Where Falcons Soar: How UTPB Alumni Are Making Their Mark

At The University of Texas Permian Basin, our goal is to provide students with an affordable, high-quality education while preparing them for successful careers and bright futures. Our alumni are a reflection of that mission. Hear from a few Falcons as they share why they chose UTPB and how their experiences helped shape who they are today.

Soraye Palmer

Soraye Palmer graduated from UTPB in 2022 with a degree in business management and now works as a Business Development Coordinator at Midland Development Corporation.

“I started looking into the College of Business, and I was really impressed that their courses had extra AACSB accreditation, just like a large university. It was the best decision that I made because I was able to create relationships with my professors,” Palmer said. “At UTPB, you are going to gain a high-quality education here and be surrounded by people that truly, genuinely care about you and want you to be successful after college. I will say that it’s pretty neat to see the people I went to school with doing amazing things in the community.”

Parker Goin

Parker Goin, Landman at Faskin Oil and Ranch, graduated from UTPB in 2025 with a degree in Energy Land Management.

“This place can take you where you want to go. There’s an energy that surrounds it,” Goin said. “It’s not like you’re going to one day find yourself where you want to be. You’re going to find yourself every day moving in that direction.”

Gaven Norris

Gaven Norris, a trial attorney, graduated from UTPB in 2011 with a political science degree.

“I tell people all the time, UTPB gave me wings and taught me how to fly, and I’m forever grateful for that,” said Norris. “It’s big enough to serve the community, but it’s small enough to feel one on one; and you still feel like a family or someone who’s important and counted while you’re here. UTPB really is a beacon of light in West Texas.”

Eric Franco

Eric Franco, a Fire Fighter at Odessa Fire Department, graduated in 2024 with a business management degree. While at school, Eric was also part of the football team.

“Being on a football team gave me the opportunity to see how much we give back to the community. I really enjoyed all of the volunteer events like helping out with West Texas Foodbank and Special Olympics,” said Franco. “Being a student-athlete at UTPB molded me into the person I am today. It made me want to become a fireman.”

Caleb Pierson

Caleb Pierson, a Recruitment Coordinator at Diamond Back Energy, graduated in 2025 with a business management master's degree.

“I think the biggest impact UTPB had on me came from the opportunities that I was given. The career services team definitely helped me a lot,” Pierson said. “They helped me build a resume and prepare for career fairs, where I was able to network with employers and build valuable connections. Those opportunities led to an internship, which eventually turned into the full-time job I have today.”

Jenna McEnaney

Jenna McEnaney, an Asset Engineer at ONEOK, graduated in 2023 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“UTPB gave me lifelong friendships and connections, not only personal, but professional. I’ve been networking since freshman year, which allowed me to find internships and connected me to my job,” McEnaney said. “The smaller class sizes were my deciding factor. In the smaller classes you’re getting more one on one time with the professors."

Kaylee Overmyer

Kaylee Overmyer, an Athletics Coach and P.E. Teacher in ECISD, graduated in 2022 with a degree in kinesiology and then got a masters in exercise science.

“Originally, I came to UTPB to play soccer. However, the University offered kinesiology, which I was very interested in, which helped me make my decision to come here,” Overmyer said. “One mentor that I would say had a lasting impact on me is Dr. Evelyn Gordon. She was a light, when everything seemed overwhelming, she was there to pick me up.”