Advising
An academic advisor will be assigned to all students after their acceptance into Otero College, ensuring that students make informed decisions about their academic goals and career aspirations.
Your Advisor will help with:
- Discovering the degree or certificate program that aligns with your goals
- Creating an academic plan that selects the right courses for your program
- Connecting you with resources on campus to ensure your success as a student
- Explaining and demystify the registration process
- Finding the right transfer options for continuing education
Who is my Advisor?
To find out which advisor has been assigned to you, access your Student Portal and login to Navigate. It is important to meet with an advisor before registering for classes. If you have not scheduled a time to meet, make an appointment in Navigate today.
How do I use Navigate as a student?
Meet our advising team
Student Athletes
Lisa Pantoya-Smith
Admissions and Transfer Coordinator
(719) 384-6931
lisa.pantoya-smith@otero.edu
Learning Commons 117
General CTE Advisor
Jane Wheeler
Student Success Coordinator
(719) 384-6802
jane.wheeler@otero.edu
Student Services Center
International Students
Maureen Rikhof
Director of International Programs
(719) 384-6805
maureen.rikhof@otero.edu
Humanities Center 106
TRiO Students
Joseph Eubank
TRiO Advisor/Success Coach
(719) 384-6944
joseph.eubank@otero.edu
Learning Commons 102
Bethany Bender
TRiO Advisor/Success Coach
(719) 384-6815
bethany.bender@otero.edu
Learning Commons 104
Cosmetology
Monica Valdez
Faculty - Cosmetology
(719) 384-6992
monica.valdez@otero.edu
McDivitt Hall 101
Welding
Eric Larrew
Faculty - Welding
(719) 384-6893
eric.larrew@otero.edu
McDivitt Hall 114
Law Enforcement Training Academy
Vincent Fraker
Law Enforcement Training Academy Director
(719) 384-6867
vincent.fraker@otero.edu
McBride Hall 129
Education
Hailey Wold
Director of Student Success & Engagement
(719) 384-6946
hailey.wold@otero.edu
Learning Commons 128A
Nursing
Melissa Root
Director of Nursing & Health Professions
(719) 384-6899
melissa.root@otero.edu
Life Science Building 131
Medical Lab Tech
Angela Tarrant
Director of Medical Lab Tech
(719) 384-6813
angela.tarrant@otero.edu
Life Science Building 122
EMT
Rachelle Martin
Coordinator of Nursing & Health Professions
(719) 384-6854
rachelle.martin@otero.edu
Life Science Building 133
Agriculture Business Management
Becky Sporrer
Agricultural Business Faculty
(719) 384-6964
becky.sporrer@otero.edu
SCORE Center 136
Transfer from Otero
Our advisors can help you find the college that is right for you to transfer to for completing your bachelor’s degree. Otero College has agreements with a number of Colorado universities as well as out-of-state universities. Find out more by visiting our Transfer Agreements page.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
At Otero College we realize significant learning happens outside of the formal classroom setting and often in the workplace or through your interest in independently learning about a subject. Through the Prior Learning Assessment Credit process, you can have your learning evaluated regardless of where, when, or how you acquired it as long as you can document your learning and it can be verified at a college level.
Military Training Credit
Students who have military training and experience can earn credit based on the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations on their Joint Services Transcript. For further information please see: ACE Online Military Guide