TSTC graduate returns to teach in the Industrial Systems program

(RED OAK, Texas) – Jarriet Durham is fascinated by electricity. And he is eager to instruct as many people about it as possible.

Durham began teaching in the Industrial Systems program at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus in December 2019. Initially he was looking for a second job since he was already working in the industry. What he thought was an offer to teach part time was actually a chance to join the program’s faculty as a full-time instructor.

“I feel like, as an instructor, we look at it as teaching. But on the other side, you are a lifelong learner,” Durham said.

During the spring semester, he is teaching some of the program’s day classes.

“His enthusiasm for what he does each day is very easy to see,” said Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC in North Texas. “Jarriet, or J.D. as we call him, could be out in industry still, but he’s come back to a technical college and a program that he is a graduate of. The work that he does daily directly impacts the lives of his students, giving them a very sought-after skill set that is critical for our industry partners.”

Durham said he sees a challenge in educating others in what industrial systems are. He said there is a big need for women and minorities to pursue the field.

“It is such a varied field,” Durham said. “We touch on some of everything. We teach heating, ventilation and air conditioning; electronics; electrical; mechanical; pneumatics; hydraulics.”

Les Monk, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program, admires Durham’s attention to detail — something that he first noticed when Durham was one of his students.

There is something else that Monk noticed early on: Durham’s love of motorcycles. Monk said Durham rides to and from campus occasionally on a motorcycle.

“He’ll ride it when it’s cold outside,” Monk said.

Durham grew up in Dallas and is a graduate of H. Grady Spruce High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he worked as a postmaster and radio operator. 

“Some of the soft skills transfer when you manage a post office,” Durham said. “In my role, I had clerks under me. I am not completely new to it (teaching) in an administrative role.”

After he left the military, Durham worked in construction and studied to be an electronic systems technician.

“I was not making the money I wanted to make in construction and decided to go to TSTC,” Durham said. “I wanted to do work on electrical systems. I was doing some research, found out about TSTC and gave them a call. And the next thing I knew, I was enrolled and going to school.”

Durham graduated in 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization from TSTC in North Texas.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

During the month of February, TSTC wants to honor the Black students, staff and faculty who make TSTC a special place to learn.

TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program and AEP Foundation celebrate financial pledge

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College and Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) recently gathered in Marshall to celebrate a financial pledge made through The TSTC Foundation to TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program.

The American Electric Power Foundation has pledged $100,000 to the program to help ease the financial burdens of students in need, enabling them to complete the program’s associate degree and/or certificate of completion. The AEP Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its utility operating units, including SWEPCO. The first $50,000 of the contribution has been received, with an additional $50,000 gift planned for 2022. The gift adds to an existing endowment that the foundation created a few years ago.

“We are exceptionally grateful for AEP’s outstanding support of our Electrical Lineworker Technology program and the great benefit this gift brings to the students,” said Barton Day, provost of TSTC in Marshall.

Riley Hodges, lead instructor in TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program in Marshall, said the endowment can help students who might leave TSTC due to program costs.

Wade Cumbie, of Carthage, is pursuing an associate degree in the Electrical Lineworker Technology program and is scheduled to graduate this semester. He said he is happy that the AEP Foundation’s gift will help future program students at the Marshall campus long after he is working in the industry.

“It’s a big deal for people who cannot afford the program,” Cumbie said. “The work we do is very fun. It is about the friendships you have with the guys. The instructors are very good.”

Bryan K. Blanton, Distribution System manager for SWEPCO’s Longview district, said about 50 Electrical Lineworker Technology graduates from Marshall have been hired by SWEPCO in the last four years. Blanton said graduates start off in a four-month internship, then go into a three- to four-year apprenticeship program to progress into becoming an electrical journeyman.

“We have had huge success with being able to hire students that are from the area where we are trying to place positions,” Blanton said.

Blanton also is chair of the Electrical Lineworker Technology program’s advisory board in Marshall. The advisory board is made up of industry personnel who give input on what students need to learn to match what is being done in industry.

“The program’s curriculum is in line with AEP’s curriculum, and this is a huge benefit because the students come out of the program with the knowledge that we need them to have,” Blanton said.

Mark A. Robinson, SWEPCO’s external affairs manager in Longview, said the electrical lineworker industry continues to see people move into less physical jobs or retire as they get older. Newer workers will be needed.

“What we are seeing in our community is almost an expectation that some go to college, and for some, a four-year degree may not be right,” Robinson said. “They (students) are being encouraged to go toward a certificate or two-year degree. They can stay in the community, get a high-quality education, go to college and go into the workforce.”

To motivate people to pursue the electrical lineworker field, it will take entities partnering together to promote technical education.

“TSTC and AEP are essential partners in economic development,” said Rush Harris, chief executive director of the Marshall Economic Development Corp. “Our EDC is proud to have them both in the community. This is a very generous contribution by AEP that provides additional opportunities to our area’s youth and future workforce.”

TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program is a Money-Back Guarantee program. Students who sign up for the program with a Career Services representative in their first semester of study can take part in focused workshops as they work their way to an associate degree. If students do not get a job in their degree field within six months of graduating, TSTC will refund their tuition.

The Ohio-based AEP Foundation works in AEP’s 11-state service region to support education in the areas of engineering, mathematics, science and technology. The foundation also works to support cultural arts, the environment, health care and quality-of-life efforts.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

 

TSTC students look forward to getting careers off the ground

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Aircraft Airframe Technology program are back in the hangar.

Students studying for a certificate in the program began their second semester in January and are ready to learn more about the inner workings of an aircraft.

“This semester, so far, has been really good for me,” said Jordan Grisham, of Tyler. “We have been learning a lot of different things, including basic electronics and wood/fabric finishes.”

Grisham was drawn to the program after friends told him it would be a good career choice.

“I also like the mechanical side of the job,” he said. “I have a lot of family members that are pilots, and I thought I would join the family trade. Planes have always been intriguing to me.”

Grisham said he was ready to get back in the hangar after the winter break.

“During the long break, I did not want to leave. I just wanted to stay with it,” he said. “I enjoy the hands-on approach offered in the program.”

Darwin Binek, who is originally from the Metroplex, said his time in the U.S. Marine Corps flying missions overseas led him to continuing in the field.

“The semester has been going really well,” he said. “This is an extension of what I did in the military for 18 years.”

Binek’s wife wanted to move back to Texas, and a family member recommended that he look at TSTC. He said TSTC offers one thing the military did not.

“I like going to school. It is a lot easier than getting shot at when I was deployed,” he said jokingly.

Binek appreciates being able to work in the hangar while also having to study online.

“Like in the military, I learn more by doing things with my hands,” he said. “It is easier for me to get a task done by doing it.”

Both Grisham and Binek know that TSTC is preparing them for a career. But they may go different routes after receiving their certificates.

“I am looking forward to getting a job working on planes,” Grisham said. “I think at the same time I will start learning how to fly.”

Binek would like to return to his roots.

“I think I will try to get on with a defense contractor somewhere,” he said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Welding Technology student makes dad proud

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Lacey Watson, of Coleman, is now able to show her father some of the latest welding techniques.

Watson, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College, is working toward a certificate in the program, but she is most pleased with showing what she has learned to her father, a longtime welder.

“My dad is really happy with what I am learning,” she said. “When I show him some of the things we are learning, he tells me, ‘We didn’t do that way back in the day.’ I know he is proud of me.”

Instructor Daniel Aguirre is also proud of Watson’s progress.

“At first, she was having a lot of difficulties,” he said. “She has shown really good technique, but when she gets in a rut, she can stay there.”

Aguirre said he motivates Watson, helps her move on and is pleased with the results.

“I will tell her to try some different things to see if it works,” he said. “Once she gets it, she takes off with it and does a great job.”

Watson wanted to be a welder because of her father. She said he is preparing for her to join him in the field.

“He is already asking me about a truck with a welding bed,” she said. “I have to tell him to slow down and let me finish school.”

Watson likes her time in the lab with Aguirre and her classmates.

“So far, I have loved it,” she said. “The best way for me to learn is by doing things. I like having people here to help me.”

One of the advantages Watson has in the lab is that she can work at her own pace.

“Daniel allows us to work until we get the project done. That is helpful for me,” she said.

Having Aguirre as an instructor and access to hands-on training made it even better for Watson.

“TSTC is a great place to learn,” she said. “My uncle attended TSTC, and I knew if I gave it a chance I would love it. I am glad I chose TSTC.”

Watson said once she completes her certification requirements in August, she will be ready to join her father.

“Prior to starting, he told me I could work for him. But I wanted to go to school,” she said. “I cannot wait to be working with him.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Army veteran’s commitment to service continues at TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Once a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Kenneth Buford is utilizing his military skills to resonate with fellow veterans at Texas State Technical College as director of veteran recruitment at the Fort Bend County campus.

For the past 11 months, the Rosenberg native has brought his worldly experience to TSTC, and he is eager to continue helping those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

“My military experience makes it easier to relate to the changes and challenges facing active-duty personnel,” he said. “It also helps with challenges of those who are transitioning out of military services and service members making career changes.

Buford said that assisting those with the same life experiences as his has made his job very rewarding.

“The ability to continue to serve, guide and assist my sisters and brothers in arms is a very humbling experience,” he said. “Although our contracted time in the service expires, the commitment that was made by each of us never will.”

As he rounds out his first year at TSTC, Buford thinks back on some of his favorite memories with gratitude.

“Working with the soldiers to create strategic plans capable of meeting their financial needs, while ensuring each of them receives the technical training necessary to sustain success, continues to be my fondest memory,” he said.

His commitment is easily recognized in his work.

“Words are not enough to describe that one moment in time while taking soldiers through a campus tour and you see their eyes light up with excitement,” he said. “That’s the moment you know that soldier just found their next great adventure and path in life.”

As far as his advice on education, Buford said that you cannot go wrong with following your passion.

“Do what you love and love what you do,” he said. “Never pass up an opportunity to help another student or ask for help yourself. Not only are we all truly in this together, but no one can do it alone and claim true success.”

To learn more about veteran services offered at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/veterans.

February is Career and Technical Education Month. To learn more about the programs offered at TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

 

Kenneth Buford served in the U.S. Army for eight years and is now serving as director of veteran recruitment at TSTC. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

TSTC Nursing program welcomes lifelike equipment to the classroom

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Nursing students at Texas State Technical College will be learning with some new equipment, thanks to several grants that allowed for the purchase of a Nurse Anne simulator, a SimBaby simulator and a SimMom update, among other teaching essentials.

The simulators, which mimic real patients, give students a real-world sense of their future careers, as well as making for more learning time since clinicals and other outside practicums have been limited because of the pandemic.

TSTC Nursing program director and instructor Shirley Byrd said that TSTC has been very fortunate to have received several grants since 2019 that have helped update the technology and equipment for the program.

“We received funding from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Nursing Shortage Reduction Program, which provided us money for external educational resources for our faculty to improve their teaching methods and outcomes,” she said.

Funding was also received to adjust to the changes in learning because of COVID-19.

“Additionally, we received funding from the Coordinating Board Nursing Innovation Grant Program to support clinical learning experience to mitigate the impediments due to the coronavirus,” Byrd said. “This provided us with equipment and faculty education to facilitate online and distance teaching. We also received Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money from the federal government to purchase equipment that would facilitate our classes during this time, making online teaching easier and more effective.”

Nursing students will be closely monitored by instructors through their time practicing on the simulators and must receive their approval before assignments may be marked as complete.

“This equipment will help the students become independent practitioners without fear of harm to a live patient,” she said. “Students will be able to practice until they are sure of their skills and an instructor has checked them off prior to actually performing the procedure on a patient.”

Byrd said that the simulators are controlled by nursing faculty and can convey a range of reactions, such as pain, crying and even speaking.

“Each instructor has had intense instructions and workshops on the uses and functionality of all equipment and how to use it for the best outcomes,” she said. “The grant monies received were utilized not only to purchase equipment, but also to provide education to all instructors on-site and in distance learning.”

Byrd added that hands-on experience is a vital part of the program.

“This ability to teach students this type of care in the simulation lab is the closest thing we have to utilizing the clinical sites of the hospitals,” she said. “This does not take the place of hands-on nursing care, but it gives us the opportunity to instill confidence and a solid skill set in the student prior to their clinicals.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

This lifelike simulator is one of the new pieces of technology that the TSTC Nursing program has introduced into the classroom. Students and faculty have aptly named this particular mannequin “Junior.” (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

TSTC Surgical Technology students utilize skills at COVID-19 vaccine distribution

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology students recently took part in an important effort for the Rio Grande Valley by volunteering their time and skills during a COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Ten students were divided into two separate shifts and tasked with data entry during the drive-thru clinic.

Surgical Technology instructor Anna San Pedro said that it was a humbling experience.

“To have the opportunity to serve the community during this unprecedented time provided a greater perspective of who we are as health professionals and what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” she said.

She added that the learning experience of assisting during the distribution was invaluable.

“I am confident that the experience has provided our students with a great platform to start their careers with a caring and selfless heart,” she said. “It will also give them a stronger perception of what it means to be a health care provider.”

TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez said that preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence is one of the primary missions at TSTC.

“TSTC prides itself on preparing our students to enter the workforce ready to work,” she said. “One of the ways we do that is by providing them with the best hands-on experience possible.”

She said that real-world learning is where students can blend their passion with their education.

“This is where training and their calling merges,” she said. “Students are able to experience that they are here for a bigger purpose.”

Hernandez said that this was an event that TSTC students, and history books, will not soon forget.

“Serving during a pandemic is a rare opportunity, but the lessons learned will be applicable for a lifetime,” she said. “Future generations will learn about this unprecedented time in history books, and our students will be able to say that they were on the frontlines, serving their community.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

Some TSTC Surgical Technology students recently assisted with data entry at a local COVID-19 vaccine distribution site. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

TSTC alum brings HVAC knowledge and experience to current students

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For nine years, Jorge Cabrera has been bringing his vast experience and knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the classrooms of Texas State Technical College.

The military veteran graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology from TSTC in 2007 before serving in the U.S. Marines for 10 years. He enjoyed every aspect of working as an HVAC technician, and now he enjoys teaching TSTC students the skills they need to be the best technicians in this growing career.

What do you enjoy most about your position as an instructor?

I have to say that I like when I walk into a place, and someone comes up to me to say hi. I might not recognize that person right away, but then he or she says that they were my student. And they thank me because they enjoy working in air conditioning and mention that what I taught them has really helped them out.

What do you think makes the HVAC program at TSTC unique?

In my opinion, here at TSTC we push our students to be academically successful, and we are always there for our students. We try to point them in the right direction if they are ever in need of assistance, and we are always willing to work with them one-on-one.

What is the job outlook for HVAC students?

Most of them find employment within the first three months after they graduate, especially during the summer. TSTC’s Career Services also helps with job placement. Also, if an employer reaches out to us, we definitely let our students know about who is hiring right away.

Why do you think HVAC is an important career?

From food preservation to keeping people comfortable, there are many paths you can take in our field. You will find technicians in hospitals, schools and stores. Additionally, we also contribute to keeping our planet clean if we use the correct processes to install and maintain air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

I definitely have a few. I look back positively on when I received my degree from TSTC, as well as every commencement ceremony I have attended. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to change some students’ lives.

February is Career and Technical Education Month. To learn more about the programs offered at TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

 

Prior to serving as a U.S. Marine for 10 years, Jorge Cabrera was an HVAC technician. Now he is bringing his experience to the classroom at TSTC. (Photo courtesy of Jorge Cabrera.)

 

Round Rock-area computer technology jobs show promise for TSTC graduates

(HUTTO, Texas) – Before enrolling at Texas State Technical College, Melissa Wykes studied criminal justice and became a licensed esthetician.

But she said she needed to make a career change for financial security. 

The Round Rock resident chose to attend TSTC’s East Williamson County campus in Hutto to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity. She is scheduled to graduate this semester.

“Cybersecurity is a wide-ranging field,” Wykes said. “It has been really interesting getting exposure to different aspects of it.”

TSTC transitioned several programs to an online format last year so that students who are not close to a TSTC campus can have the opportunity to take classes in Computer Programming and Systems Administration, Cybersecurity and other TSTC programs.

“We (industry professionals) have been telecommuting and working this way for a decade,” said Joshua Schier, an instructor in TSTC’s Cybersecurity program. “We are the most unaffected by this pandemic. I would say this is the right career at the right time if you have the skill set and think you can do this.”

There are 14 students from Round Rock enrolled in the statewide Cybersecurity program this semester, along with two students in the statewide Computer Programming Technology program, according to TSTC enrollment information.

Wykes said during this time of COVID-19 that people interested in a career change should pursue cybersecurity.

“This is an amazing career field, and because it is so widely varied, there are these pockets and niches,” Wykes said. “The work is going to be so secure for the next several decades. Everything is going to the cloud. That is all cybersecurity and information technology.”

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area in Cedar Park has designated several computer-related jobs in its nine-county area, excluding Travis County, as target occupations. Some of these include computer systems analysts, database developers and information security analysts.

There are more than 3,100 computer-related jobs in Round Rock, according to Workforce Solutions. More than 1,300 of these were in software development and software quality assurance analysis and testing. There were more than 500 for computer user support specialists and more than 300 for computer systems analysts.

Workforce Solutions predicts that in the next three years there will be a need for 400 more workers trained for computer occupations in the Round Rock area.

TSTC’s Computer Programming Technology program and Web Design and Development Technology program are taking part in the Austin Technology Council. The council focuses on supporting businesses and professional growth, providing networking and business mentoring opportunities, and giving public policy representation to the tech industry. 

Shannon Ferguson, statewide lead instructor in TSTC’s Computer Programming Technology program, said his vision is to see students in the two programs promoted to companies throughout the Austin area.

Some of the Round Rock companies that have sought technology workers in the last month include Revature, which is seeking an entry-level computer programmer, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which is looking for a software developer, and VCL Technologies, which is seeking a software developer, according to Indeed.com.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Wind Energy Technology student sees benefits in renewable energy

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Chung knows the benefits of renewable energy.

He began learning of the benefits while living in Korea, and today he is working toward an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College.

Chung, who was born in Boston, wanted to enter the cybersecurity field but admitted it was not for him.

“I knew I would make a lot of money, but somehow it was not fun,” he said. “I learned that was not the specific field I wanted to do. So I searched several job categories. Wind turbine technicians just came up, and it was something I was interested in.”

Chung knew renewable energy is not popular in Korea, but he knew it had potential to grow.

“Some people realize that one wind turbine can generate power for a number of homes,” he said. “I want to be an energy innovator. Wind is just the beginning for me. I hope to spread out to solar and other areas.”

His road to TSTC began with an internet search.

“I researched and learned Texas State Technical College has a great program. I knew this would be a good opportunity for me,” Chung said.

It took Chung time to convince his family that TSTC would be a good place to continue his education.

“They were glad that I had a goal and are supportive of my decision,” he said.

With his family’s support, Chung was ready to begin his studies. He is looking forward to the day when he will climb the turbine tower.

“I am a Christian, and I am looking forward to the day we climb. It will give me the chance to see all of the scenery God has created,” he said. “When I went rock climbing, I admired the scenery. I am looking forward to doing that again.”

Until he is able to climb, Chung talks to other students who have had that experience.

“Our resident assistant is in his second year, and he gives us a lot of tips,” he said. “He shows me examples of what I can expect to learn.”

Chung also knows he can turn to his instructors for help if he needs it. He even attends exercise classes that are not on his schedule to make sure he stays in shape.

“The instructors at TSTC are the best,” he said. “They know we have a lot of questions about the process and are always letting us know what is happening.”

Instructor Billie Jones saw Chung’s ability early.

“He is attentive in class and always strives to do his best,” she said. “He takes advantage of any extra materials offered to allow himself to get ahead.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.