The Seminole State College Board of Regents convened to discuss the awarding of tenure to a faculty member, the establishment of a new cross-country program, and a revised lease-purchase agreement for the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex on Feb. 24. The meeting date was rescheduled from Feb. 20 due to inclement weather.

The meeting began with a report from SSC President Lana Reynolds, who provided updates on campus activities, legislative developments and athletic programs.

With the first action item, the Board considered and approved the awarding of tenure to Assistant Professor of Agriculture Wendy Slusher-Rich. President Reynolds presented the tenure recommendation, highlighting Professor Rich’s contributions to student success and her leadership on campus.

Rich has served as an Assistant Professor ofAgriculture at Seminole State College for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Agriculture Education from Oklahoma State University. At SSC, she teaches agriculture courses, mentors students in the agricultural degree program and serves as faculty co-sponsor of the SSC Shooting Sports Club and faculty sponsor for the SSC Aggie Club. She also served as Faculty Senate President in the 202223 academic year. Rich governments who are willing to engage in cooperative endeavors.”

Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City and adjacent to the First Americans Museum, OKANA is a world-class, luxury destination featuring:

• An 11-story, 404suite hotel with modern accommodations featuring seven distinct suite types

• A 100,000-squarefoot indoor waterpark, which is the largest in the region with a wave pool, lazy river, high-end cabanas, an adults-only pool, and 15 water slides for kids and adults

• A 20,000-squarefoot family entertainment center with interactive arcade games, two-story lazer tag, and more

• Approximately 27,000-square-feet of conference center space

• A full-service day spa

• 13 unique restaurant and beverage outlets.

• A 4.5-acre outdoor adventure area designed for relaxation and play that sits as the centerpiece of the resort with a lagoon that is the 4th largest pool in the country

• Three outdoor event spaces with two amphitheaters Exhibit C Gallery, also owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, has moved its location adjacent to First Americans Museum (FAM) and OKANA. The reimagined 10,000-squarefoot First Americans retail gallery features a multiuse gallery space and seven rental art studios for First American artists. The gallery space will work collaboratively to partner with FAM to complement the programs and activities already offered by the museum.

“We are excited for this momentous opening of OKANA,” said Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren. “OKANA is a testament to Governor Anoatubby’s visionary leadership. His foresight, coupled with the strong collaborative relationship we share with the City of Oklahoma City, has been instrumental in realizing the OKANA project. We extend our gratitude to our leaders at the tribal, state, and local levels, as well as to our esteemed business leaders, for their invaluable collaboration. This resort will not only serve as a prominent landmark for Oklahoma and Oklahoma City but will also function as a substantial economic catalyst, driving job growth and generating opportunities for all residents of this region.”

OKANA’s construction phase generated 1,404 annual jobs. The employee count at opening was more than 400 people, and OKANA is expected to make an annualized economic impact of about $98 million in its first year of operation. Over the next decade, OKANA is projected to drive $1.3 billion in spending and generate nearly $214 million in tax revenue for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County and the state. Full-time employment is projected to expand to as many as 500 direct and indirect jobs annually.

“There is nothing else like OKANA in our state,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. “This will be a regional draw and a game changer for OKC. And it’s even more unique because it is tied to one of the most meaningful museums in the world, the First Americans Museum. Visitors to OKANA will have both a fun and an impactful experience.”

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater said, “OKANA Resort is a vital new asset in Oklahoma City’s transition as a top tourism destination. The investment made here will drive spending and boost economic development throughout the city. We applaud the team on this incredible development and look forward to working together to bring visitors to OKANA Resort, Horizons District and Oklahoma City.”

“OKANAResort & Indoor Waterpark is a gamechanger for the tourism industry in Oklahoma City, further solidifying Horizons District as a vibrant district for both visitors and locals,” said Zac Craig, President of Visit Oklahoma City. “This incredible development is a major addition to our city’s tourism landscape, offering unique experiences that will attract travelers yearround from far and wide. At Visit OKC, we are thrilled to see OKANA open its doors, and we look forward to the tremendous impact it will have on our community.”

OKANA will also offer connectivity to the Boathouse District and the new Oklahoma River Cruises Ferry Landing, which has been developed with the support of a $4 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration. Furthermore, access to the development will be facilitated by the trail system extending along both the north and south banks of the river.

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