Former Seminole State College Trojan, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and Olympic gold medal winner Ryan Franklin has been reappointed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to serve on the Seminole State College Board of Regents.

The reappointment was confirmed by the Oklahoma State Senate Education Committee on May 4 and sent to the Oklahoma State Senate for final approval. The nomination was carried by Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee). Franklin’s seven-year term as a Regent concludes on July 1, 2028.

Franklin was first appointed as a regent in 2014 by former Governor Mary Fallin.

Lana Reynolds, President of Seminole State College, said that Franklin has been a long-time friend and supporter of the college.

“Mr. Franklin is an outstanding individual who brings a unique perspective to the Board as an alum and businessman. We are honored to have him continue to serve on the SSC Board of Regents,” she said.

Franklin, who worked for the Cardinals organization from 2012 to 2020 as Assistant to the General Manager, signed a professional contract to play for the organization in 2006. He was a pitcher for the team from 2007 until 2011. Following his time as a player, he handled player evaluation, professional and amateur scouting and served as an official representative of the Cardinals.

Prior to signing with St. Louis, Franklin pitched for the Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cincinnati Reds between 1993 and 2006. Franklin was a member of the Gold Medal winning USA baseball team at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, where he had a 3-0 pitching record in four appearances. He is a 1983 graduate of Seminole State College and was inducted into the College’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005. He is married to Angie Romberg Franklin and the couple has four children - Logan, Teagan, Kaylin and Casen; and one grandson – Hayes Blu. He and his family live in Shawnee.

Members of the Seminole State College Board of Regents are appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms. The Regents serve as the College’s governing body and have the supervision and management responsibilities for the College.

The next meeting of the SSC Board of Regents will take place on May 20.