Graduates of UT Permian Basin share their opinions on their programs of study and success.
“UTPB provided an affordable, convenient, and navigable opportunity for me to pursue a college degree.”
Jesse Arenivas
CEO
EnLink Midstream
“I chose to earn an MA in Literacy because I knew that the knowledge would benefit my students in the classroom.”
Crystal Burchfield
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Principal
South Texas Preparatory Academy
“I’m better able to understand what leadership should look like on a daily basis.”
Baillie Smilie
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
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
Community Advocate
Houston, TX
“I know I’m getting a quality education, and that’s more important to me than anything.”
Steven Edlin, EdD
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
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
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
Assistant Principal
John D. Spicer Elementary