Derrick Tate, M.Ed. - Manager & Project Director, TRIO Student Support Services
Contact Information - Derrick Tate, 936-271-6123
Derrick is the Manager for the TRIO Student Support Services at LSC-Montgomery. He previously served as the Advisor II for TRIO SSS at LSC-Montgomery and before that he was an Academic Coach and Student Retention and Event Coordinator for Sam Houston State University’s TRIO SSS program. He has provided over 10+ years of guidance and support to students helping them achieve their academic goals by earning an associate degree, transferring to a four-year university, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, and/or getting accepted into graduate programs nationwide over the course of his career from Lone Star College to Sam Houston State University.
He brings a wealth of experience in areas of Academic Advising, Grant Coordination, Student Affairs/Engagement, Recruiting, Career Planning, Financial Literacy, and Leadership and he has a heart for serving and supporting students from start to finish. He holds a Master of Education degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs Leadership from Abilene Christian University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health from Sam Houston State University. Derrick is also a proud alumnus of the TRIO SSS program at Sam Houston State University.
In his spare time, Derrick likes to discuss and watch sports, binge-watch his favorite shows, spend time with family and friends, and travel.
Irene Ortiz, M.S. - Advisor II, TRIO Student Support Services
Contact Information - Irene Ortiz, 936-271-6125
Irene Ortiz is a First-Generation Sam Houston State University graduate, earning her master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management in 2021. Irene is passionate about higher education and believes every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Her goal as an Academic Advisor for the TRIO SSS program is to help her students and their families navigate this new chapter in life and reach their goals, whether transferring to a 4-year IHE or entering the workforce by providing a safe space and bilingual support services.
Outside the office, Irene loves spending time with her family, shopping, binge-watching shows, and traveling. Irene is also a huge Scooby Doo fanatic.
Isela Jaimes - Staff Assistant, TRIO Student Support Services
Contact Information - Isela Jaimes, 936-273-7032
Isela is the Staff Assistant for TRIO Student Support Services and a current TRIO student at Lone Star College- Montgomery. She will graduate with an associate degree in Human Services and a certificate of a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Isela plans to transfer to the University of Houston- Downtown to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Isela enjoys helping others and is making that skill a career for herself by going into counseling. She identifies with many TRIO students who are not only first-generation students but also full-time parents who endure many sacrifices while enrolled in college.
In her spare time Isela enjoys the outdoors, she loves going to the beach, experiencing new places or restaurants, and spending time with her children.
Marilu Arambula - Specialist III, Peer Support, TRIO Student Support Services
Contact Information - Marilu Arambula, 936-271-6313
Marilu Arambula is a Peer Mentor for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), where she finds ways to engage with students to participate in campus workshops and events for student success. Marilu is currently working on her associate's degree in business and soon plans to transfer to a university for her bachelor's program. Marilu's life has changed since she began her education at Lone Star College! She has a passion for sharing her success and skills with students to make them aware of the fundamental resources available for them to succeed.
In her spare time, Marilu loves spending time in nature and coaching soccer with her husband and three sons. She also enjoys eating at new restaurants, travelling, and staying at luxurious hotels with her family. One major hobby Marilu enjoys most is eating a piece of cake or some ice cream.
Vickrum Sukhlani - Specialist III, Peer Support, TRIO Student Support Services
Contact information - Vickrum Sukhlani, 936-271-6307
Vickrum is a Peer Mentor for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) at Lone Star College-Montgomery, where he is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. Vickrum plans to transfer to a Texas University to pursue a bachelor's and master's in computer science. Passionate about helping his peers succeed, Vickrum enjoys guiding students through their academic journey and supporting their personal and professional growth.
In his spare time, Vickrum enjoys spending time with friends, family and engaging with technology. Whether he's playing video games with friends, getting his daily dopamine rush through social media apps, or hanging out with his family, Vickrum finds a balance between his academic pursuits and personal interests.
