Meet the Team
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
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
Jason Meldrum serves as the Vice President of Academic Partnerships at Odessa College. In this role, he works closely with various enrollment and support services at Odessa College, including recruitment, dual credit, Wrangler Promise, extension areas and the College Connection Coach, College Life Coach and Academic Success Coach teams. Prior to serving as the Vice President of Academic Partnerships, he served as the Associate Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management. He has more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience, working for colleges and universities in Utah, Minnesota and Idaho.
Contact Email: jmeldrum@odessa.edu
Hello! My name is Elma Reyes, I am a product of Odessa College and I recently had the privilege of joining the Dual Credit Team in February as the Dual Credit Coordinator. Transitioning into this role from Student Services and Enrollment Management has been incredibly exciting for me. I've been a proud member of the OC family since 2005, marking 20 wonderful years with the Odessa College. During my tenure, I've had the opportunity to contribute significantly to student success initiatives, including breaking record enrollment for Odessa College and encouraging student involvement in participating in our yearly Drive to Success car giveaway. I am passionate about the work I do, cherish the relationships I've built with my colleagues, and thrive on learning new things every day. I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically and personally. Proud to be a Wrangler!!! I’m happy to help or answer any questions you may have so just reach out to me anytime.
Contact Email: ereyes@odessa.edu
Louis Gonzales- Executive Director of Student Success
Contact Email: lgonzales@odessa.edu
My name is Daisy, and I am so excited to be your Lead College Connection Coach! I first started working for Odessa College as a part-time work study in the OC Bookstore in 2021. I loved it so much, being a part of Odessa College has helped me find my professional home. I pursued a different career in 2021 at Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Parole Officer, but still felt the need to be at Odessa College. Thankfully, our President seen something in me after applying for a role at Odessa College and seeing I’d be best suited in a student facing role like College Connection Coach. I started in August of 2022 as a CCC, and then accepted a promotion as Lead College Connection Coach in February 2024. I’m currently pursing my PhD in Human Services to advance my career at Odessa College. I love our dual credit community, and enjoy serving each and every one of you! I have been where you are as a student. I know it is not easy, but it so worth it to achieve your dreams! One of my favorite quotes that I’ll share with you is, “Not everyone will see your worth, don’t let it be you!”
Contact Email: dheaberlin@odessa.edu
My name is Tim Contreras Watkins and I started my journey at OC in 2021 where I started in admissions in the Wrangler Express Center. I became a College Connection Coach in 2023 and have been enjoying my role since then. It is an amazing opportunity for these high school students to get a head start in their college career. As well as starting to have those conversations of what they would like to do and begin cultivating that ambition. It's a great feeling to watch these students grow and get to see them graduate from high school with their associates already complete.
Contact Email: twatkins@odessa.edu
My name is Brandy Lopez and I currently serve as a College Connection Coach for dual credit. I have had the privilege to serve our Extension Areas along with Ector County schools for dual credit. My journey with Odessa College began in 2013, I served as a Circulation Clerk in the library. During my time with Odessa College, I have served in other different roles on campus. I have been able to meet so many wonderful people and employees. With encouragement from employees on campus I was motivated to start my educational journey that I had previously put on hold. I went back to school and finished my BAAS degree in Executive Leadership & Management-Entrepreneurship in 2021 from Odessa College. I ended up transferring to Liberty University where I earned a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership in 2022. Having the experience to serve students and our community, and finishing my educational journey I can be an asset to our students and relate to many things they experience along their educational journey or personal path. I take great pride that I can help others and give back to our community the way I was helped and supported along my journey. Fun facts about me are in my free time I love to golf, go hiking, fishing, or gardening.
Contact Email: blopez@odessa.edu