Movers & Shakers

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Tina Munoz, Academic Program Facilitator, Workforce Solutions

Celestina “Tina” Muñoz was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, she lived in Mexico from 4th-7th grade. Munoz says living in Mexico allowed her the privilege to appreciate being an American, but more importantly, learning in depth about her own culture. One of her favorite quotes is from the movie Stand And Deliver about a teacher teaching intercity teens math, and he says, “If you don’t have the “ganas” (desire), I will give it to you because I am an expert.” - Jamie Escalante.

Tina states, “I believe as higher education professionals, it is our job to help our students realize their potential because we are the ones who see it in them first, usually before their families and even before they see it in themselves.” Tina was a TRIO graduate, participating in TRIO both at her local community college (South Mountain) where she received her AA and AGS and at the university level after transferring. She admits that being a firstgeneration college student was not an easy experience. “I failed my first year at SMCC and later again after I transferred to Arizona State University (ASU). It took me 6 years to graduate with my Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) with concentrations in Communication and Leadership/ Ethics,” Munoz states.

She honestly admits that if it wasn’t for her TRIO teams support and encouragement, she probably would not have continued her education. Tina gives the credit to TRIO for helping her recognize her passion for Higher Ed. After completing her undergraduate work, Tina began her Master’s in Higher Ed. program while also working for TRIO.

Kentucky is a long way from home, but Munoz admits she is here because a certain Fireman “stole her heart” and what specifically brought her to apply at OCTC was the opportunity to work with community college students. Munoz states, “I understand the pros and cons of working for a major public university, but my path didn’t start there, it started at a community college, so I want to give back to a system that helped me. I am so grateful to be part of this team and have it feel like home. Thank you OCTC for welcoming this Sun Devil to your family,” shares Munoz. If you have any local and or “must-see” places in Kentucky please send them her way as she looks forward to exploring this beautiful state and also getting to know each and every one of you!

Tina Munoz

Dr. Michael Frasso, Chemistry Instructor

Michael Frasso is originally from western Pennsylvania and earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Youngstown State University in 2012. He then moved to the University of Pittsburgh for his graduate work, completing his Masters in Organic Chemistry in 2014 on developing new calcium channel agonists as potential treatments for Lambert-Eaton

Myasthenic Syndrome. He recently completed his Ph.D. on new synthetic methods in organic chemistry. For the last two years, Michael has been performing organic chemistry research at West Virginia University, as well as teaching chemistry courses. He was recently hired at OCTC as a chemistry instructor.

Michael married his lovely high school sweetheart, Molly in 2015. They are currently “parents” to one loving miniature Schnauzer and one decidedly less loving cat. In his spare time, Michael loves to play the guitar, build guitar-related electronics, and listen to a great variety of music. His other hobbies include reading, cooking, and hiking.

Dr. Michael Frasso

David Wilson, Art Instructor

Originally from Lockport, IL, David D. Wilson received his MFA in Painting from Illinois State University, a BA in Fine Art and Design from Columbia College in Chicago, and an Associate Degree in Art from Joliet Junior College.

David Wilson

Most recently, David was Gallery Director for the Salem Art Association in Oregon and taught community education art courses for Oregon Coast Community College. He has participated in over 100 art exhibitions across the nation, conducted grant funded research, and organized fundraising efforts for various art organizations. Most of all, he enjoys teaching and creating artwork.

At OCTC, he is teaching art and art history courses, as well as directing

the Dayman Art Gallery. I know we will all be anxious to see what new creative ideas David brings to OCTC’s art program.

Richard Hall, Assistant Professor, Engineering

Richard (Rich) Hall is the program coordinator of the Engineering Technology program at OCTC. He earned an AS in Electrical Engineering Technology and a BS in Electronic Engineering Technology from West Virginia Institute of Technology and a MS in Information Systems from Marshall University.

Rich Hall

Rich has worked for The National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Verizon Communications, WVA Manufacturing and Constellium. Previous teaching experience includes serving as professor and program coordinator of Electrical Engineering Technology and chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department for Bridgevalley Community and Technical College in West Virginia.

Rich currently lives in Owensboro with his three dogs. He is a science fiction fan and enjoys reading, classic cars, motorcycles, camping and martial arts. His favorite quote is “Do or Do Not, there is no Try.”

Gage Cameron, Robotics & Automation Instructor

Gage is an OCTC alum who graduated from OCTC with two associates. He is currently attending Western Kentucky University in pursuit of a master’s degree. He grew up in the local

area and graduated from Daviess County High School where he was a “Proud Panther!”

Gage Hall

In recent years, Gage worked as an electrical maintenance technician and an engineering tech. Gage admits, “I have always had a desire to be a teacher of some sort. I am beyond excited to work here.”

When not teaching students, he is currently focusing on his personal goal of continuing his own educational path. He enjoys working on the side in his business, spending time with friends and family, boating, ATV riding, chilling, hunting, kayaking, and hiking. Gage is a big lover of all things outdoors. Young and eager, he is a great addition to the OCTC family.

Jessica Cecil, Academic Program Facilitator

Jessica Cecil

We are very happy to welcome Jessica back on campus again! A former TRIO director and active campus community member, Jessica Cecil has returned to Owensboro and works at OCTC as an academic program facilitator for the Perkins grant.

She is an OCTC alumna and a graduate from both Kentucky Wesleyan College and Western Kentucky University. A lifelong learner, Jessica is currently completing the final courses to earn her third master’s degree

this December. She enjoys all outdoor activities, especially hiking, kayaking, camping, and travel. Jessica is passionate about OCTC’s vision and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to help students succeed. Her favorite quote is from George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

Mallory Leucht, Student Financial Aid Specialist

Mallory Leucht, is an Owensboro native. She is another ambitious OCTC grad (Associate of Science) who continued her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from KWC and plans to finish her Masters at WKU.

Mallory Leucht

Mallory serves as the marketing director for Kids Football League and is very involved with other youth leagues around town. She coached soccer for 10 years, but has taken a brief hiatus. Mallory worked in admissions and financial aid at KWC for 5 years and is currently employed as a Resident Director along with her full time position at OCTC. In addition, Mallory has been involved in community work with her background in financial literacy and community action programs.

Mallory stated, “I enjoy being involved in local politics, more specifically those related to minority equality and public education.” Her favorite hobby is being a football team mom and getting to do all the crafts and snacks for the boys. She enjoys Bible studies and being with

friends. Mallory has a 9 year old son, Makaio, whom she loves very much. They attend St. Pius Catholic church where Mallory hopes to be a Catechist very soon.

Thomas Bates, Welding instructor

Thomas Gene Bates, Jr., an OCTC alum, is now a new instructor in the welding technology department. He was born and raised in Ohio County. At the age of 17, he dropped out of high school, earned his GED, and joined the Army.

Thomas served in the Army from 2004 until 2015. While in the Army he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Douglas, Utah; and

Fort Carson, Colorado. During this time he served three tours of duty. The first two in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the third in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He says, “During this time I served as a 13F “Forward Observer,” and after losing most of my hearing while serving in Iraq on my second deployment, I was reclassified to a 92Y “Supply Sergeant.” In 2015, I was medically retired due to injuries sustained while deployed.”

He is currently working toward a Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology Management and settling into his position in the welding technology department.

He is the proud father of Autumn Skye Bates and Thomas Gene Bates III and currently engaged to be married. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family and buying and renovating houses to rent.