In the upcoming November general election, our community will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Odessa and the entire region, equipping current and future generations with the tools for success. By approving the Odessa College District’s Proposition A, we will allow one of the nation’s most successful community colleges to expand and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and workforce.
Over the past decade, OC’s enrollment and degrees awarded has essentially doubled. During the same time, facilities expansion has not kept pace and OC is operating near full capacity. The bond will allow OC to construct new buildings and modernize others. As outlined on OC’s website www.ocvision2030.com, 75% of the $355 million bond would go towards new buildings, including a Workforce Center, Community Health & Wellness Center, Academic Building, Student Housing and Cafeteria, and Fine Arts Center.
The bond will enable OC to meet not only the needs of the projected increase in enrollment over the coming years but will also improve the quality of life for the entire community, particularly the health and wellness center, fine arts venue and child development and care.
One of the greatest challenges our region faces is workforce development. In its commitment to the community, OC has for many years worked to combat the workforce issues by offering non-traditional courses focused on technical education and training, including automotive and diesel tech, welding, truck driving, electrical technology, medical, culinary and cosmetology, all of which are in high demand. Sadly, OC routinely encounters far more applicants than what resources and space allows. The bond will permit OC to expand these programs and do much more, positively and significantly impacting economic growth.
If you have not visited the campus in a while, please do so. Not only will you find a beautiful campus but also one that is vibrant, bustling with enthusiasm. OC is consistently recognized as one of the leading community colleges in America, far outperforming most, and Odessa is fortunate to have it. Further, OC’s leadership team is second to none, proving themselves time and again, thus in my mind earning the trust of the community. Because of the trust that has been built over the years, I believe it is critical that the community makes the investment in Odessa’s future generations by Voting Yes for Odessa College.
Shem E. Culpepper
Odessa
