Connection - March 2024

Connors State College Honors Former President

Nero with Fine Arts Center Dedication

THREE

ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming

VICE

Chris McBeath

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES

Mike Lewis

Dr Krystle Lane

Derotha Rivenbark

Matthew Harmon

Sierra Spencer

Reagan Robinson

Bill Muse Jr

Nero with Fine Arts Center Dedication

The sounds of applause and celebration filled the air on February 23rd as Connors State College hosted a dedication ceremony to name its Fine Arts Center after Dr. Donnie Nero, the college’s 15th and first African-American president. Students, faculty, alumni, and Oklahoma educational leaders gathered to pay tribute to Dr. Nero’s transformative legacy.

There was a sense of momentous occasion as the unveiling of the “Dr. Donnie Nero Fine Arts Center '' welcomed a standing ovation. In honoring the former president, Connors State has cemented Dr. Nero’s pioneering contributions to education and leadership in Oklahoma. Dr. Nero, who helmed Connors State from 2001 to 2013, made history as the first African-American president of a non-historically black college in the state. His trailblazing career

within higher education ascended all the way to the Connors State presidency, leaving a lasting mark on educational access and excellence.

The dedication ceremony featured moving tributes to Dr. Nero’s commitment to student empowerment and community growth. Former Regent for the A&M system, Claude Evans was the first to recognize Dr. Nero, speaking to his willpower and dedication to education in Oklahoma. State Senator Roger Thompson recalled Dr. Nero’s speeches rallying students to pursue their highest ambitions. Heath Hodges, CIO for the Oklahoma A&M system, was a member of Dr. Nero’s first President’s Leadership Class at Connors. He spoke of how involved the former president was with the CSC community, and how it inspired him to strive for greatness.

FEATURE

Current Connors State President Ron Ramming said the rededicated arts center will inspire students for generations, reflecting Dr. Nero’s visionary drive. “This tribute stands as a monument to Dr. Nero’s service to our college and his unwavering commitment to education across Oklahoma.”

As students, alumni, dignitaries, current and former faculty, and staff gathered for the event, it was clear Dr. Donnie Nero’s living legacy will continue opening doors for Connors State students chasing their dreams through higher education.

CAMPUS LIFE

Campus Life Hosts 2024 Homecoming Ceremony on February 26th

Connors State College celebrated its annual All-School Homecoming on February 26th. The exciting homecoming festivities took place between the Connors State men's and women's basketball games versus Northern Oklahoma College- Tonkawa.

Emma Rhoden (Dade City, FL) was crowned the 2024 Homecoming Queen and Zahayfa Hummingbird (Tahlequah, OK) was named Homecoming King. Both students were nominated and voted for by their peers based on their leadership, involvement, and embodiment of Connors

State's values.

In addition to the coronation of the King and Queen, Connors State students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members enjoyed a sense of tradition, and had the ability to reconnect with fellow alumni at the evening’s basketball game.

The energetic crowd cheered the Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball teams on to victories over NOC-Tonkawa. It was a perfect ending to a memorable All-School Homecoming celebration.

Connors State Tackles Nursing Shortage with Program Growth

Connors State College is making strides in combating the nursing shortage in Oklahoma while witnessing remarkable growth in its nursing program. The college’s efforts have resulted in a 159 percent increase in nursing graduates and a 46 percent surge in program enrollment since 2019.

The significant program growth is a result of increased access for students, strategic partnerships, and an innovative new program to enable high school students to get a head start on their nursing degree.

There is an immediate need to increase the supply of healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and across the nation Oklahoma averages about 7.54 nurses per 1,000 residents, which ranks in the bottom five of all 50 states. The ability to expand enrollment to meet the demand is a challenge for colleges who need an adequate number of qualified nursing faculty and sites for clinical learning experiences.

In 2021, Connors partnered with the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah to expand access for

EDUCATION

nursing students. Connors State nursing students can develop their clinical skills in the 84,000 square foot facility while interacting with OSU-COM medical students in the simulation lab. The addition of the satellite location in Tahlequah resulted in an increase from 32 Connors’ nursing graduates in 2019 to 83 in 2023.

Connors has also forged a strategic partnership with the Saint Francis Health System to fortify the pipeline of qualified nurses. Saint Francis currently provides funding to support two clinical instructors for Connors’ LPN career ladder students. This collaboration helps facilitate access to invaluable clinical experiences from qualified faculty and enriches student training.

Connors is launching the "Classroom to

program this fall, an innovative initiative that offers high school juniors the unique opportunity to begin work toward their nursing degree while still in high school. Following a rigorous selection process, an inaugural cohort of 44 students from 24 different high schools have been accepted into the program. Participants will have their tuition waived during their junior and senior years of high school as they complete pre-nursing general education courses. Upon meeting all admission requirements, participants will be granted full admission into the nursing program upon high school graduation.

While celebrating this progress, Connors State remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering diversity within the nursing field. Acknowledging that 87 percent of the student population are female, Connors is actively working to attract

EDUCATION

more male nursing students. Connors serves a high percentage of minority students. This year’s student body is comprised of 37 percent Native American and 15 percent other minority groups. Additionally, with an average student age of 31 and approximately 65 percent already working in the healthcare industry, Connors is attracting individuals from varied backgrounds to pursue nursing as a career.

Connors State’s ongoing efforts to address the nursing shortage and expand

access to quality education are crucial steps towards strengthening the healthcare workforce in Oklahoma and beyond.

Visit connorsstate.edu/nursing to learn more about the Nursing program at Connors State College.

EDUCATION

Connors State Correctional Students at Eddie Warrior & Jess Dunn Eligible for Pell Grants

Connors State College has offered higher education programs to incarcerated students in Oklahoma prisons like Eddie Warrior and Jess Dunn for over 20 years. However, consistent funding was a challenge until joining the Second Chance Pell pilot in 2016, which allowed their students to receive federal Pell grants.

Last year, a law reinstated Pell eligibility for prison students after decades of being banned. But states must now approve specific programs to operate and get funding. Rather than immediately transition, Connors State extended its Pell pilot for three more years while preparing to potentially apply for state approval later.

Gina Jones is an instructor and academic prison operations and compliance coordinator for Connors State College.

She’s watched her students’ outlooks change as they consider their plans for reentry. “We have students talking to us about their next steps, what they’re going to do if potentially they obtain their bachelor’s degree, what they want to do when they get on the outside,” Jones said. “They’ve got somewhere to go.”

The college's programs have proven transformative, allowing students to earn degrees, discover new interests, and gain crucial skills and confidence before release. Consistent access to educational opportunities positively impacts students' self-growth and prospects for reentry. As more states greenlight Pell-funded prison programs, Connors State can continue providing valuable higher education access through resources like the Second Chance Pell grant.

SPOTLIGHTS

Student Spotlight: Keegan Shipp (Tulsa, OK)

Keegan Shipp, a sophomore from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is making the most of the opportunities afforded to him at Connors State College. An involved student-athlete, Keegan participates in rodeo, cheer, disc golf, and men’s basketball while excelling academically as an agriculture major.

Keegan came to Connors State with dreams of pursuing athletic training. However, after becoming immersed in Connors’ welcoming community, he found a new passion in agriculture. “I never thought I would get the chance to go to college, let alone be this involved at one,” Keegan shared. “I am so thankful for all of the opportunities CSC has given me.”

in addition to his studies, Keegan stays

President of the NAACP, providing leadership to the organization. Cheer and men’s basketball have enabled Keegan to contribute to Connors’ thriving athletic programs as a spirited supporter.

Keegan credits the supportive community at Connors State for helping him find his path. “People here care about me,” he said. Between pursuing his degree, participating in activities, and forming meaningful connections, Keegan is making the most of his college experience. His story demonstrates how Connors State empowers students to explore their interests and unlock their full potential.

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Muse Jr. (‘17)

Bill Muse Jr. has come full circle at Connors State College. An accomplished player for the Cowboys basketball team from 2016-2017, Muse is now in his fourth season as an assistant coach, helping lead CSC to continued success.

“Connors State allowed me to live out my dream of playing college basketball,” said Muse. “Now I get to give back as a coach, and I could not be more thankful for the chance.” A two-time All-Conference player under his father and head coach Bill Muse, Muse Jr. helped the Cowboys win back-to-back conference titles and reach the Sweet 16 in the 2017 NJCAA Tournament. He was a First Team Academic All-American in 2017 before

SPOTLIGHTS

continuing his playing career at Coastal Carolina and Southern Miss, where he completed his master’s degree. As an assistant coach since 2020, Muse Jr. has aided in recruiting, player development, scouting, and strategic planning.

“Connors has meant everything to me as both a player and coach,” said Muse. “I’m thankful to be part of the Cowboy basketball tradition and help studentathletes grow on and off the court.”

ATHLETICS

Two Connors State College basketball players recently reached a major career milestone by scoring their 1,000th point. Brayden Hubbard of the Connors State Cowboys and Hatiana Releford of the Connors State Cowgirls both accomplished this impressive feat this season.

Brayden Hubbard, a 6’6” forward from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a consistent scorer for the Cowboys throughout his career. He reached the 1,000-point mark on February 3rd against NOC-Tonkawa. Hubbard is the 12th member of the Cowboys’ 1000-point club.

Meanwhile, Hatiana Releford etched her name in the Cowgirl record books by netting her 1,000th point during a February game versus NOC-Tonkawa. The 5’11” guard/forward from Fort Smith, Arkansas has been a two-year starter and has earned both regional and national recognition in her time as a Cowgirl.

Scoring 1,000 career points is a rare accomplishment at any level. For Hubbard and Releford to reach this milestone in just two seasons is incredibly noteworthy. Their scoring achievements will be remembered in Connors State basketball history for years to come.

Cowboys Baseball & Cowgirls Softball Start Seasons

Hot

The Connors State College baseball and softball teams are off to thrilling undefeated starts to their 2024 seasons.

As of March 2nd, the Connors State Cowboys baseball team boasted an incredible 18-0 record after sweeping a doubleheader against NEO A&M. The Cowgirls softball team also remained unbeaten, improving to 10-0 with a doubleheader sweep of Southwestern Christian University.

Led by head coach Perry Keith, the Cowboys have overpowered opponents so far. On the softball diamond, the Cowgirls have dominated early under head coach Bobby Foreman.

Strong performances across the lineup and in the circle have them believing this could be a special season.

Both Connors State teams still have a long way to go this spring. But their undefeated starts prove they will be major contenders in Region 2 and beyond. Baseball and softball fans should keep an eye on the red-hot Cowboys and Cowgirls as they look to sustain success and chase championships this season.

NJCAA Region 2, Division 1 Basketball Tournaments

Return to Muskogee High’s Rougher Village

For the second straight year, Muskogee High School will host the NJCAA Division 1 Region 2 basketball tournaments. The Region 2 tournaments feature top junior college men's and women's basketball teams from Oklahoma and Arkansas competing for regional championships and spots in the NJCAA National Tournament.

The Connors State College basketball teams have put together impressive regular seasons. At the time of writing, the Connors State Cowboys are tied for the #1 seed for the men's regional tournament.

Meanwhile, the Connors State Cowgirls can also secure the #1 seed for the women's tournament with a strong finish to their regular season.

The Muskogee High School gym provides a local venue for CSC fans and alumni to attend. With bids to the NJCAA National Tournament on the line, the Region 2 Tournaments will provide thrilling entertainment for basketball fans.

Cowgirl & Cowboy Basketball Teams Push for Region 2 Crowns

The Connors State College basketball teams are wrapping up dominant regular seasons. The Cowboys currently sit at 26-2 overall and are 13-1 in Region 2 play. They are tied atop the standings with NEO A&M heading into the final week. The Cowgirls are 24-4 overall and 12-2 in conference, holding a multi-game lead.

The Cowboys have been powered by standout sophomore Brayden Hubbard. The guard is averaging 25.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while also leading Region 2 in total points and rebounds this season. His consistent production has the Cowboys believing they can make a deep postseason run.

Meanwhile, the Cowgirls have been paced by sophomore Haitiana Releford. She is averaging 19.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest. Her tenacious play at both ends of the court has spearheaded the Cowgirls' success.

With the regular season winding down, both Connors State teams appear ready to contend for Region 2 championships in Muskogee. Led by Hubbard and Releford, the Cowboys and Cowgirls hope to ride their regular season dominance into a momentum-filled postseason.

PHOTOS

CONNORS STATE COLLEGE

700 COLLEGE ROAD

WARNER, OK 74469

Connors State College’s 2024

Homecoming King & Queen, Zahayfa Hummingbird and Emma Rhoden