Midland College's Chelsy Gann Elected to Regional Leadership Position with TACEOctober 29, 2026

 

In her new role, Gann will represent continuing education professionals across West Texas, including Midland-Odessa, El Paso and much of the Texas Panhandle. She will help facilitate communication among institutions, and encourage collaboration and advocacy for continuing education programs that respond to the changing needs of Texas communities and employers.

 

“I saw an opportunity to grow professionally while giving back to an organization and a field I am passionate about,” Gann said. “I wanted to be a strong voice for Midland College and continuing education programs throughout our region.”

 

TACE provides a statewide network for professionals working in continuing and workforce education to exchange ideas, address emerging challenges and strengthen educational opportunities. The organization also advocates for adequate funding and supports partnerships between community colleges and the businesses and industries that depend on them for workforce training.

 

Gann said the role comes at an important time as higher education institutions respond to changes in state funding, rapidly advancing technologies and increasing demand for flexible workforce training. “Higher education is changing, and continuing education has an important role to play in what comes next,” Gann said. “I believe there's tremendous value in bringing institutions together to share ideas, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration. I'm grateful that my colleagues across the region have placed their trust in me to represent them.”

 

Dr. Deana Savage, Midland College Chief of Staff, praised Gann's selection and her commitment to workforce education. “TACE is a force for good in Texas and is fortunate to have Chelsy's leadership,” Savage said.

 

For the past four years, Gann has led MC's Petroleum Professional Development Center and Workforce Continuing Education Office, providing educational opportunities that help oil and gas professionals maintain and expand their expertise while addressing the evolving workforce needs of the Permian Basin.

Before joining Midland College, she spent four and a half years at Odessa College as the Lead Academic Success Coach for the School of Health Science, supporting students as they worked toward their academic and career goals. Her experience across both institutions has given her a broad perspective on the role of higher education in supporting student success and meeting regional workforce needs.

 

 

Through her work at Midland College and her new leadership position with TACE, Gann will continue supporting the development of continuing education programs that help Texas workers and employers adapt to changing industry needs.