Have You Met: New Academic Advisors

UT Permian Basin is committed to setting all students up for success. That’s why the University has grown its professional academic advising staff.

We are proud to welcome five new advisors to our team who will work full-time helping students meet their academic goals. From mapping out degree plans, to ensuring each student knows how to login to their FalconID account, advisors are there with students every step of the way. 

Get to know them:

Demi Bogan graduated from Texas Tech University in May. “I’m excited about this opportunity to impact students with my first professional job,” Bogan said. She originally set out to work with elementary students, but she had a change of heart when she began her internship in the Admissions Office at Texas Tech. “I fell in love with higher education,” Bogan said. “I was just in these student’s position a few months ago. I want to help them.” Bogan joined the Falcon family July 2nd. 

Roseann Mendoza knows all about serving. She was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. While raising her children, Mendoza earned her degree in HR Management from Columbus State University. Her family moved from San Antonio to West Texas. “I spent time working in safety,” she said. She says she’s so happy to shift her focus to students who are working to better their future. She joined the advising team in July. “Everyone here is so welcoming,” Mendoza said. “Everyone goes above and beyond all for the students. They want you to grow.” 

Jessica Gutierrez, like other advisors, has a heart for helping others. She comes to UT Permian Basin from the medical field and working with Child Protective Services. “I have always loved to help others,” she said. Gutierrez earned her degree in Criminal Justice from UT Pan American, now UT Rio Grande Valley. Gutierrez came on board at UT Permian Basin in July. “I’m excited to be part of students accomplishing their goals,” she said. “I love seeing students get excited about starting their journey.”

Elizabeth Larizza is the newest member of the academic advising staff. Most recently, she was a parole officer for Ector County. “I needed to take a step back from that type of work,” Larizza said. “I have a new daughter and would like to focus on her. UT Permian Basin was the perfect fit.” Helping college students make important decisions towards their future was the exact change of pace Larizza needed. “I’m so excited to get started.”

Denise Hough has a passion for service. “I spent the last decade in healthcare administration,” she said. “It’s not usually a good thing when someone has to go to the hospital for registration. They’re usually scared and/or nervous. Part of my job was to give them reassurance.” Hough most recently worked at Medical Center Hospital. “The transition from health care to education seems natural to me. I love helping,” she said. Hough isn’t new to advising. She says while going to school, she worked in the advising office. “I’m so excited to be coming back to this. It’s like I’ve come full-circle.”

The Academic Advising Center has recently moved so they can accommodate more students. You can find them at MB 2215. Learn more about their services here: https://www.utpb.edu/academics/undergraduate-success/academic-advising-center/index