TSTC Graduate Gets New Lease on Career

(WACO, Texas) -Luke Tennyson’s professional goal is to teach and help others so they can do their jobs better.

Tennyson is a manager of operations in Grapevine and Keller for WorkSuites, a commercial real estate business that rents and subleases office space. He is responsible for 180 offices the company manages in the two cities. Some of his responsibilities include creating preventive maintenance schedules and making sure projects are completed on time. 

Tennyson earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Facilities Maintenance and Management and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance in summer 2019 from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. Those degrees were merged in fall 2019 into the Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems.

Tennyson began work last August shortly after graduating.

“I had not even graduated and applied for this job,” he said. They told me to come in, and I wore a suit. “When they initially gave it to me, I didn’t think I got it because I thought I needed more experience. TSTC definitely prepared me. I would not have gotten the job without it.”

Tennyson grew up in Fort Worth and is a graduate of Arlington Heights High School.

“When I got out of high school, I didn’t really want to go to college,” he said. “I wanted to work and make money.”

Tennyson worked at a golf course on a grounds crew and in maintenance at an apartment complex before attending TSTC.

“When I got to TSTC, I was already kind of experienced, so TSTC prepared me even more to take it to the next level,” he said.

Tennyson said his favorite classes dealt with management, and safety and building codes.

“I did learn so much hands-on,” he said. “We did a lot with pumps, hydraulics and pneumatics. Those classes for me were really good because it taught me something I really did not know.”

Michael Hubbard, one of Tennyson’s instructors, admired his inquisitiveness and work ethic.

“He always wanted to make sure he fully understood the topic,” Hubbard said. “He has a positive attitude. He was genuinely interested, engaged and focused.”

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

TSTC Student Motivated by Career Change

(MARSHALL, Texas) – D’Angelo Thomas of Longview made the commitment and stuck with it.

Thomas chose to attend Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus because he wanted to do something different in his life. He previously worked in the oil and gas field and was a commercial truck driver before enrolling.

He chose the Industrial Systems program because of its diversity of subjects. Students in the four-semester associate degree program learn about basic electrical theory, blueprint sketching, commercial wiring, compressors, pumps and other topics.

“I had some understanding about industrial systems coming from the oil field,” he said. “But in coming to TSTC and being in classes, it opened my eyes to more of how everything goes.”

Thomas is a candidate for graduation this spring with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization.

Thomas said he enjoyed learning about hydraulics and pneumatics and is grateful to TSTC’s staff for fitting in classes around his work schedule.

Edward Chaney, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program, said Thomas has been a wonderful student to teach.

“He has shared some of his past with me and he has been down some bad roads,” Chaney said. “He has turned all that around to do his best to be a good father and husband. He is very respectful and a joy to spend time with in or out of the classroom. He is always respectful.”

Thomas has worked for nine months at Advanced Technology Services Inc., which has a contract with TrinityRail in Longview. He uses equipment manuals and searches online to learn in-depth information on how the company’s machines operate.

Thomas said he and his co-workers are the ones who are called on to troubleshoot problems and get equipment back up and running. 

“Every piece of equipment is challenging, I would say,” he said.

Thomas grew up in Longview and he was active in sports at Longview High School. At that time of his life, college was not on his mind.

“As I got older, I started thinking more about things like that,” he said.

Motivation is easy for Thomas to find.

“It is my family, but I have just been the kind of person that always wants to do something,” he said.

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

TSTC Employees in Waco Recognized With Statewide Award

(WACO, Texas) – Seven employees at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus have been honored for their work and skills.

Sally Estrada, Tonya Isaacks, Misty Kaska, Matthew Peterson, Shelli Scherwitz, Tina Skidmore and Julie Threlkeld have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“We are so excited and pleased for our Waco campus Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients,” said Patti Tate, TSTC’s interim provost in Waco. “Although we have many, many on campus that do wonderful work with us, these are the ones that stood out. There is no greater way to say thank you to those that were recognized.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Isaacks lives in China Spring and is a lab assistant for the Computer Programming Technology and Computer Networking and Systems Administration programs. She was a student worker in 2012 before starting her job full-time in 2016.

“There is no such thing as an average day in my position,” Isaacks said. “Every day is something new. I make plans for the day, but someone has technical difficulties and my whole day changes. The variety in my position is what keeps me motivated. I learn something new every day.”

Peterson lives in Mount Calm and is an instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. He has worked at TSTC for a little more than two years.

“The students motivate me,” he said. “There is nothing better than seeing the light come on when you are teaching, and I can’t explain that feeling of pride and accomplishment to watch the students walk across the stage upon graduation.”

Scherwitz is executive vice president of OIT Administrative Services and has worked for 22 years at TSTC. Her job is to work with all of TSTC’s employees to help make their technology visions a reality. She said she was in shock when she learned she received the award.

Skidmore lives in Abbott and is senior executive director of the Student Reporting Department – Business Intelligence. She will celebrate 15 years of working at TSTC this year. She credits the employees in her department for uniting to build and design new ways to make work easier for TSTC employees.

“Receiving the award is such an honor for me,” Skidmore said. “The work we do typically is done behind the scenes. Having someone put forth the effort to nominate me is an honor in itself, and then to actually receive the award has me in disbelief.”

Threlkeld lives in Waco and is director of Constituent Management at The TSTC Foundation. She has worked at TSTC for seven years.

“I am honored and humbled to be included with such an incredible community of co-workers,” she said. “What we do is important. We touch the lives of TSTC students by removing the barriers that would otherwise keep them from being successful at TSTC and in life.”

Estrada is a custodial worker in the John B. Connally Technology Center, and Kaska is a coordinator in the Advocacy and Resource Center.

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

 

Physics Courses at TSTC Invite Exploration and Curiosity

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking all had one thing in common: their love for physics. 

Two Texas State Technical College instructors enjoy exploring the complexities that physics has to offer while passing them along to TSTC students.

 Physics department chair Jose Alvarez began working at TSTC in 2011 and initially planned on teaching courses in algebra. Ultimately, physics got the best of him and now he thoroughly enjoys teaching the courses.

 “I’m having a ball,” he said.

 Alvarez has worked in several places around the world, including Brazil and Mexico City, which he credits for adding to his passions as an educator.

 “I think those experiences have definitely made me a better instructor,” he said.

 Jaime Romo joined TSTC as an adjunct physics instructor last year, and he is eager to bring his admiration for the subject to his students.

 “My interests were always in problem-solving,” he said when asked about his particular liking for physical sciences. “Physics is the foundation of this; it encapsulates all sciences into one field.”

 Romo mentioned that taking this course is beneficial for anyone who wonders how an everyday object works.

 “We showcase a lot of different examples and experiments that allow students to understand basic concepts,” he said. “At TSTC, we do a good job in terms of giving a glimpse of problem-solving and thinking outside the box that will propel your sense of curiosity.”

 Alvarez added that these are aspects he utilizes when he is in the classroom.

 “I teach the principles of physics that have been around for a long time,” he explained. “Curiosity is the keyword of this entire subject. Once students learn the explanation behind something, they have their aha! moment and everything starts to make sense.”

While there are several programs at TSTC that do require a physics course, Alvarez said that any student with an interest in the subject is welcome to take a physics class.

“Absolutely, take a course,” he explained. “I have had students with an interest in engineering, computer science, education and so many other areas take my classes. If you want to take the course as an elective, take it.”

 Both instructors assure students that if they have a sense of wonder about the world, then taking a physics course will keep things interesting.

 “If you are just a bit curious about physics, you’ll enjoy a course,” said Romo. “Physics uses math as a language to propel you toward understanding nature. I would definitely suggest taking the course just to see what it is all about.”

 “You need curiosity,” added Alvarez. “You need to want to understand why things work the way they do. If you’re interested in that, it’s a lot of fun.”

 To learn more about courses offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

 

TSTC Surgical Technology Program Prepares Students for Life-Changing Career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The ever-growing medical field is more vital than it has ever been. Health care workers are an essential part of our well-being, and the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College not only boasts a high completion rate, but it is also a very hands-on academic journey that prepares students for a career in this crucial field.

Senior instructor Anna San Pedro, a 22-year veteran of the program, discussed her experiences at the forefront of surgical technology at TSTC and the impact that students who complete the program have on their communities.

 “I graduated back in 1995,” she said. “I worked at Valley Baptist Medical Center for a few years right after that.”

 After learning of an opportunity to become a lab assistant, San Pedro joined the TSTC team in 1998 and has been working at the college ever since. 

 “Just recently Mr. (Robert) Sanchez retired after 39 years as program director,” she said. “I took over the program last year. It’s very exciting. I’ve got big shoes to fill!”

 The 2019 graduating class had a program completion rate of 83 percent, which is above the national average, an attribute that San Pedro credits to the leadership of the program.

 “The curriculum that Mr. Sanchez put together, and all the work he put into setting up the affiliations with the surrounding facilities, is part of why we have seen such high success rates,” San Pedro reiterated. “We have affiliations from Brownsville to Mission, which have also given us high success rates with regard to placing our students.”

 The program, which is six semesters long, offers an intricately hands-on approach to learning.

 “It is highly intensive clinically, and they’re learning on the job,” San Pedro added. “Our students are getting hands-on training at these facilities. What sets us apart are our strong affiliations and the fact that our students are receiving such a diversified clinical training before they complete the program.”

 TSTC’s Surgical Technology department is dedicated to student success so much so that students have the opportunity to tour an operating room before they make their final decision to begin their academic journey.

 “We give them a local tour so that they have the chance to see what the operating room is about,” San Pedro said. “It’s about two hours long, and we do the tours because we want to give them as best an inside view into their potential career as we can. We want them to make the best decisions for themselves about the program.”

 While getting into the program is competitive, San Pedro said that students not only grow academically through their coursework, but they also grow as medical professionals.

 “I enjoy seeing that evolution take place,” she said. “Seeing students come in with no understanding of the operating room and then seeing them begin to get to know the industry is really inspiring. It’s a huge step with regard to their professional growth.”

 Despite the challenges that come with any academic feat, and the rigorous coursework that comes with the medical territory, San Pedro stated that the rewarding aspect of being the helping hand for another person is part of what makes the profession worth it.

 “You get to help somebody,” she said. “That’s the most rewarding thing. You can actually change the life of an individual.”

 To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/SurgicalTechnology.

 

 

The Sky’s The Limit for TSTC Aviation Maintenance Graduate

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ely Monalisa Cortina is ready to bring girl power to the male-dominated field of aviation. The Brownsville native knew that Texas State Technical College was the right college for her after a tour in high school introduced her to aviation maintenance, and it was in that moment that she fell in love with the complexities of an aircraft.

 Cortina graduated from TSTC in December 2019 with associate degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

The 21-year-old is not only well-equipped for her new career intellectually, but she also has the determination needed to help her take flight.

 “There is nothing that can stop that girl,” said aviation maintenance instructor Leo Guajardo. “There is nothing that will get in her way to achieve what she wants, and I was so glad to have her in my class.”

 Cortina discussed her time at TSTC, her new career, and even offered some words of advice for potential students who may walk in her footsteps.

Why did you decide to study aviation maintenance? 

I decided on the aviation maintenance program because I’ve always found myself to be attracted to mechanical work. I’ve always enjoyed taking an object apart, learning how it functions and then putting it back together. Plus, who doesn’t think an aircraft is cool?

What motivated you to choose TSTC? 

During my senior year of high school, I was able to take a tour of the campus and the programs offered. The aviation maintenance program caught my attention as soon as I walked into the hangar. I knew at that moment TSTC was the right school for me.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success? 

The person who influenced me the most would be my instructor Leo Guajardo. As a female entering a male-dominant field, he reassured me that my success is possible and there are no limitations as to how far I will go in this career. He is a well-rounded instructor who doesn’t mind taking the extra time to help a student understand a subject they are having trouble with, both in the book and hands-on work.

Talk a little bit about your new role. 

My new role will be at the Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.  It will include engine work and structural work on the Beechcraft T-6 aircraft they use to train military personnel.

How has TSTC prepared you for this career? 

TSTC has prepared me by challenging my critical-thinking skills. I enjoyed how the college provided us with different types of aircraft and engines to prepare us for the real world as much as possible.

Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC? 

I have many favorite memories. Although one that has always stood out was when I was taught how to start a Cessna 175 aircraft during one of our class lectures. Hearing any aircraft always rekindles my love of aviation.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

My advice would be to push through all the difficult days you will come by. Never lose sight of the finish line; you will be happy with the person you will become. All the knowledge and experience you will acquire will guarantee your success in whatever company you choose to work for.

To learn more about Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC, PMI team up to provide COVID-19-specific training sessions

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training department and the Practice Management Institute, which trains and certifies administrative professionals working in medical offices, are featuring a comprehensive bundle of courses focusing on telemedicine and the impact that COVID-19 is having on medical administration.

The courses are being offered through the TSTC/PMI Online Learning Resource Center for Medical Office Staff.

The training bundle includes 10 educational sessions designed to guide health care practitioners to bill properly for telehealth services before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The first nine sessions are available online, and the 10th session will be held live on May 7.

Topics will include Essentials of Telehealth Reimbursement; How to Get Paid for Providing Virtual Services; Staying Calm and Strategic During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Private Payers and Telehealth in the Age of COVID-19; Telehealth Billing Q&A; Telemedicine Cybersecurity Challenges; EZ Provider Enrollment During the COVID-19 Crisis; How COVID-19 Impacts HIPAA; Claims Issues Arising During COVID-19; and Billing and Documentation Tips for Telemedicine Services.

The live session will delineate between telehealth services provided during the public health emergency and beyond to prepare medical practices for transitioning to prior telehealth requirements when COVID-19-related interventions expire.

“We are thrilled with our continued and expanded partnership and remain committed to providing exceptional curriculum during this time of uncertainty and into the future,” said Michael Moore, PMI’s vice president of Partner Development.

Now in its fourth year of working with TSTC to bring quality training to the Abilene and Harlingen service areas, PMI is expanding the partnership to bring continuing education opportunities to medical staff in other TSTC markets, including Fort Bend County, Marshall and Waco.

“There are a lot of topics that are important to what we are facing today,” said John Dosher, TSTC’s executive director of Workforce Training. “This information will be good for people in clinics and hospitals.”

Medical clinic and hospital employees may be eligible to participate in these and other courses at no cost through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business program. For information, contact Cindy Brunett, TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education project manager, at cindy.brunett@tstc.edu .

The COVID-19 bundle also includes PMI certification tracks online. For registration information, visit https://www.tstc.edu/workforce/onlinelearningcovid-19.

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

The sky’s the limit for TSTC aviation maintenance graduate

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ely Monalisa Cortina is ready to bring girl power to the male-dominated field of aviation. The Brownsville native knew that Texas State Technical College was the right college for her after a tour in high school introduced her to aviation maintenance, and it was in that moment that she fell in love with the complexities of an aircraft.

Cortina graduated from TSTC in December 2019 with associate degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

The 21-year-old is not only well-equipped for her new career intellectually, but she also has the determination needed to help her take flight.

“There is nothing that can stop that girl,” said aviation maintenance instructor Leo Guajardo. “There is nothing that will get in her way to achieve what she wants, and I was so glad to have her in my class.”

Cortina discussed her time at TSTC, her new career, and even offered some words of advice for potential students who may walk in her footsteps.

Why did you decide to study aviation maintenance? 

I decided on the aviation maintenance program because I’ve always found myself to be attracted to mechanical work. I’ve always enjoyed taking an object apart, learning how it functions and then putting it back together. Plus, who doesn’t think an aircraft is cool?

What motivated you to choose TSTC?

During my senior year of high school, I was able to take a tour of the campus and the programs offered. The aviation maintenance program caught my attention as soon as I walked into the hangar. I knew at that moment TSTC was the right school for me.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success? 

The person who influenced me the most would be my instructor Leo Guajardo. As a female entering a male-dominant field, he reassured me that my success is possible and there are no limitations as to how far I will go in this career. He is a well-rounded instructor who doesn’t mind taking the extra time to help a student understand a subject they are having trouble with, both in the book and hands-on work.

Talk a little bit about your new role. 

My new role will be at the Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio.  It will include engine work and structural work on the Beechcraft T-6 aircraft they use to train military personnel.

How has TSTC prepared you for this career? 

TSTC has prepared me by challenging my critical-thinking skills. I enjoyed how the college provided us with different types of aircraft and engines to prepare us for the real world as much as possible.

Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC? 

I have many favorite memories. Although one that has always stood out was when I was taught how to start a Cessna 175 aircraft during one of our class lectures. Hearing any aircraft always rekindles my love of aviation.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

My advice would be to push through all the difficult days you will come by. Never lose sight of the finish line; you will be happy with the person you will become. All the knowledge and experience you will acquire will guarantee your success in whatever company you choose to work for.

To learn more about Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

Collins receives TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(ABILENE, Texas) – After working for Texas State Technical College a few years, Annette Collins knew it was going to be a career-defining opportunity.

Collins’ work with veterans in West Texas earned her a 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Collins, a native of East Cleveland, Ohio, is the Veterans Program officer in West Texas. Her support of students is evident. She went as far as calling one student daily to make sure he made it to class on time.

“My top goal is a base residency establishment at Dyess Air Force Base that eventually will open doors for other military installations. I have set goals for myself, and one of them is to increase the veteran enrollment by 10 percent every semester,” she said.

Collins said TSTC offers an education beyond books and classrooms.

“We have an opportunity to gain hands-on training, and TSTC gets you prepared for employment on the outside,” she said.

That is one of the reasons Collins received the award.

“Each year TSTC employees have an opportunity to nominate fellow employees who display our core values on an ongoing and consistent basis. Regardless of their daily demands, these nominees have risen to the top through their dedication to TSTC customers, both internal and external,” said Rick Denbow, provost at TSTC in West Texas. “With multiple levels of vetting, only a small percentage of those nominated are awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.”

Collins, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant, credited her time in the military for the work she does helping veterans.

“I learned that accountability, loyalty and providing excellent customer service were the key elements in making an organization successful. I live by the values of Integrity, doing the right thing at all times, service before self and excellence in all we do,” she said. “The values I have presented to TSTC and to all the veterans, co-workers and others I encounter amplified my ability to provide outstanding customer service and an uplifting, caring attitude each day. A simple greeting and smile can actually make someone’s day.”

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

Alumnus helps recruit students to TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology students at Texas State Technical College in West Texas have an advantage.

Lab assistant Tony Torres is a 2016 graduate of the program, and he is available to guide students during lab sessions. Torres and master instructor Julie Rhoades share the same goal. They want their students to get a job after completing the program.

Torres said the program prepares students for the Texas workforce, but the learning does not stop after graduation.

“We let them know that the learning is not over at TSTC,” he said. “They will be learning different programming languages in the field. But if that language is not part of their company’s database, we want to give them enough tools so that they will be able to pick up what it is.”

Rhoades said the program will help students with different computer programs, including mobile applications. While she does not see many TSTC graduates focusing on mobile applications, Rhoades said it is a good skill for them to learn.

Having Torres working in the lab with students is an advantage, she said. Most of the program is taught online, but some students use the computer labs on the Abilene and Brownwood campuses to complete assignments.

Rhoades said Torres is also a good recruiter for the program in West Texas.

“His work ethic is great. He can tell the students what to expect during the course,” Rhoades said. “He has been through it and offers them first-hand knowledge.”

Torres said he likes to talk to students about why they chose the computer programming field.

“I have talked to some students that barely knew how to turn on a computer,” he said. “Those are the ones that really flourish in the program.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming Technology. Torres earned that degree and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree.

Rhoades said she was pleased that Torres is working to further his education while helping current students.

“Tony has helped our recruiters with recruiting efforts,” she said.

She hopes that more of the West Texas program will include face-to-face interaction in the future.

“That will give us a chance to work with students both online and in person. It would be the best of both worlds,” she said.

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