Midland College Names Luis D. Sánchez as Director of Cogdell Learning CenterJanuary 26, 2026

Midland College is proud to announce the appointment of Luis D. Sánchez as the new Director of the Cogdell Learning Center (CLC) in south Midland. Sánchez, a native of Midland’s Southside and a longtime community leader, brings a wealth of experience in education, public service, and community engagement to the role.

As Director, Sánchez will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the center’s operations, programs, and staff, ensuring that residents near Midland College’s South Campus are aware of and have access to the full range of educational opportunities offered by the College.

“The Cogdell Learning Center exists to connect our South Midland community to education, career development, and lifelong learning opportunities,” said Victoria Santiago Edwards, Dean of Cogdell Learning Center and Community Engagement. “Luis’s deep roots in the community, experience in education, and commitment to collaboration make him the perfect leader to carry forward that mission.”

As a retired County Commissioner and former Spanish teacher at Midland Freshman High School, Luis brings with him an array of community experience and strategic leadership and oversight to Cogdell’s operations, programs and staff.

“I am honored to serve my community in this role,” said Sanchez. “The Cogdell Learning Center is a place where residents can access education, skills, and opportunities close to home. I look forward to helping people connect with Midland College and giving back to the community that has given me so much.”

Luis is a graduate of Midland Senior High School, holds an associate degree in Government from Midland College, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Spanish from Texas Tech University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration Leadership from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB). 

As an active member of the Midland community, Luis has served on various boards and committees including the Midland Community Development Corporation (MCDC), the National Association of Counties (NACO), the Midland Chamber of Commerce, the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, Teen Court and Educate Midland. Luis is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) and the National Association of Hispanic Elected Officials (NAHCO) and previously served on the National Advisory Board for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Luis is an active member of San Miguel Arcángel Catholic Church in Midland.

The Cogdell Learning Center is an off-campus outreach site located on the south side of Midland. It is home to the Bill Pace Cogdell Scholarship Program and the Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC). Additionally, Cogdell hosts Adult Literacy courses, partners with the Mexican and Guatemalan Consulates, and serves as a venue for community events and workshops. Made possible by the generosity of Bill Pace Cogdell (1915–1997), the CLC is designed to help Midland residents get started at Midland College and access educational opportunities in their neighborhood.

Midland College looks forward to building on the strong foundation of the Cogdell Learning Center under Luis Sánchez’s leadership, continuing to expand access to education and resources for South Midland residents.