Connection: Volume 8, Number 7

A Publication of Connors State College

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CSC Hosts Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Speak-Out

C ON NO R S S TA TE C OL L EG E WARNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

INSIDE THIS ISSUE V O L U M E

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THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

ADMINI STRA TI ON PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES

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Domestic Violence Speak-Out

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Fall Festival • Ghost Games and Spookball • Congressman Mullin • Haunted Attraction • Thanksgiving Dinner

COWBOY FAMILY

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Meet Bobb, Jackson, Davenport and Watson • FFA Recognition

EDUCATION

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Counselor Round-up • Battle of Honey Springs • Native American Education

ATHLETICS

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Cowboys Basketball • Cowgirls Basketball • Judging Team • Rodeo Team • Athletic Hall of Fame

FEATURE

Mike Lewis

CONNEC TI ON LAYOUT & DESIGN Zadie McElhaney CONTRIBUTORS Cindy Anderson Zadie McElhaney Mike Jackson Von Caster Wayne Bunch Emma Long Zadie McElhaney Dr. Anita Thompson Rochelle Vanover

COMMUNITY

SOCIAL

MEDIA

#CONNORSSTATE

facebook.com/ connorsstate

twitter.com/ connorsstate

youtube.com/ connorsstatecollege

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, 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 CSC Hosts Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Speak-Out The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Monday, October 22, Connors State College hosted a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Speak-out on the Warner campus. This event was attended by over 225 students.

“The ceremony was good for students to see the diversity of people that domestic violence and sexual assault affect,” said Emma Long, a CSC Freshman. “I am proud Connors hosts an event such as this to show support to the victims and those affected by these terrible crimes.

Emma said she believes that the speak-out left a meaningful impact on

students. She said she among other students left the ceremony with a better understanding of this cause.

Domestic violence specialists, staff, counselors, coaches, local pastors and survivors addressed those in attendance. The event ended with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the survivors, as well as those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence or sexual assault.

Megan Page, a CSC freshman, said, “When Connors hosts events such as the Speak-Out, it shows that they care about the students and the staff here at the college. There will always be someone on campus that we can

talk to if we need advice, guidance or a friendly reminder that someone is looking out for us.”

Long said listening to the panel speak about their experiences with domestic violence at the ceremony made the cause become more of a reality.

“I did not realize what people actually go through when they are put in terrible situations such as being sexually assaulted. I now have a better understanding of their situations and will make more of an effort to spread awareness for speaking out.”

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COMMUNITY

Annual Fall Festival Provides an Evening of Fun The Connors State students, faculty and staff look forward to the CSC annual Fall Festival every year.

Community members of Muskogee and surrounding areas, as well as CSC students and employees were all invited to bring their families to the Muskogee-Three Rivers Port Campus for an evening full of games, activities, trunk-or-treating, free food, and a whole lot of fun.

On Monday, October 24, the annual festival was held – each club, group

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and on-campus organization were asked to bring a game, activity or trunk full of candy to be passed out to around 200 trunk-or-treaters and their families. The enthusiastic costumeclad kids made their way through the campus looking for their next excitement.

The Connors State Marketing and Communications Coordinator set up a fall photo booth and encouraged all families to capture the memory in a photograph. The Connors Cowboy

Corral set up face painting for kids, while the CSC softball team helped hand out popcorn.

Some of the games included ring toss, cornhole, inflatable obstacle courses, and much more.

Hotdogs were provided for each guest. The trunk-or-treaters and their families left joyful and with a bag full of treats.

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Cowgirls Softball Team Holds Ghost Games and Spookball The Connors State Cowgirls Softball Team invited all CSC students, faculty, staff and members of the community to join them for a night of fun at Ghost Games and Spookball on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.

The hour prior to the game beginning was spent playing games and participating in family fun activities.

The Cowgirls played cornhole, let the children hit whiffle balls, passed out candy and hot chocolate before

the game began.

The players then played a game of softball wearing their spooky costumes.

Congressman Mullin Meets with PLC and SGA Members On October 15, 2018, the Connors State President’s Leadership Class and the Student Government Association met with Congressman Markwayne Mullin in the LLC Auditorium on the Warner campus along with various Connors faculty and staff members.

Congressman Mullin answered questions that the students had prepared for him and asked them several questions in return.

Congressman Mullin spoke about the drive to become a United States Congressman and the road he took to get to that point in his life. Mullin

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also spoke about his connection to the agriculture industry and how his roots still run deep in agriculture to this day.

The students in attendance said

that hearing from someone with such an influence on our country was thrilling and they are grateful for the experience.

Students Present Haunted Attraction Connors State College along with Warner High School joined together to present the Abandoned Haunted Attraction for another year in downtown Warner.

The haunted attraction is a joint project to raise money for the Warner school’s Christmas drive. A small fee was charged at entry to help with

the proceeds. The money raised from the event goes to the Warner High School’s annual Christmas drive where food and gifts are purchased for students from pre-kindergarten to seniors at Warner Public Schools.

The attraction was open to members of the community and those surrounding on October 27, 30 and

31.

Students from both Connors State College and Warner High School spent many hours preparing for the event in the weeks leading up to the opening.

Odie’s abandoned furniture store in Warner was transformed into scenes guaranteed to thrill those who were brave enough to enter.

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SGA Provides Thanksgiving Dinner to Those In Need The Connors State College Student Government Association, along with Sodexo employees and several volunteers hosted their first Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 13, 2018, in the Warner Student Union Cafeteria.

Members of Connors SGA took donations leading up to the event to help prepare for the expense of the dinner. Over 150 people were in

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attendance for the event.

Mary McElhaney, a teacher at Warner Elementary and a Connors volunteer, said, “This event made me proud to be a graduate of Connors State College. Connors does a terrific job teaching the students the importance of not only serving those who are members of their communities, but also in serving people around the world. There isn’t a better way to

spend an evening than providing love and kindness to those who need it.”

The event provided a warm Thanksgiving meal cooked and prepared by Sodexo. SGA members and volunteers helped serve the food and clean-up once the event ended.

“After seeing the impact that this first dinner has made, I see this event continuing next year and in the years to come,” McElhaney said.

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COWBOY FAMILY Randy Bobb, Alumni Randy Bobb attended Broken Arrow High School where he was an honor student and graduated in the top 5% of his class in 1984. In addition to academics, he also excelled on the baseball diamond where he was selected for the Oklahoma All-State Team for the California/Oklahoma All-Star Series. Bobb was also named All-Conference, All-Metro, and Team MVP during this time.

Bobb became a part-time starter on scholarship at Oklahoma City University his freshman year, before transferring to Connors State College.

At Connors, he helped lead the Cowboys to a conference and Region II title and finished the season with a batting average of .485, 18 home runs, 85 RBIs and 99 hits while playing first base. He was selected All-Conference, All-Region II, Third Team All-American, and Academic All-American. Bobb ranked in the top 10 nationally for batting average, home runs, RBIs, hits and runs.

After his time at Connors, Bobb

continued his education and playing career at the University of Arkansas where he was a two-year starter at first base for the Razorbacks. His career batting average of .356, still ranks in the top 10 at Arkansas. He also holds the school and SWC conference record for his 30 game hitting streak in 1987. Bobb helped lead the Razorbacks to the College World Series in 1987, where he hit a dramatic 3-run home run with a broken hand to help Arkansas defeat Georgia. In 1989, Bobb graduated from the U of A with a BSBA degree in Management.

Since 1989, Bobb has worked in the information services industry. He currently serves as the Regional Vice President of Sales for TransUnion.

During his career, which also includes working for Acxiom, Experian, LexisNexis and FICO, he has received numerous sales awards and trips. He has also been a speaker and panelist at industry association events, as well as a contributing author for industry publications.

Bobb and his wife, Cherie Thomas Bobb, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last year. They reside in Frisco, TX and are the proud parents of Alex, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, and Austin, a junior at Frisco Wakeland High School. Bobb has been very active in youth sports in Frisco for more than 10 years, coaching teams in baseball, football, basketball, track and field, and soccer.

Mike Jackson, Staff Mike Jackson, the Connors State College Dean of Students, has been a member of the Cowboy family for as long as he has been alive.

Jackson lived on campus with his mother and father, who was also the CSC Dean of Students, as a small child. He later moved to downtown Warner unaware that he would one day return.

“My family has the longest history with CSC than any other family I know,” Jackson said. “There has been a member of my family employed at CSC since 1959. There has also been 14 members of my family attend CSC as I can recall.”

Jackson obtain his associate degree from Connors and then graduated

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from Northeastern State University with a degree in sociology.

Jackson retired from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and then began working full time for Connors six years ago.

“Connors has small classes so that the students can personally know their instructors and get assistance when they ask for it,” he said. “The staff and faculty truly care about the students. Connors assists students with more than just getting an education. They assist with guidance towards getting a fresh start on life.”

Jackson said not only has he been blessed with a good job, but he has also been blessed with a great family and special life.

Rylan Davenport, Student Rylan Davenport, a student in the Connors State College Nursing Program, said Connors has allowed him to reach for and achieve his goals, gain life-long friends and give back to his community.

Davenport is from Park Hill, Oklahoma. He graduated from Keys High School in 2015 where he was named the Valedictorian of his class and maintained a 4.0 GPA. “When I was I child I thought I wanted to become a pilot,” Davenport said. “At the age of 15, when I was a freshman in high school, I decided I would become a registered nurse instead.”

Davenport said he chose Connors because of their reputation of being a great school and because of the well ranked nursing program.

“After graduation from Connors I plan to take and successfully pass

the National Council Licensure Examination the first time and advance my current position from a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Nurse Extern to a full-time CVICU RN at Tahlequah City Hospital,” Davenport said. “I then plan to further my education to obtain my Bachelor of Nursing and then eventually attend school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.”

When Davenport isn’t in class he enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and he is also a scuba diving instructor.

Davenport said he loves to travel and his family means the world to him.

Davenport said, “I want to thank the Lord for his blessing and provision in my life. Second, my parents are incredible and my biggest cheerleaders. Lastly, I have gained the best friends and classmates who encourage me daily. I also want to

thank my nursing instructors for their countless hours of instruction and mentoring. I’ve been given a gift and now look forward to a long and successful professional nursing career.”

Sandra Watson, Faculty Sandra Scott Watson, Connors State College Interim Division Chair for Nursing and Allied Health, graduated from Connors in 1992 with her associate degree. In 1999 Watson obtain her Associate in Nursing from Connors.

Watson later obtained both her master’s degree in Clinical Nurse Specialist pathway and Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing Education at Oklahoma University.

In 2017 she received her Family Nurse Practitioners degree from Frontier University and she is currently enrolled in classes to obtain her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

“CSC was the beginning of my nursing career,” Watson said.

“Connors helped make me the practitioner and teacher that I am today.”

Watson currently teaches in the students third semester of nursing school. Not only does Watson teach and serve as the Division Chair, she also tutors and serves as a mentor.

“Teaching at CSC allows me to impact not only my patients, but all of the future patients our students will touch the lives of,” Watson said. “CSC is the place to be. My Connors family has had a significant impact on my life.”

In Watson’s spare time she said she acts as supermom to her two teenage daughters. She said she spends a lot of her time helping her girls show horses and rodeo. Watson also enjoys camping and trail riding.

“I have raised my daughters while being a part of the Connors family,” Watson said.

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CSC Students and Alumni Recognized at National FFA Convention Nineteen Connors State College students and alumni traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to receive their American FFA Degree, the highest level of membership one can achieve as an FFA member, or to compete for a national title in various agricultural competitions.

The American FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA. The students and alumni traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to receive this honor.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively

invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise.

Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate after being recognized on stage at that national convention.

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Brady Womack was in the top four in the nation for Star in Agribusiness.

Will Shelby was in the top four in the nation in Proficiency in Veterinary Science. Dalton Flatt was the high individual in the nation in Livestock Evaluation. James Waller (not pictured) competed with his hometown team and they finished fourth in the nation in Poultry Evaluation. James received GOLD recognition. Daniel Lujan competed in the national public speaking CDE. Sixteen received the American FFA Degree. These students are Eli Smallwood; Karli Fuss; Alexa Wandrey; Amy Larson, ; Brady Womack; Brooklyn Herriman; Brooks Thompson; Chance Sweeten; Eliza Drew Willingham; Faith Treadwell; Kaylynn Fanning; Matt Whelan; Sadie Brown; Shyann McWhirter; Gus Warne and Will Shelby.

Amy Larson

Alex Wandrey

Daniel Lujan

Dalton Flatt

Brady Womack

Gus Warne

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Will Shelby

Shyann McWhirter

Sadie Brown

Matt Whelan

Kaylynn Fanning

Faith Treadwell

Eliza Drew Willingham

Karli Fuss

Eli Smallwood

Chance Sweeten

Brooks Thompson

Brooklyn Herriman CONNORS CONNECTION

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EDUCATION Recruitment Hosts Counselor Round-Up Connors State Recruitment welcomed more than 45 area high school counselors and advisors to the Stone Student Union Ballroom for Counselor Round Up. The event began with introductions and breakfast followed.

The director from Financial Aid, Admissions, Student Support Services and other on-campus organizations and departmental leaders, spoke to the counselors detailing how they can directly assist the students when they attend Connors State College.

The speakers focused on a wide range of topics designed to educate the counselors so they can, in turn, better help their students.

During the event, Connors State awarded 45 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 talk one-on-one with counselors from our local high schools,” said CSC Recruitment Director, Logan Nero. “It gives us a chance to connect, build

relationships and network with the counselors. This event also allows us to tell the counselors what we at Connors have to offer to their students.”

This year’s counselors heard from Nero who discussed the many benefits of concurrent enrollment, a program allowing high school juniors and seniors to take college level courses and get a jump start on their college career.

Battle of Honey Springs Director Briefs Students On October 10, 2018, in the LLC Auditorium on the Warner campus, Adam Lynn, the director of Honey Springs Battlefield, spoke with students about the American Civil War engagement.

The event was organized by Chris McBeath, CSC history professor.

Students were encouraged to attend the program and ask questions about the largest confrontation between Union and Confederate forces in the area.

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The Battle of Honey Springs took place 20 miles from the Connors Warner campus. The battle took place on July 17, 1863.

Lynn briefed the students on why the battle occurred, how the battle was won and the importance of the Battle at Honey Springs.

“I think having a guest speaker on campus is important because they can provide the students real-world life experiences,” McBeath said. “They can also provide a greater or sometimes

different perspective in their field, enhancing the students learning experience.”

Native American Speakers/Game Day The Connors State College Native American Success and Cultural Center along with Title III have spent the past few months providing learning opportunities to students on both the Muskogee and Warner campuses.

Title III funded Julie Brison, former Miss Cherokee Nation, and Robert Lewis, an award winning Native American Storyteller, to speak with Connors students, faculty, staff and interested community members about Native American heritage.

The guest speakers aid in cultural understanding and provide

supplemental instruction to the students.

Callie Connolly, a Title III Native American Advisor and a coordinator of these events, said, “Connors has a large population of Native American students. It is important to highlight the Native American heritage for these students and for the students who are interested in learning more about this culture.”

The NASCC also hosted a Native American game day featuring games such as, stickball, marbles and blow darts. Students of all backgrrounds

could join in on the games and learn about the traditional American Indian competitions.

Connolly said students leave these types of activities with a better cultural understanding.

“The students are unaware of the diverse population our campus has until we provided these learning opportunities,” she said. “I along with Colleen Noble, the CSC Director of NASCC, put in lots of thought when choosing who we believe will provide a better understand of the Native American Culture.”

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ATHLETICS Cowboys Basketball Team Starts the Season Strong The 23rd ranked Connors Cowboys, behind the guard tandem of Elijah Landrum and Burke Putnam, blasted Region II opponent Arkansas Baptist 101-75 on the Bison’s home floor.

Landrum, a transfer from Southern Methodist University, scored a career high 35 points while Putnam rammed home 23 and Terrance Jones added another 20 for the Cowboys.

“We had a very good night” said Connors head coach Bill Muse. “If we continued to play like this we have a chance to be pretty good.

“I thought our back court of Landrum and Burke played very well.

Landrum had 25 points at the half.

“Arkansas Baptist is a pretty good ball club and to beat them like that on their court was pretty impressive,” said Muse.

What was also impressive for the Cowboys was at the free throw line.

Connors connected on 30-of-36 at the charity stripe.

It was the second time this season

that the Cowboys had surpassed the century mark in scoring.

The Cowboys never trailed in the game holding a commanding 56-38 lead at the half.

The Cowboys drained 9 shots

from behind the arc with Landrum connecting on five.

The Cowboys are currently 3-0 for the 2018-2019 basketball season.

Cowgirls Defeat Oklahoma Wesleyan Connors State Cowgirls placed four players in double figures led by Sadie Carter (23 points) to defeat Oklahoma Wesleyan College Junior Varsity 76-68 on the Eagles home floor.

The unbeaten Cowgirls also had Vicky Dru scoring 16 points, Skylah Hawkins adding 11 and Cheyenne Marshall contributing 10.

“We made shots when we had too tonight,” said Cowgirls head coach Jamie Fisher.

“We started the game flat, and weren’t ready to play, but we regrouped in the second half and started playing much better.

“We are a young team and learned a lot about ourselves tonight,” said Fisher.

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Connors and Wesleyan battled to an 18-all tie after the first quarter, however, the Eagles held a 34-32 lead at the intermission.

Connors then outscored their hosts

42 -25 in the final two quarters to put the game away.

The Cowgirls are currently 3-0 for the 2018-2019 basketball season.

Livestock Judging Team Brings Home Awards The Connors State College Livestock Judging Team has brought many awards back to Connors over the past few months. The team traveled to the AKSARBEN Junior College Judging Contest in Grand Island, Nebraska, on October 1-2. The sophomore team was 2nd high team overall. Will Shelby, a CSC sophomore, was 2nd high individual overall and Kinder Harlow, a CSC sophomore, was 10th high individual overall.

The team then traveled to the Tulsa State Fair where they were named top team overall and brought home many

other awards.

The team competed at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on October 8, 2018.

The CSC Sophomore Team finished 2nd high team overall. Shyann McWhirter, a CSC sophomore, finished 10th high individual overall in the contest and 4th high in hogs; Tierani Johnson, a CSC sophomore, earned 7th high individual overall recognition and 5th high individual in reasons.

The team was also 1st team in hogs; 4th in cattle; 3rd in reasons; and 4th in sheep and goats.

The CSC Livestock Judging Team

also brought home the championship banner from the Cimarron Classic Contest in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The CSC sophomore team Black was named high team overall. The freshman CSC team Black was named the 2nd high team overall. McWhirter was awarded the high individual overall.

The judging team also travled to the 2018 Kansas City Royal Competition where they finished 3rd high team overall. Braeton Kimble, a CSC sophomore, was recognized as 4th high individual in the competition.

CSC Rodeo Team Finishes Fall Rodeo Season The Connors State College Rodeo Team competed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at the college rodeo hosted by Oklahoma State University on October 12-14.

Koby Estein and Jase Holder were 4th in the long round, 1st in the short round, and 1st in the average in the Team Roping. Brock Banks was 1st in the long round and qualified for the short round in tie down roping. Bryton

Edmundson was 6th in the long round and qualified for the short round in tie down roping.

Edmundson also qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Edmundson placed 6th in the second round, and finished 6th in the average.

Jimmie Bryant, CSC sophomore, qualified for the CRRA Finals in Breakaway Roping in Ft. Smith. She

won the first round and finished 9th overall for the year.

The CSC Rodeo Team completed their final rodeo of the Fall semester in Alva, Oklahoma, at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo.

Bryant placed 6th in the long go, 3rd in the short round, and 4th overall in the Breakaway Roping.

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ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS Connors State College inducted its seventh Athletic Hall of Fame Class on Saturday, October 20, 2018, in the student Union Ballroom in Warner. Bill Muse, Connors State College athletic director, and Dr. Ron Ramming, Connors State College president, helped recognize those receiving awards. The event kicked off with a reception and dinner with the inductions following. Those inducted included Randy Bobb, Dr. Frank Borovetz, Rick Carbone, Jim Hamric, Frank Harris, Luther Martin, Derek Nunn, Tina Taylor Ramos and Biff Thompson.

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CO N N O RS ST A T E CO LLE G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

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