UTPB Academy offers high chool students dual credit in university setting

With the new school year almost here, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin has some very good news for Odessa’s high school students.

“We are excited to offer a new program in conjunction with ECISD.  We are now offering dual credit courses for high school juniors and seniors,” explained Rey Lascano, UTPB’s director of continuing education. “Students will receive high school and university level credit for the same class through this program, called the UTPB Academy.”

These courses have been scheduled for the first and/or last period of the high school schedule in addition to the traditional evening classes the university offers.

The UTPB Academy is the perfect opportunity for students to experience a university environment as well as the rigorous course work of a four-year university.

“It is also a great opportunity to work with some of the best instructors in the country,” UTPB President David Watts said.

Chris Stanley will be teaching art appreciation and art history. An award-winning ceramic artist and sculptor, his works have been exhibited across the United States. Lanita Akins will be teaching two dual credit history courses for the UTPB Academy. She is the coordinator of Freshman Seminar and enjoys freshman students and continues to focus on their academic futures as well as their personal success. Many students will already be familiar with retired ECISD teacher Rod Stewart, who will be teaching four English classes.