Eastman works to help TSTC students achieve success

(ABILENE, Texas) – Lance Eastman, Texas State Technical College’s West Texas interim provost and senior vice president of Student Learning, works to make sure that students meet the college’s goal.

“I really like our mantra, ‘Place Texans in great-paying jobs.’ It’s simple. We have really worked hard to live up to our mantra,” he said.

Eastman, who was named interim provost in May, is working with the college’s leadership, faculty and staff on a competency-based learning schedule for students. He is no stranger to the learning approach because it was used at his previous place of employment, Davis Technical College in Kaysville, Utah.

“At TSTC, we are working to have flexibility and to allow students to schedule classes around their life. Studies have shown that it works,” Eastman said. “With this type of program, retention is much better.”

Prior to arriving at TSTC more than two years ago, Eastman served as director of the manufacturing and transportation programs at Davis Technical College. He also taught an industrial maintenance class.

His love for electronics came while watching “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.”

“Seeing Luke Skywalker’s hand got me into electronics,” he said of the movie scene in which Skywalker’s missing hand is replaced with a robotic one.

Eastman once worked in the private sector in industrial maintenance. But when a teaching position opened, he turned to educating young minds.

“Teaching is nothing more than transferring knowledge,” he said. “I am the kind of person who would want to put a button on something to try and make it work. I want to pass that knowledge on to others.”

He learned about TSTC through a job posting showing an opening for the vice president position. He had confidence that he would be picked, telling his wife, Beckie, that he was going to apply for the job and his family “will move to Texas.”

Eastman said during the entire interview process, he remained confident that he would be selected for the position.

“I kept telling my wife they are going to hire me,” he said.

Since his hiring, Eastman said he has been welcomed by not only the TSTC family, but also the Abilene community. His oldest daughter, Sydney, recently completed a church mission in Idaho, and his youngest daughter, Brooklyn, is a senior at Wylie High School in Abilene.

“I love the people of Texas,” Eastman said, admitting that his only stop in Texas prior to an in-person interview at TSTC was a flight layover in Dallas. “This is a fantastic place to live.”

In his spare time, which he said he does not have much of, Eastman enjoys fishing, gardening and church activities.

“My wife and I have also spent a lot of hanging with the kids and their friends. They like to play cards with us because they think they can beat us,” he said with a laugh.

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

Computer Programming Technology at TSTC offers remote learning and good job market

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology is one of Texas State Technical College’s programs that is offered completely online — a bonus in this era of social distancing. The Associate of Applied Science degree program can lead to a fast-growing career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Despite learning from home, students are introduced to courses that will give them a competitive edge in the world of computer programming. The curriculum at TSTC includes database programming, Java programming, mobile applications development, and more.

“We live in a world today where, at the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, we have access to products, information and resources to help us in our daily lives,” said Steven Coffman, lead instructor for Computer Programming Technology. “Computer programmers make this possible.”

The global pandemic has increased uneasiness in the job market, especially for those just graduating from college. Coffman reiterated that computer programming is not an area that potential programmers should worry about.

“We have not seen a decline in demand for computer programmers and do not expect to see one anytime soon,” he said. “Additionally, we have been very encouraged to see our recent graduates of the program around the state find employment after graduation, despite the economic downturn.”

Not only does a career in computer programming offer solace in the fact that programmers are in demand, but because of the flexibility of the occupation, many computer programmers can work from the comfort of their own homes.

“Computer programming can generally be performed with the resources that most people either already have or materials that are within reach, such as a computer and broadband internet connection,” Coffman said. “Aside from the actual act of programming, communicating with teammates and clients can be performed remotely utilizing virtual meeting applications.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To learn more about Computer Programming Technology at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/ComputerProgramming.

TSTC scholarship allows veteran’s dream of becoming a wind energy technician become reality

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eliodoro Rivas is no stranger to hard work and determination.

After serving in the U.S. Army for three years, he decided to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College.

The AT&T Wind Energy Scholarship from TSTC  is helping him achieve his goal.

“Receiving the scholarship was certainly a big, welcome surprise,” the 23-year-old San Benito native said. “The funding I received from the scholarship has helped me significantly. I was able to buy supplies for my classes, and it gave me peace of mind.”

Renewable energy has long held a strong appeal for Rivas.

“I always found renewable energy fascinating,” he said. I remember reading about solar and wind energy in high school. During my time in the service, I became really interested in wind energy, and I saw that TSTC offered a program for it.”

Rivas felt like he had some catching up to do career-wise when he left the military.

“Coming out of the service really opened my eyes to how rough the world can be once you are out,” he said. “Educationally I felt way behind my peers, and I wanted to catch up immediately and build a career. I’d heard stories of students obtaining their four-year degrees but having no job opportunities. I did not want to waste more time, so I decided a technical degree was arguably the best option.”

His work ethic is one thing that allows him to enjoy his time in the wind energy program.

“I like that I have the ability to really apply myself to the work, both mentally and physically” he said. “Being able to read, write and speak the language of schematics, electrical and mechanical components is amazing. It really feels like learning another language. I’m also no stranger to physical labor, and I absolutely love heights.”

Rivas’ instructors at TSTC have left an impact on him and his aspiration to become a wind energy technician.

“Whether it was challenging me every step of the way or going beyond what was asked of them, they really inspired me.”

Rivas, who recently became a father, said that everything from here on out is for his family.

“After I graduate, I hope to start my career as a wind turbine technician. Being a first-time father means I can’t afford to slow down anytime soon. Everything I do is for my son, and I know this career path will help me grow and provide for my family.”

He credits the Army and TSTC for allowing him to continue fulfilling his dream.

“The Army has become a part of me,” he said. “I never, ever want to let that go. When I start my career as a wind turbine technician, I hope to reenlist and join the National Guard—part-time soldier, full-time wind technician.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

TSTC alumnus brings passion for technology to the classroom

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Steven Coffman credits life-changing instructors at Texas State Technical College for his love of teaching. Currently he is lead instructor for Computer Programming Technology at TSTC. He hopes to bring that same level of inspiration to the curriculum, which is offered completely online, in the same way that his instructors did for him.

What do you enjoy about working with students?

I really enjoy it when students realize that they are more capable than they may have previously thought. To many students, programming can seem like a tall mountain to climb, and it is great to see so many reach the top and look back down.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

My first graduation ceremony was just one special moment out of many. A graduate has their whole life before them, and I feel fortunate to have played some part of that journey. I have also met and had the opportunity to work with so many great people at TSTC.

What inspired you to get into higher education?

As a graduate of TSTC myself, I always had a lingering interest in teaching. I can specifically attribute this to some of the great computer science instructors that I had when I was a student. I wanted to be able to do for our students what those instructors did for me.

Do you have any advice for students considering this path?

If you are motivated and are willing to face a challenge as an opportunity rather than a roadblock, then you can be successful as a computer programmer. And no, you do not have to be a technical wizard before you join our degree program.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming Technology. To learn more, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/ComputerProgramming.

 

TSTC HVAC Technology Program Receives Equipment Gift

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus has received an equipment gift from a Mansfield business.

Century A/C Supply has donated a 25-ton York package unit valued at $15,000 to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program.

“I was not going to sell it, and I figured I would donate it for a good cause,” said Eric Huddleston, the company’s branch manager.

HVAC Technology students will use the package unit to understand the concept of three-phase wiring and how to troubleshoot three-phase motors.

Rusty Hicks, The TSTC Foundation’s corporate development officer, said the gift signifies the college’s area-wide reach. 

“We are trying to get the word out all over, not just in Ellis County, but all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” he said. “We are seeing some really good results. As long as you have good business partners like Century A/C that understand what we are doing and can donate in-kind, they too — like so many of our employers that hire our students — can see the visible results.”

Douglas McCuen, lead instructor of TSTC’s HVAC Technology program, said Huddleston reached out to him earlier this year about the package unit. McCuen said he is grateful for the equipment.

“He was even kind enough to deliver the equipment to our campus,” McCuen said. “He even had the forethought to have the delivery person bring fork extensions so we could use them on the campus forklift.”

For more information on how to make a gift to TSTC, go to https://www.tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/giving/.

TSTC Programs Ready to Welcome Night Students This Fall

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students interested in learning after the sun goes down can pursue two technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus.

Offering more opportunities to take classes at TSTC means that students can increase their opportunities in the marketplace and earn higher wages, said Lissa Adams, TSTC’s associate provost.

“We believe it is important to offer flexible schedules to meet the needs of adult learners,” she said. “For many of our nontraditional students, evening classes are attractive because they  allow them to work or take care of their family obligations during the day and attend classes either full or part time.”

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program offers two classes per semester at night.

Curtis Christian, an instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program, said the night cohorts are typically made up of students already working with the desire to expand their knowledge. Most students work toward a certificate, but he said some students have been able to complete an associate degree in the evening hours.

“Because of COVID-19, everyone has to work individually,” he said. “No one can work in groups anymore. They are going to have to work on equipment by themselves.”

The Welding Technology programs will offer all of the first-semester classes and then two classes the rest of the semesters for each cohort. Students are able to work toward an associate degree or certificate.

“It is a good opportunity for working people to upgrade existing skills or gain new skills that will increase their wages or get them on a road to a career, and not just a job,” said Samara Flener, lead instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program.

TSTC will use a hybrid format for programs this fall, with some classes being taught online and others using an in-person and online learning combination. Each program will follow campus and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines.

There is still availability for students to enroll in the two evening programs.

“I expect these programs will fill up soon because there are very few daytime spots,” said Chemese Armstrong, TSTC’s campus enrollment executive.

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

Brazos Higher Education Services Corp. Donates to TSTC Scholarships

(WACO, Texas) – The Brazos Higher Education Services Corp. in Waco has given a $25,000 contribution to Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus for two scholarships to help students.

“A lot of the practical things you do in terms of building skill sets for actual jobs for people coming out (of TSTC) is valuable,” said Ben Litle, the higher education services corporation’s president and chief executive officer.

The money will be split between the Texan Success Scholarship and Helping Hands Scholarship at TSTC. 

The Texan Success Scholarship was created in 2016 to help incoming TSTC students pay for their first two semesters. TSTC’s enrollment coaches and recruiters select students who have graduated from high school with at least a 2.0 grade-point average or have a minimum score of 145 on the GED, and have completed the admissions process. The scholarship is non-needs based. Chosen students receive $500 for each of the first two semesters.

The Helping Hands Scholarship is a short-term solution for students who have nonacademic financial problems preventing them from completing classes. Students who are in need of assistance can talk to their enrollment coaches to begin the application process.

“We are thankful for their gift and partnership with TSTC,” said Pete Rowe, a vice president of development  for The TSTC Foundation.

The Brazos Higher Education Services Corp. was founded in the 1970s by the late Murray Watson Jr., a former Texas legislator who filed legislation in 1969 to separate what was an arm of the Texas A&M University system into a stand-alone institution for technical education that would become TSTC. The nonprofit corporation provides student loans for Texans seeking higher education.

“They are great to work with,” Rowe said.

For more information on how to make a gift to TSTC, go to https://www.tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/giving/.

Two TSTC programs to be offered fully online this fall

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Computer Programming Technology and Drafting and Design instructors are gearing up for a different way to offer classes.

The two programs will be offered completely online this fall, and TSTC instructor Julie Rhoades welcomes the opportunity. 

She is no stranger to teaching Computer Programming online. It was previously available online before being shifted to a hybrid status a few years ago.

“Everything is on schedule to offer the programs online,” she said. “The Computer Programming course will be project based. We will have video lessons and virtual classes for discussions.”

While it is not required that students attend each live video lesson, Rhoades said classes will be recorded for students to watch at a later time. In addition, she will schedule weekly assignments for students to complete.

Students will also have the opportunity to submit topic suggestions that may be discussed during video lessons.

Instructors will use the latest video technology to connect to students for questions and feedback, Rhoades said.

“We want to be able to see and hear each other. I will be able to share my screen with the students, and they will be able to share their screens with me,” she said.

Rhoades said she still wants to provide a personal touch.

“I want our students to realize we are here to personally help them,” she said.

The virtual experience may also be used during study groups.

“This is a different type of communication method. We want the students to feel comfortable talking to each other. This will make it more personable,” Rhoades said.

This fall, Rhoades will teach two Drafting and Design classes and one Computer Programming class. According to her, the Drafting and Design class is being developed without a textbook requirement.

While having the program fully online is not new, Rhoades said she has recently seen more interest from prospective students.

“One student told me they would not consider it if it was not online. They had some safety concerns, but once they learned it was fully online, they were on board,” she said. “We want to accommodate people who may not feel safe.”

The Computer Programming Technology online program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. Drafting and Design offers three Associate of Applied Science degrees. They are Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology, and Mechanical-Electrical Drafting Technology.

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

Tour leads Trujillo to TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Juan Trujillo thought about becoming a doctor. But after touring Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus, he changed his mind.

Trujillo said the Diesel Equipment Technology program caught his attention.

After deciding not to focus on medicine as a career, he turned to his first love: vehicles. He will graduate in the fall with an Associate of Applied Science degree, but he has future plans in mind.

“I want to go back to college and get my business degree. I want to open my own business,” he said. “I know I will have a job. How do they get the windmills out here? Diesel. How does Walmart get things to the stores? Diesel. Diesel moves the world.”

Trujillo, a graduate of Grape Creek High School in San Angelo, said he was impressed with the automotive industry because his father drives trucks across the country.

“I have always loved vehicles. I love to work on my own vehicles,” he said of his 2000 Chevrolet Corvette and 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycle.

His passion for vehicles also grew by watching a certain movie franchise.

“I grew up watching the ‘Fast & Furious’ movies and have loved cars. I wanted to start working on them,” he said. “My dad would always let me help him work on the trucks. He would let me change things or tighten stuff. I learned to enjoy it.”

The one difference Trujillo sees during his lab sessions and working on his Corvette is easy to describe.

“These trucks are a lot different from gas engines. Plus, the equipment is heavier,” he said.

Trujillo said the best part of the TSTC program is working in the labs.

“We can read in the textbook all day, but getting in there and working on the trucks is the best thing. I like to put the things I learned from the books to use,” he said. “The labs are like having a job. The instructors are always there, willing to help you.”

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

TSTC Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Program Ready to Fill Jobs

(WACO, Texas) – The plumbing and pipefitting field carries the stereotype of dirty work and smelly situations.

Not so, said Chris Porter, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program in Waco.

“Plumbers regulate the safety of everyone, whether it’s water or sewage,” he said. “Someone can become a certified backflow installer/tester, an estimator, be able to build waste- or water- treatment plants, or even run their own business. Plumbing is for men and women alike.”

Paul Abrams, public relations director of Cincinnati-based Roto-Rooter Services Co., which has several locations throughout Texas, said the company has a challenge nationwide in filling jobs because experienced and licensed plumbers are retiring faster than new employees can join the job market. He said geography also plays a role in recruitment because of regulation differences.

“Even larger municipalities have a separate set of rules that must be followed,” Abrams said. “Some places are known as ‘restricted markets,’ meaning only a licensed plumber can do any type of plumbing work beyond sewer and drain cleaning. Even experienced apprentice plumbers aren’t permitted to turn a wrench in restricted markets unless they’re accompanied by a license holder at the job site. This makes it tough because with licensed plumbers in such short supply, we simply can’t hire enough of them at any price.”

Abrams said in unrestricted markets, apprentices can work under a license holder’s license without him or her being on a job site. In this situation, apprentices can repair common plumbing problems and leave extensive work to experienced, licensed plumbers.

Clyff Curry, business manager and financial secretary of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices Union 529 in Waco, said people entering the field need to have a good understanding of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and be mechanically inclined.

“We try to impress upon them the importance of being at work on time, being ready to work, being in the right frame of mind, all that good stuff,” he said.

Porter said the keys to success in the plumbing and pipefitting industry are to be a quick learner and have practical skill knowledge.

“It is a hard-working industry, but the rewards can be astronomical in the end, meaning once one has acquired his/her plumbing license from the state of Texas,” he said.

The program’s faculty are continuing to plan for the fall semester.

Porter said the Plumbing Codes I and Blueprint Classes will be offered fully online this fall. The rest of the program’s classes will be offered in a hybrid format with in-person labs. 

The program still has space for students this fall.

Texas had more than 43,100 plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters making an annual mean wage of $50,320 as of May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land area had the highest concentration of workers in Texas with more than 11,700. The Waco area had more than 400 workers. 

Jobs for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters are projected to rise nationally to more than 568,000 by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is being attributed to retirements, the adoption of new building codes and the need to maintain and repair plumbing systems. 

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