Oscar Tovar

Fascinated by the field of psychology, Oscar Tovar has found a dynamic learning environment at COCC.

Beyond his dedication inside the classroom, Tovar is an active member of the COCC Psychology Journal Club and serves on the senior leadership team for Central Oregon Psychology Enthusiasts, an organization of COCC students and alums. And when the chance arises, he even endeavors to bring new opportunities to the College — such as coordinating a guest speaker from Stanford to present at the Undergraduate Research Lab.

“I plan to hopefully earn a Ph.D. and become a clinical psychologist,” explains Tovar, who has brought his passion for the work into volunteer roles at several regional social service groups. “I am now a student who looks at their academic career with pride, and that is all thanks to COCC and the community I have discovered here.”

Tovar serves as chair of the College’s diversity committee, is on the LGBTQ+ Club, is director of finance for the Associated Students of COCC, and represents students on the COCC student affairs committee. The avid reader also enjoys playing the piano.

A member of the Psi Beta Honors Society and president of the Psi Beta chapter at COCC, Tovar was named both an All-Oregon Academic Team member and a Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar — one of just 50 in the country.

“I came to COCC without much of an idea of how my time here would shape me,” he shares. “Today, I am truly proud of my accomplishments — something I would have never thought myself saying. Now I see in myself a student who is confident in their abilities and a person who does not fear failure.”