Category Archives: Abilene

TSTC Industrial Systems student aims to expand knowledge, advance career

(ABILENE, Texas) – Dalton Tiner knew he needed the right education to advance his career.

The Texas Healthcare Linen maintenance technician is getting that education with Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program. He sacrificed his scheduled work hours to other employees so he could pursue an associate of applied science degree.

“When the COVID-19 restrictions hit us at work, we knew it would be hard to juggle everyone working,” he said. “I told my supervisors I would take three days off in order to go to school and allow other employees to work.”

Tiner said his education will be useful at the linen management company based in Abilene. According to its website, Texas Healthcare Linen provides more than 13 million products annually to hospitals in Texas.

“What I am learning in school will be helpful at work. My employers were pleased to hear I was going to take these classes,” Tiner said.

When he started his first semester this fall, Tiner knew he would have to learn quickly.

“I did not have a lot of experience with some of the things I would have to do,” he said. “Today, I am working hard so I gain more knowledge of the industrial process.”

Tiner said Industrial Systems offers a wide range of opportunities.

“This is really the jack-of-all-trades program,” he said. “One day we could be working on electrical projects, and the next day it will be something to do with hydraulics.”

Industrial Systems students learn to install, operate, test and maintain equipment in various facilities. Tiner and his classmates are learning industry-standard safety procedures, mechanical and electrical skills, diagnostic techniques, how to read and interpret schematics, and how to work with motors, pumps, chillers, boilers and programmable logic control systems.

His motivation is simple.

“I want to learn and repair things the proper way,” he said.

Tiner also likes working on the state-of-the-art equipment located in TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene.

“I was really impressed with what I saw the first time I walked in the lab,” he said. “The instructors let us work at our pace, and if we need extra time in the lab, we are able to do that. Everyone has been extremely helpful to me and everyone else.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Aircraft Powerplant Technology student receives real-world work experience

(ABILENE, Texas) – Ben Massey began taking Aircraft Powerplant Technology classes at Texas State Technical College with no prior mechanical experience.

Now nearing the end of his third semester in the program, Massey, of Tyler, is working toward an associate degree while also being employed at Eagle Aviation Services at the Abilene Regional Airport. He is one of seven TSTC students this semester working on planes while attending school.

“It is great to have that agreement in place with Eagle,” he said. “To have that so close to us was a good selling point to come to school.”

Massey said he and other students share their experiences at the aviation company during lab sessions. He also knows he will have an advantage over fellow job seekers when he graduates.

“I will be able to put that I have two years of experience on my resume at Eagle,” he said. “I know that will go a long way when I am looking for a job.”

Not having mechanical experience did not stop Massey from pursuing an associate degree.

“This has been very challenging, but fun,” he said. “I like the hands-on approach to the labs. I learn more by doing things.”

Some lab sessions have proven to be difficult for him, but Massey said instructors and fellow students are always available when he needs help.

“Before coming to school, I had never worked with sheet metal before. But everyone was encouraging me to do my best,” he said.

Massey said he chose a career in aviation by chance. He admitted not knowing what he wanted to do, but he decided to enroll after looking at the program online.

“It was the right career choice for me,” he said. “This a very expansive field, and a lot of companies are hiring right now.”

The demand for aircraft powerplant technicians in Texas is high, with more than 100 job postings online in mid-November.

Massey said he was sold on the program when he learned that its graduates readily find work.

“I know that I will have a lot of options following graduation,” he said. “I am preparing for my career right now. I knew I wanted a career working with my hands.”

Instructor Josh Parker has seen nearly all of his students gain employment soon after graduation.

“I am going to get them to the point that they have the knowledge to pass the FFA exam,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Ott credits TSTC staff for pushing him to finish college

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Five years after he graduated from Texas State Technical College, Joseph Ott still thanks the Brownwood campus staff.

“Everybody at the Brownwood campus was on my side,” said the 2015 graduate of the Chemical Dependency Counseling program. “The passion that was there from my instructor Elizabeth Jones, Raquel Mata (associate provost) and Brian Kight (former associate vice president of enrollment) kept me going.”

Ott, who is now a counselor at Corpus Christi’s South Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services (STSARS), did not consider college or a career in counseling others. An injury on a construction site in Brownwood and being sober for several years led him to TSTC.

“I kind of stumbled on the school and program,” Ott said. “Without my injury, I would not have gone to college.”

Ott was in Brownwood at the time of his injury and knew the counseling program would be a good fit for him.

“I have always enjoyed helping people,” he said. “I knew that being 22 years sober meant that I needed to try and help people.”

While he did have ups and downs at TSTC, Ott said Mata always helped him with writing assignments and Jones offered support when he was down.

“Raquel would always stay after hours to help me with an essay. She looked over it and told me that I was learning to get it right,” he said. “She stayed way beyond her work hours to help. Mrs. Jones could have gone home, but she stayed to make sure the work was done correctly.”

Mata, who was an instructor when Ott was a student, saw his battle to finish school.

“Even though there were times when he said he wanted to quit, I don’t think he meant it. He was just frustrated, but he kept coming back,” she said. “I know my fellow employees, like Brian Kight, Tammy Vassar and Elizabeth Jones, challenged him to continue.”

After he graduated, Ott began a counseling career. Even that took a nudge — from his brother Bruce.

“He asked me after I graduated why I did not send resumes out,” Ott said. “I had a fear of not being hired. My brother told me after about three months that it was not time to waste my education. I sent out my resumes and was hired.”

Ott left his first counseling job and returned to construction. However, he still wanted to help people and was hired by STSARS, where he has been employed for the last three years.

He said one thing he likes to talk to his clients about is being grateful. While many wonder what he is talking about at first, they understand by the end of the session.

“I ask my clients to be grateful. I ask them if they have children. I ask them if they have a house or apartment. I ask them if they have food in the cabinet or refrigerator,” he said. “Each time they say yes, I tell them that is something for them to be grateful about.”

Ott said his goal for the sessions is to be uplifting. He wants his clients to see a path forward.

“I can’t take credit for their recovery. I have to guide them and let them know I am proud of them,” he said. 

Mata remains proud of Ott’s journey and has a reminder on her office wall.

“I consider Joseph a true success story. He graduated during our 50th year, when students were given stoles and encouraged to keep or give them to someone who helped them on their journey,” she said. “He showed up to campus one day and said he wished he could cut this into pieces and give us each a section. It still hangs on my wall today and reminds me of what hard work and determination can accomplish.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student knows options will be open following graduation

(ABILENE, Texas) – Mandy Jenkins, a mother of five, knows that her options will be open when she completes the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program at Texas State Technical College next year.

“There is so much you learn in the program,” she said. “I know that I will have a lot of options. But until then, I want to learn as much as I can.”

Jenkins, of Merkel, is pursuing an associate degree and said it took her some time to begin college. After earning a GED, Jenkins looked at the TSTC program but waited until her 40s to get started.

“I decided I wanted to learn something that I did not know anything about,” she said. “I had previously worked in the medical field but decided I wanted to do this.”

Jenkins said that led her to TSTC’s Abilene campus. With the program being available online, she said it has helped her juggle classwork and home life.

“Being at home, there was a lot less stress. It seemed things were going easier for me,” she said. “I did have that first-semester stress like a lot of people, but everyone was there to help me.”

That included her fiance, Cary, and children.

“They have been supporting me throughout school. I could not have asked for anything else from them,” she said.

One of her biggest worries prior to starting the program was her lack of computer networking experience.

“When I started classes, I assumed that my classmates would have known a lot about computers. Once we got started talking, I realized they were like me and did not have that much experience,” she said. “I felt better knowing we were all in the same situation.”

Throughout the program, Jenkins said she has learned things that many people take for granted.

“When we were learning how to design a webpage, I had no idea all of the details that went into it,” she said. “What I have been learning is really cool. I never thought I would be the one behind the screen doing these kinds of things.”

 For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC honors longtime employees with drive-thru celebration

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 30 employees with service award drive-thru celebrations this month.

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting large gatherings, the celebrations were planned to honor employees with five to 35 years of experience. Celebrations were held at the Abilene, Sweetwater and Breckenridge campuses.

Lance Eastman, interim provost for the West Texas campuses, said the employees honored are appreciated by everyone at TSTC.

“Every position is important and about serving our students and industry,” he said. “These individuals have made sure that our buildings are clean and safe, food is provided, that equipment is in place and that instruction is relevant.”

Eastman was proud to be part of a creative way to honor employees.

“With the health restrictions, which we take seriously, we had to be creative of how we could distribute our service awards,” he said. “We are grateful for these individuals that have dedicated year after year of service.”

Each employee received a plaque, a yard sign noting their years of service, and a gift.

Sweetwater’s Maria Aguirre, the senior executive director of Communication and Creative Services, was honored for 35 years with the college. Joni Coons, the intramural programs coordinator in Sweetwater, was honored for 30 years of employment. Abilene’s Holle England, a learning and development trainer, received a plaque honoring her 35 years with TSTC.

Abilene employees honored for five years of service were Greg Nicholas, welding instructor; Amanda Suiters, library coordinator; Rikki Spivey, enrollment coach; Matt Briggs, Emergency Medical Services instructor; Susan Leda Cowart, English instructor; Randa R. Weeks, Health Information Technology instructor; Magaly Valdez, Drafting and Design instructor; and Miranda Thomas, technical physics instructor.

Mary Wilhite, a student services specialist, was honored for 10 years at the Abilene campus. Also honored in Abilene were Michael Soto, a Business Management Technology instructor, and Susan Hash, a testing administrator, both for 15 years with TSTC, as well as Pam Marler, a contract administration coordinator, and Julia Humphrey, career services director, for 20 years.

Sweetwater five-year employees honored were Frank Molini and Taylor Elston, welding instructors; Carla Becker, travel and expense specialist; Beth Hall, developmental math instructor; Brock Carter, chief of police; and Ray Carnathan, police officer.

Gloria Santiago, food service operator, and Jeff Olney, Electromechanical Technology instructor, received 10-year awards for their employment in Sweetwater. Fifteen-year awards were presented to Sweetwater’s Gail Lawrence, TSTC’s executive vice chancellor and chief of staff to the chancellor; Mark Hampton, resource development specialist; and Sandra Ortega, enrollment coach.

Brownwood’s Becky Jones, a licensed drug counseling instructor, received a 10-year plaque. Breckenridge’s Debra Bufkin, a developmental math instructor, and Vernon Akins, a building maintenance supervisor, received five-year awards.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Summer graduate returns to TSTC to expand learning

(ABILENE, Texas) – After earning a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology from Texas State Technical College last summer, Alfred Rodriguez, of Knox City, wanted to continue his education this fall.

The 39-year-old is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program. He began classes in Abilene knowing that his oil field experience will help him.

“I figured working in the oil patch for 15 to 16 years that I needed to get an overall better understanding of machinery,” he said. “I have worked with a lot of equipment, but I know this will help me expand my knowledge.”

During his oil field career, Rodriguez worked on various equipment with different companies. Now he is studying electrical systems that he is familiar with and some he knew little about.

“I knew I would have to be knowledgeable in different things. For me, some of it is the basic stuff I have seen during my oil field career,” he said.

Rodriguez said the younger students may have an advantage over him in some areas, but his experience is guiding him in his pursuit of an associate degree.

“At first, I wanted to have some basic knowledge of how things work. That way if I wanted to build a building in my backyard, I would know how to wire things,” he said.

He admitted that he should have listened to his father after graduating from high school.

“My father told me that if I had applied myself then, it would not have been as difficult,” Rodriguez said. “That was another learning experience for me.”

Rodriguez said looking back, he should have pursued an associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. But he is happy that he completed the certificate program.

The classes did prove challenging for him.

“The last time I had to do math like that was in 2000 and 2001,” he said. “The instructors were good at walking you through the problems, and I was able to apply what I learned.”

Rodriguez even did some recruiting for TSTC.

“I got my wife turned on to the online Business Management Technology program, and she started this fall,” he said.

Rodriguez offered his wife some advice as she began her first semester.

“I warned her that there would be a lot of homework during the first semester and she would have to get used to it,” he said. 

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Drafting and Design students learn more than building design

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students will be able to design more than buildings when they complete Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program.

Instructor Justin Price said students will have the skills to work in different industries, including the oil and gas industry.

“Our graduates will be well rounded to go into the architectural field or any other field that involves design,” Price said.

One of those areas is the oil and natural gas industry in West Texas. Price said graduates could be employed by companies such as Chevron, Conoco or Kinder Morgan because of TSTC’s advanced pipe and basic pipe curriculum.

“Our graduates will not be specific to just drawing buildings. They will be able to hit the ground running in designing something once they start a job,” Price said.

Drafters will work to put their ideas into a drawing that will detail the size, shape, materials and other specifications needed in a project. Texas employs the second-most drafters in the nation, and Price said there is always a demand in the field.

The TSTC program is offered completely online, and Price said that has helped draw students looking to expand their resume.

“We have seen a steady incline in students in West Texas,” he said. “During this time of COVID-19, the oil and gas industry has been shutting down some of its rigs, so some people are moving to bigger companies.”

Because of the wide range of oil and gas equipment in West Texas, companies need to document where the equipment is located. That is where a drafter comes into the picture.

“Companies have to document so many pieces of equipment a year, and that takes drafters,” Price said. “They are out there documenting what is in the field. We will train our graduates to use various methods to complete that type of project.”

The West Texas program is available through the Abilene, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses. Price said instructors have been working to move the program completely online for some time, and it was a smooth transition this fall.

“We were geared up to tackle any problems we might encounter so we could be ready to rock this fall,” he said. “Students can complete our program anywhere in the state.”

Students have the option to learn during live online sessions or prerecorded sessions. Price said instructors also use online video services to interact with students.

“We want to keep the students engaged during the program,” he said. 

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student grateful for online Health Information program

(ABILENE, Texas) – Jamie Nowotny is taking advantage of Texas State Technical College’s online Health Information Technology program this fall.

The first-semester student said she wanted to pursue a certificate in the medical records field but did not have time to be in the classroom.

“The only way I would be able to attend school was to have the program completely online,” she said.

The reason Nowotny needed an online program was to balance her job as a certified nursing assistant and an activities director at Mesa Springs Healthcare Center in Abilene.

“I work full time, almost 80 hours a week at Mesa Springs,” she said. “I work during the day and come home and do my schoolwork.”

Nowotny said the instructors have made it easier for her to communicate with them, even though she is at work during the day.

“They are working with me and are quick to respond to any of my questions,” she said. “They are very understanding of my situation.”

She said today’s “new normal” makes it easier for students to adjust to online learning.

“I just think with this new normal that everyone wants to be safer,” she said. “There is so much unknown with COVID. We are learning new things daily with this pandemic and have to adjust.”

Nowotny said she wanted to learn about medical records because her husband will be retiring from the U.S. Air Force in the next few years. When he retires, they plan to move to San Antonio.

“I wanted to get my feet wet with health information technology before we move,” she said.

Nowotny, a native of Greenville, grew up in Arizona and is no stranger to working hard. She admitted that she wanted to go to college, but because of financial issues she could not immediately further her higher education.

When her husband was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, she earned a CNA degree and was hired by Mesa Springs. It did not take long for the company to promote her to activities director. 

Nowotny knows that adding certification in health records to her resume will help advance her career.

“You could say I am a jack-of-all-trades,” she said. “Once I get the HIT certificate, it will help me expand my career further.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Company upgrade leads Rowlette to TSTC program

(ABILENE, Texas) – Watching a multimillion dollar upgrade at his current workplace, Andrew Rowlette wanted to learn more about electrical systems.

The U.S. Air Force veteran works for Cargill Animal Nutrition in Abilene. He also started his fourth semester in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls program this fall.

“I was working for nine or 10 months, and the company decided to do a $2 million upgrade to the electrical system,” Rowlette said. “I was working with the contractor on some of the projects, and what he was doing sparked my interest.”

Rowlette did not have a background in electrical work, but a former co-worker and current TSTC instructor led him to the college.

TSTC Industrial Systems instructor Demetri Jones told him about the program and encouraged him to broaden his  knowledge.

“You really don’t realize how much electrical systems work in our daily lives,” Rowlette said. “I was really interested in that aspect of the program.”

Rowlette, who was a B-1 Bomber crew chief in the Air Force, said serving in the military helped him pay for college.

“I was able to get some free money and go to school to learn a new trade,” he said. “I took a year or so off before starting at TSTC.”

Rowlette said his employers are pleased that he is attending TSTC.

“It is helping me here, especially with some of the employees,” he said. “Some of them may not have the tech skills to solve a problem quickly. I can ask them if something is not working to look at another possible solution.”

Rowlette said he will continue to share what he learns at TSTC with his fellow employees.

“The best way to help someone is to pass on the knowledge,” he said.

TSTC offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls at the Abilene, Fort Bend County, North Texas and Waco campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Teenage TSTC graduate overcomes obstacles to earn EMS certification

(ABILENE Texas) – Dayna Williams admits that she has faced obstacles during her life.

After leaving high school as a sophomore, Williams completed her high school requirements through the Texas Online Preparatory School. Without a diploma in hand, Williams explained her situation and was able to enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program.

This summer, at age 18, she completed her EMS certification and was among the candidates for graduation. When the summer class of 2020 was announced last month, Williams also learned that she had passed the national certification exam.

“I started the (TSTC) program when I was 17 years old. I had all the odds stacked against me,” she said. “One of the main things I learned coming out of the program is that for every odd stacked against you, there are people behind you, supporting your every move.”

Williams said she always wanted to work in the medical field and “fell in love with EMS” after taking courses at TSTC in Abilene.

She said obtaining her certification from TSTC and national certification on the same day was an “ecstatic” feeling.

“It was amazing to receive that news the same day the graduates were honored,” she said.

Among the obstacles that Williams said she faced was the drug and alcohol use by fellow teenagers. While she did not give in to the pressure of using, that temptation motivated her to complete high school early.

“Once I finished high school, I did not have a diploma or transcript in my hand,” Williams said. “I took a leap of faith and asked to enroll at TSTC. I was going into this blind. I thought to myself, ‘Do the thing you’re most terrified to do, and embrace your fears.’”

Williams faced those fears and emerged victorious.

“TSTC prepared me for a career,” she said. “The clinical experience was great. I am more of a hands-on person, and it was 10 times better going through clinical sessions than having to read about it.”

As for her high school friends, Williams said they were “amazed” at her accomplishments in such a short period of time.

“All of my friends stood behind me through college. Some of them said they wish they could have done what I did,” she said. “I told them to look into TSTC because they will prepare you for a career.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.