Meet the Team
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@victorybreastimaging.com
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@victorybreastimaging.com
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@victorybreastimaging.com
Louis Gonzales- Executive Director of Student Success
Contact Email: lgonzales@victorybreastimaging.com
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@victorybreastimaging.com
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@victorybreastimaging.com
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@victorybreastimaging.com