Wrangler Waves with Odessa College

By Wrangler Waves Podcast

Join us for Wrangler Waves Podcast, where we bring you the latest and greatest from the world of Odessa College. Tune in to stay up to date on the most pressing issues, exciting events, and all things... more

· Education

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FAQs about Wrangler Waves with Odessa College:

How many episodes does Wrangler Waves with Odessa College have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.

Wrangler Waves with Odessa College episodes:

October 31, 2023 6. Diving Deep with Brian Jones: Education's Transformative Power
Episode 6 - Diving Deep with Brian Jones: Education's Transformative Power
In this special episode of the Wrangler Waves Podcast, hosts Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott sit down with the remarkable Brian Jones. We delve into Brian's contributions to education in West Texas and the indelible mark he's left on the field. Brian brings to light the critical role of education in his life, emphasizing the need to arm students with the right knowledge to make informed decisions about their future. He fondly looks back at his time at Odessa College, marking it as a transformative phase in his life. This episode is peppered with light-hearted moments and a diverse cast of questions and conversations. You don't want to miss it!
Key Highlights

A Grand Introduction: The hosts roll out the red carpet for Brian Jones, setting the tone for an episode filled with admiration and respect.

Brian's Insights: Brian delves deep into the essence of education, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping young minds.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Brian's recollections of Odessa College underscore its importance in his personal and professional journey.
Laughter All Around: The episode isn't all serious; there are plenty of laughs to go around, especially when Dr. Gene A. White Jr. shares his own Odessa College story.
Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up on a high note, with the hosts expressing their heartfelt gratitude to Brian for his invaluable insights. They underscore the transformative power of education and salute institutions like Odessa College for their role in molding the future.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Odessa College's Wrangler Waves. We are grateful to Brian Jones for taking the time to sit down with us. Tune in on 11/14/2023 for the next installment of Wrangler Waves. Peace!

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53min
October 17, 20235. Pickleball, Paintings, and Perseverance: Diving Deep into Personal Development with Dr. Greg Williams & Dan Sorensen
Topic: The Importance of Perseverance and Growth in Education and Personal Development
Hosts: Dr. Gregory Williams, Dr. Gene A. White Jr.
Guests: Mr. Dan Sorensen (Art Teacher & former Faculty Senate President), Mr. Keagan Scott (Resident Fly on the Wall)
Key Points:
Football and Education Analogy: Dr. Williams draws a parallel between football practice and education. Just as football players exert themselves during practice, students should be challenged to use their brains in ways they wouldn't typically. This approach prepares them for real-world scenarios.

Muscle Memory in Learning: The concept of practicing something repeatedly until it becomes second nature was discussed. The 10,000-hour rule was mentioned, emphasizing the importance of dedication to mastering a skill.

Book Recommendations: The hosts and guests shared books they're currently reading or recommend. Topics ranged from biographies, like that of Dwight Eisenhower, to fiction and self-help.

Pickleball Discussion: Mr. Sorensen's passion for pickleball was highlighted. He shared his journey from being introduced to the sport to forming a group in Odessa. The importance of strategy, positioning, and reflexes in the game was discussed.

Teaching and Guidance: Mr. Sorensen spoke about guiding art students. He emphasized the importance of helping students realize their vision rather than imposing his own. The journey of creation and improvement is more important than the end result.

Psychology and Personal Growth: Dr. Williams expressed his passion for psychology and how it helps individuals understand themselves better. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and growth in both education and personal life.

Closing Remarks: The hosts thanked their guests and encouraged listeners to tune in for future episodes.
End Note: The podcast episode emphasized the importance of continuous learning, perseverance, and the journey of personal and academic growth. The discussions were insightful, covering a range of topics from sports analogies to personal reading preferences.

Thank you to Dr. Greg Williams and Dan Sorensen for joining us on today's episode of Wrangler Waves. Peace!
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52min
October 03, 20234. A Student-Centered Approach: 10 years of 8-Week Courses at OC with Kim McKay
Episode 4 - A Student-Centered Approach: 10 years of 8-Week Courses at OC
Summary:
The "Wrangler Waves" podcast, hosted by Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott, focuses on the unique aspects of Odessa College. In this episode, they discuss the implementation and benefits of eight-week courses at Odessa College with their guest, Miss Kim McKay, the Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management.
Key Points:
Eight-Week Courses: Odessa College transitioned from traditional 16-week semesters to two eight-week terms within each semester. This change was made to enhance student engagement, reduce burnout, and provide more flexibility.

Benefits:
Students can register for courses year-round.

The shorter format reduces student burnout and procrastination.

Allows for quicker completion and momentum in education.

Provides flexibility for seasonal workers, parents, and others with varying schedules.

Improved pass rates in state and nationwide assessments.

Challenges:
Faculty had to adapt to hybrid instruction and the use of learning management systems.

The need for quick student engagement.

Some courses, like those in agriculture or dual credit, remained 16 weeks due to specific requirements.

Advice for Students:
Procrastination is not an option in eight-week courses.

Embrace the opportunity for quicker completion and focus on the benefits.

Feedback: Students generally welcomed the eight-week format, and any skepticism was addressed through clear communication and highlighting the benefits.
The podcast emphasizes the positive impact of eight-week courses on student success, faculty engagement, and the overall educational experience at Odessa College.

Thank you to Kim McKay for sitting down with us to talk 8-week courses. Tune in 10/17/2023 for the next episode of Wrangler Waves!
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34min
September 19, 20233. Student Success in Advising with Destiny Singh
Episode 3 - Student Success in Advising with Destiny Singh
Hosts: Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott
Special Guest: Destiny Singh
Gene White kicks off the episode with a warm introduction to the Wrangler Waves Podcast, setting the tone for a deep dive into the world of community college education.
Keagan Scott jumps in, emphasizing the uniqueness of Odessa College and the stories that make it stand out.
Destiny Singh, the lead academic success coach for the School of Business and Industry, joins the conversation. With a background rooted in academic excellence, Destiny shares her journey from being an Odessa College graduate to now guiding students towards their academic goals.
Throughout the episode, the trio covers:
The various modalities of classes offered at Odessa College.

The importance of academic advising and the role it plays in a student's journey.

The resources available to students, from tutoring to career fairs.

Personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped their academic paths.

The power of networking and building connections within the college community.
Gene, Keagan, and Destiny's conversation is filled with insights, tips, and inspiring stories aimed at helping students navigate the challenges of community college life. Whether you're a student, educator, or just curious about the world of community college, this episode offers a unique perspective on the importance of building a strong academic foundation.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Stay tuned for the next episode of Wrangler Waves Podcast!
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38min
September 05, 2023 2. Making The Permian Basin Our Campus with Dr. Jonathan Fuentes
Episode 2 - Making The Permian Basin Our Campus with Dr. Jonathan Fuentes

Hosts: Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott
Special Guest: Dr. Jonathan Fuentes
Dr. White and Keagan sit down with Dr. Jonathan Fuentes, Vice President of Academic Partnerships, to talk about the work Odessa College is doing to make education accessible across the Permian Basin.
Main Points:
1. Introduction of Dr. Jonathan Fuentes

2. Odessa College's Reach: The college's service area spans 33,000 square miles, covering 13 counties, making it as large as the state of Maine.

3. Dual Credit Program: Almost 50% of Odessa College's students are dual credit students, meaning they earn college credits while still in high school. This program allows students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree or technical certificate.
4. Community Engagement
5. Dr. Fuentes’ Background: He attended Harvard for his undergraduate studies and later pursued his master's and PhD at the University of Michigan. Despite opportunities elsewhere, he chose to return to the Permian Basin to serve the community he loves.
6. Odessa College's Impact
Thank you to Dr. Jonathan Fuentes for joining us this episode. Catch us Tuesday, September 19 for another installment of Wrangler Waves!

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43min
August 22, 20231. OC 30 for 30 with Christine Williams
Episode 1: OC 30 for 30 with Christine Williams
Hosts: Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott
Special Guest: Christine Williams, Director of Community Recreation at Odessa College
In this inaugural episode of the Wrangler Waves Podcast, hosts Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott sit down with Christine Williams, the Director of Community Recreation at Odessa College. The trio dives deep into the world of community recreation, discussing its significance, challenges, and the role it plays in the lives of the students and the broader community.

Main Points:
Introduction: The hosts introduce themselves and set the stage for the episode, highlighting the importance of community recreation.

Christine's Journey: Christine shares her personal journey, detailing how she became involved in community recreation and her experiences leading up to her current role at Odessa College.

The Role of Community Recreation: The discussion shifts to the broader impact of community recreation, its benefits, and how it fosters a sense of belonging and community among students.

Challenges Faced: Christine sheds light on some of the challenges faced in her role and how she navigates them to ensure the success of the programs.

Future of Community Recreation: The conversation wraps up with a look into the future, discussing potential growth areas and the evolving landscape of community recreation.

Thank you to Christine Williams for joining us on this episode. Tune in Tuesday, September 5 for the next episode of Wrangler Waves!
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43min
February 14, 2023 (Special Episode) Disrupting the Status Quo: A Podcast on Good Trouble ft. Dr. Gregory Williams
Are you ready to take a stand and make a difference in the world? Do you believe that change is possible and that good trouble is necessary for progress? If so, then this is the episode for you!
In this episode of the Wrangler Waves Podcast, we explore the meaning of good trouble and its power to create lasting change. We are honored to be joined by Dr. Gregory Williams, President of Odessa College, who will share his insights on disrupting the status quo and transforming the community college landscape in the world today.
Listen in as we discuss:
Whether you're a seasoned activist, leader, administrator or just starting your journey, this podcast will inspire you to take action and make a difference in the world. So tune in and join the movement for a more just and equitable society and campus!
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30min
February 07, 2023 (Special Episode) Defying the Odds: The Power of Black American Resilience ft. Dr. Tramaine Anderson
This episode of the Wrangler Waves Podcast is dedicated to Black History Month and explores the theme of Black Resilience. The episode highlights the stories of successful Black Americans featuring special guest Dr. Tramaine Anderson and examines how their resilience has been instrumental in their success. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black Resilience. The episode is intended to inspire and empower future generations to overcome their own challenges and reach their full potential.
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39min

FAQs about Wrangler Waves with Odessa College:

How many episodes does Wrangler Waves with Odessa College have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.