MC Board of Trustees welcomes new member

Mike Oestmann is sworn in by the Honorable Leah Robertson as a new member of the Midland College Board of Trustees, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

MIDLAND The Midland College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Mike Oestmann as new board member.

Oestmann was sworn in by the Honorable Leah Robertson during the board meeting May 21. He will step into the role previously held by retiring Board member Paul Morris.

“On behalf of the Midland College community, I’m excited to welcome Mike Oestmann to our Board of Trustees. His commitment to Midland and his experience and dedication to the Midland College Foundation will prove invaluable as we enhance our community impact,” Midland College President Damon Kennedy said in a news release. “We look forward to the unique perspectives and contributions Mike will bring to our institution.”

Oestmann is a native Midlander and graduated from Lee High School in 1978.

He began his work career with Exxon in 1982 after graduating from Rice University with a degree in geology with a geophysics option. He worked 15 years with Exxon and then nine years with various independents.

In 2007, he co-founded Piedra Resources, which sold its assets in 2011. He began Tall City Exploration in 2012 and is currently a partner in Tall City Exploration IV. Oestmann serves on several boards in the Permian Basin, including VP of the board of Midland’s Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, VP of the board of Midland College Foundation, Midland College’s Davidson Distinguished Lecture Committee, RigWell Energy Services, The West Texas Geology Foundation, and Galvanic Energy II. He also serves as an elder at Westway Church of Christ. He and Cathy, his wife of 40 years, live in Midland, Texas. They have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.