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.
Schedule An Advising Appointment
How do I use Navigate as a student?
Meet our Advising Team
General Academic Advisor
Caitlyn Dieckmann
Academic Advisor
Phone: (719) 384-6999
Email: caitlyn.dieckmann@otero.edu
Office: Learning Commons 124
Student Athletes
Lisa Pantoya-Smith
Admissions and Transfer Coordinator
Phone: (719) 384-6931
Email: lisa.pantoya-smith@otero.edu
Office: Learning Commons 117
International Students
Maureen Rikhof
Director of International Programs
Phone: (719) 384-6805
Email: maureen.rikhof@otero.edu
Office: Humanities Center 106
TRiO Students
Joseph Eubank
TRiO Advisor/Success Coach
Phone: (719) 384-6944
Email: joseph.eubank@otero.edu
Office: Learning Commons 102
Malorie Weiss
TRiO Advisor/Success Coach
Phone: (719) 384-6815
Email: malorie.weiss@otero.edu
Office: Learning Commons 104
Career & Technical Programs
Cosmetology
Monica Valdez
Faculty - Cosmetology
Phone: (719) 384-6992
Email: monica.valdez@otero.edu
Office: McDivitt Hall 101
Welding
Ryan Phillips
Faculty - Welding
Phone: (719) 384-6814
Email: ryan.phillips@otero.edu
Office: McDivitt Hall 114
Law enforcement training academy
Vincent Fraker
Law Enforcement Training Academy Director
Phone: (719) 384-6867
Email: vincent.fraker@otero.edu
Office: McBride Hall 129
Education
Hailey Wold
Director of Student Success & Engagement
Phone: (719) 384-6946
Email: hailey.wold@otero.edu
Office: Learning Commons 128A
Nursing
Melissa Root
Interim Director of Nursing & Health Professions
Phone: (719) 384-6899
Email: melissa.root@otero.edu
Office: Life Science Building 131
Medical Lab Tech
Angela Tarrant
Director of Medical Lab Tech
Phone: (719) 384-6813
Email: angela.tarrant@otero.edu
Office: Life Science Building 122
EMT
Rachelle Martin
Coordinator of Nursing & Health Professions
Phone: (719) 384-6854
Email: rachelle.martin@otero.edu
Office: Life Science Building 133
Agriculture Business Management
Ryan Belew
Agricultural Business Faculty
Phone: (719) 384-6964
Email: ryan.belew@otero.edu
Office: SCORE Center 136
Becky Sporrer
Agricultural Business Faculty
Phone: (719) 384-6964
Email: becky.sporrer@otero.edu
Office: SCORE Center 136
Walter Myers
Agricultural Business Faculty
Phone: (719) 384-6964
Email: walter.myers@otero.edu
Office: 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