Occupational Safety & Environmental Technology
Students who enter the Occupational Safety & Environmental Technology program will learn to evaluate workplace safety, train employees in safety standards and practices, and write workplace safety plans. Completion of this program will allow students to apply for entry-level positions as safety consultants, health and safety technicians, safety professionals, and industrial hygiene consultants. ONet online lists these safety occupations as ‘Bright Outlook’ occupations and employment positions for these occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years. Occupational health and safety specialists are listed on the Texas Workforce Commission’s targeted occupations list for the Permian Basin Region.
The AAS in Occupational Health and Safety is a direct pathway to the ExxonMobil BAAS in Leadership and Management - Occupational Health and Safety Management. ExxonMobil Bachelor's - Occupational Health and Safety Management
Recently the ExxonMobil Bachelor's - Occupational Health and Safety Management received the GSP designation which is available to graduates from safety, health, and environmental degree programs which meet BCSP Qualified Academic Program (QAP) standards. The GSP satisfies the Qualified Credential requirement for the CSP, allowing those who hold it to apply directly for the CSP once they meet its other requirements.
Faculty
Jessica Jordan, Department Chair and Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2016. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health Technology from Odessa College. Then she went on to earn her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. She earned a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instructional Design. Prior to OC, she gained experience in the manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching basketball.
Phone: 432-335-6426 | Email: jjordan@odessa.edu | Schedule an Appointment
David Davis, Assistant Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2022. He earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health Technology and Fire Administration from Odessa College, and is earning his Bachelor's degree in Leadership and Management - Occupational Health and Safety Management from Odessa College. Prior to OC, he served for 25 years in the Odessa Fire Department and gained safety experience in construction, petrochemicals, and hospital emergency management. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, and playing sports with his family.
Phone: 432-335-6417 | Email: ddavis@odessa.edu | Schedule an Appointment
Michael Ellis, Associate Professor, Joined Odessa College in March of 2025. He earned his Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health Technology from Odessa College. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Management - Occupational Health and Safety Management from Odessa College. Prior to OC, gained experience in the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family at football games, game nights, and cookouts.
Phone: 432-335-6819 | Email: mellis@odessa.edu | Schedule an Appointment
Adjuncts
Clinton E. Hunt, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2019. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Odessa College. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS), Emphasis in Health and Safety Management from Texas A & M Commerce and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Professor Hunt has current experience in the oil and gas, construction, and logistics industries across the United States.
Email: chunt@odessa.edu
Ashley Luna, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in 2025.
Email: aluna@odessa.edu
Katherine O'Neal, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Science and a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. Professor O'Neal has current experience in automotive, ceramics, lead-acid batteries, cabinetry/wood-working, warehousing, and logistics industries across the United States.
Email: koneal@odessa.edu
Cesar O. Saldana, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2019. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Safety and Health Technology from Odessa College. Professor Saldana has current experience in the oil and gas, construction, and logistics industries in the Permian Basin.
Email: csaldana@odessa.edu
Kathy S. Saldana, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in August of 2019. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Safety and Health Technology from Odessa College. Professor Saldana has current experience in environmental services, oil and gas, construction, and logistics industries in the Permian Basin.
Email: ksaldana@odessa.edu
Robert White, Adjunct Professor, Joined Odessa College in 2024. He earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas - Permian Basin. He has been with the Odessa Fire Rescue for 27 years.
Email: rwhite@odessa.edu