Author Archives: Ben Barkley

TSTC honors fall graduates with virtual celebration

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its fall graduating class with a virtual celebration Thursday, Dec. 10.

The virtual celebration honored students at each campus and included a video message from TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. TSTC had 1,091 candidates for graduation for the fall semester.

“Today we celebrate. We celebrate your commitment, your perseverance and your hard work that led you to this rare accomplishment,” Reeser said. “In the midst of your training, our state suffered an unprecedented pandemic, and yet you persevered through. Relish in the fact that all the choices and sacrifices you’ve made along the way culminate in this special moment in time.”

Reeser said the graduates will make an immediate impact on helping Texas recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the years ahead, we may face some uncertainties, but one thing we know with conviction is that we are going to need Texans like you — talented people who can and will apply superlative, hands-on skills to improve our state and help build our economic recovery,” he said.

Candidates for graduation thanked members of the TSTC faculty and staff for their support in messages posted to social media.

Waco Welding Technology student Tyler Eller said he now has a path to being successful.

“I appreciate TSTC for being a reliable steppingstone and creating an opportunity to manifest a brighter future for myself,” he said.

Sweetwater Wind Energy Technology student Christopher Boyd also said TSTC led him to a career.

“I am extremely grateful for the job opportunity I have acquired after coming to TSTC,” Boyd said. “It has changed my life forever. Thank you to all of my professors for shaping me to be the best I can be for my career.”

Cybersecurity student Edward Luna Sr. agreed with Boyd’s comment.

“TSTC has opened so many more opportunities for me,” Luna said after completing the program at the Fort Bend County campus.

Amy Trevino said TSTC offered her flexibility while studying Education and Training at the Harlingen campus.

“TSTC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree with flexible scheduling, and without that I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this achievement,” she said.

Tara Nugent, a Welding Technology student in Marshall, said she learned more than just a trade.

“I have not only gained many skills in my trade, I have learned so much more about myself,” she said. “With the impact TSTC had on me, I have decided to continue furthering my education and will be doing so right here with my TSTC family.”

East Williamson County student Juan Jaramillo can now call himself a chef after completing the Culinary Arts program.

“I am so thankful for TSTC for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime, and thankful for my instructors that were there for me all the way,” he said.

Ashleigh Humphrey earned an associate degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, as well as an associate degree in Cybersecurity. She credited the North Texas and Waco faculty for helping her reach that goal.

“This could not have been done without you and your amazing staff. Thank you for all the support and encouragement, forever,” she said.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Dual enrollment opportunity leads Heatley to continue education at TSTC

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Breckenridge High School senior M.T. Heatley does not want to stop studying Welding Technology when he graduates in May.

Heatley plans to continue his education at Texas State Technical College, where he is a dual enrollment student, to pursue an associate degree. He said that will set him up for a brighter future.

“I am working on my certificate and decided that if I was that far, I should continue for the associate,” he said. “I know it will help me in looking for a job.”

TSTC Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope said he knew Heatley would excel in the program.

“He came in here during his junior year and really took hold of things,” Hope said. “His skills in this trade have grown so much. I knew early on he had a future as a welder.”

Heatley has taken on the role of mentor and wants to see every student do well.

“It feels good to help the younger guys. They are working hard in the lab,” he said. “I want to see them succeed.”

About two dozen Breckenridge High School students are taking dual enrollment welding classes at TSTC. The agreement is seen as a positive for everyone involved, said Breckenridge High School principal William Paul.

“The program is very popular with our students. Just as important is our partnership with the Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation, led by Virgil Moore, who has committed funds to ensure our TSTC student costs are covered,” Paul said. “The BEDC is committed to ensuring we are promoting a skilled workforce within Breckenridge, and we value that.”

The dual enrollment opportunity, according to Paul, is a way for the high school to fulfill its mission of preparing students for life after school.

“Our partnership with TSTC is an extremely important part of achieving that goal as it gives students the opportunity to learn a valuable skill, such as welding,” he said. “Students who enroll in our dual enrollment TSTC welding classes can get a jump-start on a career by earning TSTC dual credit hours prior to graduation and have some of the welding curriculum completed when they graduate.”

Heatley said Hope makes the class experience easy.

“He is very helpful and will make arrangements for any of us,” he said. “Everyone in the class has learned a lot from him.”

Heatley may be one of Hope’s best recruiters at the high school.

“I talked to my cousin, who is a sophomore, and he plans to start the program next year,” he said. “I hope more students begin it. This is something that will change your life.”

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student perseveres despite medical condition

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Crystal Neudigate-Sharp did not want a medical condition to stop her from earning an Emergency Medical Technician certificate at Texas State Technical College.

“I wanted to teach my children that once you start something, you need to complete it, no matter the obstacles,” said Neudigate-Sharp, a candidate for graduation this semester.

After being injured in an accident, she suffered an allergic reaction to the medication and was without oxygen for 24 minutes.

“The doctor told me that I did not wake up during that time,” Neudigate-Sharp said. “I spent the weekend in the Brownwood hospital but was later transferred to a Dallas hospital.”

She spent three months last summer recovering, which included physical and occupational therapy. Neudigate-Sharp remains in speech therapy, but that did not stop her from returning to school this fall.

“I was so grateful for the online EMT program. I can say I have successfully completed the program despite my physical limitations,” she said.

It took the help of the Brownwood campus staff to get her back on track.

“Everyone at TSTC was very supportive. They were more than helpful,” she said. “They wanted to see me succeed.”

Teresa Phillips, an enrollment coach at the Brownwood campus, was one of those who made an impact on Neudigate-Sharp.

“Crystal sets goals for herself, and then she is very persistent to follow through and work hard to accomplish the goals she has set for herself,” Phillips said.

Neudigate-Sharp’s interest in the field grew while watching her husband, who is also an EMT.

“I had stayed at home for 13 years and knew one day I would go back to school,” she said. “That one day came when my husband said, ‘It’s time to go to school.’”

Neudigate-Sharp enjoys the camaraderie that EMTs have during the workday.

“There is a closeness in that community,” she said. “It felt like the right job for me.”

During TSTC’s virtual graduation celebration on Dec. 10, Neudigate-Sharp will be waiting with her family to see her name appear on the video.

“My kids are so excited for me. They are ecstatic that I have gone through the finish line,” she said. “They have been encouraging me throughout this whole process.”

Neudigate-Sharp looks forward to the day when she can use her certificate to help someone else.

“God is seeing me through this entire ordeal,” she said. “I still pray that I will be able to serve my fellow citizens. I cannot wait to do what I was trained to do.”

To learn more about the Emergency Medical Services program at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/EmergencyMedicalServices.

Supervisor encourages TSTC student to complete RN program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – It took encouragement by her supervisor for Melissa Rice to go back to college.

Rice, a longtime licensed vocational nurse at Lake Granbury Medical Center, is a candidate to graduate from Texas State Technical College this fall with an associate of applied science degree in nursing.

“I have always had a deep drive to help people,” she said of her decision to enter the nursing profession.

After becoming an LVN, Rice began her career in Tyler and later moved to Granbury. She took the time between becoming an LVN in 1982 and completing the registered nursing program at TSTC to start a family.

Her supervisor at Lake Granbury Medical Center suggested that she return to school to become an RN.

“She told me that I was doing what an RN does and I needed to get paid for it,” Rice said. “A friend of mine recommended TSTC, and I applied.”

Rice was not accepted the first time she applied, but that did not deter her. She was accepted on her second application, knowing the hard work was about to begin.

Rice said balancing her career and school was made easier by her supervisor and the TSTC instructors.

“My supervisor was more than happy to accommodate my hours so I could go to school,” she said. “The instructors kept us motivated. They were right there in the trenches with us.”

Instructor Charlene Rice, no relation to Melissa Rice, said Rice had the right attitude for nursing.

“Melissa is a bright and intelligent student. She is always ready to learn and help her fellow students,” she said. “She shows great integrity with her patients, fellow students and instructors. Melissa has one of the kindest hearts that is full of compassion.”

At Lake Granbury Medical Center, Rice works in the delivery room. She said that is the best place for a nurse to work.

“I love newborn babies,” she said. “Being there during the birth of a child is a miracle. It never gets old.”

Rice cares for the babies immediately after their birth.

“I am the person that takes care of the baby right after they are born,” she said. “We lay the baby on the mother’s chest, and then I am there to take care of him or her. That has been the highlight of my career.”

Once Rice passes her state board exam, she will be eligible to assist mothers during labor.

“This will be a wonderful transition for my career,” she said.

Rice had to commute from Granbury to Sweetwater for clinicals, saying it was the support of her family that helped her complete the program.

“My husband and family have been very supportive,” she said. “He told me so many times that I could do this. The biggest thing he did was help me when I lost papers on the computer. He was always there to comfort me.”

Her classmates were also a source of inspiration.

“I could not have done this without my classmates,” Rice said. “We were always communicating with each other, even though we did not see each other as often as we would have liked.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Hall begins new adventure in TSTC’s Welding Technology program

(ABILENE, Texas) – Jeremiah Hall, of Coleman, knew his life would be an adventure.

The U.S. Army veteran, who was stationed in Hawaii, moved to West Texas after he completed his military service. This fall, his adventurous life led him to Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.

“I guess you could say I was tired of being lazy,” said Hall, who also works as a grocery store manager. “I always say life is an adventure, and this is just another one I can take.”

A friend led him to TSTC’s welding program, and he is working toward his certification. He hopes that the certification, coupled with his customer service experience, will benefit him when he joins the welding workforce.

“I feel you have to have good customer service skills after talking to a few welding companies,” he said. “I think I will be able to work well because I have structured myself to do better.”

Instructor Anthony Lewis said students will be able to find a job in the region after completing the program. That is something Hall said attracted him to TSTC.

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

Hall said he enjoys attending lab sessions and talking to his classmates. His Army service comes into play when he is in the lab.

“When I was in the military, regardless of who you were, we would always treat people like they were grown,” he said. “We know that we have to get our weld done, but we treat others with respect and as adults.”

He said the instructors are there to make sure students succeed, something that everyone appreciates.

“If we have any questions, they do not mind helping us. They want us to be successful,” Hall said.

Since he started working in his lab bay, Hall said he enjoys trying the different techniques demonstrated during class.

“There is always plenty of stuff for us to weld. I just like trying all of the different techniques,” he said. “It makes me feel like I am getting better when I know that I can do a new technique.”

Hall said anyone can start the program, even if they do not have experience.

“I had just a little bit of experience. I did some welding for the city of Coleman, but nothing like this before,” he said. “This goes to show you that if you work hard, you can succeed.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC student wants to continue family tradition in aviation

(ABILENE, Texas) – Coltton Johnson hopes his journey will continue a family tradition.

The first-year Aircraft Powerplant Technology student at Texas State Technical College is following in his father’s footsteps. The Idaho native arrived in Abilene after his father retired from the U.S. Air Force and began working for Eagle Aviation Services.

“I have been around planes my whole life,” he said. “I wanted to make working in aviation a family tradition.”

While Johnson has not yet started working on the aircraft at the TSTC hangar, he knows that will be the best part of the program.

“I like the hands-on aspect of this program. I appreciate what we are learning right now because it keeps us on track,” he said. “All of the material is laid out really well.”

Johnson said he is working to obtain his associate degree and knows his father is always willing to help. His Air Force and Eagle experience is helping Johnson during lectures.

“He has worked with me a little. But he wants me to learn what I need to know,” Johnson said. “I sometimes ask him general questions, but always have to make sure I know the answers.”

One piece of advice that Johnson’s father gave him when he started still resonates with him.

“My dad told me that if there is anything that is considered Federal Aviation Administration material in the course, I need to study it and know it,” he said. “I make sure that I know it.”

Being around aircraft before he started classes paid off early for him.

“I felt well prepared for the start of school,” Johnson said. “I am going to study everything to make sure I succeed.”

Johnson said being able to walk into the hangar and see students working on planes is helping him work harder.

“My choice to attend TSTC is better than I could have ever expected,” he said. “I am glad I chose to follow my dad in the aviation field.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC alumna works to lead people down right road

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Leigh Anne Folger is using her life experience as a road map to help others.

Folger, a 2017 graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program, is a counselor at Addiction Behavioral Services. Prior to joining the staff, she worked as a counselor at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Thomas R. Havins Unit in Brownwood.

“I know I am not responsible for my clients’ decisions. I can’t take credit for their success or get down if they fail,” she said. “All I do is provide them with the information that can help them. I hold up the road map to a successful life. They have to want to drive the car.”

Folger said she got her life on track after being released from prison. She knew a career in the medical field would not be possible, but another option was available.

“I made a lot of bad decisions in my life, and they finally caught up to me,” she said. “I knew that I would never have a career in the field I once dreamed of, which was the medical field. So I thought, ‘Why don’t I become a counselor?’ I knew I could help people by using my life experiences.”

Folger reconnected with a friend and classmate at Addiction Behavioral Services, Laura Weaver. Folger credits Weaver for steering her to TSTC’s counseling program.

“I had these unrealistic fears of failing. I was kind of hesitant to enroll,” she said. “Laura said she would meet me at the school.”

Once Folger walked onto the Brownwood campus, she felt at ease.

“Everyone had a smile on their face. No one was bothered by all of the questions I had,” she said. “Everyone at TSTC made me excited about going back to school.”

After graduation, Folger began working for the Havins Unit. It served as a reminder for her to move forward.

“I love what I do. Working at the unit felt like a reminder that I did not want to go back,” she said.

She also knew which inmates needed the most help.

“About 60 percent of the guys had already made up their mind that they did not want to return to prison,” Folger said. “It was those individuals on the fence that I targeted. I wanted to persuade them that the grass was greener on the outside.”

When the chance came to work for Addiction Behavioral Services, she did not hesitate.

“Looking back, I enjoyed my time at the unit. I just wanted to make a change,” Folger said. “Being able to work with Laura was also amazing. Everything has come full circle for me.”

Folger continues to praise TSTC and the staff for helping her find her way.

“Had it not been for TSTC, there is no telling where I would be right now,” she said. “TSTC was amazing. (Instructor) Elizabeth Jones is amazing. She has more insight than anyone in this field. I even recommend TSTC to people looking to restart their life. It worked for me.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Sanders intrigued by TSTC’s ‘essential man’s course’

(ABILENE, Texas) – Robert Sanders, of College Station, said Industrial Systems is the “essential man’s course” at Texas State Technical College.

Sanders is always smiling when he walks into the Industrial Technology Center for classes. He is studying for an associate degree, saying his motivation is to be the best at whatever he does. 

One thing he does like to do is work on things.

“I come from an old-fashioned background,” he said. “I am a gearhead at heart. I like to prep and fix things. This course is perfect for me because it is definitely the essential man’s course.”

Being one of the older students has not deterred him from helping others.

“There is a great group of guys in this class,” Sanders said. “There are some brilliant minds in this class.”

He is impressed with the creativity of the younger students and how well the instructors present lessons and lab sessions.

“With the younger guys in the class, the mix of their wisdom is great,” Sanders said. “This is a program that is perfect for any age group.”

There is also a competitive nature in class, but everyone in the class wants to succeed.

“We help each other a lot. I am highly competitive, but I am going to do what I can to help others,” he said.

While the students are working, one thing is certain.

“Safety is No. 1 for us,” Sanders said. “We are aware of what is going on around us, and if someone does something that is not safe, we stop what we are doing.”

The father of two sons, Sanders has advice for parents planning to go to college.

“Have a good support system at home,” he said. “I knew it would be hard to go to school and work, but I am so glad I have a good support system in place.”

Sanders is no stranger to TSTC. He began taking Computer Networking classes in 2004 but quickly learned it was not for him. 

“I realized real quick that it was not for me. I stopped before I finished and went into the Air Force,” he said. “But I always knew that I would come back.”

He is back and enrolled in a program that he has a passion for, and he lets everyone know.

“This is an amazing school,” he said. “There is no comparison.”

TSTC trains Industrial Systems students to be machinery experts who can keep facilities running safely and efficiently. Students learn a broad range of skills needed to install, operate, test, repair and maintain a variety of mechanical equipment. They learn industry-standard safety procedures, mechanical and electrical skills, diagnostic techniques, and how to work with motors, pumps, chillers, boilers, and programmable logic control systems.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Welding Technology student sharpens skills at TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Chris Medina knew welding would be a good trade to learn.

Instead of following his parents in joining the U.S. Air Force, Medina decided to enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.

“I took some welding classes in high school and enjoyed it,” said Medina, a graduate of Jim Ned High School in Tuscola. “I still like it now after finishing my first semester.”

He became interested in TSTC’s program after a friend told him how it prepares people for the workforce.

“After I looked at it, I knew it was for me,” he said. “I was impressed that everyone is able to get together and talk about things.”

Medina said the best part of the program is working in the welding bays on a daily basis. Welding students are allowed on campus to complete lab sessions but have to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“The lectures are good, but when it comes to learning, working in the lab is the best way for me to learn,” he said.

Welding has taught Medina to be patient, something he needs in the bay.

“It takes a lot of patience to weld. I have learned to make sure to get my welding projects done correctly because that is what I will have to do when I get a job,” he said.

Medina also said the varying ages of his classmates is a positive aspect he appreciates.

“It is refreshing talking to some of the guys older than me,” he said. “They offer a lot of tips that can help you when you start a career.”

When Medina is not in the lab, he knows that lectures and online assignments must be completed.

“The instructors are always willing to help you, either if it is in person or online,” he said. “I think having the hybrid style of class is really nice. It is a good way for all of us to stay safe.”

Medina knows that when he completes his work, he is one day closer to his welding goal.

“I want to be the best welder I can possibly be,” Medina said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Mother takes EMS classes at TSTC to help son

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Brittany Hanley did not have to look far for motivation when she enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program.

“My youngest son was diagnosed with a heart condition,” she said. “I did not want to be one of those parents that would freak out. I wanted to be the one that would be able to react.”

That is why she decided to enroll at TSTC.

“I know that in a matter of seconds something could go wrong with my son,” Hanley said. “I knew I wanted to be able to help him.”

Hanley, a lifelong resident of Brownwood, said she had previously wanted to pursue a career as an emergency medical technician.

“I just never got started on it,” she said.

After meeting her husband and moving back to Brownwood, Hanley began exploring the program again.

“We started a family, and I was more focused on them,” she said. “But having to travel to Cook Children’s Hospital every six months opened my eyes. I wanted to be able to help my son and family.”

Hanley wanted to know more about her son’s heart condition and was always attentive when doctors spoke to her. She is taking that information and using it in classes this fall.

She is also relying on her classmates to help her when she may be having a bad day.

“The group I am in has a variety of ages and backgrounds. We are building relationships together, and that is something I like,” she said. “We are there to help each other out.”

Hanley said students talk about what they learn during lab sessions to make sure they succeed.

“We are texting each other and asking what to do during a certain part of the class,” she said. “I am having to stay up late to get my studying done. I know it will pay off.”

According to Hanley, students have one goal when they eventually find employment.

“We want to be able to get together and say cheers to saving that one life,” she said. “This program will allow us to do that.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.