A Publication of Connors State College
V O L U M E
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President’s Leadership Class Hosts Senior Sock Hop
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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E W ARNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469
Inside this issue V O L U M E
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N U M B E R
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T H 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. Ronald S. Ramming V IC E PRESID ENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick V IC E PRESID ENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis
CONNECTION LA Y OUT & D ESIGN Jonathan Dallis C ONT RIBUT ORS Cindy Anderson Natalie Bobbitt Wayne Bunch Jonathan Dallis Matthew Staples
3 COMMUNITY 4 C O W B OY FA M I LY 8 E D U C AT I O N 10 AT H L E T I C S 12 C A M P U S L I F E 14 F E AT U R E
D r. Janet Wans i ck N am ed C onnors S t at e C ol lege A c adem ic V ic e P res ident
P LC H os t s S enior S ock H op • Walk a M ile in H er S hoes • Fal l Fes t i val
Meet Johnsey, Royse, McCuiston, and Keith
Veterinar y Round Table • C ouns elor Round U p • P. R . I . D. E . E vent H el d in M us kogee Cowboys Roll Past Bacone • C ow g ir ls D efeat S out hwes t er n C hr is t i an • Judger s C om pet e at C im arron C l as s ic • S hoot ing S por t s Team P lac es H i gh in N ebras k a Fight Like a Girl • E m ployee R ec o gnit ion • S t af f V S. S t udent S of t bal l G am e
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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
Dr. Janet Wansick Named Academic Vice President
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onnors State College named Dr. Janet Wansick as Academic Vice President on November 1, 2017. Wansick comes to Connors State College after serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Wansick received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics, her master’s degree in secondary education from East Central University and she obtained her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. Wansick’s road to Connors State began at Northern Oklahoma College, where she taught mathematics for five years then moved to East Central University where she taught math and eventually moved up to Division Dean for the Division of Math
and Computer Science. In 2011, she became the Dean of the McAlester campus for Eastern Oklahoma State College, then moved on to be the Associate Vice President and finally Vice President for Academic Affairs. At Connors State, Wansick says her goals are to increase student retention and graduation rates and to provide opportunities for students to attend college. “I also hope to lead Connors through a successful re-affirmation of accreditation visit and help highlight the wonderful stories that are happening here,” said Wansick. “I have heard a lot of positive things about the people at Connors State and I am looking forward to being a part of this institution. I believe in the mission of the community college and look forward
to doing what I can to continue to offer opportunities to students in this area.” Wansick says education is important to her, as she has dedicated her career to this field. “Community colleges provide an opportunity to many students who would not be able to attend college elsewhere,” said Wansick. “Faculty and staff at two-year colleges are many times able to develop relationships with students that would not be possible at larger institutions. Two-year colleges really focus on students and help them succeed.” Though she has only been part of the Cowboy family for a short time, Wansick says she has been welcomed with open arms. “Connors has great faculty and staff. I have liked getting to know everyone and look forward to continuing to develop those relationships in the future,” said Wansick. “I love being a part of a community college and am looking forward to being a part of the A&M system.” Her husband Gary is the Chief of Police in McAlester, and they are looking to move closer to Connors soon. “We have three grown children,” said Wansick. “Our son Brandon and his wife Natalie live in Norman, as does our youngest daughter, Erin. Our daughter, Brynna and her husband Josh live in Hurley, Mississippi.” “We have four beautiful granddaughters; Sophie, 8; Jaycee, 7; Haley, 4; and Aubrey, 2. We both work long hours and are dedicated to our professions. My husband is very supportive of my career which makes it easier to focus on work. I am a pretty driven person and feel strongly about providing educational opportunities for everyone.” Wansick was named 2013 Business Woman of the Year by the McAlester Chamber of Commerce; and was a member of the 26th class of Leadership Oklahoma; among many academic accolades.
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Community
President’s Leadership Class Hosts Senior Sock Hop
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n Saturday, October 14, 2017, the Connors State President’s Leadership Class hosted a “Sock Hop Senior Prom” in the Stone Student Union Ballroom on the Warner campus. Connors State students planned the event and invited friends, family, and area retirement and assisted living members to take a blast to the past, and to twist their
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way back to the 1950s. The juke box played golden oldies, homemade milkshakes were served to every guest, and the dance floor was hoppin’, for the first “Sock Hop” held at Connors State in many years. Assisted living centers included: Dogwood Creek, of Muskogee, the Fort Gibson Nursing Home, and the
Countryside Estates in Warner. Mike Jackson, Dean of Students, assisted with the event and made sure that every guy and gal on the dance floor had a partner to celebrate the evening with. “This is something fun that we wanted to do for our community,” said Jackson. “We have a great bunch of kids and we all knew this would be a success.”
Connors State “Walks a Mile in Her Shoes”
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undreds took to the pavement on Thursday, October 12, to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, in protest of domestic violence. The community came together to stand up against domestic violence with a rally in downtown Muskogee; men traded in their boots and tennis shoes for women’s flats, wedges and high heels. The rally brings awareness to the issue, and was attended by more than just Cowboys; Connors Cowgirls marched alongside their classmates as well, holding signs and chanting in defiance of domestic violence.
The rally started in front of the Muskogee County Courthouse and ended inside the Arrowhead Mall in front of JCPenney where a speak-out was held. Mike Jackson, Dean of Students, lead the speak-out, where prominent members of the community addressed the issues. More than 90 students, faculty and staff members from Connors State College walked along side Dr. Ron Ramming, Connors State College President, Mike Lewis, Vice President for Fiscal Services, and Dean Jackson in support. “We at Connors State take the issue of domestic violence very seriously,”
said Jackson. “Many of our instructors encourage their students to be involved in campus awareness activities that will increase their knowledge about this issue.” Connors State, for the fifth consecutive year won the award for the group with the largest attendance. “Our 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,” said Jackson. “One occurrence on campus is one too many. I believe our staff and students feel the same way and I am glad I get to walk with these people.”
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Connors State Fall Festival Hosts Hundreds in Muskogee
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he students and staff on the Muskogee Three Rivers Port campus look forward to one day every year – the Fall Festival. On this day, students, faculty and staff are invited to bring their families to the college for an evening full of games, activities, trunk-or-treating, free food, and a whole lot of fun. On Monday, October 23, the annual festival was held. Each club, group and
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on-campus organization was contacted weeks in advanced and asked to bring a game, activity or trunk full of candy to be passed out to the more than 200 eager costume-clad kids as they made their way through the campus. The Connors State Film and Photography Club set up a fall photo booth, encouraging all patrons to capture the memory in a photograph and a
coloring booth, where the kids could color on custom made Connors State themed coloring sheets. Some of the games included pumpkin bowling, bean bag tosses, balloon popping, inflatable obstacle courses, and many more. Student Activities grilled up hotdogs for each guest and everyone left happy and with a bag full of treats.
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Cowboy Family
Nancy Johnsey, Faculty
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ancy Johnsey, nursing instructor, is proud to be an “Okie from Muskogee”. At Connors State, Johnsey teaches the second semester of the nursing program. Johnsey received her associate degree in nursing from Connors State College, then
transitioned to the University of Oklahoma for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her master’s degree in nursing education. “I am a graduate of the Connors nursing program, so I knew what an outstanding program it was when I applied to work here,” said Johnsey. “I was already familiar with many of the faculty and staff, who I have much respect for as nurses and instructors, so I was excited at the opportunity to become a part of the Connors nursing team.” Johnsey said Connors State gave her livelihood as a nurse, and also gave her the ability to pursue her passion for teaching in the field of nursing, which she truly enjoys. “Connors made me who I am from a career perspective,” said Johnsey. “Connors is a great place for students because it is a smaller college which allows for a more personal experience between students and instructors. The instructors here at Connors really care for their students and want to see them succeed. Many go that extra mile to support each
student.” Johnsey says she loves the people she works with every day. “Everyone is kind and helpful, we are all working together toward the same goal of helping students be successful and that makes your work place so nice when you not only enjoy what you do but also who you do it with,” said Johnsey. Outside of the college, Johnsey is married to her high school sweetheart and Connors alum, Sean. Together they have two children, an 11-year-old girl, and a nine-year-old boy. They stay active with their activities: soccer, church, and school clubs. “We spend a lot of time at the lake on our boat,” said Johnsey. “We have a menagerie of animals at our house because we rescue homeless dogs and cats.” Johnsey and her family are also very active in their church. Johnsey currently teaches the third and fourth grade class and helps out as needed in the younger kids’ classes.
Charity Royse, Student
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hen Charity Royse’s daughter began college, she realized it was time to grab a hold of her courage and enroll herself. Royse felt she needed to show her kids that no matter where you are in life, or what you’re doing you can take control and still become something. Since she began at Connors, Royce believes her confidence and courage have improved a vast amount, because she always felt she was not good at school. However, since she started she has learned she is pretty smart, yet lacked the confidence and the drive to achieve her goals. Royse currently serves as the secretary for the Native American Student Association, and is part of TRIO Student Support Services. “The staff and students at Connors State have really helped me push through the semesters. I now have grades I never have 8
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had before,” said Royse. “I struggled in high school and spent many days in summer school or with reading specialists. I was held back, which was the best thing for me, however I still struggled,” said Royse. “I was a teenage mother and put on homebound for three months, so I dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade.” Royse said she worked minimum wage jobs and always thought about going to college but was afraid she would not succeed, so she kept putting it off. “I have a humongous, loud and awesome family,” said Royse. “My husband and I have been together for 22 and a half years. We have three children, Kayla, Gregory Jr., and Preston, and I am very involved with my kid’s activities.” “I just want everyone to know, it is never too late to go to college,” said Royse. “I could not
have finished college without my family and friend’s support. It has been hard, but I’m sure I would have given up without them.” “When I graduate in May it will be dedicated to my family and friends, because of the motivation and support they gave,” said Royse.
Leslie McCuiston, Alumnus
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eslie McCuiston, America’s 2017 Pig Farmer of the Year, was a late addition to the 1997 Connors State Livestock Judging Team, but she will tell you this decision was one of many that changed her life. McCuiston came to Connors State on a President’s Leadership scholarship initially majoring in psychology because she wanted to help others, but during this time she began to miss agriculture, and switched her major to Ag Economics. After Connors State, McCuiston earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Ag Economics and a minor in marketing. “I am an advocate for junior colleges,” said McCuiston. “Connors State gave me the opportunity to grow up, without too much punishment.” McCuiston comes from a small town in southwest Oklahoma and says that if she were to go straight to OSU after high school, she would have flunked out without question.
“The ratio of students to teachers at Connors State is fantastic, and why I strongly believe in two-year colleges,” said McCuiston. “I made mistakes, sure, but I also made connections and built lifelong friendships.” McCuiston says she owes much of her confidence in her industry to her time spent at Connors. She said when she began college, she was scared to death by the idea of speaking in public, but now she does this everyday – because what she is doing today is advocating for the livestock industry. “Sometimes people think that if you work with large numbers of animals, you don’t care about the pigs,” she said. “Many people at our farms refer to sows as ‘their mamas’ and piglets as ‘their babies.’ We not only care for our pigs, but we care about the people who take care of the pigs, too.” Today McCuiston is responsible for 10 breed-to-wean farms in Nebraska and South Dakota and has found her fit in pig farming, where her career has flourished.
“There’s nothing monotonous about pig farming, because it’s new every day,” McCuiston said. “There’s always new learning, new innovations, new challenges and new life.”
Korey Keith, Staff
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orey Keith, residence manager and assistant baseball coach, grew up on the Warner campus of Connors State College. This season, Keith begins his third season as assistant coach, working daily with catchers and hitters and working tirelessly to take care of the beautiful Biff Thompson Field at Perry Keith Park. Keith is a former Cowboy All-American. He was fourth in the nation in hitting in 2013 and was a member of the 2013 Cowboy World Series team which finished fifth in the nation. After Connors, Keith continued his playing career at Southern Arkansas University where he made All-Conference and was a member of two Great American Conference
championship teams. Keith graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University and a Master’s degree from East Central University. “The people at Connors make this a great place for students to start their academic careers,” said Keith. “Every faculty and staff member at this college wants to see these students achieve their best. On the field and in the classroom, and that’s amazing. The care and love that each one of them offers to these kids is what I love most about Connors State. This is a unique college – there is nothing else like it.” Keith is recently engaged; he and his fiancé Autumn will be tying the knot in July.
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Education
Connors State Hosts Veterinary Round Table
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onnors State College has always strived to provide unique opportunities to prepare the students for their chosen career field. On Monday, November 6, 2017, after a day full of classes the Connors State College Division of Agriculture Ambassadors hosted 45 students and three local practicing veterinarians for a Roundtable discussion event. The cold night began with home cooked chili and refreshments as students, faculty, staff, and the vets gathered inside the Agriculture Hall of Fame to participate in a night full of fellowship and information. Connors was honored to have three veterinarians join the students to give a glimpse of their career field. Speakers were: Dr. Gloyd Miller, previously of Animal Medical Center, a Connors State Alum; Dr.
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Stacey Hubler of Hubler Vet Services, a Connors State Alum; and Dr. Marcia Labor of Haskell County Animal Clinic. These valued members of the community took time out of their busy schedule to share their careers. As the discussion started, Connors State equine instructor and assistant rodeo coach Jake Walker opened with questions about how each one of the doctors knew they wanted to be in the medical field so the students could get a glimpse of inspiration to get into this demanding career. Dr. Labor began by telling the students to dream big and dream early. She started her dream of becoming a veterinarian at a young age during the time a vet visited her family farm in the mountains of Tennessee to save their dairy cow with a simple
vaccination. Some of the discussion led to the amount of schooling that was required to become a veterinarian, which can be a daunting fact. Dr. Miller assured the students that Connors is a good stepping stone. Dr. Hubler stated that it was very difficult to get in and she had a backup plan if Veterinary school didn’t work for her. All three veterinarians said internships and job shadowing are the best start to becoming a vet. “The event was a great event that allowed current students the opportunity to visit face to face with practicing veterinarians, about the profession, the aspects of running a business, as well as thoughts on educational decision,” said Walker.
Connors Awards Scholarships During Counselor Round Up
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onnors State Recruitment welcomed more than 40 area high school counselors and advisors to the Stone Student Union Ballroom on Tuesday, Oct. 31, for a Halloween themed Counselor Round Up. The event began with introductions and breakfast followed by round-table discussions with Financial Aid, Connors State Development Foundation, Student Support Services and other on-campus organizations and department leaders, each detailing how
they can directly assist the students when they attend Connors State College. During the event, Connors State awarded 40 scholarships to the counselors for them to award to a deserving student at their local school. “Counselor Roundup is an event we host each year that allows us to meet face-to-face with counselors from local high schools,” said Logan Nero, Recruitment Director. “It gives us a chance to communicate, build relationships
and network with the counselors about Connors and what we have available as a two-year college.” These discussions focused on a wide range of topics designed to educate the counselors so they can, in turn, better help their students. “It’s important for the counselors to know what we have to offer their students,” said Nero. “Counselor Roundup is a great way to educate them on our programs, services and community engagements.”
Title III NASNTI Hosts P.R.I.D.E. Event in Muskogee
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r. Candessa Tehee, Northeastern State University Assistant Professor, Cherokee and Indigenous Studies, gave a P.R.I.D.E. presentation in the Nursing Allied Health auditorium on November 9, 2017, in Muskogee. Dr. Tehee was brought to Connors State
by the Title III NASNTI program. Tehee began the event by talking about what P.R.I.D.E. stands for: preparation, retention, inclusion, development, and engagement, discussing how each of the words are “active terms”. Tehee had the audience members get
out of their chairs, pair up, and participate in an experiment where each partner had to change small details about themselves – and discussed how it is difficult to maintain change because we often feel uncomfortable and out of place.
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Athletics
Cowboys Roll Past Bacone College
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onnors State overwhelmed visiting Bacone College Junior Varsity 97-77 on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Melvin Self Field House, in Warner. The unbeaten Cowboys, 4-0, had
eight players score in double figures with Terrance Jones leading the attack with 16 points. Bruce Putnam, Darius Roy and Mason Jones scored 13 points each. Zaph Bobb added another 11 points while
Cowgirls Defeat Southwestern Christian
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onnors State Cowgirls, behind the double-double performance of DeAuja Thompson, streaked past visiting Southwestern Christian Junior Varsity 82-50 Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the Melvin Self Field House, in Warner. Cowgirls’ Thompson, who scored 23 points, also pulled down 12 rebounds.
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Connors also had double-digit scoring from Tierra Jones, who scored 20 points, and Teriyon Thomas with 17 more in the victory. “I was really pleased with the way we played offensively, but more pleased with the way we played defense in the second half,” said Cowgirls head coach Jamie
teammates AJ Cockrell, George Price and Bishop Coulter each scored 10 points in the victory. “We have got to get better defensively,” said Connors State head coach Bill Muse. “That has been an issue since we started. We just have to keep working on it and get better on that end.” A total of 56 fouls were called in the contest, something Muse was not pleased with the effort of his club. “It was a long game,” said Muse. “We just made a lot of mistakes. Coming off a game in which we played well, then played like this. It was a little bit of a letdown.” “This gave me an opportunity to evaluate guys who haven’t been getting a lot of minutes playing,” said Muse. “This makes me focus on who I have got to play when we get into conference play,” he said. Fisher. “We came out real flat and complacent to open the game,” said Fisher. “Our goal was to hold them to 50 points and we did that. I was proud of our effort tonight. The Cowgirls broke open the game with a 15-2 run to open the third quarter, jumping out to a 61-33 advantage with 3:30 left in the period. The largest Cowgirl lead was 33 points, 75-42 at the 7:10 mark of the fourth quarter. The Cowgirls raced to a 47-33 lead at the half behind the 16 point first half performance of Tierra Jones. She drained 6-of-9 from the field in the first half to lead the assault Thompson also scored in double figures in the first 20 minutes of play draining 12 points. Connors largest lead of the half was 17 points 44-27 with 1:45 remaining in the half.
Judgers Compete at Cimarron Classic
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he Connors State College freshman and sophomore judging team competed at the Cimarron Classic Livestock Judging in Stillwater on October 20, 2017, claiming high overall teams in both divisions. The first freshman team, Connors Black: Will Shelby, Braeton Kimble, Shyann McWhirter, Brayden Johnson, and Gunnar Norvell placed first in swine, cattle and reasons; second in sheep and goats. Individually Shelby placed first in sheep and goats, first in swine, second in reasons and placed high individual overall.
McWhirter placed fifth in sheep and goats, eighth in reasons and third overall. Kimble placed fifth in hogs, fourth in cattle, first in reasons and was fourth high individual. Johnson placed second in swine, sixth in reasons and sixth overall. The second freshman team, Connors Orange: Alex Theodore, Brock Allen, Eli Smallwood, Maverick Williams, and Cotton Reinke placed as second high team in cattle, third high team on reasons, and fourth high team overall. Individually Smallwood placed fifth in cattle; Reinke placed third in cattle; and Theodore placed
first in cattle and eighth high individual. The first sophomore team, Connors Black: Sam Brake, Ben Porter, Tristan Gambill, Austyn Fuss, and Logan Corbett placed third high team in swine, second in sheep and goats, first in cattle, first in reasons, and high team overall. Individually Brake placed second in sheep and goats, tenth in reasons, and fourth high individual. Gambill placed fifth in swine, second in cattle, second in reasons, and fifth high individual overall. Fuss placed third in cattle, third in reasons, and seventh high individual. Corbett placed ninth high individual overall. The second sophomore team, Connors Orange: Claire Bradbury, Cindy Cooper, Derek Sharp, Riley King, and Madison David placed third high team in cattle and fourth high team overall. Individually Bradbury placed third in sheep and goats, first in cattle, fourth in reasons and second high individual overall. Clark placed eleventh high overall. The Connors State sophomore judging team also competed at the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri on October 25-26, 2017. The team placed sixth high team overall, second high team in swine, fourth high team in cattle, and fourth high team in reasons. Individually Gambill was third high individual in swine; Brake was fifth high individual in swine, third high individual in cattle, and sixth high individual overall.
Shooting Sports Team Places High in Nebraska
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he Connors State Shooting Sports team competed at Grand Island, Nebraska, Nov. 4-5, 2017. Shelby Skaggs, freshman from Nash, Oklahoma was high point shooter in her Trap division with 100/100 targets. Skaggs also took the top honors in the Skeet Division with
96/100 targets. Amos Scott, sophomore from Inola, Oklahoma, tied for second in his Trap Division with 99/100 targets. Skaggs finished as Reserve Champion High Point Shooter overall for the meet. The Connors State team finished sixth overall.
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Campus Life
“Fight Like A Girl” Self-Defense Class
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ctober is Domestic Assault Awareness Month and Connors State College is doing everything they can to bring awareness to the subject. In an effort for students, faculty, and staff to feel safer on campus, the college hosted a women’s self-defense course on Monday, Oct. 16, in the Stone Student Union Ballroom on the Warner campus immediately after the “Take Back the Night”
presentation by Mike Jackson, Dean of Students. This self-defense course, which was open to all CSC women and women in the community, an opportunity to learn potentially life-saving self-defense techniques. Instructor Lisa Wolfe, of Wolfe Pack Taekwondo in Tulsa, led the course, teaching more than 40 women how to break free from attackers and to escape.
Employee Recognition Night
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o say “Thank You” to the faculty and staff members of Connors State College, employees were invited to a doubleheader men’s and women’s basketball game held in the Melvin Self Field House on Thursday, November 9. Employees and their families were given free admission, a barbecue dinner, and a snack pack to enjoy as they cheered on the teams. During half-time of the men’s game, employees were recognized in a ceremony held at center court. After a photo, two drawings were held awarding prizes to Megan Duvall and Albert Tucker.
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STAFF VS. STUDENT SOFTBALL GAME - The Connors State faculty and staff members faced off against a team of students in an intense softball game on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, played on the Connors State softball field. This heated game began at dusk and was one for the ages. The staff and faculty members played hard and remained neck and neck with the young and agile students for much of the game, but ultimately fell to the students after nine innings, 22-7.
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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469
Hundreds took to the pavement on Thursday, October 12, to “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes”, in protest of domestic violence. 16
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