Wrangler Waves with Odessa College Wrangler Waves Podcast

Wrangler Waves - Tim Clark: A Journey of Growth and Positivity at Odessa College


Join your hosts Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott as they dive into an engaging conversation with Tim Clark, a key figure at Odessa College known for his dynamic roles and positive influence within the college community. From starting as an assistant registrar to becoming the executive director for enrollment services, Tim shares his philosophy on learning and his journey through different departments.

Key Points Discussed:

- Tim Clark's Path: Discover how Tim's organic career evolution at Odessa College has equipped him to enhance student success.

- Challenge and Support: The hosts discuss the importance of challenging classes and the rewards of pushing students to reach their potential.

- Positively OC Program: Learn about the origins, achievements, and future ambitions of this student-driven initiative spreading positivity within the community.

- Pet Stories and Preferences: Engage in the hosts' humorous tales about their pets, including Keagan's viral feline and Tim's surprising cat discovery.

- Social Media and Content: Explore varying preferences for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube among the hosts and the guest.

- Public Speaking and Impact: Tim shares his passion for empowering students through communication and his aspirations for greater influence.

- Odessa College Leadership Institute: A sneak peek into the development of positively OC scholars and the impact of social media on the program’s growth.

- Animal and Plant Alter Egos: Laugh along as the hosts and guest discuss which animals and plants they'd like to represent their personalities.

- YouTube as a Learning Resource: The trio share stories about using YouTube for educational and practical purposes.
- Creative Ambitions: Tim expresses his interest in developing TV shows and films, showing another facet of his creative vision.

- Movie Perspectives: A pop culture dip into movies like "Nope," "The Notebook," and iconic monster flicks.

Additional Information:
Dr. Gregory D. Williams' involvement with the Odessa College leadership institute and Positively OC scholars was highlighted, revealing the program offers workshops in public speaking, resume building, and identifying personal strengths. The continued impact of social media metrics on the program's reach was discussed, including the association between Dr. Williams' Twitter following and the number of scholars.

Follow Dr. Williams on X- @OCPresGDW

Dr. Williams has not only contributed to the leadership but has been instrumental in linking the success of the program with measurable online engagement. As the program looks forward to continued growth, the goals remain focused on empowering students with skills and confidence for their future endeavors.

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Thank you for your support, and we can't wait for you to join us again on the next wave of conversations at Wrangler Waves Podcast!

12 - Microbiology and Marvel: Inside Juan Melchor's College Experience

Welcome to the Odessa College Wrangler Waves Podcast with your hosts Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott. Today's episode features the inspiring journey of Juan Melchor, Coordinator for Resident Life at OC, who shares his story of transformation and engagement at Odessa College. Let's dive into the show notes for the weeks episode.



Show Notes:



Introduction

- Keagan Scott and Dr. Gene A. White Jr. kick things off with playful banter before introducing Juan Melchor, affectionately known as 'Mr. OC'.



Early Challenges

- Juan discusses his initial struggles adapting to college life and how he overcame them by engaging in student government and winning the Positively OC scholarship.



Journey at OC

- The transition from disengaged student to active community member at Odessa College is covered, with Juan detailing his academic and social evolution.



Family & Academic Life

- Juan reveals that he has a twin and his siblings' connection to OC. He talks about staying up all night studying and the academic drive that brought him his first B.



Student Affairs Passion

- Juan's love for student affairs is evident as he explains the diversity and interaction with students that drew him to the profession.



Campus Involvement

- From organizing campus events to his unexpected journey to being crowned homecoming king, Juan shares the experiences that have made his role at OC so rewarding.



Leadership Roles

- Discussion of Juan's ascent to his presidential role in the Student Government Association (SGA) and his impact in this position.



Hobbies & Interests

- Juan talks about his hobbies outside of work and school, including his favorite Marvel superhero, pop music preferences, and a surprising hidden talent for singing.



Career & Mentorship

- Juan elaborates on his career path, the influence of his mentors, and his dedication to student growth at Odessa College. Respect for Juan's contributions from both students and colleagues is acknowledged.



Encouraging Student Success

- He offers advice to students facing difficulties and highlights the support system available at OC, including his vision for the game room.



Conclusion & Thanks

- The hosts express gratitude to Juan for the insightful conversation and conclude the episode with an invitation to listeners to follow future episodes of the Wrangler Waves Podcast.



Thanks for joining us for another awesome episode of the Wrangler Waves Podcast as we explored Juan Melchor's commendable contributions and passion for student affairs at Odessa College.



Be sure to tune in for more captivating stories and conversations with the extraordinary individuals who shape our community. Peace!

In this episode of the Wrangler Waves podcast, we dive into student life at Odessa College and highlight the unique paths and experiences of our students. We're joined by Esmeralda Moreno and Alessandra Simetal, two students who embody the spirit and ambition of OC, sharing their journeys, challenges, and dreams.


Join me, Dr. Gene A. White Jr., and my co-host, Keagan Scott, as we explore what makes OC a family and a launchpad for future leaders.



Key Moments:
[0:35] - Meet Esmeralda and Alessandra: Discover the dynamic duo of Esmeralda, a criminal justice major with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, and Alessandra, a business major with entrepreneurial dreams. They share their reasons for choosing OC over traditional high schools, emphasizing the college's supportive community and opportunities for growth.
[3:15] - PTK Highlights: Dive into the world of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) with our guests, as they discuss how this honor society has shaped their college experience, from leadership development to national recognition.
[7:20] - OC's Impact: Esmeralda and Alessandra open up about the challenges they've faced and overcome, from adjusting to college life to finding their voices. Their stories illustrate the transformative power of engagement and mentorship at OC.
[10:12] - Advice to Future Students: Our guests share heartfelt advice for prospective students, encouraging them to embrace the opportunities at OC and to get involved early on.
[12:50] - Looking Ahead: As we wrap up, Esmeralda and Alessandra reflect on their future ambitions and the roles OC has played in preparing them for success.
Links & Resources:

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society
Early College High Schools at OC (OCTECHS/OCA)

Closing Remark:
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Wrangler Waves. If Esmeralda and Alessandra's stories have inspired you, remember, it's never too late to join the OC family and start your own journey. Don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast if you've enjoyed today's episode. Your support helps us bring more stories like these to you. See you on campus!

Wrangler Waves Episode 10



Hosts: Dr. Gene A. White Jr. and Keagan Scott

Special Guest: Franqua "Coach Q" Bedell

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In this episode, Dr. White, Keagan, and guest Coach Q engage in an insightful conversation about the psychological components of sports and the integral skills for proficient coaching.



We discuss working in higher education, the importance of reflection, the sport of basketball, overcoming learning barriers, and the different types of coaching. The OC Women's Basketball Team is putting on a phenomenal season of basketball and we are lucky to sit down with Coach Q and talk about his approach to the game and how he prepares his athletes for life after collegiate basketball.



Thank you to Coach Q for joining us and thank you for listening to Wrangler Waves!

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Connect with Us:

We value your insights and feedback. Reach out to us on our social channels or leave a comment where you listen to podcasts.

SEASON 2 Premiere!

Episode 9 - Behind the Scenes with OC's Athletic Directors

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Wrangler Waves podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Gene A. White Jr., joined by the ever-energetic Mr. Keagan Scott. Today, we're diving deep into the heart of Odessa College's athletic spirit. We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with two key figures who shape the pulse of OC sports: Mr. Wayne Baker and Mr. Kevin Schlegel from the Odessa College Wrangler Sports Athletic Program.

Prepare for an engaging journey as we explore the challenges and triumphs of managing a vibrant athletic program, the intricate roles of an athletic director, and some personal anecdotes that bring the world of college sports alive. We promise, no spoilers, but lots of inspiration and a few laughs along the way!

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[2:22] - A warm welcome and a little about our love for coffee. Any coffee sponsors out there?
[10:12] - Introducing our esteemed guests, Mr. Wayne Baker and Mr. Kevin Schlegel, and their journey into athletic administration.
[15:35] - The demanding yet fulfilling life of managing college sports teams, from golf tournaments to basketball.
[23:50] - Discussing the unique challenges and rewards of being athletic directors at a two-year college.
[31:15] - Insights into the recruiting process, the importance of winning, and maintaining a high-performance athletic program.
[40:42] - Exploring the community and campus impact of sports, and the future of Odessa College athletics.
[50:57] - A humorous and insightful conversation about personal preferences in coffee and sports drinks.
[1:03:20] - Anecdotes and experiences that highlight the passion and commitment behind OC's athletic success.

Links & Resources:


Odessa College Athletics: Wrangler Sports
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): Website

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to rate, follow, share, and review the Wrangler Waves podcast. Your support keeps our waves rolling!

Episode Summary:
8. Welcome to another engaging episode of the Wrangler Waves podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Gene A White Jr., alongside my co-host, Mr. Kagan. Today, we're thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with a remarkable member of the Odessa College family, Mr. Al Almodova. With 41 years of dedication to OC, Al's journey from a groundskeeper to an influential figure on campus is a story of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of education. Join us as we explore the rich history and evolution of Odessa College through Al's eyes, celebrating the spirit that makes OC truly special.



Timeline Summary:

[2:22] - Introduction of our guest, Al Almodova, and his 41-year journey at Odessa College.

[10:12] - Al shares his early life in Odessa and his initial connection with OC.

[15:45] - The transformation of OC's campus over the years, as witnessed by Al.

[22:30] - Al's transition from custodial work to a managerial role, fueled by his pursuit of education.

[35:50] - Discussion about the impact of leadership and vision in shaping OC’s present and future.

[48:40] - Al emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in personal and professional growth.

[55:25] - Reflecting on Al’s favorite memories and stories from his time at OC.

[1:03:15] - Closing remarks and appreciation for Al's contributions to the OC community.



Links & Resources:

Odessa College Website: Visit Here

Odessa College Sports Center: Explore Here



Closing Remarks:
Thank you for tuning in to this heartwarming episode of Wrangler Waves. If Al's story resonated with you or inspired you, don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us bring more such stories from the heart of Odessa College. Until next time, stay connected and keep waving the OC flag high!