Meet The Team

Meet the Team

 

Melissa.jpg

My name is Melissa Baggett and I am the College Connection Coach for the Extension Areas, as well as Compass Academy and Bowie Middle School. My own journey with Odessa College began in 2015, when I started working in the Advising Center while taking classes. During my time as an OC Ambassador, I was able to meet and visit with incoming students right out of high school about the college experience. Even upon my graduation in 2017, I stayed employed at OC until I received my BA in English at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2019. Earlier this year, I made the transition into this role and have enjoyed the experience of getting to travel to the outlying areas and encouraging students to get a head start on their college education with Dual Credit.

Contact Email: mbaggett@odessa.edu


 

J.R.-Head-Shot.jpg

Hello, my name is J.R. Torrez and I serve as the Executive Director of Academic Partnerships.  I have the privilege of supervising the College Connection Coaches and promoting growth in the outlying communities in the Odessa College service area.  I have been at Odessa College for 13 years.  I have worked at the community college level for over 20 years.  During this time, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of areas such as federal grant programs, workforce education, career and technical programs, and intercollegiate athletics.

I grew up in Crane, TX.  I began my college journey at Midland College before transferring to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX, to play tennis.  I completed my undergraduate work at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Our goal at Odessa College is to be the #1 community college in the nation!  We are committed to doing everything within our power to help students be successful at Odessa College. 

Contact Email: jtorrez@odessa.edu


Jonathan.jpg

Jonathan J. Fuentes serves as the Vice President for Academic Partnerships at Odessa College.  He recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Support Services for his hometown school district, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. Before his current position, Dr. Fuentes held previous positions at Odessa College, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, the University of Michigan, Reeves County, and within state and local government He received his B.A. from Harvard and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. His degrees are all in political science with an emphasis in public policy. He previously served as an elected official on the Reeves County Hospital Board of Trustees (Vice-President), president of the Pecos Downtown Lions Club, and director on the board of directors for the Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce. Both in his professional work and as his personal passion, Dr. Fuentes spends much of his time thinking about college and career readiness for PK-20 students.  He lives in Pecos with his wife, Alma, and his two young children.

Contact Email: jfuentes@odessa.edu


Ariadne.jpg

My name is Ariadne Granado and I am the Academic Partnerships Specialist. In 2020, I graduated with my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Odessa College. In the Fall of 2021, I will be pursing my Bachelor’s degree with the University of Texas Permian Basin. I previously worked at the Odessa College Testing Center which was an amazing experience as I truly discovered the passion Odessa College has for not only the students, faculty and staff, but the community as well. Here at Odessa College, I can truly say that it has and continues to be a rewarding experience as I have not only gained lasting friendships, but a forever family. I am proud to be an Odessa College Wrangler!

Contact Email: agranado@odessa.edu