7. Preparing the Permian Basin's Workforce with Dr. Tiffani Price
Welcome to another episode of the Wrangler Waves podcast, where Gene and Keagan dive into what makes Odessa College unique. In this episode, they sit down with Dr. Tiffani Price. Join the conversation as they discuss stories from across the campus and the community.
Gene and Keagan kick off the episode, introducing Dr. Tiffani Price, a valued leader in the Odessa College workforce development team.Getting to Know Dr. Tiffani Price:
Dr. Price shares her background, detailing her 23-year journey in higher education, her shift from financial aid to academics, and her passion for workforce education.Overview of Workforce Development Goals:
Dr. Price breaks down the goals of the workforce development leadership team, emphasizing their commitment to contributing to the economic vitality of the Permian Basin.Workforce Education Programs at OC:
The hosts explore the hands-on programs OC offers, ranging from welding and auto technology to business, computer science, automation, construction management, culinary arts, and continuing education.
Dr. Price delves into the recruitment strategies, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth within the close-knit ESL community. She highlights the various buckets, including health career programs, professional development for current workers, and customized training for industry partners.Initiatives in Preparing the Workforce:
The hosts discuss the current focus on addressing the talent pool issue and initiatives aimed at creating a robust talent pipeline for the Permian Basin.PSP Donation and CDL Program:
Dr. Price provides insights into the significant $3.5 million donation from Permian Strategic Partnerships (PSP) to bolster the CDL program. The funds will be used for scholarships, additional instructors, and new trucks, expanding the program's capacity.Moving the Electric Lineman Program:
Dr. Price explains the transition of the electric lineman program from the West Campus to the main campus, providing a visual representation of the hands-on training with poles and scaffolding.Impactful Stories and Programs:
Dr. Price shares impactful stories of success, including partnerships that led to the growth of programs like HVAC and health careers. She highlights the focus on industry needs and the importance of industry experts in teaching.Innovative Teaching Approaches:
While not necessarily technology-driven, Dr. Price talks about the implementation of registration software and professional development for part-time instructors, enhancing the quality of education in health careers and safety programs.Dr. Tiffani Price's Background:
Gene and Keagan explore Dr. Price's journey from the hospitality industry to higher education, emphasizing the valuable experience she brings to the workforce development team.Future Projects and Initiatives:
Dr. Price shares her vision for the workforce development team, aspiring to be the go-to model for customized training and workforce education, positioning Odessa College as a key player in economic development.
The hosts express their gratitude for Dr. Price's insights, share their excitement about future collaborations, and thank listeners for tuning in.Tune in to the Wrangler Waves podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or your preferred podcast platform for more discussions about what makes OC, OC. New episodes will be released regularly throughout the academic year. Thanks for listening, and until next time, peace!
