The Voice of OCCC Students Since 1978

The Pioneer
OCCC student Elyas Anderson gives a heartfelt presentation on his poem, "I Am Me," and the process of stream of consciousness that went into its creation.
OCCC Students Present Academic Research Alongside Ivy League Peers
May 12, 2026
A recent tornado crushed the western entrance of the OCCC Recreation and Fitness Center, which remained under repair even after campus reopened for normal operations.
Springtime F1 Tornado Strikes OCCC, Shutting Campus for Entire Week
April 27, 2026
OCCC students take part in one of many special events hosted by the campus library – recently honored as "Library of the Year" – during the current semester.
Keith Leftwich Memorial Library Recognized as ‘Library of the Year’
April 27, 2026
Proudly displaying their awards from the Oklahoma Scholastic Media Association are: (from left) Khi Davis, former editor-in-chief; Willa Marlowe, former staff reporter; Trey Brite, current editor-in-chief; Jonas McGee, current managing editor; and Sonia Diaz, current staff reporter and Spanish section editor. (Winner Ariel Harry, former layout/design editor, not pictured.)
Pioneer Wins Multiple Awards After Entering First Competition in Years
April 16, 2026
Concurrent students from Westmoore High School explore the Oklahoma State Capitol during a field trip organized by Greg Sember, a new political science instructor at OCCC, over spring break.
Instructor Leads Concurrent Students on Field Trip to State Capitol
April 16, 2026
OCCC Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied, who recently won Outstanding Recognition as New Full-Time Faculty at the recent Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon, is an avid gardener whose recent focus involves creating a way station for monarch butterflies in her backyard.
Chair of Political Science Recognized as Outstanding New Faculty Member
May 12, 2026
OCCC Faculty Save Students Millions Through Free Textbook Initiative
OCCC Faculty Save Students Millions Through Free Textbook Initiative
April 29, 2026
Students attend class at OCCC, where new guidelines for artificial intelligence aim to balance the benefits of AI with academic integrity in writing and humanities courses.
New AEH Guidelines Bring Clarity to Use of AI for Writing Assignments
April 16, 2026
Chloe Elimam, a digital media design professor at OCCC, illustrated "Star Dance" (above) as the capstone project for her bachelor's degree.
Digital Media Design Professor Illustrates Children’s Book
April 16, 2026
Representing OCCC at Oklahoma Research Day, (from left) OCCC graduate Luke Sewell and current OCCC students Madison Upton, Tristan Mclennan, Bobie Johnson and Holly Afendras pose outside Northeastern State University in Tahlequah for a group photo.
Six OCCC Students Share Presentations at Oklahoma Research Day
March 27, 2026
Students attend class at OCCC, where new guidelines for artificial intelligence aim to balance the benefits of AI with academic integrity in writing and humanities courses.
New AEH Guidelines Bring Clarity to Use of AI for Writing Assignments
April 16, 2026
In a futuristic scene, OCCC Health Professions staffers (from left) Harvey Parker, Amanda Parker and Taylor Posey utilize virtual reality technology for simulation purposes.
OCCC’s Health Professions Programs Step into the Future With Virtual Reality
November 19, 2025
OCCC Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied, who recently won Outstanding Recognition as New Full-Time Faculty at the recent Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon, is an avid gardener whose recent focus involves creating a way station for monarch butterflies in her backyard.
Chair of Political Science Recognized as Outstanding New Faculty Member
May 12, 2026
Commanding the stage at "OCCC's Got Talent," Nathaniel Carel dances to the tune of "Billie Jean" - and comes dressed for the occasion!
OCCC Talent Show Attracts Wide Assortment of Entertaining Performers
May 12, 2026
Cindy Hernandez, a sociology major at OCCC, took home the Most Iconic award for this depiction of "Peepbusters," inspired by the blockbuster movie "Ghostbusters."
Library Hosts Peeps Diorama Contest, Names Winners in Multiple Categories
May 12, 2026
Absolute Co-Editor Christina Basara-Richter concludes a presentation on vision boards at a recent creativity workshop co-hosted by The Pioneer student newspaper and the campus literary and arts journal.
Absolute, Pioneer Co-Host Workshop Focused on Vision Board Design
April 27, 2026
OCCC Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall (left) presents the first-ever Outstanding New Faculty award to Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied at the Academic Affairs Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon held recently inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Outstanding Faculty, Staff Members Honored at Awards Luncheon Hosted by Academic Affairs
April 16, 2026
More than 80 fifth- through eighth-grade students enjoy the STEM Magic Show as part of OCCC’s annual STEM Day celebration.
OCCC STEM Day Celebration Features Hands-On Learning, Mentorship
April 16, 2026
Commanding the stage at "OCCC's Got Talent," Nathaniel Carel dances to the tune of "Billie Jean" - and comes dressed for the occasion!
OCCC Talent Show Attracts Wide Assortment of Entertaining Performers
May 12, 2026
Cindy Hernandez, a sociology major at OCCC, took home the Most Iconic award for this depiction of "Peepbusters," inspired by the blockbuster movie "Ghostbusters."
Library Hosts Peeps Diorama Contest, Names Winners in Multiple Categories
May 12, 2026
Absolute Co-Editor Christina Basara-Richter concludes a presentation on vision boards at a recent creativity workshop co-hosted by The Pioneer student newspaper and the campus literary and arts journal.
Absolute, Pioneer Co-Host Workshop Focused on Vision Board Design
April 27, 2026
OCCC Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall (left) presents the first-ever Outstanding New Faculty award to Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied at the Academic Affairs Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon held recently inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Outstanding Faculty, Staff Members Honored at Awards Luncheon Hosted by Academic Affairs
April 16, 2026
More than 80 fifth- through eighth-grade students enjoy the STEM Magic Show as part of OCCC’s annual STEM Day celebration.
OCCC STEM Day Celebration Features Hands-On Learning, Mentorship
April 16, 2026
Alise Rojo, a member of Latinas Unidas, reads a book to students at a local elementary school, serving as a positive role model to young children while encouraging a love for learning -- reflecting one of the core goals of her organization.
 Latinas Unidas Builds Sisterhood, Cultural Pride on OCCC Campus
March 3, 2026
Dr. Bryon Dickens, director of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success, speaks on camera about the many ways that the SCMS program benefits students on campus.
Phi Theta Kappa Produces New Video Highlighting Campus Opportunities
February 16, 2026
Computer Science Club Aims to Build Community, Skills, Career Pathways
December 4, 2025
OCCC students focus their attention on guest speaker Shelby Webb, an OCCC graduate who has since gone on to become an aerospace engineer.
OCCC Grad-Turned-Engineer Inspires Astronomy, Engineering Students
November 19, 2025
International Student Association President Basel Abougharam (left) joins a pair of fellow ISA members in showing off some new OCCC mascot merchandise following one of their organization's meetings earlier this semester.
International Student Association Makes Campus Feel Like Home
November 19, 2025
Movie poster for "Love Loss," an award-winning film written by OCCC Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo
New English Professor Earns Accolades for Screenplay at Virginia Film Festival
November 19, 2025
Students in the Cinematography II class at OCCC take the footage above while completing an assignment that requires them to capture an entire scene in a single take.
OCCC-OCU Collaboration Enhances Opportunities for Film, Acting Students
November 19, 2025
Several members of the Music Appreciation and Performances Club take advantage of an opportunity to perform together during last year's "Artists' Corner" event.
MAP Club Seeks to Enrich Student Life by Spreading Its Passion for Music
October 29, 2025
Book Club Offers Students Opportunity to Learn About Native Experience
October 29, 2025
Professors Collaborate on Comic Strip for Street Paper Benefiting Homeless
October 29, 2025
The cast of "Red Dirt Rainbow," a television script written by Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, gathers in front of a neon-lit club on the cover of the official pitch deck for the original drama series.
OCCC Professor of English Wins Award for TV Pilot at Cannes Script Festival
May 13, 2026
Many animals come by to bathe in the waters funneled down into the campus aqueducts, similar to how they would have when waters slowly moved through the wetlands this area once was.
Construction of OCCC on Wetlands Impacts Campus Drainage System
May 12, 2026
Prior to assuming his new role, incoming Chair of English Jeff Provine welcomes students to a creativity workshop while serving as the faculty advisor for the campus literary magazine.
Provine Realizes Career Goal Early, Taking Over as Chair of English
April 29, 2026
OCCC music student Daxton Clemons basks in the radiance of his music while performing last month at Texas Christian University.
OCCC Music Student Joins Orchestra as Guitarist for Professional Concert
April 16, 2026
David Schemenauer, the senior printing services technician at OCCC, specializes in printing large-format signs and banners like this one publicizing the spring career fair.
Former Student Worker Turns Early Job into Professional Career
April 16, 2026
OCCC music student Daxton Clemons basks in the radiance of his music while performing last month at Texas Christian University.
OCCC Music Student Joins Orchestra as Guitarist for Professional Concert
April 16, 2026
Joining together for a group photo at a recent Valentine's Day event are: Student Government Association representatives (from left) Bassel Abougharam, treasurer; Trey Brite, senator; Gabriela Cabrera, president; Teonna Brown, vice president; David Hernandez-Chavez, director of public relations; and Ali Sanla, senator.
SGA Advocates for Student Voices, Campus Improvements at OCCC
March 27, 2026
A young visitor reaches out for a joyful fist bump with Project H.E.A.R.T. mascot Mr. Heart during a recent "Sip and Paint" event hosted by the campus organization.
Project H.E.A.R.T. Builds Community Through Service and Scholarships
March 27, 2026
The cast of "Red Dirt Rainbow," a television script written by Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, gathers in front of a neon-lit club on the cover of the official pitch deck for the original drama series.
OCCC Professor of English Wins Award for TV Pilot at Cannes Script Festival
May 13, 2026
OCCC Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall (left) presents the first-ever Outstanding New Faculty award to Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied at the Academic Affairs Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon held recently inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Outstanding Faculty, Staff Members Honored at Awards Luncheon Hosted by Academic Affairs
April 16, 2026
Chloe Elimam, a digital media design professor at OCCC, illustrated "Star Dance" (above) as the capstone project for her bachelor's degree.
Digital Media Design Professor Illustrates Children’s Book
April 16, 2026
Coordinator of the World Languages and Cultures Center Chiaki Troutman (right) and Professor of English Lori Farr pose together following a successful "Coffee and Conversations" event organized by the WLCC leader last semester.
Meet the Beating Heart, Guiding Hand of the WLCC
February 16, 2026
At a national meeting, OCCC Chair of Mathematics Chris Oehrlein shares a poster presentation focused on active learning and teaching in an AI environment.
OCCC Math Chair Receives National Teaching Award
February 16, 2026
David Schemenauer, the senior printing services technician at OCCC, specializes in printing large-format signs and banners like this one publicizing the spring career fair.
Former Student Worker Turns Early Job into Professional Career
April 16, 2026
Adrian Diaz-Palacios feeds his son Ricardo Diaz-Viramontes after graduating from OCCC as a paramedic.
OCCC Nursing Graduate Fulfills Dream of Working to Help and Save Others
March 27, 2026
All decked out in their finest, members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success – including Jonas McGee (far right) – pose with their beloved leader, SCMS Director Bryon Dickens (center), at the Rosewood Gala.
How SCMS Set Me Up for Future Success
May 12, 2026
Illustration by Kylie Orthman
Finding My Voice
April 27, 2026
Art by Kylie Orthman
How Campus Life Helped Reshape Me into a Better Version of Myself
April 16, 2026
Learning to Make the Most of Life's Many Detours
Learning to Make the Most of Life’s Many Detours
March 27, 2026
Student Questions Use of AI-Generated Art for Scholar’s Day Publicity Material
December 4, 2025
All decked out in their finest, members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success – including Jonas McGee (far right) – pose with their beloved leader, SCMS Director Bryon Dickens (center), at the Rosewood Gala.
How SCMS Set Me Up for Future Success
May 12, 2026
Illustration by Kylie Orthman
Finding My Voice
April 27, 2026
Art by Kylie Orthman
How Campus Life Helped Reshape Me into a Better Version of Myself
April 16, 2026
Learning to Make the Most of Life's Many Detours
Learning to Make the Most of Life’s Many Detours
March 27, 2026

The Pioneer

The Pioneer
News
OCCC student Elyas Anderson gives a heartfelt presentation on his poem, "I Am Me," and the process of stream of consciousness that went into its creation.
OCCC Students Present Academic Research Alongside Ivy League Peers
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • May 12, 2026

A group of five students from OCCC – four current students and one alum –...

A recent tornado crushed the western entrance of the OCCC Recreation and Fitness Center, which remained under repair even after campus reopened for normal operations.
Springtime F1 Tornado Strikes OCCC, Shutting Campus for Entire Week
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • April 27, 2026

OCCC has resumed normal operations following a week-long closure caused by an...

Features
The cast of "Red Dirt Rainbow," a television script written by Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, gathers in front of a neon-lit club on the cover of the official pitch deck for the original drama series.
OCCC Professor of English Wins Award for TV Pilot at Cannes Script Festival
Masooma Rizvi, Staff Reporter • May 13, 2026

At OCCC, English professor and screenwriter Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo is doing...

Many animals come by to bathe in the waters funneled down into the campus aqueducts, similar to how they would have when waters slowly moved through the wetlands this area once was.
Construction of OCCC on Wetlands Impacts Campus Drainage System
Trey Brite, Editor-in-Chief • May 12, 2026

All over the world, people battle water cycles to maintain infrastructure. One...

View All
Events
Commanding the stage at "OCCC's Got Talent," Nathaniel Carel dances to the tune of "Billie Jean" - and comes dressed for the occasion!
OCCC Talent Show Attracts Wide Assortment of Entertaining Performers
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • May 12, 2026

OCCC recently hosted its “OCCC’s Got Talent” showcase in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, featuring a variety of performances ranging from vocal acts to instrumental...

Cindy Hernandez, a sociology major at OCCC, took home the Most Iconic award for this depiction of "Peepbusters," inspired by the blockbuster movie "Ghostbusters."
Library Hosts Peeps Diorama Contest, Names Winners in Multiple Categories
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • May 12, 2026
Absolute Co-Editor Christina Basara-Richter concludes a presentation on vision boards at a recent creativity workshop co-hosted by The Pioneer student newspaper and the campus literary and arts journal.
Absolute, Pioneer Co-Host Workshop Focused on Vision Board Design
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • April 27, 2026
OCCC Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall (left) presents the first-ever Outstanding New Faculty award to Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied at the Academic Affairs Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon held recently inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Outstanding Faculty, Staff Members Honored at Awards Luncheon Hosted by Academic Affairs
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • April 16, 2026
Opinion
All decked out in their finest, members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success – including Jonas McGee (far right) – pose with their beloved leader, SCMS Director Bryon Dickens (center), at the Rosewood Gala.
How SCMS Set Me Up for Future Success
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • May 12, 2026

August 2023 was a month that changed my life forever. It was the month when,...

Illustration by Kylie Orthman
Finding My Voice
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • April 27, 2026

What do you do when you lack a voice with which to express yourself? This is...

Academics
OCCC Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied, who recently won Outstanding Recognition as New Full-Time Faculty at the recent Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon, is an avid gardener whose recent focus involves creating a way station for monarch butterflies in her backyard.
Chair of Political Science Recognized as Outstanding New Faculty Member
Jonas McGee, Managing Editor • May 12, 2026

OCCC Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied received the first-ever Outstanding...

OCCC Faculty Save Students Millions Through Free Textbook Initiative
OCCC Faculty Save Students Millions Through Free Textbook Initiative
Masooma Rizvi, Staff Reporter • April 29, 2026

At OCCC, a growing number of faculty members are rethinking how students access...

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The Voice of OCCC Students Since 1978