In a rapidly changing economy, the backbone of our future workforce lies in the hands of community colleges—especially in communities like Odessa. These institutions provide accessible, affordable education to residents while equipping students with the technical skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. Fortunately, the Permian Basin is blessed to be home to one of the top community colleges in the country: Odessa College.
Since opening its doors in 1946 with just 184 students, Odessa College has grown over the decades into the premier community college in Texas. And that’s true even when I take my bias out of the equation.
Odessa College has repeatedly been recognized nationally for its dedication to student success, including being named a Top Ten Finalist for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This commitment is reflected in the numbers: during the 2022-2023 school year, Odessa College achieved an 80% class passing rate and a 90% course completion rate —both far exceeding state averages.
Moreover, the earnings of Odessa College graduates consistently outshine those of their community college peers statewide. In 2021, first-year graduates earned an average of $39,982 annually, significantly higher than the state average of $34,858. Five years after graduation, the 2017 class earned an average of $57,194, compared to the state’s $50,436. These figures demonstrate the college’s unique ability to prepare West Texas students for good-paying, stable careers, a success largely driven by its robust workforce training programs.
In fact, more than 30% of Odessa College’s nearly 10,000 students are enrolled in such programs, which offer associate degrees and certificates in critical fields such as electrical lineman work, HVAC-R, professional trucking, and more. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott and I had the opportunity to witness Odessa College’s welding program in action, and the high quality of hands-on instruction was immediately apparent. By providing comprehensive training in these high-demand skills, Odessa College is not only setting up students to succeed but is ensuring that our most vital West Texas industries have the talent necessary to thrive.
As enrollment in these workforce programs continues to grow, the need for additional funding has become increasingly critical. To support this expanding institution, I’m proud to have co-authored House Bill 8 in 2023, which established the Public Junior College State Finance Program. This groundbreaking legislation guarantees baseline funding for outstanding community colleges and provides essential resources to institutions like Odessa College, which focus on awarding degrees and credentials in high-demand fields. Thanks to this bill, Odessa College has already secured millions in additional state funding to enhance its educational tools, programs, and campus infrastructure.
In other words, Odessa College has received increased funding from the state because of its outstanding record of serving its students. This achievement represents a significant win for our local economy, allowing more West Texas students to slot into rewarding careers right here at home. But state funds cannot be used to construct buildings on community college campuses.
Looking ahead, Odessa College has even more ambitious plans. Through its Vision 2030 program, the college aims to transform further with key projects such as a new workforce center, a community health and wellness center, and a business and innovation center. These projects will not only serve the education of Odessa residents today but also attract new industries and talent to our region, fueling our continued economic growth and diversification.
As someone who has earned course credit from Odessa College , I’m proud of how this institution shapes not only individual lives, but also the future of West Texas. Odessa College will continue to be a driving force for the Permian Basin, equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
God Bless Texas,
Brooks Landgraf
