Chancellor’s Excellence Award – Robert Hernandez

(HARLINGEN) – For nearly two decades, Chemical Technology Lead Instructor Robert Hernandez has put his students first, introducing them to the world of chemistry and an industry that is growing. It is this commitment that has earned him a 2018 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“I am honored to be included in this elite group,” said Hernandez. “This was unexpected, but it’s so great knowing that my work is acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you for the nominations.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is given by TSTC’s Chancellor Mike Reeser to select faculty and staff for their distinguished service and dedication to the college, communities and their state.

Chancellor's Award Recipient Robert Hernandez

“These teammates were nominated by their peers, recommended by their Provosts and Vice Chancellor’s and chosen as faculty and staff who model excellence in our college every day,” said Reeser. “Their caring and dedicated efforts embolden us all to make a difference in the success of our teams and the lives of our students.”

The Houston native first stepped foot in TSTC in 2000 with extensive experience as a chemist.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992 and worked nearly a decade as an analytical chemist for the Texas Department of State Health Services analyzing environmental samples of drinking and surface water and soils.

“I came from a modest home, didn’t have a lot of money, yet I was introduced to many opportunities,” said Hernandez. “I want to do the same for my students and incoming students. I want to introduce them to the possibilities that are out there.”

Hernandez was first introduced to the field of chemistry during high school while attending a magnet school that specialized on the subject and he wants to provide that same inspiration through TSTC’s Chemical Technology program, the only program of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I never imagined myself as a teacher, but now almost 20 years later I can’t think of doing anything else,” he said. “This is the most rewarding job. It was the perfect fit for me back then and I can see myself doing this for many more years to come.”

He said his favorite part of the job is helping students who were once told they would never succeed because they were poor or did not have the perfect grades, but have the motivation and work ethic to better their lives.

“I have seen so many students who match this description come through our program or TSTC in general and make it,” he said. “I love seeing them succeed and grow. That’s what it’s all about and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

David Campos, division director for Architectural, Science and Engineering at TSTC and Hernandez’s supervisor said this award was long overdue for Hernandez.

“Robert is a very talented man in his field. He cares a lot about his students and is always willing to go above and beyond for them,” said Campos. “He’s a great leader and tremendous asset to our team and it’s about time he received this recognition.”

Hernandez said he hopes to continue making a difference and changing people’s lives alongside his team and administration.

“I’m so grateful for the team I get to work with every day and for an administration that fully supports our efforts and work,” he said. “We all have a common goal and that is to change lives and provide careers and that’s why our students are so successful.”

Hernandez will be attending the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin next month and will join the other 16 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses to be recognized and receive their award.

TSTC hosts biggest job fair to date

(HARLINGEN) – With the skills gap growing in Texas for technically trained employees, industries are turning to Texas State Technical College to fill in-demand jobs, making this year’s Industry Job Fair one of the largest for the college.

More than 70 employers representing an array of industries including aviation, computer and information technology, engineering and manufacturing, health science, transportation, construction and maintenance and business office technology were on hand to discuss job opportunities, accept resumés and conduct on-site interviews.

“We’re are so excited to be hosting our largest job fair yet,” said Director of Talent Management and Career Services Viviana Espinosa. “Industry representatives here today are looking to fill positions with skilled employees and many look at our students first because of the training they receive in the classroom. They’re ready to work.”

With more than 500 TSTC students and alumni in attendance, Dane Hayton, human resources manager for Tenaris, the world’s leader and manufacturer in tubular products, received job applications from nearly everyone who stopped at their booth.

“The oil and gas industry is turning around and we need to fill positions across the state,” said Hayton. “We’re growing and we have had great experience with the graduates we hire from TSTC, so we keep a close relationship with the college.”

Hayton hires TSTC students and graduates to fill various positions in areas such as welding, information systems, mechatronics and power electric and controls.

Two of Tenaris’ most recent hires, Aaron Guajardo and Nicholas Rosales, who graduated from TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology and Industrial Systems Technology, respectively, were also recruiting.

Hayton said they enjoy attending the job fairs and returning to the college throughout the year to recruit and interview applicants. He also added he is beginning to work closely and build a relationship with TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus to begin recruiting graduates there.

Students and alumni who applied to Tenaris should be receiving notification next week. But, for many students like Miguel Zamarripa, industry demand is working in their favor.

Zamarripa, who graduated last semester with an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and is currently adding to his skill set by taking introduction to drafting and engineering graphics courses, was hired at the job fair by LaRue Tactics as a computer numerical control (CNC) machinist.

LaRue Tactical is known worldwide for manufacturing rifle systems and targets.

“I didn’t expect to receive an interview or job offer today,” said Zamarripa. “I had applied a couple of weeks back, but this came as a surprise. I’m excited, it’s going to be a new adventure.”

Within the next month, Zamarripa will move to Austin to enter the industry, in a job, he has been hoping for since beginning college.

“As students we are lucky that TSTC gives us the opportunity to network and speak face-to-face with industry recruiters and professionals,” said Zamarripa. “It makes it easier for us to find jobs and success.”

Espinosa said she is looking forward to building relationships with new industry partners and growing those already in place. She also hopes to see future Industry Job Fairs continue to grow so that TSTC students and alumni can continue to be introduced to new job opportunities.

“It’s exciting to see our students leaving with jobs or job leads, that makes for a successful event,” she said. “It’s all about helping our students connect and network with industry recruiters.”

For more information on the services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services for students, alumni and industry, call 956-364-4940.

For more information on the programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Mariela Aguirre

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Mariela Aguirre is expecting to earn her associate degree in Education and Training and Mathematics by Summer 2019.

While the Mexico City native maintains a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, the 26-year-old also participates as an active member of the TSTC Association for Future Educators, SkillsUSA, TSTC’s Leadership Academy and is the incoming Student Government Association (SGA) Secretary.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I will transfer to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education. I will also hopefully work as a substitute teacher to begin gaining classroom experience and to pay for college.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become not only a math teacher, but to open a Ron Clark Academy, a non-profit, model school with the vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques.

I am also interested in someday teaching math or English as a Second Language overseas in Spain or the Middle East.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments while at TSTC have been getting inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, advancing to SkillsUSA state competitions and becoming secretary of the SGA. All of these experiences have taken me out of my comfort zone and I have grown as person because of it.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that with great perseverance I can overcome any challenge in life. It’s determination and perseverance that will help me accomplish my goals and dreams.

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

My instructors Myriam Aguila, Tony Desjardins, Mary Hollmann and actually everyone in that department have influenced my success. They are great leaders who have led me down a positive path and have motivated me to become a great educator.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to stay positive, find your perseverance and use it and challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone because that is where success lives and take the time to explore new skills and adventures. . Remember, we can all learn from each other.

TWC awards TSTC Harvey Relief Grant for training

The Texas Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Board recently awarded Texas State Technical College with a Harvey Relief Grant to assist with the training and certification of men and women in the construction field who are working to rebuild the area after Hurricane Harvey’s devastation.

The grant awarded gives TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education Office more than $82,000 to develop and offer its first National Center for Construction Education and Research Basic Construction course at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus.

“This grants provides us with the infrastructure we need to provide the basic training

TSTC NCCER Training Course

all employers require of their employees,” said Victor Blalack, TSTC’s Continuing Education statewide project manager. “This allows us to work upon our mission of providing the Texas workforce with quality trained individuals.”

The grant provides the funds TSTC needs to train and certify course instructors, certify the lab that will be used and purchase all tools and equipment needed for the class.

The NCCER Core course is open to anyone interested in successfully completing the 73-hour training, whether its employers providing the training for their employees or employees looking to get ahead in the field.

Those who enroll in the course can expect to learn the foundation of construction safety, tool safety and field communication and will become certified by NCCEER.

NCCER credentials are recognized internationally so can be used to work in the United States and abroad.

”Safety is a number one priority everywhere and for everyone,” said Blalack. “So obtaining a certification like this shows employers that a candidate has a high level of skill when it comes to construction safety.”

Blalack also added, “Having a NCCER certification makes a job candidate more marketable and is highly sought. Employers, especially large-scale construction companies require NCCER certifications, so this course is an advantage to many.”

The NCCER course is expected to begin late April or early May and will offered as day and evening courses depending on demand.

Tuition for the class is $1,118 and there are additional grants through the Texas Workforce Solutions for qualifying candidates. Employers also have the option of sponsoring their employees.

The need for NCCER certifications has increased due to the construction the area is undergoing to rebuild the towns and cities hardest hit along the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Harvey.

Blalack said he is glad that TSTC can help the community on this level and hopes that this initial course is a stepping stone for TSTC because his goal is that program will open doors for other NCCER certification courses at the Fort Bend County campus.

For more information or to register call TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education Office at 956-364-4179.

TSTC Logistics Program Sees 100 Percent Placement

(RED OAK) – Since its inception in 2015, the Logistics program at Texas State Technical College in North Texas has graduated 10 students, all of whom are employed in their field.

Logistics instructor William Scott said he thinks the 100 percent placement rate is due to a couple of things.

“First of all, this is a very dynamic, large marketplace for logistics people,” Scott said. “The second thing is we’ve tailored the program to the specific requirements that the employers have asked for.”

Graduates of the program are working for companies such as Walmart, DB Schenker and others. Scott said the areas in which they work vary.

“It ranges across the board,” he said. “We have a couple of people involved with inventory control. We have somebody in shipping and receiving. We have somebody that is a supervisor for a distribution center.”

The program currently has 11 students in various stages of the curriculum.

“One will graduate this spring,” Scott said. “That student already has a job and is working at it. We have another student graduating in the summer, and they’re doing interviews right now.”

Ashley Roper, a 2016 graduate of the program, works as a shipment coordinator at DB Schenker. She manages shipments and handles customer issues.

“I assign trucks and make sure that the correct trailers get assigned to the correct shipment so the correct customers get them,” Roper said. “We have shipments that go to Canada, and we have to make temperature monitors which capture the temperatures to make sure that it’s at the correct temperature, so when it gets there, the product isn’t damaged. We have stuff that goes overseas, and we have processes … to make sure it gets across the border.”

TSTC’s Logistics program teaches students the ins and outs of the industry. The process begins with raw materials, which get made into inventory and then are transported to warehouses for distribution. Students can complete an associate degree in the program in four semesters.

Roper said she learned a lot in the program and it has helped her in her current position.

“Everything they talked about when I got here I already knew, but it’s really cool to be able to actually see it in real life,” she said.

TSTC began registering students for the summer and fall semesters on April 2. For more information on the college, visit tstc.edu.

Sweetwater Company Provides Financial Support for TSTC Veteran-Students

(SWEETWATER) – A Sweetwater company is providing scholarship dollars to military veterans who are studying at Texas State Technical College’s four West Texas campuses.

EMA Electromechanics, an international maker of equipment for the clean wind energy sector, has given $150,000 since 2015 for the Sweetwater Veteran’s Funds for College Education. The funds go toward helping veterans completing their technical education at TSTC in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater.

Rick Denbow, provost of the TSTC campuses in West Texas, said the company’s manager, Gabriel Acosta, saw an unfilled need in helping veterans go to college.

“He is very passionate, and the organization is very passionate about helping TSTC,” Denbow said.

Two of the scholarship’s recipients said it has helped ease financial worries as they study at TSTC.

Stanley West, 47, of Brownwood is a U.S. Army veteran working on a certificate in Structural Welding at TSTC in Brownwood. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and scheduled to graduate in August.

“I’ve been welding for 20- plus years, but I didn’t have a certificate,” West said. “For me, it was learning the language, because I could perform the welds already but did not know what they were called.”

He said the scholarship, along with other funding he is receiving, has been put to good use. The money has enabled him to meet other people through his classes.

“My books alone cost $500,” he said. “I couldn’t afford to go to school because I’m on a fixed income. It’s been a major help and keeps me busy during the week instead of sitting at home and being reclusive.”

West was the fourth of 10 kids raised on a ranch in Cisco and is a 1989 graduate of Cisco High School. He was in the Army National Guard in high school and after graduation went on active duty. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

The EMA scholarship is also helping Paul Weaver, 43, of Abilene. He is a Computer Networking and Systems Administration major at TSTC in Abilene scheduled to graduate in August.

“It was something I had a higher interest in,” Weaver said. “I taught myself how to build a computer while I was on deployment.”

He said the scholarship has enabled him to learn how to improve wireless connections and technology infrastructure.

“It’s a lot more than I expected, but I have enjoyed everything I have learned,” Weaver said.

Weaver grew up in Florida. He spent roughly 13 years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He also served two deployments in Qatar.

“My wife fell in love with Abilene, so after Las Vegas, we came back here,” Weaver said. “I had been wanting to go back to school. I went back to work as a correctional officer for two years, and then I worked for the post office for two days.”

Weaver went on to work for a call center and then was hired at Lowe’s where he works an overnight shift. After his workday ends, he helps has 14-year-old son get ready for school, goes to classes at TSTC and eventually sleeps when his wife gets home from work at Dyess.

After graduation, Weaver said he wants to stay in the Abilene area and work in information technology. He also wants to work on industry certifications.

EMA Electromechanics was founded in 1952 in Argentina. The company’s VDH Series Vacuum Circuit Breaker was first sold in the United States in 2003. The company began its American operations in 2010 in Sweetwater.

For more information on EMA Electromechanics, go to emaelectromechanics.com.

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

TSTC Program to Change Degree Format, Offer Scholarships this Fall

(ABILENE) – A technical program at Texas State Technical College in Abilene will undergo a name change and bring with it an opportunity for students to earn scholarships this fall.

The Computer Aided Drafting program will be changed to Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology and convert to an online associate degree plan. The change is aimed at preparing students in parametric modeling and design, mechanical drafting, residential architectural drafting, topographical drafting and other skills.

“With this new associate degree, we will be more specialized,” said Justin Price, an instructor in the Computer Aided Drafting program at TSTC in Abilene. “We will focus more on architecture and engineering.”

Price said the name change will make it easier to explain to potential students what fields can be pursued with the associate degree. Some of the careers are in architectural, civil and mechanical drafting. He said program graduates have been hired in Abilene, Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland and Odessa.

“Our industry partners told us what we should be teaching our students for mechanical, architectural, piping and civil drafting,” said David Campos, TSTC’s statewide Architecture and Drafting Division director. “They responded to our call and said, ‘We hire your students, and it would be nice in the future if you started teaching this.’ We ended up adding a few more classes because technology changes so much.”

The program has received a $50,000 Fast Start IV grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. The money will supply $5,000 scholarships to 10 students enrolled in the online component of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology this fall at TSTC in Abilene. To be eligible for the scholarship, students in the program must take 12 or more semester credit hours, demonstrate financial need and write an essay on a topic relevant to architecture or engineering.

The application and essay deadline for the scholarship is July 2.

“We have identified a lot of potential students that are working in the industry that either are lacking one, two, three classes that can get the degree or maybe they are doing a different type of work in the industry,” Campos said. “By taking these courses online, they can move up the ladder.”

This fall’s program name and curriculum change will also occur at TSTC in Brownwood and Sweetwater. Students now enrolled in the Computer Aided Drafting program can complete their degree in the current hybrid format.

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology will be part of TSTC Online, a group of technical programs that students can learn online. The other online programs include Business Management Technology, Cyber Security, Digital Media Design and Health Information Technology.

“The growth in TSTC Online programs has come in response to student demand for availability, flexibility and convenience,” said Gina Cano-Monreal, TSTC’s associate vice president for online learning. “Faculty developing courses for TSTC Online programs are the same faculty that teach our quality face-to-face courses. They work extremely hard to develop engaging courses that give our online students a positive learning environment and the sense of community we want all of our TSTC students to experience.”

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

Area MOAA Chapter Hosts Luncheon at TSTC in Waco

(WACO) – The Heart of Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America hosted Waco native Rear Adm. James S. Bynum of the U.S. Navy for a luncheon Tuesday at Texas State Technical College.

“For TSTC, it’s an extreme honor to host MOAA, especially with our deep roots with the military and those who have and are serving,” TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison said.

Navy personnel, military veterans and TSTC and city leaders gathered in the terminal at the Col. James T. Connally Aerospace Center to celebrate Waco being one of 14 municipalities nationwide to host the special week this year.

“The HOT MOAA chapter supports all military branches and educates the public,” said Dr. Harold Rafuse, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel. “We work to provide scholarships for students, many of them are in fact TSTC students. We know that TSTC has created a strong relationship with military service members.”

Bynum, the chief of naval air training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, said the Navy is striving to be more competitive in the world.

“We are growing because the Navy needs us to be bigger than we are,” he said.

The Navy has more than 325,000 active-duty members and more than 98,000 Ready Reserve members. The Navy fleet includes more than 280 deployable battle-force ships and a fleet of underwater search and recovery equipment, submarines, aircraft and unmanned systems, along with missiles.

“We want people to understand what we are and what we do,” Bynum said.

Bynum said he and his staff have enjoyed learning about Waco’s businesses and education opportunities. He said he has been impressed with how much Waco has grown since when he was a child and in past visits to the area.

“It’s been overwhelming and a warm welcome in every turn,” said Bynum.

Bynum was commissioned in 1985 through the National Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Oklahoma. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College and Armed Force Staff College. Bynum is a Georgetown University Capitol Hill Fellow.

On Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, the Heart of Texas Airshow takes flight at the TSTC Airport. Featured performers include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers Parachute Team, along with flights of the U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II and the U. S. Air Force’s Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, better known as the Stealth Bomber.

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

TSTC students present to local health information chapter

(HARLINGEN) – The graduating class from Texas State Technical College Health Information Technology recently presented to the Rio Grande Valley Health Information Management Association (RGVHIMA) at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.

At least 15 students make up the class who will graduate next month and who worked diligently for the past two months to prepare and complete their presentation that focuses on the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management, the organization that accredits TSTC’s program, and the Registered Health Information Technician national exam and certification.

“I’m so proud and honored to call myself these students’ instructor,” said TSTC Health Information Instructor Ana Gonzales. “They have worked so hard to be where they are today and I know they all have bright futures ahead.”

Gonzales said these presentations were first started six years ago as a way to bring the students together, teach them skills important for their future such as communication, research and management and to give the students the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

“The people they are meeting and presenting to are the people who will hire them when they graduate,” said Gonzales. “It’s important that we showcase their skills and capabilities and introduce them to an organization that they will become members of and will be their guidance once out in the field.”

Health Information Technology student and class facilitator Ruth Trevino said their goal as a class is to spread awareness on the various certifications that can be obtained as a professional in the health information and records industry and said they have worked hard at researching and ensuring that they present the best information possible.

“This is a topic that is very important to most, if not all of us,” said Trevino. “In doing our research we found that many graduate from a health information program, but never take their national certifying exam and we’re trying to change that. It can be a career changer.”

Trevino added that becoming a Registered Health Information Technician makes someone more marketable in a competitive market and can lead to higher salaries in the long run.

“It’s never too late to take this exam or go back to school,” she added. “If anything, I hope this is what people took away from our presentation.”

Melissa Perez, also a TSTC Health Information Technology student said they also wanted to spread awareness about TSTC’s program and what it has to offer.

“A degree or certification can take someone’s career to the next level,” she said. “Maybe someone has been thinking of returning to school or has a family member interested in the field, we want them to know that TSTC is here to help them.”

For more information on Health Information Technology at TSTC visit, tstc.edu. The program is also now offered 100 percent online.

Historic first for TSTC students in Fort Bend County

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus is sending its first SkillsUSA team to state competition at TSTC’s Waco campus next month.

At least nine students will compete in the categories of Diesel Equipment Technology, HVAC, Welding Technology and job skills demonstration.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

Students in Skills USA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, building construction and culinary arts.

SkillsUSA TSTC campus advisor and Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Spencer Paige said he is happy he was able to implement this program – the first for the campus.

“Before TSTC I worked for the school district and was the advisor for high school skills,” he said. “I saw so much of the benefits students received from this program, that I wanted our TSTC students to have the same opportunities.”

Paige added that students who compete in SkillsUSA get to practice and improve on the skills they have learned in the classroom, build on their soft skills such as public speaking and interviewing and network with industry professionals who judge the competitions.

“The selling point for our students is getting to meet and speak with industry professionals, many of which are also recruiters,” said Paige. “In SkillsUSA our students get to showcase their skills and some leave with interviews or job offers. This is a big deal for our students and our college.”

TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology student Troy Ketchum expects to earn his certificate in August, but first will compete at the SkillsUSA state competition. This is his first time ever competing.

“I’m excited and nervous all at the same time,” he said. “I can’t wait to visit another TSTC campus, see where we (students) stand among other college students in our field and meet with professionals in our field.”

The 30-year-old said he jumped at the opportunity to participate.

He will be the only one from the campus competing in job skills demonstration and will present on the topic of, “The Importance of Tire Pressure and Tread Depth.”

“I’ve been working hard on preparing for SkillsUSA, we all have,” said Ketchum. “This is our first year and we all want to make a mark.”

The Rosenberg native has been staying after regular school hours preparing his presentation and practicing in front of other students, faculty and staff.

Paige said it has been all hands on deck, helping the students practice, prepare presentations and working with Talent Management and Career Services on updating resumes and interview skill building.

“Our job is to help these students do their very best and make the best impression possible,” said Paige. “We all have a common goal and that is to get to nationals and produce skilled students who are competitive in the job market.”

The nationals SkillsUSA competition will be held in Oklahoma this coming summer. Historically, TSTC is a top competitor at nationals with students bringing home the most medals.

For more information on programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 begins April 2.

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