Adversity no match for TSTC alumna

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – If there is one word to describe Mallory Torres, it is fierce.

Not only is she conquering the male-dominated field of mechatronics, but she is also doing so after overcoming personal hardships.

In 2017, she completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, where her curiosity for mechatronics began to grow. Then, in 2019, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at TSTC.

“A lot of the machines that we used in our welding classes were very expensive,” she said. “I started to wonder who would repair them if they broke down. I got curious about what technicians would even look for as they were repairing the equipment.”

That interest in electrical components led her to mechatronics.

“As my time in the welding program ended, I knew mechatronics was something I wanted to explore,” she said. “The program really showed me that anything can be repaired or built. It’s all about troubleshooting and finding the problem.”

Torres excelled in the program despite personal hardship.

“I joined the program at the same time that my mom was battling stage 4 cancer,” she said. “She passed away in December 2017. My dad pushed me to finish school for my mom, and that’s what I did. Losing her made me work harder.”

Two short years later, Torres is working as a mechatronics technician and is elated to have two beneficial trades under her belt.

“My time in the programs flew by, and the instructors were always very helpful,” she said. “They always wanted us to succeed as if we were their own kids.”

Mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija saw firsthand the perseverance that Torres showed as a student.

“Mallory was very dedicated and always pushed herself to the next level,” he said. “Her dedication has carried on over to her job and career. It was a pleasure having her in class, and I know she will succeed.”

Torres is also grateful for the skills that she learned outside the classroom.

“TSTC taught me how to prepare myself when I entered the workforce,” she said. “We received assistance with interviews and the job search. Studying there was honestly the best decision I ever made.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Safety remains top priority at TSTC this fall

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As students gear up to start classes this fall, Texas State Technical College has been diligently planning and preparing for a new way of learning.

The coronavirus has very quickly changed the way we go about our daily lives, a change that has also had an impact on how TSTC distributes curriculum. While student safety remains a top priority, the quality of education was also an aspect carefully taken into consideration when making the progression to distance learning and the changes to labs and housing.

“TSTC has transitioned their training programs to either completely online or hybrid modality,” said Harlingen Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Each program did a thorough assessment and analysis of the program’s skills and either adopted an online platform to assess student skills or modified their on-campus lab to allow students to complete their hands-on skills on campus.”

Adjustments were also extended to programs that require on-campus labs.

“Lab layouts were reconfigured to account for physical distancing while in the lab,” Hernandez explained. “Additionally, students scheduled time slots throughout the week to come into the lab to minimize the group size. Technology was also integrated into labs to help instructors facilitate instruction and feedback while still complying with physical distancing requirements.”

The campus has taken all necessary precautions to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for students who need to visit campus to complete required lab work.

“All students are required to wear face coverings while at TSTC,” Hernandez said. “In some programs, based on the skills being performed, additional personal protective equipment is required to help maintain safety.”

Surgical Technology instructor Yolanda Ramirez reiterated that student safety was a top priority when configuring the new ways in which labs will be conducted.

“The skills will be taught via Webex through both pre-recorded and live stream sessions,” she said.  “We have been recording various skills videos, as well as instrument videos that students are required to learn. All of these will be covered during our Webex class sessions, so we will also be available in real time to answer any questions that students may have.”

Efforts have also been made to ensure that student housing follows strict safety protocols once students move into their dorms later this month.

“TSTC Housing has worked to de-densify residences to the best of their ability,” said Director of Housing Lorena Garza. “For that matter, TSTC Housing is only offering a single occupancy option for residents at this time. Non-resident guests are not allowed in the housing complex, and current residents are required to wear a face covering or mask at all times outside of their residences while in the housing complex.”

Additionally, TSTC has also taken measures to ensure that quality hands-on learning is upheld because it is one of the school’s most vital components.

Hernandez said that students can still access all the same services, just in a different way.

“Tutors, library services, veteran services, and enrollment coaches can all be reached through various digital platforms.”

Emily Mancini, who recently completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology online, reiterated that the efforts made at TSTC through remote learning were just as beneficial despite students not being on campus.

“From the admissions office to counselors and coordinators, everyone was responsive and helpful with the many questions I had,” she said. “It was especially helpful since this was my first year doing online distance learning.”

The dedication of her instructors was especially appreciated.

“With each semester, I felt the instructors were open to questions and discussions to help make the online distance learning as manageable as possible for the students,” she said. “I had email correspondence with each of my professors, and they all replied promptly and helped with any concerns I had.”

Fall registration is currently underway.  For more information about TSTC’s online programs, visit https://www.tstc.edu/tstconline.

 

TSTC Student Receives AAMI Foundation Scholarship

(WACO, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College student has received a scholarship from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.

Rudolph Wagner of Killeen has been awarded the AAMI Foundation Michael J. Miller Scholarship. He is studying to earn associate degrees in Biomedical Equipment Technology and Medical Imaging Systems Technology Specialization. Wagner is scheduled to graduate in December.

Wagner will use his $3,000 scholarship to help pay for tuition. This fall, he will do a program-required internship at KEI Medical Imaging Services in Hutto.

“I am very excited,” he said. “Getting an internship is kind of hard with COVID-19, but I was able to reach out to an internship coordinator at the company.”

Wagner grew up with an interest in electronics. He graduated in 1993 from Killeen High School and studied pre-med at Prairie View A&M University. He later worked as a medical billing and coding specialist and did medical missionary work before coming to TSTC.

“I wanted something more,” he said. “I decided to go back to school. As soon as I saw the medical equipment, I knew that is what I wanted to do.”

One of the first people he met on campus was Terry Whitworth, an instructor in TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program.

“Rudolph is one of those students you love to have,” Whitworth said. “His enthusiasm is infectious. He is always upbeat and acts like he is having the time of his life learning. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be an excellent addition to any organization. It has been a pleasure having him in class this semester.”

Wagner said his favorite classes were AC Circuits, DC Circuits and Shop Skills for BET Technician.

“Had I known about this years ago, I would have gone to TSTC,” he said. “I like just learning how the equipment works and the electronics. I like the small components and enjoy how things are put together.”

Wagner wants to study health care technology management in the future to progress in his career.

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

 

TSTC offers Basic Automotive OSA program in Sweetwater

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A fast-track program to teach basic automotive skills will be taught at Texas State Technical College this fall.

Sweetwater Automotive Technology instructor Gerod Strother will teach the 15-week Occupational Skills Award (OSA) program. The OSA is part of TSTC’s Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program that helps students learn skills quickly in order to start a career.

“This class will teach students the basics that can get them a job that pays $10 to $15 per hour,” Strother said. “People who have this certification can find employment at a quick-service automotive business or at a dealership where they can be paired with a veteran mechanic.”

Strother said this program would be especially helpful for a student who completes the program and works at a dealership. They would gain the knowledge to expand their skills.“They would probably work with the mechanic for six months to a year. Once the mechanic is confident in their abilities, they would add to the employee’s responsibilities.”

Strother said students interested in the program do not need any mechanical experience.

“They need to be willing to learn quickly,” he said.

Students will begin by taking Introduction to Automotive Technology. This course focuses on automotive history, safety practices, shop equipment and tools, vehicle subsystems, service publications, professional responsibilities and basic automotive maintenance.

“Some people only want to know the basics and get a job. This will help fill our workforce needs in the automotive industry,” Strother said.

Students will also take the Automotive Brake Systems course, in which they will learn the operation and repair of the braking system. Strother will review brake theory, diagnosis, repairing the power anti-lock braking system, and parking brakes.

The final course will be Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems. In addition to steering systems, students will learn alignment procedures, and tire and wheel service techniques.

“A lot of people do not want to be tied down to one specific area of a vehicle, like the transmission. This program will provide some range for students,” Strother said.

One goal that Strother set for himself is to have students return to earn additional certification or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“I hope once they complete the program they come back and want to learn more. I would like to see students become certified,” he said. “Having the Automotive Service Excellence certification will open the door for them.”

TSTC is offering several Occupational Skills Award programs this fall. With unemployment increasing in Texas, TSTC is partnering with business and industry through the RISE program to get Texans back to work. The short-term, skills-focused courses provide students with the ability to gain basic technical skills to start an entry-level career.

For more information on the Occupational Skills Award courses, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programslist/rise.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Ready to Welcome Students Back This Fall in Waco

(WACO, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31.

“We are constantly looking at our process and how we can make the campus safer,” said Jerome Mendias, TSTC’s associate provost. “Safety is our priority. Knowing that we treat safety in such a manner is true to how we are looking at being on campus during this time.”

Students will see ample signage promoting campus health and safety, as well as more hand-sanitizing stations. Students will need to wear face coverings at all times, and go in and out of designated entrances to campus buildings. There will be more social distancing in labs. Students will not be allowed to congregate in common areas of buildings.

One of the biggest changes is how classes will be taught, which began being modified in late March.

Programs that will be in an all-online format this fall are Architectural and Civil Drafting Technology, Cloud Computing, Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, Mechanical/Electrical Drafting Technology, Visual Communication Technology and Web Design and Development Technology.

Programs that will be in a hybrid format this fall are Aircraft Airframe Technology, Aircraft Pilot Training Technology, Aircraft Powerplant Technology, Auto Collision and Management Technology, Automotive Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Building Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Construction, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, Energy Efficiency Specialist, Facilities Management Technology, HVAC Technology, Industrial Systems, Instrumentation Technology, Medical Imaging Systems Technology, Occupational Safety Compliance Technology, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, Precision Machining Technology, Robotics Technology, Solar Energy Technology and Welding Technology.

Tutoring will be available virtually. Students will need to go to TSTC’s online student portal and click on the tutoring icon to fill out a form requesting help. The tutoring staff will connect students virtually to statewide tutors in their subject areas.

Student activities will look different this fall. Adele Clinton, TSTC’s executive director of Retention Services, said student leadership and engagement staff will survey students to see what events they want to see this semester. A lot of events are already planned to be held virtually. No opening date has been set for physical activities at the Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center, Clinton said.

Misty Kaska, a coordinator of TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center, said there are plans as of now to have the annual Thanksgiving food basket giveaway and toy drive in late fall.

The food pantry and lending library will still be available. Students can contact Kaska online to fill out a request for assistance. When approved, students can make appointments with Kaska through the QLess app to pick up food or books at the student recreation center or Student Services Center.

Registration continues for the fall semester.

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

Safety top priority at TSTC this fall

(ABILENE, Texas) – Safety will be the top priority at Texas State Technical College when the fall semester begins Aug. 31.

The four West Texas campuses, located in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater, will have a different look this year. Students who need to complete labs will be allowed on campus, but all other instruction will be delivered online.

“Our primary goal is the safety of our students, faculty and staff in this era of COVID-19,” said Lance Eastman, West Texas’ interim provost. “We have put in several safety measures to ensure that safety.”

Everyone must wear a facial covering while on campus, and social distancing guidelines will be enforced, Eastman said.

“I know it is hard sometimes to maintain social distance. But for the safety of everyone, we are going to practice it,” he said. “We not only want the students, faculty and staff to protect themselves, but everyone around them.”

Buildings will be marked with directional signage to show entrances and exits. Hand-sanitizing stations will also be available in each building.

Since March, TSTC has provided online lectures for students, and Eastman said it will continue in the fall. In May, students were allowed to return to campus to complete lab sessions.

Eastman said continuing to provide hands-on lab sessions is important to the college’s mission of placing people in the workforce.

“We will still do a lot of the hands-on lab sessions because it is important the students get that training,” he said.

Daniel Martin, TSTC’s director of student recruiting in West Texas, said students are excited about the new way of learning.

“The students are pleased with how the courses are being constructed. The online lectures, coupled with lab time, are perfect for them,” he said. “This is a better use of a student’s time. It is not a classroom-heavy situation for them.”

Martin said prospective students will also be able to tour campuses, but with limitations. Tours must be reserved and will be limited to three guests per tour.

“We are excited to get people back on our campuses to show students what we offer,” he said. “We had some tours during the summer, and everyone followed all of the protocols we had in place.”

In Sweetwater, safety is also the top priority for housing director Jose Navarrette. Since it is the only West Texas campus with student housing, additional safety measures are in place.

Navarrette said each student will have a private bedroom but share a bathroom. He said students will learn the proper way to sanitize the area to help prevent the spread of contagions.

“We will have room checks to make sure all the rules are being followed,” he said. “We had some students living on campus this summer, and everyone followed all the rules.”

Navarrette said students were assigned days to move in prior to Aug. 31. He said that was done to help limit the amount of people on campus.

“Safety is the key for us. We want students to know that we have things in place for their safety and the safety of everyone on campus,” he said.

Rick Nelson, supervisor of TSTC food services in Sweetwater, said meals will continue to be sold only to go. Students will enter the Student Center’s main entrance and leave through the cafeteria’s glass-door exit.

TSTC will also provide three new programs in West Texas this fall.

In Breckenridge, an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology will be offered. Students will learn the hazards of machines, safe work methods, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures during the five semesters.

Two Occupational Skills Award programs are scheduled this fall. Basic Welding – Multiple Processes will be available in Abilene, while Basic Automotive will be taught in Sweetwater. Both courses will be 15 weeks and are part of TSTC’s Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program that helps students learn skills quickly in order to start a career.

“It is always good to provide new programs at TSTC,” Eastman said. “We want to provide our students with the tools to prepare them for the workforce. The OSA programs will allow us to quickly educate students to get them to work. That will help better our economy.”

To schedule a campus tour, contact Chris Johnson, TSTC’s lead recruiter for West Texas, at christopher.johnson@tstc.edu.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Welding Technology offers Occupational Skills Award certification in Abilene

(ABILENE, Texas) – Many construction companies are looking for entry-level welders.

To help fill that need, Texas State Technical College will offer an Occupational Skills Award certification program in Welding Technology this fall at the college’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene. 

Three basic welding courses will be offered over 15 weeks, said instructor Anthony Lewis.

“There is always a need for welders in every region of Texas. Between 80 and 90 percent of those jobs are for entry-level positions,” he said.

The Occupational Skills Award is part of TSTC’s Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program that helps students learn skills quickly in order to start a career.

“When students complete this OSA program, they will have no trouble finding a job,” Lewis said. “The skills we will teach are what employers are looking for in a welder.”

Lewis will spend five weeks covering three different areas of welding.

The first five weeks will be the Introduction to Welding Using Multiple Processes class. Lewis said students will learn basic welding techniques using several different processes, including Oxy-fuel welding and cutting, gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding.

“The first five weeks, we will cover just the basics of welding to get the students ready for the next class,” Lewis said.

The second course will be Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Lewis said emphasis will be placed on power sources, electrode selection and different joint designs.

The final five weeks will be Intermediate Welding Using Multiple Processes. Lewis said this is a more advanced class, but it will prepare students for a job. Students will receive instruction on using layout tools and blueprint reading that will include demonstrations.

Students will not spend the entire time in the classroom. Lewis said they will put what they learn into use during lab sessions.

“It will be fast and furious, but the students will get enough knowledge and information that it will not overwhelm them,” he said.

While in the classroom, students will hear firsthand about Lewis’ knowledge of welding and working on a job site.

“I have a lot of knowledge to give them. I have done a lot of work and will bring that experience into the classroom,” he said.

TSTC is offering several Occupational Skills Awards programs this fall. With unemployment increasing in Texas, TSTC is partnering with business and industry through the RISE program to get Texans back to work. The short-term, skills-focused courses provide students with the ability to gain basic technical skills to start an entry-level career.

“From there, through hard work and determination, students can enhance their skills and earn promotions,” Lewis said.

For more information on the Occupational Skills Awards courses, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programslist/rise.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Computer Networking students to use virtual software program

(ABILENE, Texas) – A new program will allow Computer Networking and Systems Administration students at Texas State Technical College to work on equipment virtually.

TSTC will use the NetLab program for virtual lab sessions, instructor Adrian Medrano said.

“NetLab is very popular for remote training,” Medrano said. “The benefits are amazing.”

Students will use the program to work on a computer system online just like the real instruments. Medrano said students will operate instruments with knobs and buttons the same way they would an actual computer. Measurements will be displayed on the computer screen to help students during the lab session, he added.

“Having NetLab is huge. Companies like Cisco and Microsoft use this for training their employees,” Medrano said. “With the push to move everything online, we are looking forward to getting this content to our students.”

Medrano is no stranger to the program. He said TSTC instructors have used it for their own training sessions held throughout the state.

“I enjoy working with this program. It is easy to navigate,” he said. “I see nothing but smooth sailing for our students when they use NetLab.”

The program will allow Medrano and other instructors to achieve their goal of providing companies with a “well-rounded individual for an IT (information technology) department.”

“We are not going to focus on one certain area. By the time a student graduates, they will learn how to take apart and put back together a computer system,” Medrano said. “They will know how to put a computer on a company network, share files, and other aspects of computer networking.”

That knowledge is important in today’s business world, according to Medrano.

“Sharing information between computers in a business is the main aspect of the network,” he said.

Another area in which students will gain knowledge is security settings.

“We are going to teach students how to make a computer virus-free and to make sure no one hacks into the system,” Medrano said. “We are going to teach all of the security tactics they will need, as well as the difference between a virus, worm and Trojan software.”

Medrano said students will become knowledgeable about routers and switches.

“They will know the difference between a home router and routers used at small businesses,” he said. “Students are going to know exactly how the internet happens when they complete the program. They are going to know how they can send something from their home to around the world with just one click.”

Medrano said the online classes will benefit students.

“This will give students a lot of flexibility, and they can remain safe,” he said. “We are going to deliver our content via video, but it will still have a classroom feel.”

Medrano said instructors were recorded during classes last spring, and those videos will be used for classroom lessons during the upcoming school year.

“Students will be able to watch the video at their convenience and then practice what they learned with NetLab,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Ready to Welcome Students Back This Fall in North Texas

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31.

“I think the exciting part of the fall to me is we have new students coming to campus to begin their educational journey,” said Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas campus. “The new students, the returning students, the faculty and staff all get to participate in rebuilding the economy of Texas.”

Students will see ample signage promoting campus health and safety, as well as more hand-sanitizing stations. Students will need to wear face coverings at all times, and go in and out of designated entrances and exits at the Jim Pitts Industrial Technology Center. There will be more social distancing in labs. Students will not be allowed on the second floor.

One of the biggest changes is how classes will be taught, which began being modified in late March.

Programs that will be taught in an all-online format are Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, Computer Networking and Systems Administration, and Cybersecurity.

Programs that will be taught in a hybrid format are Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology. 

“The only time the students will be on campus is to complete the labs,” said Matthew Dobbs, an instructor in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. “This will allow the students that work to either have all afternoon or morning to work, or several weekdays  to allow for more work time.”

Tutoring will be available virtually. Students will need to go to TSTC’s student portal and click on the tutoring icon to fill out a form requesting help. The tutoring staff will connect students virtually to statewide tutors in their subject areas.

One thing that is not changing is TSTC’s commitment to its students.

Career Services is going virtual with its employer spotlights, career preparation workshops and one-on-one meetings with students using Webex and Google Meet.

“Since virtual platforms are the latest and most effective way of communication to ensure social distancing, students are going to have to adapt and get comfortable with speaking in front of a webcam and being spoken to from a computer monitor or laptop,” said Adrian Castanon, a TSTC Career Services coordinator.”

Castanon will have on-campus office hours each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Aug. 12. He will also be available virtually to work with students Monday through Friday.

Registration for the fall semester is underway.

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

TSTC Ready to Welcome Students Back This Fall in Williamson County

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31.

Students will see ample signage promoting campus health and safety, and social distancing will be practiced in labs. Students will also have designated entrances and exits at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. Face coverings will be required on campus at all times. 

One of the biggest changes is how classes will be taught, which began being modified in late March.

The Cybersecurity program and the first-semester college preparation course will move online.

The Culinary Arts, Industrial Systems, Precision Machining Technology, Welding Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology programs will teach in a hybrid format, with on-campus labs and online lectures and tests. 

The new format is something Nelson Adams, lead instructor in TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, is excited about. The revamped curriculum will teach students what Adams said employers are looking for, graduates who have sound customer service and soft skills, along with the ability to ask for help and accept feedback.

“There will be a social aspect as they (students) share their discoveries with their cohort by way of short videos or posts,” Adams said. “Our students will be learning a full dimension of the industry that they are entering. Culinary Arts students will not just be watching videos. Instead, they will be studying recipes, costing out ingredients, researching cultures, and coming into the lab to demonstrate what they have learned by cooking the food they understand in a whole new spectrum.”

Tutoring will be available virtually. Students will go to TSTC’s student portal and click on the tutoring icon to fill out a form requesting help. The tutoring staff will connect students virtually to statewide tutors in their subject areas.

Something that is not changing is the commitment to students.

“Career Services is always here to help students, pandemic or not,” said Hunter Henry, a Career Services associate at the Williamson County campus. “From our side of things, students can feel safe in knowing that we can do practically all of our work with them without needing to be in the same room. On top of that, we still have employers hungry for the kinds of skills we teach here at TSTC.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway.

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