Jeff Kahlden currently serves as Director of Grant Management Services for Dallas College in Dallas, TX. As Director, Jeff works and assists with seven TRIO Grants (Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Upward Bound) and 3 Title V HSI Grants among the seven campuses of Dallas College. Through his work with the grants at Dallas College, he is part of a team of dedicated professionals that assist 2,000-plus students in Dallas and its surrounding communities. Before joining Dallas College, Jeff directed TRIO Programs at Weatherford College (17 years), University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (2 years), and Tarleton State University (3+ years). As a professional, he has seen his roles grow at this institution and within the professional associations of Texas TRIO Association, SWASAP, and COE. Previously, Jeff has served as COE Treasurer, COE Resource Development Co-Chair, SWASAP President, and Texas TRIO president. In addition, he has served as the parliamentarian and numerous committee chair positions at the region. Along the way, he has enjoyed taking on the roles of Emerging Leaders Institute Co-Chair and Student Leadership Conference co-chair, as it was a chance to mentor young professionals and see the students grow by leaps and bounds in the span of two to three days at their conferences. Jeff is a native of Weimar, TX, a first-generation college graduate of Tarleton State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development and his master’s degree in Agricultural Education. Besides college and TRIO professional activities, Jeff has been active in the TTAA Alumni Association, a volunteer coach for numerous youth sports programs, Peaster High School Football Booster Club, and Grace First Presbyterian Church. In addition, Jeff loves sports, hunting, outdoor activities, and live music. Jeff resides in Weatherford, TX, with his wife Dawn, son Hudson, daughter Quinn, and his “adopted” kids Josh and Nicole.

Jaime López is an educator and leader committed to expanding access and supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in higher education and medicine. He began his work with TRIO in 2010, where he had the opportunity, together with his team, to launch the first TRIO SSS ESL program in Puerto Rico. In 2015, he became Vice President for Student Affairs, overseeing both TRIO SSS programs. Dr. López also served as Vice President for Planning and Development, where he helped secure around $11 million in funding to support students. After transitioning to a School of Medicine in Puerto Rico, he created the first support program for first-generation medical and biomedical students, raising awareness and building systems of support to increase access to medicine for students from diverse backgrounds. Today, he serves as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California, where his leadership reflects a deep commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and opportunity. Jaime has previously served in CAEOP in multiple roles, including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Communications Officer.

Please note, COE’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from its affiliate regional associations. There are presently 10 affiliate members of the Council for Opportunity in Education. View the current Board of Directors members list here and the organizational bylaws here. The current COE strategic plan can be found here.