Connie Owens, Director of the Hispanic Student Center at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, is making a difference in the Panhandle region. Leveraging her experience from Wichita State University, Owens has hit the ground running at OPSU, expanding the center’s outreach and fostering meaningful relationships to empower the community. One of her initiatives includes leading the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Goodwell, a project that embodies her mission to bridge educational gaps and promote inclusion.
The ESL program, held Monday evenings at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) from 6 to 8 p.m., offers participants an opportunity to learn from a diverse team of instructors. The program features three senior OPSU students—David Vargas from Colombia, David Perez from Spain, and Mauricio De Santiago from Mexico—who serve as tutors and bring unique perspectives from their respective cultures. Together, they provide a rich blend of Spanish dialects and firsthand experiences to make language learning engaging and effective.
David Vargas, who speaks two languages, shared how moving to the U.S. transformed his perspective on the importance of learning English. “In Colombia, it wasn’t mandatory to learn English, but once I came here, I realized how critical it is to listen, read, write, and understand English grammar. Learning English opens your mind and opportunities,” he said.
David Perez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the hope the program inspires in the community. “Seeing the community members learn English with us gives them confidence. They know their English can be as strong as ours one day. The key to learning English is wanting to learn it.”
The program, which launched in September 2024, has seen attendance grow to 15 participants weekly, with community members traveling from as far as Texhoma and Hooker. Connie Owens, who initially joined as a volunteer before taking over leadership, credits the program’s success to collaboration and dedication. “When I started, it was just me teaching, and I realized we needed more perspectives and resources. That’s when I brought in the three students from the HSC, and their contributions have been incredible,” Owens said.
Owens’ commitment extends beyond the ESL program. She has also collaborated with Guymon High School on initiatives like the “Reality Check” program, which helps seniors prepare for life after graduation by teaching practical skills such as budgeting, banking, and navigating real-world challenges.
“This program is a shining example of how Connie Owens is fostering growth and connection through the Hispanic Student Center,” said Laura Hutchinson, Dean of Student Affairs at OPSU. “Her dedication to supporting local programs like the ESL initiative not only strengthens community ties but also creates pathways for engagement and inclusion within the HSC, benefiting both our students and the wider region.”
As the Hispanic Student Center continues to grow as a hub for learning and support, Owens remains dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the Panhandle. She believes that helping the community grow alongside OPSU will drive enrollment and strengthen the university’s mission to serve as a resource for all.
For more information about the Hispanic Student Center or how to get involved with its programs, please contact Connie Owens at [email protected].