TSTC in North Texas Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

(RED OAK) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in North Texas have been honored for their work and skills.

Thomas Betik, a building maintenance supervisor, and Leslie Monk, an Industrial Maintenance instructor, are recipients of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

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 new direction,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Betik began work at TSTC in 2017 and is the first in his position on campus. Since he is the only building maintenance supervisor there, he deals with most building-related problems that arise. Betik said faculty members also offer their expertise in some situations.

“I was in disbelief,” he said about the award. “To me, to get it in that short period of time was amazing.”

Betik grew up in Ennis and graduated in 1983 from Ennis High School. He graduated in 1987 from TSTC in Waco with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Plant Engineering.

“I come from a farming background and picked up a lot of maintenance and plumbing skills around the farm and made a career out of it,” Betik said.

TSTC in North Texas Provost Marcus Balch called Betik a tireless worker the campus is fortunate to have.

“He is very well respected and liked by the employees,” Balch said.

Monk was hired four years ago as the first instructor for the Industrial Maintenance program at TSTC in North Texas. The Waxahachie resident calls it his favorite job.

“Surprised was an understatement,” he said upon learning about the award. “I read the email three times. It was astonishing and not expected at all.”

Monk said he enjoys teaching because it is a way to share the knowledge he learned from his relatives who were electricians.

“I teach nights with students in the field who want to promote up,” he said. “I get to work with a lot of experienced people.”

Monk grew up in Grand Prairie and has a general education development certificate. He is a 2015 graduate of Cedar Valley College, where he studied interdisciplinary studies.

He joined the United States Navy at 18 and was an electrician in the the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions. While in the military, Monk was deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, as well as to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Balch said Monk is quiet, but a hard worker.

“He has been a trouper for us,” the provost said. “He has helped grow our cohort for Industrial Maintenance at night. He has stepped in to teach Electrical Power and Controls classes in the past.”

Betik and Monk will join 33 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s Excellence Awards Dinner in May in Austin.

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

TSTC in Marshall Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

(MARSHALL) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Marshall have been honored for their work and skills.

Neal Andrews, an electrician, and Amy Hertel, a Cyber Security instructor, have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

“We’re incredibly proud of both Amy and Neal,” said TSTC Provost Barton Day. “Both of these great teammates model TSTC’s core values daily and are a joy to serve with.”

Andrews joined TSTC in 2018 and said he was surprised by the recognition. He said a key to being a good co-worker is to be agreeable.

“I had to have someone explain it to me,” he said of the award. “I am the only electrician on campus.”

He said TSTC is the first place where he has not had to wear a hard hat or do shift work.

Andrews grew up in Kilgore and said he considered becoming an industrial arts teacher. But, while in college, he applied for an internship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and stayed in the profession.

Andrews is also a member of the Union Hill Independent School District Board of Trustees in Gilmer.

Hertel said her email notification about the award was an unexpected surprise.

“I think I stared at the email a good 10 minutes before processing it,” she said.

She began teaching Cyber Security classes at TSTC in 2014.

“I know exactly why I’m here,” Hertel said. “I like to get a student in the program and see them grow. I’ve seen them get confidence and get out of their shell. I work with them on their resumes and prepare them for interviews.”

Hertel grew up in Winnsboro and said she wanted to teach since her childhood days of lining up to give lessons to her stuffed animals. She received her first computer when she was 4. While growing up, she learned about computer parts and software upgrades from a relative who worked at Texas Instruments.

Hertel studied computer science at Northeast Texas Community College and computer information systems at The University of Texas at Tyler. She has CompTIA certifications in A+, Network+ and Security+ and an AccessData certification in Computer Forensics.

Andrews and Hertel will join 33 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration in May in Austin.

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

Student Success Profile – Diana Mitchell

(HARLINGEN) – Diana Mitchell is a Biology major at Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to earn her associate degree in Summer 2019.

The Harlingen native is also active on campus as a work-study employee with the biology department, a member of the TSTC Student Leadership Academy and, most recently, as founder and president of the Biology Club. Under her leadership, the club has partnered with TerraCycle for a recycling drive and with the Pizzeria for a fundraiser.

Mitchell has also recently begun volunteering and job shadowing at a local veterinary clinic.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M University – Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals and have always had pets. Caring for them and ensuring they’re healthy is my passion.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments have been maintaining A’s and B’s and starting the Biology Club. It has taught me leadership and communication skills I may not have otherwise received if I wasn’t an active student on campus.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lessons I have learned are to do what you’re passionate about, don’t compare yourself to others because everyone’s path is different and don’t dwell on your mistakes, instead learn from them.

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

First, there’s my number one supporter and fan, my mother Sanjuanita Quintanilla; she is a custodial worker at TSTC’s Learning Resource Center. She is my everything. Next, my instructors, but especially biology and anatomy and physiology instructor and club advisor Jena Campbell. She has a wealth of knowledge and is one of the people pushing me to continue my education, and last, but not least, my supervisor and academic English program maintenance specialist Alma Garcia, for teaching the value of work ethic.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take advantage of what TSTC has to offer in your own backyard, and take school seriously. I didn’t when I was younger, and I regret it. So find a passion and stick with it.

TSTC honors excellence with Chancellor’s Award

(HARLINGEN) – A record 13 faculty and staff members at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen have been named recipients of the prestigious Chancellor’s Excellence Award, chosen from among 160 nominations.

Texas State Technical College has celebrated the dedication of its staff and faculty by awarding the Chancellor’s Excellence Award to those committed to the excellence of the college and its students for almost two decades.

The 2019 recipients are – Maria Magana, contract compliance manager; Daniel De La Garza, director of strategic sourcing; Heather Sauceda, vocational nursing program director; Shirley Byrd, vocational nursing to registered nursing transition director; Tom Cross, aviation maintenance lead instructor; Jennifer Colten, director of stewardship and donor relations; Robert Foshie, executive director of enrollment center; Tracy Vallejo, records processing specialist; Llesmin Gonzalez, executive director of testing center; Teresa Rivera, custodian worker; Leo Villarreal, maintenance department painter; Janette Gomez, community standards liaison; and Arnulfo Alanis, maintenance electrician.

Each staff and faculty member have worked with TSTC anywhere between three and 20 years, and were nominated by their peers, provosts and vice chancellors.

They were selected for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state for this award and for exhibiting daily TSTC’s core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity.

Every recipient shared the sentiment of surprise and shock. They said they don’t come to work with receiving an award in mind, but instead on the doing the best job they can.

Foshie said it’s an honor to recognized by his peers, but to him his work is more than the awards.

“TSTC is my career and family and I’m already honored to be part of this amazing community,” said Foshie, who has been with TSTC for 11 years. “And being able to see students begin this important part of their lives and seeing them achieve success as they walk across the stage at commencement is my favorite part of the job.”

For Cross, who has been with TSTC for nearly two decades, said he works every day with the goal of building the aircraft airframe and powerplant programs and creating a culture of success so that TSTC graduates are the first choice for employers. He said it was never about winning awards or receiving recognition.

“It was such a surprise learning about this award,” said Cross. “I just do my job to the best of my ability. TSTC gives us a great opportunity to help change students’ lives for the better.

I didn’t think I was worthy of this recognition, but I am humbled and honored.”

For some like Byrd, who has been with TSTC for four years, this award has allowed for reflection.

“When I read the email I thought it was a mistake. My department is very small and I couldn’t imagine who would nominate me,” she said. “But I am excited and honored and this has made me look at myself and evaluate as to why I received this award, and I am already looking at how to improve my department and live up to the expectations of this honor.”

Foshie, Cross, Byrd and the other recipients will join the other 35 TSTC recipients from across the state at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin where they will receive their medallions.

TSTC honors excellence with Chancellor’s Award

Arnulfo Alanis

Tracy Vallejo

Tom Cross

Teresa Rivera

Shirley Byrd

Robert Foshie

Maria Magana

Llesmin Gonzalez

Leo Villarreal

Jennifer Colten

Janette Gomez

Heather Sauceda

Daniel De La Garza

A veteran’s success has reached new heights at TSTC

(HARLINGEN) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home.

After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree.

“The military was my life. It was my career,” said Jeffries. “I never imagined that I would be a college student, much less be this close to graduating.”

Jeffries expects to earn his certificate and associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in May and currently boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“This is a second career for me and I expect it to sustain my family and me until I retire,” he said. “I did a lot of research before enrolling and I’m confident that I’m going to have a great paying, stable job for a long time. There is a lot of growth and opportunity in this industry.”

Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with wind electricity expected to continue growing rapidly opportunities are expected to increase.

In an article by Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Sergio Contreras, Texas is a leader in wind energy power with close to 25,000 Texans working in support of the wind industry.

He states that the impact of these thousands of jobs is also felt in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Opportunities range from the fastest-growing middle-wage position in Texas, wind turbine technician, to the construction workers and suppliers that support continued growth of the state’s wind industry,” said Contreras. “In fact, TSTC in Harlingen Wind Energy Technology program graduates are earning an annual average salary, with a two-year degree, of $53,000, which can go to $90,000.”

Jeffries said knowing the type of opportunities that lay ahead, he made it his goal to work hard and maintain an “A” average and a knowledge that would be impressive to employers.

His determination paid off because he recently accepted an internship position with transition to full-time employment with One Wind Renewable Energy Services in Willacy County as a Wind Turbine Technician starting in April.

“I treat school as a job and I do my very best,” said Jeffries. “And I’m excited for the opportunity I have been presented with and I look forward to beginning my career.”

He credits his success to not only his instructors, who have been a source of knowledge and experience for him, but also the TSTC Veteran Center for helping him in his transition from military to civilian life.

TSTC is a Gold-Level Military Friendly School and the TSTC Veterans Center serves veterans and their dependents as a centralized one-stop shop to get assistance with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications, in addition to other internal and external services and referrals to ensure a successful college experience.

“It’s been a difficult transition, but the Veterans Center helping me with all of my documents and processes, and my instructors and classmates who have become family, have made it a bit easier,” he said. “And I know that my two-year degree is going to take me far.”

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

Vargas announced as a recipient of the TSTC Chancellor Excellence Award

(FORT BEND) – Christina Vargas is the Assistant Director of Enrollment Management for Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County and has added Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient to her title.

“I was overwhelmed and humbled when I found out about this recognition,” said Vargas. “I know so many hard workers that I look up to and I know are deserving. So this was an unexpected honor.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award has celebrated employees who exhibit TSTC’s core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity for the last 19 years.

TSTC employees are nominated by their peers, provosts and vice chancellors and are chosen for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state for this award.

Vargas was selected among 160 faculty and staff members who were nominated and is one of 35 recipients statewide.

It’s been two years since Vargas first arrived at TSTC, and as a Rosenberg native she said she is happy to be home.

“It feels great to be serving the community where I grew up with education,” she said. “Being back here has brought back so many great memories.”

Although Vargas has an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive every day from Victoria, where her and her family reside, she said it’s worth it because she gets to change lives for the better.

“Helping students find success is my favorite thing,” said Vargas. “Especially when they thought college was out of reach for them. And seeing them put on that cap and gown is the cherry on top.”

Vargas has been serving students in various capacities for more than 2 decades. She came to TSTC with extensive experience in teaching for both public and private school, and with student services experience from Victoria College and University of Houston-Victoria, both of which she also attended as a student.

“I look forward to growing with the campus,” said Vargas. “I have a great team that inspires, encourages and motivated each other and our students, and TSTC cares not only about their students’ success, but also about their faculty and staff growing. This is what makes TSTC a great place to work.”

Vargas said TSTC overall has won her family over because even her son is part of the TSTC family as a student in Environmental Compliance Technology.

“TSTC is changing lives every day, including ours,” said Vargas. “It’s great to be a part of something big like this and I’m honored that someone, somewhere feels that work I am doing is invaluable and worthy. The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a validation and great honor.”

Vargas will be honored in May at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin where, she and the other Chancellor’s Award recipients, will receive their awards.

TSTC in Marshall Hosts Industry Job Fair

(MARSHALL) – More than 160 Texas State Technical College students and alumni met potential employers from throughout Texas and Louisiana on Thursday at its Industry Job Fair.

Students trekked through TSTC in Marshall’s South Building to talk to more than 30 companies looking to fill jobs in cybersecurity, fleet maintenance, education, software development, construction and other career fields.

Andrew McDavid, a recruiter at Ryder in Roanoke, Texas, said he was looking for potential heavy equipment mechanics, route engineers, software developers and electrical lineworkers.

McDavid said the company’s heavy equipment mechanics receive 80 hours of training each year. And, Ryder offers student loan reimbursements.

“Experience is one thing they need to have,” he said. “Our goal is to fill a job in 40 to 45 days.”

Josie Graham, an employment coordinator at Louisiana CAT in Reserve, Louisiana, said the company was in need of diesel technicians. She said TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program was a good source for the company.

“It’s great when there are colleges like this that offer this kind of program,” Graham said. “Students who grew up working on equipment are good for us.”

Louisiana CAT offers tuition reimbursement and comprehensive on-the-job and computerized training.

“We heavily promote from within,” Graham said.

Students were encouraged to bring resumes and ask company representatives questions.

Jody Liedtke, a TSTC Precision Machining Technology major from Henderson, said Koenig & Bauer sparked his interest. The company specializes in building printing presses.

“If you get hired, they send you to Germany for a year to teach you how to run the machinery and learn the language,” he said.

Some students were interviewed after the event by AEP (American Electric Power), said Hannah Luce, a TSTC Career Services coordinator.

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

Houston Company Representatives Visit TSTC’s EPC Program

(ABILENE) – Representatives of a Houston company recently spoke to Electrical Power and Controls program students at Texas State Technical College about industry growth and the jobs outlook.

“We want TSTC students because we know that what they’re learning in the class is what we need in the field. We’ve hired students from TSTC before but this new location means more potential talent,” Alan Postiglione, Business Development Manager for Absolute Testing said.

Founded in 2008, Absolute Testing Services, Inc. has grown from having five technicians to an organization that serves customers internationally. One of the first five technicians was TSTC alumnus Blake Forester.Forester graduated in 2003 from TSTC in Waco with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Instrumentation Technology.

“Absolute drew me in because I would get the chance to start with a company from the ground up,” Forester said. “Since then, it’s been the people who are amazing and that they keep us busy with all different types of work that make me happy to be here.

He is not the only TSTC alumni recruited by Absolute. Cody Lindsey graduated from TSTC in Waco’s Electrical Power and Controls program in 2014 and started working for Absolute.

“You’re never treated like a number. (Absolute) is very family oriented and gives you the chance to learn and grow,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey says if there was any advice he could offer this class of graduates, it was to never be afraid to ask questions and find a company that aligns with your personal goals.

TSTC opened the Industrial Technology Center in Abilene last fall with new programs in Electrical Power and Controls, Instrumentation Technology and Welding.

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

Representatives from Absolute Testing Services, Inc. spoke with TSTC in Abilene Electrical Power and Controls students about career opportunities.

TSTC Awards Farm City Week Scholarships

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College continued its longtime support for the recent Harrison County Farm City Week by awarding two scholarships to the event’s Agricultural Mechanics winners.

Jett Smallwood received a $1,000 scholarship for being named the contest’s Grand Champion, and Dalton Adams received a $500 scholarship for being named Reserve Grand Champion. The two Waskom High School students can use the scholarships if they attend TSTC.

“I think it is really good for TSTC because they are supporting potentially what could be their future students,” said Darrin Peeples, president of the Harrison County Agri-Business Association. “It gives TSTC a chance to support good kids who are good at what they do and encourage them to be future TSTC students.”

The county’s 57-year-old Farm City Week is a celebration of students’ work creating agriculture projects and raising animals. Students can take part if they are at least 9 years old or in third grade, whichever comes first.

The event generated $359,000 in sales this year, with much of the money going back to the student participants and scholarships, said Wayne Dillon, TSTC’s facilities director and a member of the association’s board of directors.

“The smallest project is about four months,” Dillon said. “Most of them are six months to a year if they raise and train the animals and feed them right and keep them proportional. A lot of these projects the kids start in the ag shop after the school year starts.”

For more information on Harrison County Farm City Week, go to farmcityweek.org.

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

Georgetown Company Donates Equipment to TSTC

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College recently received an in-kind equipment donation from a Georgetown company.

Trendsetter Electronics gave capacitors valued at more than $19,800 to the Williamson County campus in Hutto. Capacitors are two-terminal electrical components that store energy used in circuits.

“You have a great school, and it is our honor to be a small part of enriching the lives of TSTC students and our community,” said Lori Rutterford, the company’s data integrity manager.

Michael Smith, an associate field development officer for The TSTC Foundation, said the equipment can be used in programs that deal with electricity, like Biomedical Equipment Technology, Instrumentation Technology, and Electrical Power and Controls.

“They have been a great partner, and you will see a lot of developments out of Georgetown,” Smith said.

Trendsetter Electronics previously donated electronic components in 2018 to TSTC. The company distributes active, electro-mechanical, interconnect and passive electronic parts for the oil and gas industry and the instrumentation field.

“TSTC is proud to count on industry to hire our students and advise our curriculum,” said TSTC in Williamson County Provost Edgar Padilla. “Many of these partners also go above and beyond in supporting our mission and donate equipment, scholarship funds and other in-kind gifts to ensure that our mission of training Texans is successful. It’s a testament to TSTC’s reputation among our industry partners, and we’re very appreciative of the recent donation from Trendsetter.”

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

news.tstc.edu

Texas State Technical College News Site

TSTC in North Texas Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

TSTC in Marshall Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

Student Success Profile – Diana Mitchell

TSTC honors excellence with Chancellor’s Award

A veteran’s success has reached new heights at TSTC

Vargas announced as a recipient of the TSTC Chancellor Excellence Award

TSTC in Marshall Hosts Industry Job Fair

Houston Company Representatives Visit TSTC’s EPC Program

TSTC Awards Farm City Week Scholarships

Georgetown Company Donates Equipment to TSTC