Alumni Spotlight
Tyson Whitt | Class of 2000 | Computer Engineering Technology
In 2000, Tyson Whitt graduated from Shawnee State University with an undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering Technology. Since graduation, Whitt is currently working as an Infrastructure Engineering Consultant at a prominent insurance company based in Columbus, Ohio.
Whitt's education at SSU was highlighted by two main professors in his field, Paul Yost and Ted Kosan. He credits these two for effectively prepping him for a career in the corporate technology world. Before SSU, Whitt did not have much computer experience or knowledge, however, he felt his professors hd a vision for leading edge technologies and programming languages - even though it was only the late '90s. Whitt found that most of his classes were focused in areas that were the most prominent and in-demand for his career field. As a student, Whitt also joined a university fraternity, where he expanded his social and networking skills that have aided him significantly in his career.
Whitt has been employed at his institution for over 17 years where he is responsible for IT process improvement, IT project management, IT strategy, and IT security.
Faculty Spotlight
Travis Lynn | Professor of Digital Simulation & Gaming Engineering Technology
In Spring 2016, Travis Lynn returned to Shawnee State University to become an instructor for the Digital Simulation & Gaming Engineering Technology program. An SSU alumni ('14), Lynn turned his gaming hobby into a successful career, where he now hopes to help SSU students reach the same goals.
As one of the newest gaming professors, Lynn has a great connection with many SSU gaming alumni. He uses many gaming platforms - Discord, Twitch, and Steam - to see where other alumni are in their careers, as well as encouraging his students to network with professionals this way as well.
An active member in the gaming community, Lynn has traveled with students to gaming conferences - including GDEX, a conference in the growing gaming community in Columbus, Ohio - to promote the Shawnee gaming programs, as well as helping students make valuable connections for their future careers.
Last year during the annual Shawnee Art + Technology Game Conference, Lynn assisted behind the scenes with the organizing of the event in which he helped introduce a number of new ideas for the conference.
"The changes we made last year gave this conference a new energy and I believe all attending could feel it," Lynn said. "I want this event to keep growing into something everyone can enjoy - where alums, students, and professionals can network and build meaningful connections."
The 2018 Shawnee Art + Technology Game Conference will take place on November 2, 2018. For more information and the latest conference updates, check out the conference website.
Event Recap
Hall of Fame Weekend | January 2018
Shawnee State Athletics inducted four new members into the SSU Hall of Fame this past January. The induction kicked off a weekend of events to celebrate the Hall of Fame class.
Abby Ballman (Women's Basketball), Haley (Halcomb) Merritt (Volleyball), Keegan Rathkamp (Men's Cross Country), and Delano Thomas (Men's Basketball) were all honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet where they were recognized by former coaches, supporters, and teammates. View more photos from the Hall of Fame Banquet on the SSU Facebook page.
In addition to the banquet, the SSU community had an event-filled weekend to celebrate the Hall of Fame. The first-ever Students vs. Staff Basketball game was held, Kids' Day brought out more than 75 children to the Waller Gymnasium to watch the basketball teams both score victories against the University of the Cumberlands, and to end the weekend, the Alumni Social brought over 60 alumni of all ages to enjoy a night of mingling at the Portsmouth Brewing Company.
A very competitive Faculty & Staff team brought home the trophy in the Students vs. Staff Basketball game. View more action shots from the game on the SSU Facebook page.
Dental Hygiene | Give Kids a Smile 2018
In early February, students in the Dental Hygiene program participated in their annual Give Kids a Smile day. The event brought in elementary students from Portsmouth and Clay schools to the SSU Dental Clinic where local dentists Dr. Curtis and SSU alum, Dr. Heim helped over 75 children receive dental check-ups.
First-year Dental Hygiene students led dental education activities for students waiting for their check-up, while second-year students performed teeth cleanings. View more photos from the smile-filled day on the SSU Facebook page.
Women's Basketball | NAIA Sweet 16
The Shawnee State Women's Basketball team wrapped up a phenomenal season earlier this month with a 30-4 record. During the season the team was ranked #1 in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Poll, won the Mid-South Conference regular season with a perfect record, captured their 4th-straight MSC Tournament Championship at the buzzer, and traveled to Billings, Montana for the NAIA National Tournament where they finished in the Sweet 16.
Congratulations to the Bears for an outstanding season and to Head Coach Jeff Nickel, who received WBCA Regional Coach of the Year recognition. See the season's highlights by visiting ssubears.com.
Shawnee Fund Spotlight
Pets for Vets | Fall 2017
Last November, the Office of Military & Veteran Services hosted the annual Veterans Recognition Day in celebration of Veterans Day. The event hosted guest speakers, veteran displays, and a Pets for Vets event sponsored by a grant awarded through the SSU Development Foundation.
During the event, any veteran who wished to adopt a pet from the local animal shelter, Sierra's Haven, would have their adoption fees completely covered. The $2,000 grant, made possible from The Shawnee Fund, provided veterans the opportunity to receive a new companion at no cost to them. Visit givetossu.com to learn more about the SSU Development Foundation's grant program and to see some of the events they have sponsored on-campus in the past year.
Upcoming Events
President's Gala | April 28, 2018
The President's Gala at Shawnee State University is an annual event that brings together the community, SSU leadership, alumni, faculty, and friends of the university in support of our students and the education they receive. The 2018 President's Gala will be held on Saturday, April 28 starting at 6 p.m. in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center on Shawnee State University's campus.
Proceeds from this year's Gala will benefit The Shawnee Fund - a fund that supports every area of our campus through scholarships, grants, academic enhancements, and much more. Join SSU for a memorable event on April 28. Visit givetossu.com to make your reservation.
Campus Spotlight
The Bear Cave | Clark Memorial Library
The Bear Cave is one of the newest additions to Shawnee State's campus. Introduced as a hybrid study space in Spring 2017, the extended-hour lab opened 24/7 this semester for students. The space offers students who need a place to work on their assignments late in the night, a place to collaborate and finish their work on their own time.
The Bear Cave was a project brought forth by the SSU Student Government Association and was a collaborative effort with the Clark Memorial Library. The space is already getting much use and hopes to expand to include more services in the future.
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