Detail Mold & Design Donates EDM Drill to TSTC

(HUTTO) – Detail Mold & Design LLC donated a Sodick electronic discharge machine drill to the Precision Machining program at TSTC in Williamson County.
Precision Machining Instructor Darren Block said the donation will help students gain experience with a tool and die machine.
“The software is similar to other CNC machines we have, so not only will the gain the experience, but they’ll be able to learn on what industry is using right now,” Block said. “Another plus, is that if they make a mistake in their work, they can salvage it with this machine.”
Detail Mold & Design began in 1990 in Round Rock, and moved to Leander, Texas about two years ago. They specialize in creating molds for the fiber optics industry.  The company learned of TSTC through a connection with a friend from church.
“One of the things that we’re hoping is that through education, we can get more qualified personnel coming out of the school to come into our line of business” said Ray Lensing of Detail Mold. “We’re a machine shop, but we specialize in injection molds. It’s the same principle, but a lot more intricate in its details.”
Lensing says the machine should help prepare the graduates for the field. The value of the machine is approximately $10,000.
“The machine is a very important part of our operations,” Lensing said. “It supports a lot of the operations that have to be done.”

The Precision Machining program is available at the Fort Bend County, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses. A similar program, Computer Aided Manufacturing, is available at the Marshall campus. For more information on TSTC and the Precision Machining program, visit www.tstc.edu.

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Logistics Program at TSTC Expects First Graduates in Fall

(RED OAK) – Last fall, TSTC in North Texas debuted its Logistics Technology program, catering to those who want to specialize in the lucrative industry of logistics.

The program, which expects its first graduates in Dec. 2015, covers the logistics industry from start to end.

“It starts with purchasing raw materials,” said Instructor William Scott, “then we cover the transportation of those raw materials to the manufacturing plant, storing inventory, operation of storage facilities and distribution.”

How does TSTC’s Logistics program differ from others in the state?

“We’re the only logistics program that has the hands-on component of a technical school,” Scott said. “The other schools that offer logistics degrees, you can get an associate degree in logistics, but there’s no hands-on training.”

Kay Jones, one of the Logistics students on track to graduate in December, said she originally came to TSTC to do a computer-related program, but decided it didn’t fit. After sitting down and talking to Program Chair Leroy White, she chose logistics instead.

“It is the best decision I ever made,” Jones said. “Logistics is so vast and it’s so cutting-edge right now that I’m sure I’ll be able to get a job. Plus, we have the best professor. I’d put him against anybody in the state. He’s wonderful.”

After graduation, Jones hopes to become a U.S. Customs Broker.

“I graduate on Dec. 11, and on the 14th, I help set up the US Customs Broker course that is going to be taught here at TSTC,” Jones said. “I’m going to start that course and get my Customs Broker License by April, and I want to start a global import/export business.”

Jones hopes to eventually go into humanitarian logistics.

“I want to go into third world countries and help women in poverty. They make these items and sell them, and people take them to other countries and sell them for double. I want to go in there and pay them more to help these women out of poverty.”

Logistics Technology is exclusively offered at TSTC’s North Texas campus. For more information on the program, visit www.tstc.edu, or call 972-617-4040.
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TSTC SkillsUSA Club Holds Football Ticket Fundraiser

(WACO) – TSTC SkillsUSA is holding a giveaway for two Baylor football season tickets. The tickets are for section 227, row 8, seats 10 and 11. It’s $10 to enter the giveaway.
SkillsUSA is an organization that empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens by providing quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development.
In 34 years of competition, TSTC students have picked up a whopping 205 gold, silver and bronze SkillsUSA national wins, more medals than all other 2- and 4-year colleges in Texas combined. A win at SkillsUSA – a nationally recognized benchmark of technical excellence – means job skills and a great résumé.
The drawing will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Winner need not be present to win. For more information, or to purchase tickets to enter the drawing, contact James Matus at james.matus@tstc.edu or 254-867-2690, or Autumn Outlaw at autumn.outlaw@tstc.edu or 254-867-2248.
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AEP donates training equipment to TSTC

(MARSHALL) – American Electric Power Co. (AEP) donated a 2002 International 4900 Digger truck to Texas State Technical College. The truck, estimated to be worth about $30,000, will be used in the Electrical Utility Construction & Maintenance (Lineman) and Diesel Departments at the Marshall campus.

The lineman and diesel departments will use the truck for training students. “We’ll be able to train students to troubleshoot and diagnose engine, brake, suspension, drivetrain and electrical applications on another live vehicle,” said Diesel Instructor Arlis Elkins.

Students that attended the donation event were excited to get to use the truck. “We’ll be able to learn more things. Instead of just seeing it in a book, we’ll be able to see it in real life before we’re out in the working environment,” said Keith Pistolis, TSTC student.

AEP donated the truck in a brief ceremony at 2 p.m. on the Marshall campus. “From AEP’s perspective, y’all are training our workforce for us, which is very important to us. It’s great to have people, these young guys who are going to replace the boomer generation like me who are not that far from retiring, so it’s very important for us selfishly to have this facility. And secondly, we support economic development throughout our service territory and we know TSTC is a big piece of the engine for economic development in this region,” said Keith Honey, External Affairs Manager at AEP.

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TSTC Chancellor Announces New Leadership for West Texas

(SWEETWATER) – Chancellor Mike Reeser announces the appointment of Eliska Smith, MASCL to serve as provost for the Texas State Technical College campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater, effective August 10.

 Smith began her career in marketing and communications more than 25 years ago, spanning the economic development and consulting, publishing and health care industries, as well as higher education. Smith’s tenure with TSTC began in 2002. Today, she serves as TSTC’s statewide public relations officer and leads strategic communications from the central administrative offices in Waco. Previously, she was TSTC’s associate vice chancellor specializing in communications, public relations, and leadership development. She also was the founding director and sponsoring executive-in-charge of the TSTC Leadership Institute.

“In essence, the job of the provost is to make TSTC a great place to work and to develop our relationships with the communities in which we operate,” said Chancellor Michael L. Reeser. “I have confidence that Eliska’s keen grasp of the organizational mission and her ability to foster relationships will be an asset to our West Texas family,” added Reeser.

“Eliska’s leadership experience and broad background will serve her well as the provost and leader of our West Texas campuses,” said Gail Lawrence, President Emerita, Vice Chancellor & Chief Culture Officer.

“It will be my joy to call the Big Country home,” said Smith. “I look forwarding to helping TSTC strengthen our partnerships with community and industry leaders to strengthen our economies and to help more Texans prosper,” added Smith.

Smith received a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University, an advanced certificate in mid-management from SMU/Cox School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University.

Smith has served in leadership positions within community and professional associations including: President and past president of the board, Christian Women’s Job Corp of McLennan County; lay director of the Greater Waco Emmaus Community; member, Waco LeadershipPlenty; secretary, board member, and president of the Central Texas Chapter Public Relations Society of America; district IV executive committee member for the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, member of the Leadership Waco Class XX, board member of the Leadership Waco Alumni Association, member of the Rotary Club of Waco, and board member of the Waco Aviation Advisory Board.

Smith is a single mother, with a son, Houston, who is attending Texas Tech University, and a daughter, Caroline, who will be attending Sweetwater High School.

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Donation to lineman program will provide more training opportunities

(WACO) – San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. donated a 1997 International double-bucket truck to Texas State Technical College. The truck estimated to be worth about $35,000 will be used in the Lineman program.

“This will enable us to teach students about bucket work and safety, how to do basic line work out of a bucket and aid in pole-top rescue training,” said Instructor Bobby Mitchell. This truck also gives students the ability to have more training time towards earning their Commercial Driving License (CDL), which is a requirement for employment in the lineman field, he explained.

San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. representatives Mike Boettcher, 1st Class Lineman; James Jouett, Tech Service Supervisor and Don Roberts, Electric System Manager delivered the truck to the Waco campus. The representatives said the company, which recently hired two TSTC students, wanted to give back in a way that would help improve training. Andrew Schmidt and Joesph McCarty are graduating next month and have already been hired by San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. The Co-op’s representatives mingled with students and explained the features of the truck.

 “This is outstanding,” said Schmidt. “I wish more companies would be like this and put money into where they hire their graduates from.”

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TSTC Hires New Director of Instructional Support Services

(BROWNWOOD) — Texas State Technical College in Brownwood welcomed a new Director of Instructional Support Services June 1. Dr. Les Plagens took over the role after leaving Howard Payne University, where he worked for 23 years, serving the past 18 years as dean and professor for the School of Business.

Plagens provided leadership in attaining specialized accreditation with the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education and in developing the MBA programs in Brownwood, El Paso and New Braunfels.

Previously, he served as principal of Brownwood State School from 1991 to 1997 and taught distributive education in the Kerrville ISD and Shallowater ISD career and technology programs from 1977 to 1982.

Plagens earned a Bachelor of Science (1977) and Master of Arts in Teaching (1979) from Angelo State University, and a Doctorate of Education (1986) from Texas A&M University, with a major in post-secondary vocational education administration.

Dr. Plagens and his wife, Camille, have been married 38 years and have three children and two grandchildren.

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TSTC Receives Single Accreditation Approval

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College has achieved single accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Previously, the four Texas State Technical Colleges (TSTC Waco, TSTC Harlingen,
TSTC West Texas and TSTC Marshall) had been individually accredited by SACSCOC.

The decision to move towards a single accreditation, or one TSTC, was spurred by growth. TSTC now has 11 locations after expanding into new areas of the state over the last several years, with new campuses in Williamson County, Ellis County and
Fort Bend County. TSTC chose to pursue Single Accreditation for all eleven locations to better serve students and to standardize operations across the State.

“I am confident that single accreditation for TSTC will affect every part of how we serve the state and help us to successfully grow as we place more Texans,” said TSTC Chancellor and CEO Michael L. Reeser.

One TSTC allows the colleges to standardize operations and programs to gain efficiencies by eliminating duplication of work associated with separately accredited colleges, allowing the College to focus more attention on serving students. The change also provides TSTC additional flexibility to react to changes in need for technical education and to adopt best practices regardless of location.

A few of the changes already implemented include common curriculum and learning outcomes, a single course catalog and student handbook, as well as a revamped consumer-friendly website (www.tstc.edu) which launched Friday, July 10. More information about TSTC’s single accreditation can be read at: http://www.tstc.edu/about/singleaccreditation [http://www.tstc.edu/about/singleaccreditation].

About TSTC’s Accreditation

Texas State Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate degrees and Certificates of Completion. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Texas State Technical College.

About TSTC

Texas State Technical College serves Texas through eleven campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Ingleside, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. TSTC is the only college in Texas to adopt a funding model based entirely on student employment outcomes – aligning with its purpose of strengthening Texas with a highly skilled, technically competent workforce. Founded in 1965, TSTC is celebrating 50 years of service to the State of Texas in 2015.

TSTC Brings New Opportunity to Fort Bend County

(Fort Bend County) – Texas State Technical College officials, state Legislators, and community leaders broke ground on the TSTC campus in Fort Bend County Thursday, June 25. The groundbreaking signifies the start of a three-part building plan that will be known as Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County.

Opening in the fall of 2016, the expansion will allow TSTC to bring residents of this rapidly growing part of the state new opportunities in higher education.

“Although we’ve been in Fort Bend County teaching technical education for 15 years, this feels like a new beginning,” said Randy Wooten, Vice Chancellor and Executive-in-Charge at TSTC in Fort Bend County, “new because the opportunity is great to grow and to significantly contribute to the economic development of Fort Bend County.”

The new facility will allow TSTC to increase their course offerings to include Cyber Security, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Telecommunications Convergence Technology and Welding Technology. TSTC in Fort Bend currently offers Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Precision Machining Technology.

“Though TSTC has been here for 15 years, we’ve lacked the depth, volume and variety of programs that a dedicated campus can offer for those who want higher education of a non-academic standard,” said Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert. “With this groundbreaking today, we take a major step to being able to offer our youth training and high level workforce skills.”

TSTC unveiled plans for the campus in April, and has since had several generous donations, starting with founder of Sprint Waste Services Joe Swinbank, presenting a check for $250,000. Following, Rosenberg Development Corporation donated $2.5 million, the Development Corporation of Richmond provided $1 million, and Fort Bend County has donated $2.5 million.

“It is humbling to see our community leaders and businesses giving to what we at The TSTC Foundation exist to support, the success of TSTC and ultimately the success of our state,” said Curtis Cleveland, Treasurer of the TSTC Foundation. “[These gifts] will be used to create a technical education campus in Fort Bend County of which we can all be proud… one which will further the economic prosperity of this area for years to come.”

TSTC in Fort Bend County will sit on 80 acres on the north side of Hwy 59 between FM Road 2218 and Hwy. 36 (1.5 miles east of Hwy. 36). Construction of the 110,000 sq. ft. building will commence with plans to open the expansion in Fall 2016. The campus is projected to expand into a sprawling 6 to 8 building campus that will be able to provide support a 5,000-plus student body.

“TSTC will now have its own footprint, filled with technical labs uniquely designed for the Fort Bend County and Greater Houston area workforce needs,” Wooten said, “at a campus that has the potential to serve as many Texans as each of our flagship legacy campuses.”

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41 TSTC Students to Compete in SkillsUSA Nationals Next Week

(WACO) – Forty-one students will represent TSTC at the SkillsUSA National competition next week in Louisville, Kentucky.

The students, who all earned a gold medal in the state competition at TSTC Waco in March, will compete in contests ranging from Advertising Design, Culinary Arts and Electrical Construction, to Collision Repair and Plumbing.

Not only will a win look great on the student’s résumé, it will also allow them to see how their skills stack up against other competitors across the nation. Also, those who place in certain categories will have the chance to bring home tools and other prizes. Winners may also be asked to join the SkillsUSA World Team, where they will compete in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August.

SkillsUSA provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills, and emphasizes total quality at work including high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work.

In 34 years of competition, TSTC students statewide have won 120 gold, silver and bronze SkillsUSA national wins. That’s more than all the other 2- and 4-year colleges in Texas. A win at SkillsUSA – a nationally recognized benchmark of technical excellence – means job skills and a great résumé.

 

For more information, call 254-867-4812.