Brian Odonnell

Background

About Brian Odonnell

My journey to and through higher education has been non-traditional and my own rich history has contributed to my drive for helping other students meet their own potential. Notably, I spent ten years grinding through hot, Portland kitchens as a line cook before returning to college, at PCC Cascade, to finish my bachelor’s degree and continue on to my master’s degree. I found my passion for working in higher education while in my role as the front desk support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Advising Office at Portland State University. Later, while tutoring the incredibly ambitious students served by the Upward Bound/TRiO programs, I honed my interest in working with students from diverse backgrounds. As I entered my first year of the Post-secondary Adult Continuing Education program at PSU, I forged my way into student services on campus by helping their food pantry secure tons of food for—the most food insecure population—college students, as well as, coach nontraditional students through actionable academic goals that increased their success and persistence. Near graduation from the program, I began training as a casual academic advisor at Rock Creek PCC, in a way, coming full circle in my transformation from returning student to academic professional.