Let’s Start Writing Your Success Story Today
These are just a few of the UT Permian Basin alumni who have already experienced the advantages of an education from The University of Texas Permian Basin. We encourage you to read these inspiring stories now, then consider how your own ambition, the personal attention of our faculty and staff, and the prestige of a degree from the acclaimed UT System can contribute to your future success.
“UTPB provided an affordable, convenient, and navigable opportunity for me to pursue a college degree.”
Jesse Arenivas
BBA in Finance Graduate
CEO
EnLink Midstream
“You can’t beat the price and the quality of education that you’re getting from this institution.”
Joshua Robles
Online MPA Graduate
“I was looking for a college where I could get a quality MBA with a bias on energy and at a cost I could afford. UTPB ticked all the boxes.”
Harrison Murabula
MBA with Energy Business
Certificate Graduate
“UTPB’s program gave me in-depth knowledge and tools to succeed in the manufacturing industry.”
Lucus Rubio
BS in Industrial Technology Graduate
Maintenance Technician in the Aerospace Industry
“I can kind of just do it in my own time. I can do it from the comfort of my home, in my home office. It just makes things a lot easier for me, so I don’t have to worry about being in class at a specific time.”
Kaden Hayes
Online MBA Student
UTPB
“I chose to earn an MA in Literacy because I knew that the knowledge would benefit my students in the classroom.”
Crystal Burchfield
Literacy Graduate
Educator
Midland ISD
“Having the opportunity to earn your degree online is an excellent [way] to complete your education even if you have a busy lifestyle.”
Rabah Mahmoud
CJAD Graduate
Juvenile Probation Corrections Officer
Riverside County Probation Department
“UTPB taught me, through the program, what type of leader I wanted to be.”
Cameron Sloan
Head of Teaching and Learning
Westview Cambodian International School
“Achieving a master’s degree early in my [teaching] career has [contributed] to many of my students mastering state assessment. ”
Yvonne Wood
Classroom Leader
Bonham Middle School
“The eight-week courses, the program being completely online, and no travel—that’s what did it for me.”
Dr. Jessie Cline
Superintendent Certification Graduate
Chief Financial Officer
Clint Independent School District
“My favorite courses were those taught by Dr. Tara Wilson because her passion for reading always came through in her teaching and in our class discussions.”
Stephanie Green
Literacy Graduate
Certified Reading Specialist
“I would recommend online learning to anyone who is employed, has a family, or other responsibilities. I always felt like I did not have time to go back to school, when in fact, I did.”
Laura Hall
CJAD Graduate
Assistant Director
Ector County Supervision and Corrections Department
“Anytime and every time you have an opportunity to impact a young learner and help build those connections and develop that brain and build that foundation for future success is just an opportunity to have a real impact.”
Barbara Triplett
Early Childhood Education Specialist
Northside School District
“You are so much more valuable in the workforce and more coveted by employers when you are an educated individual. It shows you have what it takes to not just settle but to excel in your chosen profession.”
Brian Martinez
CJAD Graduate
Chief Deputy
Scurry County Sheriff’s Office
“As soon as I graduated, I received the promotion to reading interventionist and am now able to work exclusively with the students who are dyslexic or at risk.”
Brenda Gardea
Literacy Graduate
Reading Interventionist
Tatom Elementary School
“[As a superintendent] I can impact that many more students through the impact I make on my directors and principals.”
Shawn Thurman
Superintendent Certification Graduate
Director of Special Education
Mount Adams School District
“[This degree] has elevated the ability that I have as an educator to meet the needs of my students and…coworkers.”
Valarie Shreves
Literacy Graduate
Multi-Classroom Leader
Ector County Independent School District
“Once I saw the framework of the Permian Basin [program], that’s when I decided to apply.”
Marco Zamora
Superintendent Certification Graduate
Principal
South Texas Preparatory Academy
“I’m better able to understand what leadership should look like on a daily basis.”
Baillie Smilie
Educational Leadership Graduate
Student Support Services
Instructional Coach
Conroe Independent School District
“[W]hat I was literally learning in class one evening or weekend, I was implementing and seeing how it affected my job the very next day.”
Amy Russell
Educational Leadership Graduate
Principal
Bowie Elementary School
“With my degree, I will immediately illustrate my knowledge in pursuing work with the justice system in the police department, possibly assisting with police reform training.”
Constance Sayrie
CJAD Graduate
Community Advocate
Houston, TX
“I know I’m getting a quality education, and that’s more important to me than anything.”
Steven Edlin, EdD
Superintendent Certification Graduate
Principal
Ingleside High School
“It’s been incredible having such access to my professor throughout the program, so it’s as if he’s serving the role of not only my professor but my advisor.”
Aaron Fong, EdD
Superintendent Certification Graduate
Vice President of Schools
IDEA Public Schools
“I have always wanted to pursue a master’s degree and feel proud to have received it from UTPB. This degree will also open many doors to career paths.”
Lt. James “Scott” McKown
CJAD Graduate
Ector County ISD Police Department
“I’ve accomplished something big, and UTPB played a big role in that.”
Anthony Petry
Online MBA Graduate
“[I’m] able to compete with the next principal, regardless of where they’re coming from, to be able to go into an interview and intelligently answer questions“
Rose Kebe
Educational Leadership Graduate
Assistant Principal
John D. Spicer Elementary
“[My BSIT] positioned me to get a lot more other roles that wouldn’t be available to me without a technical degree.”
Michael Simmons
BS in Industrial Technology Graduate
Maintenance Planner Discipline Lead
BP
“I can’t thank the professors there enough, and I think that they have really made an impact on my life.”
Jesica Borunda
Educational Leadership Graduate
Principal
Blackland Prairie Elementary School
“I think [the best part] is being able to complete my dream in a good time frame and also having the flexibility to continue with my day-to-day life.”
Carlos Aragones
Online BBA in Accounting Student
“I hope that UTPB continues to add fully online accessible degree programs. I’d take them.”
Andrea Wang
MBA Graduate
Pharmacy Project Manager
“UTPB, that’s my go-to college.”
Lekiesha Doss
BS in Criminal Justice Graduate
Parole Officer
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
“Working online allowed me to be at home while I worked, stopping for family dinners and scheduling my work around important family events.”
Sandi Walker
Bilingual/ESL Education Graduate
Bilingual Teacher
“Having my whole program online made my dream of achieving a bachelor’s degree possible.”
Leeza Black
BA in Psychology Graduate
“If you’re willing to do the work and you’re wanting to learn and expand on your knowledge base, I definitely would recommend it. 100%.”
Mary Beth Campbell
BA in Humanities Graduate
“I am confident that the valuable education I receive here from the incredible professors will serve me in my profession as an educator and law student.”
Maria Linda Mabry
BA in Humanities Graduate