Dr. Michael Odu has been chosen as Miramar College’s new Vice President of Instruction. Since 2016, Dr. Odu has served at Southwestern College as the District dean of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, where he has also served as an adjunct instructor. While at Southwestern College, Dr. Odu has focused on working with faculty, deans, and staff through participatory governance structures to promote academic integrity, facilitate innovation, and develop clear goals and objectives that serve students.
Prior to his time at Southwestern College, Dr. Odu served 14 years as a professor of Mathematics at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. During his time at Hillsborough, he also served as special assistant to the campus president on Strategic Initiatives, faculty coordinator for HOPE Scholars, and Phi Theta Kappa coordinator. In all, Dr. Odu has served at community colleges for over 28 years.
Dr. Odu has widely published and presented in his field, and serves in a number of additional professional capacities, including as a member of the Board of Directors for Phi Theta Kappa International, peer-reviewer for a mathematics journal, and a certified online instructor through Quality Matters.
Dr. Odu holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, a M.Sc. in Mathematical Sciences, a B.Sc. in Mathematics, and an A.A. in Computer Science. In highlighting his experience as an administrator, Dr. Odu emphasizes an equity-minded and progressive approach in academic and operational leadership, drawing decision-making from data and with an eye on solid pedagogical approaches to curriculum development and review. He has demonstrated throughout his career an understanding of the role that a comprehensive community college plays in the community it serves.
In addition to bringing a solid background in formal education and experience, Dr. Odu demonstrated through the interview process that he has the right perspective and approach to help Miramar position itself for growth while working with faculty, classified professionals, and management to improve on what the college already does well: serving our students and focusing on our mission.
Throughout the interview process, Dr. Odu demonstrated a commitment to and a passion for the community college mission. He clearly is dedicated to the work of making quality higher education accessible to students with an unwavering desire to see equity and inclusion infused into all levels of higher education. The search committee were struck by Dr. Odu’s understanding of the need to balance uncompromised quality education with recognition of the human elements needed for students to succeed, not only while at Miramar College, but throughout their future. He understands and believes in a team-oriented approach, and is well-versed in accreditation, fiscal matters, enrollment management, Guided Pathways, and the need to manage these through participatory governance. In addition, Dr. Odu expressed excitement to be joining an institution poised to move ahead in quality programming, innovation, and inclusive practices.
Odu’s appointment awaits approval from the Board of Trustees. Dr. Odu will begin his employment on July 1, 2021.
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