State Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) recently met with President Sandy Woodley of the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) to discuss the institution's recent accomplishments and expansion of advanced courses.
Seliger reportedly left the meeting pleased with what he had learned about the Odessa-based institution, according to a Twitter post.
"Great to visit with @utpb President Sandy Woodley. The good things they’re doing on campus and for our community are too many to count," Seliger said. "I’m proud to have such a valuable institution in #SD31 and grateful it has such strong leadership."
The University of Texas Permian Basin recently announced the expansion of its MBA program to provide students with more advanced courses in accounting, finance. and marketing on April 20. In addition, UTPB also has collaborated with the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston to help students receive certificates in public health and health systems policy and management.
The MBA program's courses will address subjects such as investments, finance, energy accounting, and oil and gas law.
“A lot of our students are already in the workforce serving our region and beyond. Because of that, we know how important it is to make our courses flexible," Dr. Anshu Saran, College of Business Director of Graduate Programs told CBS7. "Students can choose their own pace and decide if they want to take their courses face-to-face or online. The program also offers evening classes and there is an accelerated plan for students who wish to complete the program in just one year."
UTPB's nursing program has also grown and improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering well-rounded licensed nursing students, according to Dr. Donna Beuk, dean of the University of Texas Permian Basin's College of Health Sciences and Human Performance.
"The nursing program over the last two years has had a tremendous amount of growth and success as far as preparation for the graduates," Beuk told NewsWEST9.
In order to be licensed to practice nursing, students must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
UTPB, a member of the University of Texas System, has two campuses in Odessa and Midland and educates approximately 6,000 students.
Currently, the university offers 35 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate degree programs.