By Selene Corcino, Communications & Recruitment Specialist
Special from UTPB
Dr. Tara Wilson, UTPB’s Assistant Professor of Literacy in the College of Education is an honoree for the 2023 Odessa Under 40 award.
The Odessa Under 40 award, hosted by the Young Professionals of Odessa, highlights professionals that live or work in Odessa who are excelling professionally, while also being civically involved in the community.
Dr. Wilson has impacted UTPB and the Permian Basin community in many ways. Recently, she received a $3,000 grant for the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin. Those funds helped start “Read Daily” where she offers family literacy evenings at two local childcare facilities. She is also a member of the Permian Basin’s Educational Partnership and advises graduate students at UTPB.
In addition, Wilson is a member of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Reading Specialist Educator Advisory Committee, MISD Adopt a Teacher Program, volunteers at The Friends of the Library and Literacy Bookstore, and serves on their board. Her service work in the community doesn’t stop there.
You can also find Wilson serving as a guest speaker at the Bush Childhood home, serving on ECISD Education Foundation and the UTPB STEM Academy Advisory Boards, and volunteering at the West Texas Food Bank.
Dr. Larry Daniel, Dean of the College of Education, said Dr. Wilson is an outstanding faculty member at UTPB.
“Tara Wilson is an outstanding young professional fully deserving of this recognition. A dedicated Education faculty member, she has become known in our community as a mover and shaker when it comes to community literacy, passion for reading, and partnerships with schools.”
Dr. Wilson feels honored to be a recipient of the Odessa Under 40 award and is thankful for being nominated for this amazing opportunity.
She says, “wearing a fancy dress and meeting the other honorees” is what she is looking forward to the most about attending the Under 40 Gala.
When asked, what does she love most about working at UTPB she said, “The family feel, especially in the College of Education”.
Dr. Wilson encouraged students to attend UTPB because of its quality education, inclusion, and support the professors have towards their students.
“We truly care about our students. We take the time to know our students as people and not just a number.”
UT Permian Basin is proud of Dr. Wilson and all her accomplishments, and we thank her for her continuing support for the success of our students.
