonda Clemons, Whitney Cobb, Travis Cockrell, Jesie Davis, Bailee Ellison, Pamela Farmer, Kimberly McCoy, Schyler Ortiz, Breanna Steele, and Peyton Thomas. Students graduating from the Career Ladder program were: Shelby Hammett, Robin Loco, and Katie Trapp. For more information about the nursing program at Connors State College, visit our website at www.connorsstate.edu/nursing, or contact our Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health, Sandra Watson at (918) 684-5436.
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ATHLETICS
Women’s Basketball Takes Down NEO in Double OT Free throws down the stretch helped Connors State College get away with an 86-83 double overtime home-court victory over Northeastern A&M Monday, Jan. 13. “The cowgirls were down in the first quarter,” said Jamie Fisher, CSC Cowgirls head coach. “The girls really put in the effort during the game to clutch the victory.” The Lady Norse let a 22-4 first quarter lead slip away as Connors used a 22-12 advantage in the second frame to whittle the deficit to 32-26.
NEO held a 14-13 edge in the third then the Cowgirls forced overtime with a 22-15 run in the fourth to tie the score at 61. “In the second quarter, NEO was up 13 and the turning point in the game was when the shot clock was running down,” said Fisher. “Our team was hitting 3 point shots and it was a game changer for us.” A 3-point goal by Koreea Kirksey with seven seconds left in the first overtime made it 73-all. Cheyanne drained a pair of free throws to give CSC the lead, then Tateum Jones
Men’s Basketball Fall to NEO in OT Play Getting their first win at the Melvin Self Gymnasium for the first time since the 2013-2014 season, the Northeastern A&M men claimed a 76-73 overtime win against Connors State College Monday, Feb. 13. “That’s a hard thing to do. We haven’t done it very often in my time here,” NEO head coach Jeremy Jackson said. NEO’s last win here was an 89-79 decision on Feb. 10, 2014. “It’s always a tough place to play,” Jackson said. “The rivalry always has something to do with it. You have guys geared up. We went out there and played hard. Connors sent the game into overtime with a pair of free throws.
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The NEO Golden Norsemen had a chance to win the game in regulation, but missed a bucket at the end of regulation with the score tied at 68. James Franklin Jr. led the Norse scoring with 24 points. Samkelo Cele added 18 and Nikita Konstantynovski chipped in with 12 points. Four players scored in double figures for Connors, Caleb Riggs with 23, Daylon Tanksley with 16, Jarquavious Cain with 15 and Isaiah Francis with 14. The CSC men’s basketball team takes on Redlands in Melvin Self Fieldhouse on January 23.
sealed the win for the Cowgirls with a free throw with two seconds left. The NEO Lady Norse got doubledigit scoring from four players. Lauren Wright led Connors with 23 points, followed by Jasmyn Taylor with 18 and Tateum Jones and De’Asia Reed with 10 each. The CSC Cowgirls take on Redlands on January 23, at Melvin Self Fieldhouse. This game will also be the Aggie Homecoming. The Cowgirls move to 17-3 in the season.
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CAMPUS LIFE
Life Around Campus
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CONNORS STATE COLLEGE
700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469
CSC Students, Faculty, and Staff, along with members of the Warner and surrounding communities, gathered together to enjoy an evening of holiday entertainment on December 3 in the Fine Arts.
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