Connection: Volume 5, Number 7

A Publication of Connors State College

V O L U M E

5

N U M B E R

CSC and Congressman Mullin Build Community Leaders

7

C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E W A RNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

Inside this issue V O L U M E

5 ,

N U M B E R

7

TH R E E R IV E R S PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N PRESID ENT Dr. Tim Faltyn S E N IOR V IC E PRESID ENT FOR ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS Dr. Ron Ramming V IC E PRESID ENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

CONNECTION LA Y OUT & D ESIGN Stacy Pearce C O NT RIBUT ORS Cindy Anderson Dr. Ryan Blanton Wayne Bunch Jonathan Dallis Ami Maddocks Zadie McElhaney Stacy Pearce DeAnn Warne

3 COMMUNITY 4 C O W B OY FA M I LY 6 AT H L E T I C S 8 E D U C AT I O N 12 C A M P U S L I F E 13 F E AT U R E

C ongres s m an M ul lin E ngages C SC Leaders hip G roups D ur i ng Fal l S emes t er

D om es t ic V iolenc e Awarenes s Wa lk Fall Fes t i val • Vet erans H onored

M eet M c K inney, S aunders, C agle & B r i ght Athletic Hall of Fame • Fall Rodeo Recap Fisher Takes Over Cowgirl Basketball

N i ght Tut or ing N ow Avai lable A c adem ic B ow l C am pus Life E vent s M os t Valuable C ow boy s W here’s C onnors ?

Social

Media

#CONNORSSTATE

facebook.com/ connorsstate

twitter.com/ connorsstate

youtube.com/ connorsstatecollege

instagram.com/ connorsstate

Connors State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. The Director of Human Resources, ADA, Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator, 700 College Rd., Warner, OK 74469, Gatlin Hall Rm 231; Phone (918) 463-6206; email: walkernv@connorsstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. 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.

2

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

feature

Congressman Mullin Engages CSC Leadership Groups During Fall Semester

C

ongressman Markwayne Mullin, was elected to serve the people of Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District. He has extended that service to Connors State College where his leadership skills have been passed on to faculty, staff and students.

In October of this year, a select group of CSC students were asked to judge high school student essays for the Second Congressional District Essay Contest.

“The students took this responsibility very seriously,” said Robin O’Quinn, interim assistant VP for academic affairs and student support services at CSC. “It made this English teacher proud to listen to them discuss the merits of each essay.”

Later that month, Mullin spoke to members of Leadership Connors, about his experience as a congressman and what he thinks it takes to be a leader. Leadership Connors is a year-long program at CSC in which faculty and staff members are exposed to a variety of leadership styles.

“The Leadership Class thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Congressman Mullin,” said Dr. Ryan Blanton, associate VP for external affairs at CSC, and the director of the Leadership Connors program. “They really related to him and his leadership style.”

Having a congressman so close to campus and familiar with the community has made it possible for one of Connors State College’s students to intern in his Muskogee

Office. Kylie Phillips has learned a lot spending time with the Congressman and his staff.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know Congressman Mullin and his staff,” said Phillips. “I am learning a lot about how elected officials help their communities. This has been a great experience.”

The experience has also been a good one for Mullin.

“The faculty, staff and students at Connors State College have been great,” said Mullin.

“The college is investing in people and training them to be leaders. What a great way to give back to the community.”

CONNORS CONNECTION

3

Community

Muskogee’s Domestic Violence Awareness Walk

W

ould you walk a mile in her shoes?

On October 22, this is exactly what many Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls did. More than 55 students from campus organizations such as, Cowboy baseball, basketball, softball, Phi Theta Kappa, rodeo, Presidential Leadership Class, sociology groups and others participated in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event to bring attention to the fact that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The men who weren’t afraid to risk turning their ankle wore high heels and pumps on their walk to show their support 4

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

in stopping domestic violence.

The walk started in front of the Muskogee County Courthouse and ended at Arrowhead Mall in front of JCPenney’s where a Speak-out was held. Connors, for the 3rd consecutive year, won the award for the group with the largest attendance.

There were approximately 150 students and staff there representing CSC. Dr. Tim Faltyn, CSC president, along with some other guest speakers, gave a message on the cost of domestic violence and the impact it has on all persons.

“The staff at Connors takes the issue of

domestic violence very seriously. Many of our instructors encourage their students to be involved in campus awareness activities that will increase their knowledge about this issue. The administration not only supports awareness events but also attends and speaks to the dangers of not only domestic violence but also sexual misconduct and assault. One event on campus is one too many. I believe our staff and students feel the same way and I am glad I get to work with these kinds of people,” said Dean of Students Mike Jackson.

Hundreds Join CSC For Annual Fall Festival

H

undreds of costumed children and their families enjoyed the 2015 Connors State College Fall Festival on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. Princesses, superheroes, monsters and more enjoyed inflatables, games, prizes, trunk or treat, a petting zoo, a cake walk and free hotdogs.

“I was pleased with the turnout this year,” said CSC Dean of Students Mike Jackson.

“The kids had a blast. It’s just a great way for us to connect with the community.”

Several student organizations set up booths and games to interact with the community.

“I’m very proud of the time and effort our faculty, staff and students put into this event,” said CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn.

“Taking care of our community is important to us and this is one way we can show them we care.”

Veterans Honored During Basketball Game

C

onnors State College held its Annual Veteran’s Day Recognition during the Nov. 6 home basketball game. Free admission was provided to all military personnel, veterans, firefighters, police, EMS and emergency community services, as well as their families.

The event honored approximately 45 individuals who have served in the armed forces. Lt. Col. James W. Sanders, of the U.S. Marine Corp., retired, began the event at CSC in 2003. The recognition

ceremony took place at the Melvin Self Field House during halftime of the game. It included the presentation of the colors by the Muskogee Junior ROTC, singing of the National Anthem, a prayer, the introduction of each service man and woman, and the presentation of a memento, by President Tim Faltyn, as a small gesture of thanks for their service.

“There was a good crowd on hand to watch the evening festivities,” said Jonathan Rowe, coordinator of residential

life. “We owe a big thank you to Lt. Col. Jim Sanders. For years now, Col. Sanders has coordinated the event and has been a big reason for its success. Another big thank you goes out to Dr. Tim Faltyn for handing out honorary CSC veterans shirts and speaking to each veteran individually in attendance that evening. Finally, we save our biggest thank you to our veterans. It is because of them that we are able to host this and all events here at Connors State College.”

CONNORS CONNECTION

5

Cowboy Family

Sharon McKinney, Staff

Y

ou’ve heard her voice, but may not have had the opportunity to meet Sharon McKinney. She is the first voice you hear when you call CSC, as switchboard operator and administrative assistant to Campus Safety and Security.

McKinney began working at CSC in 2010 in the campus bookstore.

“Both positions have been very rewarding and I have been blessed with being able to work with some really amazing people,” said McKinney.

McKinney has a passion for knowledge and learning, and education is very important to her. She began her collegiate career with a degree from CSC, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in American Indian Studies from NSU and has plans to pursue a masters in the near future.

“I like being part of the educational

establishment,” said McKinney. “It makes it possible for people to achieve their goals.

I enjoy meeting with and talking to the students, learning about their interests, ideas, and watching them pursue their dreams.”

McKinney and her family live in the Gore area and have for more than twenty years.

They own and operate a cattle operation consisting of Limflex, Brangus, and Longhorn.

McKinney has a wonderful family, a loving husband of 28 years, three daughters, all of whom have attended CSC, and four grandchildren.

McKinney has served on the JOM Indian Education Committees between the Warner and Gore public school systems for nearly nine years and has also served as a member of the Rural Fire Protection District 1 in Sequoyah County for four years.

“The time I served for the fire department

helped me gain insight and sparked my interest in the safety and security field,” said McKinney. “Outside of work I love fishing, camping, metal detecting, and just being outdoors. But at work I enjoy working for the college and having the opportunity to work with a great group of people.”

Muriel Saunders, Instructor

M

uriel Saunders, a fifty-year cancer survivor, who had retired twice before deciding to take the leap and continue her education, is a Connors State alum, Muskogee resident, and a valuable asset to the college.

Saunders earned her associate’s degree with Connors State, her bachelor’s and master’s in communications from NSU, and

6

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

has worked towards hours in a post graduate occupational education program with OSU. Saunders served on the Muskogee School Board for twenty years and to say education is important to her would be an understatement.

During her graduate studies at NSU Saunders ran for and won Homecoming Queen in 2005, which made international news as a 71-year-old woman took the crown.

“I really didn’t expect it,” said Saunders.

“I thought it might make a good show, and I was overwhelmed when the students voted for me.”

Saunders is not the only one in her family to pursue a higher education. Saunders said she is proud to say everyone in her family has a college degree, and all of them are successful in their life pursuits.

At Connors State, Saunders teaches

Introduction to Oral Communication, Principles of Listening, and Strategies for Success. She said she chose to work for Connors State because of the high standards and concern for the students each faculty and staff member shows.

“The administration, faculty, and staff put the students’ concerns first,” said Saunders.

“Everything we do is for the students.”

Connors State has impacted the life of Saunders vastly, and she is able to realize her dreams because of the wonderful education she received while attending, and the support and appreciation she receives keeps her in good spirits. Saunders said she loves being part of the Connors family and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come.

Alumnus Harold D. Cagle

H

arold D. Cagle attended CSC from 1954-55. He continued his education at Tulsa University before completing his degree at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

Upon graduation, Cagle began a lifetime teaching and coaching career that spanned both the high school and collegiate levels.

Cagle began his career in Chetopa,

Kansas, and later served in administration, coaching and teaching at more than 15 high schools across northeastern Oklahoma and Missouri.

He returned to CSC in 1963 as an assistant football coach, track coach, mathematics instructor, and physical education instructor. He served as the dean of students for part of one year and also was head football coach.

Cagle continued his collegiate-level journey at the JUCO in Dodge City, Kansas, and was defensive coordinator at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. At Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Cagle was not only the head coach but started the football program from the ground up while also serving on the committee developing the

Teaching Education Program and supervising the intern teachers. While at MWSU, he coached seven All-Conference football players and one All-American football player.

Upon retirement, Cagle served on the CSC Alumni Association committee for a number of years helping to promote CSC’s qualities of building a brighter future for our students and leaders of tomorrow. He has helped to build a legacy of the value of an education and the vast possibilities that can be attained through hard work and dedication, not only for his children and grandchildren, but also for many other young adults along the way.

Cagle was inducted into the CSC Alumni and Friends Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

Paul Bright, Student

A

t Connors State, Paul Bright has finally found his voice. Growing up, and attending school in Oktaha, Paul was known as one of the many Bright kids.

Having six brothers and three sisters, he often felt he had to try harder to stand out.

“Coming to Connors was definitely a change, because I finally got to experience what it was like to be completely on my own,” said Bright.

Though neither of his parents graduated college, both provided for their family the best they could. Bright’s father worked in construction, and mother worked in the school cafeteria. Both, now retired, firmly believe education is important to the futures of their children.

Being a president of the Connors State Student Government Association and member of the President’s Leadership Class and Phi Theta Kappa, Bright is an active student on campus.

“I constantly try my hardest to be involved with events and I am very dependable,” said Bright. “I try my best to always be where I might be needed, and will always show up to the events to work.

I try my hardest to involve others in the events happening on campus.”

When Bright looks back on his time here at Connors State he becomes overwhelmed with joy.

“I have been a part of so many amazing things at Connors State, and I have no regrets on my choice to come here,” said Bright. “I came to Connors State simply because it was inexpensive and in my budget, and close to home, but I would be lying if I said I haven’t completely fallen in love with the college. You can be on a personal level with all of the professors and administration, as well as the other students. I just feel at home here, like I was meant to be here and that everyone

here loves and truly cares for me.”

After graduating from Connors State, Bright plans to follow in the footsteps of his brother and sisters and attend NSU in the fall.

“My plan is to study business administration and be an active member of the Chi Alpha chapter at NSU,” said Bright.

CONNORS CONNECTION

7

athletics

CSC Inducts New Class to Athletic Hall of Fame

C

onnors State College inducted its fourth Hall of Fame Athletic Class on Oct. 24. The evening began with a reception at the president’s house, followed by dinner and the inductions in the newly renovated A.D. Stone Student Union in Warner.

Inductees include the 1990 Men’s Basketball Championship Team, Jeff Blair (Baseball), Gail Cooks (Basketball), Beauford Jones (Football), Pam Pennon Kokel (Basketball), Eddie Louie (Basketball), Jim Miller (Basketball), Tonya Ary Mitchell (Softball), Jeff Salazar (Baseball), Dr. Carl Westbrook (Leadership), and Tommy Williams (Football).

“We are very excited about the fourth Athletic Hall of Fame Class, who has excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields of Connors State College,” said Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bill Muse. “The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics.”

8

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

David Adams. The team posted a 32-2 record that year.

1990 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM The 1990 Connors State College men’s basketball team was the first in Connors’ history to win the national championship title. The Cowboys, coached by Ed Stepp, defeated the College of Southern Idaho 103–87 at Hutchinson, Kan. The team was led by Elmore Spencer, Reggie Tinch, and Sebastian Neal, Angelo Hamilton, and Mike Allen.

Spencer went on to play for the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, and the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. Tinch had an outstanding career at the University of Georgia as did Neal at Oral Roberts University, Hamilton at the University of Oklahoma, and Allen at Southwestern Louisiana University.

Also signing with Division I schools were Aaron Sunderland, Eddie Shepherd and Marc Whaley. Other team members included John Barrett, Howard Hampton, and Bryan Jarrad. Assistant coaches were Doug Durham and Brian McLaughlin.

Team managers were Tracey Cole and

JEFF BLAIR, BASEBALL Jeff Blair attended Connors State College in 1970 and 1972, where he played baseball before moving on to the University of Tulsa to complete his collegiate baseball career.

While at Connors, he was No. 2 in the nation in hitting with a batting average of .480 in 1971 and hit .385 in 1972 while being named to the NJCA All-American team.

Blair graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at Connors, and after graduation from TU he went to work with the Sand Springs Police Department in 1974. He retired from the Tulsa Police Department after 25 years of service in 2001.

He currently sells real-estate and works part-time as a security officer. Blair and

his wife Wanda (Kinsey) have two children Jeffry Alan Jr. and Mathew Riley, and 6 grandchildren.

GAIL COOKS, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Gail Cooks, who played for the Connors State Cowgirls in 1985 and 1986, was a National Junior College Athletic Association honorable mention All-American.

The point guard was a member of the Cowgirls 1985 national championship team. Following her graduation from Connors State, she signed a National Letter of Intent with Oklahoma State University. However, due to the illness of her mother she had to withdraw from OSU. She was a Bi-State Conference first team selection during her Cowgirl career.

A graduate of Macomb High School, she is a paraprofessional with Macomb Public Schools. She has four children, Chelsea, Jamie, De’Neisha, and Nikki, and 6 grandchildren. She is also an active member of the Brooksville Volunteer Fire Department.

BEAUFORD JONES, FOOTBALL Beauford Jones attended Connors

State College in 1955 and 1956, where he played football and obtained All-American honors.

Following his career at Connors, he attended Northeastern State University where he played football for two seasons, starting both seasons.

After graduating from NSU, he played semi-pro football in Kansas City. While in Kansas City, he worked construction with his brother and met his future wife, Winnie.

They were married in 1963. Winnie had three children whom Jones adopted. The couple later had two boys of their own.

Jones worked for Paxton, Inc., retiring after 39 years.

PAM PENNON KOKEL, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Pam Pennon Kokel attended Connors State College in 1993 and 1994, where she was named a National Junior College Athletic Association and Kodak All-American first team selection.

Pennon was a two-time, all-conference selection, averaging 18 points, 8 assists and five rebounds her final season at Connors State.

She continued her career at the University of Oklahoma where she averaged 14.4 points her senior year and 10.7 points her junior year. She still ranks as OU’s career leader in steals per game (3.3) and 3-point field goal percentage (.417).

An Eagletown High School graduate, she led them to a 105-16 record over four seasons, averaging 30 points per game and led the team to a state title her senior year.

Pam is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the Del City Police Department. She is married and has two children.

EDDIE LOUIE, MEN’S BASKETBALL Eddie Louie attended Connors State College from 1978 to 1980. He played basketball for Carl Scott, obtained All-American honors in 1980, and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree.

He continued his career at Oklahoma City University under legendary coach Ken Trickey, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his collegiate basketball career, he played semi-pro basketball in Chile.

He is a graduate of New Lima High School, where he won two state championships and Tulsa Tournament of Champions. He currently coaches an AAU basketball team and is employed by Cameron Valves and Measurements in Oklahoma City.

Louie has four children Eddie Louie Jr., Kelvin, Elijah and Letitia, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

JIM MILLER, MEN’S BASKETBALL Jim Miller, whose induction was accepted by his daughter, attended CONNORS CONNECTION

9

Connors State College in 1951 and 1952, where he was selected as a Region Five Most Valuable Player and named to the NJCAA National Tournament All-Star Team.

He went on to East Texas State University where he was a three-time NAIA All-Tournament team member and a Helm Foundation All-American in 1954 and 1955.

Miller led East Texas to the NAIA national championship in 1955 and was named the MVP of the NAIA Tournament the same year.

He was a second round draft selection of the Minneapolis Lakers in 1955.

Miller is a member of the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame and the East Texas State Hall of Fame.

He and his wife Hazel have two children, six grandchildren and a great grandson and reside in Gaar Corner, Ariz., where he ranched and farmed until his retirement in 2005.

TONYA ARY MITCHELL, SOFTBALL Tonya Ary Mitchell attended and played softball at Connors State College in1995 and 1996. She was named a second team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American in 1996.

She currently ranks No. 3 on the CSC all-time batting average list at .474, and currently ranks No. 3 in RBIs for a season with 63. Her on base percentage average is No. 3 at .539.

Following graduation she played one season at Northeastern State University, then pursed a nursing career in 1999 and became a licensed practical nurse in 2000 and registered nurse in 2001.

10

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

Ary Mitchell and her husband Bob have one child, Jordan Griggs.

JEFF SALAZAR, BASEBALL Jeff Salazar attended and played baseball at Connors State from 1999 to 2001. He was named a National Junior College Athletic Association honorable mention All-American in 2001.

He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the eighth round in 2002, where he was named the Rockies’ Organizational Player of the Year in 2003 and led all of Minor League Baseball in runs scored in both 2003 and 2004. Salazar was voted to four All-Star teams.

Salazar made his major league debut in 2006 with the Rockies and also spent time with Arizona, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Detroit and Tampa Bay. He is currently a hitting instructor and player development representative for the Colorado Rockies.

DR. CARL WESTBROOK, LEADERSHIP Dr. Carl Westbrook became the thirteenth President of Connor State College in 1978 and served until 1994. He was the first Connors’ president to come to the position with presidential experience at the community college level.

Westbrook earned his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State and his master’s degree at the University of Houston on the way to achieving his Ph.D. After traveling, 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, he accepted the position of Director of New Mexico Vocational Technical School in El Reno. In 1968 he was hired by New Mexico State University to establish a branch campus in Grants, N.M. He served as head of this campus for four years before accepting a position as 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.

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

Associate degree program offerings were increased, campus buildings were built or extensively remodeled, and 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.

Westbrook was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Hall of Fame.

TOMMY WILLIAMS, FOOTBALL Tommy Williams attended Connors State College in 1958 and 1959, where he walked-on to play football, earning a scholarship after the first week of practice.

He played linebacker for the Cowboys before walking on at Oklahoma State in the spring of 1962, which lasted only two weeks ending his playing career.

While at Connors, Williams was elected captain of the football team and was an

All-Conference selection.

Williams graduated from CSC in 1960 and then attended OSU, earning his degree in education in 1963. He then attended Oklahoma City University

School of Law at night while teaching and driving a school bus for three years, before working his senior year at Skelly Oil Corporation and Apco Oil Company. He graduated from law school in 1968.

He has practiced law in Oklahoma for 47 years and currently has a law practice in Claremore. He and his wife Nedra, have been married for 54 years. They have two children, Kelly and David.

Fall Rodeo Season Update

A

s the fall rodeo season comes to a close, several CSC Cowboys and Cowgirls are in great positions to make a run at the College National Finals with six rodeos remaining in the spring semester.

Results from the four fall rodeos are as follows: COLBY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, COLBY, KANSAS September 18-20, 2015, the Rodeo Team competed in Colby, Kansas. DeAndre Goudeau placed 4th in the long go and qualified for the short round in the tie down roping. Nikolas Miller also qualified for the short round in the tie down roping.

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY, WOODWARD, OK October 1-3, 2015, the team competed in Woodward, Okla. Jeremy Carney won 2nd in the long go, 4th in the short go, and 4th in the average in the tie down roping.

Taylor Parsley and Cody Mathis won 3rd in the long go, 2nd in the short go, and 2nd overall in the team roping.

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, STILLWATER, OK October 8-10, 2015, the team competed in Stillwater, Okla. Britten Wallace won 2nd in the long round and 6th in the average in the girls breakaway roping. Jeremy Carney and Brayden Cox won 4th in the short round and 4th in the average in the team roping. Taylor Parsley and Cody Mathis won 6th in the long go of the team roping. Zach Brown made the short round in the bull riding.

NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, ALVA, OK October 29-31, 2015, the team competed in Alva, Okla. Zach Brown finished second in the long go and second overall in bull riding. Ryder Gann also made the short round in the tie down roping and finished in the top 10.

NIRA STANDINGS The men’s team currently claims 12th overall in the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association standings.

In addition to the team’s overall placing, several members have earned individual spots in the Central Plains Region’s top 15.

Four CSC team-ropers have broken into the NIRA Central Plains Region standings: Jeremy Carney, of Skiatook, Okla., is 14th overall on the head side and is currently sitting 9th in the tie-down roping standings. Brayden Cox, of Spiro, Okla., is 14th overall on the heel side, Cody Mathis, of Bentonville, Ark., is 9th overall on the heel side, and Taylor Parsley, of Lowell, Ark., is 9th overall on the head side.

“The fall rodeos have really got me pumped to see what the spring semester will hold for me and my partner. We have a few months to get practiced up and make a run for the lead,” said sophomore Brayden Cox. Also in the standings is bull rider Zach Brown, of Ilion, NY. He has earned seventh overall.

For photos and season updates, follow the rodeo team on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ConnorsStateRodeo.

Fisher Takes Over Cowgirl Basketball

J

amie Fisher has taken over the reins as interim head basketball coach of the Connors State Cowgirls and his optimism is high for the 2015-2016 season.

Fisher formerly served as an assistant coach for the Cowgirls for three seasons and takes over for Rusty Laverentz, who resigned.

When asked the difference between this year’s squad and last season’s Fisher said, “The strength of this team is we have a bunch of kids with versatility that can play multiple positions, something we didn’t have a year ago, and our work ethic and willingness to learn is extremely high.

“We are also going to have a bench. Last year we couldn’t practice with five-on-five in the middle of the season because of injuries and other circumstances. That made it a difficult season.”

The Cowgirls opened the season on Oct. 30 in the Odessa College Tipoff Classic in Texas, the first of a rugged 30 game schedule.

CONNORS CONNECTION

11

Education

Night Tutoring Available For Fall 2015

S

tarting the 2015 fall semester, the Student Success Center began offering evening tutoring for all students who wish to seize the opportunity, thanks to a Title III grant. Colleen Noble is the supervisor of the part of the grant that gives students the opportunity to have tutoring outside of regular school hours.

Robin O’Quinn, director of the CSC Success Centers, says, “I am thrilled this grant has enabled us to offer this service to our students and look forward to collaborating with Mrs. Noble.”

This is a great opening for students who have to take care of their kids until their bed time, full-time students and workers, or students taking classes until after the Success Center is closed for the day. It gives these students the chance to find someone to help them succeed in their school endeavors.

On the Warner campus, the evening tutoring will be taking place in the Student Success Center until the renovation of Russell Hall is complete. Once complete, there will be a space in the building for

the evening tutoring to take place, outside of the Student Success Center. The day tutoring will still be held at the Student Success Center. At the Muskogee Campus Success Center in the Garner Science Building, there will be opportunities for students to have evening tutoring through the 2016 semesters.

If you have any questions about night tutoring feel free to contact O’Quinn at robin.oquinn@connorsstate.edu.

34th Annual Brain Bowl Held at Warner Campus

C

onnors State College hosted its 34th annual Brain Bowl competition for area high schools on November 5, 2015.

Sixteen teams from Oklahoma and Texas competed in this National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT), a double elimination contest held at the Warner campus.

“Connors is thrilled to offer area schools the opportunity to qualify for the national tournaments,” said Lynett Rock, division chair for math and science. “More than one of these outstanding teams will be given the opportunity to represent our area in

12

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

the NAQT tournament.”

This year, three teams qualified for the 2016 High School National Championship Tournament, which will take place in Dallas, Texas, on May 27-29, 2016 – first place, Claremore High School from Claremore, Okla.; second place, Greenhill High School from Dallas, Texas; and third place, Norman North from Norman, Okla.

Four other teams from three area high schools qualified for the 2016 Small School National Championship Tournament – Morris, Stigler and Muldrow,

Okla. The small school tournament will take place April 30-May 1, 2016, in Rosemont, Illinois.

Campus Life

C4 Be More Signing: October 19-22, Phi Theta Kappa held the C4 Be More signing events on both the Muskogee and Warner campuses. Students who pledged to complete their degrees received cords for graduation and signed a banner as a group.

Halloween Softball Game: On Thursday, October 29, the Connors State Softball team played their annual Halloween game. Team members and coaches dressed in costumes, passed out candy to the audience and played an intra-squad game.

CONNORS CONNECTION

13

A select group of CSC students were recently asked to join Sgt. William Barnes USA Ret., Veterans & Military representative for Congressman Markwayne Mullin, in judging high school student essays for the Second Congressional District Essay Contest.

Judges are (L to R): Robin O’Quinn, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs; Kylie Sanders; Lucas Orman; Brook Miller; Jamicia Trammel; Paul Bright; Kassidy Reynolds; Sgt. Barnes.

Staff v. Student Softball Game: Tuesday, October 13, Connors Student Activities held a Staff v. Student Softball game, played on the Connors State Softball Field. Connors State Faculty and Staff alike took on the students; after nine close innings, the students won 6-5.

14

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7

Most Valuable Cowboys The Most Valuable Cowboy program is designed to recognize members of the Connors’ family who go above and beyond their typical job duties.

MVC September (L to R): Jon Dallis, Digital Content Administrator; Kevin Isom, Assistant Director of It/Network Administrator; Dr. Tim Faltyn, CSC President; Austin Rosenthal, Purchasing Specialist; Debi Corrado, Director of Assessment, PLC Advisor and Biology Instructor.

MVC October (L to R): Rhonda Wilson, Business Division Chair & Instructor; Phalecia Gragg, Helpdesk Administrator; Dr. Tim Faltyn, CSC President; Raven Remer, Exec. Assistant to the Sr. VP for Academic & Student Affairs; Glynn Chairs, Exec. Assistant to the Vice President for Fiscal Services.

WHERE’S

CONNORS

I Cindy Anderson, executive assistant to CSC President Dr. Tim Faltyn, took Connors to Cuenca, Equador on a mission trip.

t’s been said your college years are always with you. While this is true, we want to know where you are taking Connors State College! Send a photo of you wearing your CSC gear – we want to see where CSC travels. Wear it on vacation, out to dinner … anywhere you go!

Photos will be featured in the next issue of the CONNECTION and uploaded to Facebook. The image with the most votes will win a prize. Send photos to: dearconnor@connorsstate.edu.

CONNORS CONNECTION

15

C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

The 2015-2016 Shotgun Shooting Sports Team is ready for Nationals. To see all athletic team rosters, schedules, photos and more, visit ConnorsAthletics.com.

16

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 7