Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

TSTC Hosts Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Information Seminar

(Sweetwater) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Texas State Technical College is helping to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence by partnering with representatives from Hendrick Medical Center and Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital to provide information seminars.

A session was held on the TSTC campus in Sweetwater on Friday, April 12, and more are scheduled for the summer and fall semesters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women and one in nine men are victims of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

Griselda Sanchez, director of Student Services at TSTC in Sweetwater, said she sees this as an opportunity to delve further into the information already given to faculty, staff and students.

“TSTC makes sure to have these discussions with everyone once they get on board with us. But, it’s important for us to give our people in-depth information of how to prevent, report and help those suffering from sexual assault or domestic violence because it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” Sanchez said.

Stephanie Lebowitz, trauma coordinator and emergency manager for Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, led the domestic violence information session, while Ann Marie Willoughby, outreach clinical lead for Hendrick Medical Center, led the sexual assault session.

Lebowitz stressed the importance of empowering victims and educating residents of rural areas.

“The attorney general has recognized the prevalence of abuse in rural areas, and the lack of reporting and resources available. So, we have been given the means to educate, spread awareness and help unite communities to rally around these victims and help them,” Lebowitz said.

Lebowitz and Willoughby said people think of domestic violence and sexual assault as separate, but they can be interconnected.

“Sexual assault is more common than burglary on most college campuses. I’m not saying TSTC, but at colleges in general students have a chance of being assaulted, and we want to educate them, and faculty and staff, so they can help each other,” Willoughby said.

For TSTC automotive instructor John Kirchmeier, the message hit home.

“Everything they said was spot-on. It’s important for us to know this information because we are with the students every day, and we may see something. We have to be the first line of defense,” Kirchmeier said.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 800-656-HOPE (4673). The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

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

Students, faculty and staff listened to presentations about domestic violence and sexual assault from representatives from Hendrick Medical Center and Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

TSTC and 3M Brownwood Celebrate TWC Skills Development Fund Grant

(Brownwood) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the Texas Workforce Commission and 3M Brownwood gathered Thursday to commemorate a $78,771 Skills Development Fund grant aimed at improving 35 workers’ skills at the 3M Brownwood facility.

The grant will provide customized training for 33 incumbent and two new 3M Brownwood employees that will take place at both TSTC in Brownwood and the 3M Brownwood plant. Employees will receive training in electrical safety and craft skills training.

3M Brownwood EHS/Plant Engineering Manager Chad Benton believes this is a great opportunity to improve the skills of their employees.

“The increase of new technology at the plant means we need to increase the skills of our folks operating the technology,” Benton said. “This grant is a big success for TSTC, for us and for the community.”

Training is already underway and will be completed in July.

“TSTC has an impeccable record. They are following the governor’s orders and putting people to work. When we gather for events like this, it shows, and we see all the partnerships needed to create jobs and support the economy,” Julian Alvarez, commissioner representing labor for the Texas Workforce Commission, said.

Ray Tipton, executive director for the Brownwood Municipal Development District, said he is excited and thankful for what the grant will do not only for the 3M employees, but also for the city of Brownwood.

TSTC in West Texas Provost Rick Denbow agreed, saying he believes this is a success that will be felt beyond Brownwood.

“This is a win for everybody. It’s a win for the employees, the local economy, the state of Texas and for TSTC. We are putting people to work, and that’s what TSTC was chartered to do,” Denbow said.

The Skills Development Fund has been used since 1996 to localize workforce training for companies. It enables companies to work directly with local partners to develop training tailored to employees’ needs. The grant has assisted more than 4,200 employers statewide, according to the TWC.

3M Brownwood began manufacturing in 1965 and is a leading manufacturer of reflective sheeting for highway signs, license plates, protective clothing and security laminates throughout the world.

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

From left to right, Chad Benton, EHS/Plant Engineering Manager at 3M-Brownwood, Julian Alvarez, Commissioner for the Texas Workforce Commission and Rick Denbow, Provost at Texas State Technical College in West Texas hold the check for $78,771 from Texas Workforce Solutions.

Two Employees at TSTC Recognized for Outstanding Service

(Abilene) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Abilene have been honored for their dedication and service.

Matt Briggs, the clinical coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program, and Susan Cowart, an instructor for academic English and Humanities, were selected to receive TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

“The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a yearly recognition for teammates who consistently go above and beyond their normal job duties to improve our students’, and/or our College’s, success. Matt and Susan display, on a daily basis, these lofty attributes,” Rick Denbow, provost at TSTC in West Texas, said.

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

Briggs joined TSTC in 2015 and said he was shocked by the recognition. He says he is determined to find out who nominated him so he can say thank you.

“It’s just such an awesome honor because there are so many people who are doing their job really well, and to be recognized as one of those people makes me want to keep going and do even better,” he said.

Briggs said TSTC has become part of his family and he loves working with people who have the same passion as he has.

“My favorite part of this job is watching our students walk across that stage and graduate because you know they are about to make a positive impact on the world,” he said.

After working as a paramedic for nine years, Briggs felt called to enter the education world and help people in a new way. He hopes to help expand the EMS program at TSTC and spread awareness of the need for more EMS professionals.

Cowart was also surprised to learn she was a recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“I was in a state of shock because I haven’t been here very long, but it felt so validating,” she said.

Cowart began teaching English and Humanities classes at TSTC in 2015. She teaches both online and in-person classes.

“Education is so powerful. And if I can help these students become good communicators, that opens so many doors on top of their technical skills,” she said.

Cowart earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Louisiana State University at Alexandria and her first master’s in English from DePaul University. She decided to pursue a second master’s in Education Technology and Instructional Design from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to better serve her students. She completed the degree while continuing to teach her regular course load.

“I am so glad I am at TSTC in West Texas because there is a definite sense of family and support here. It just makes you want to do your best,” Cowart said.

Briggs and Cowart 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.

Matt Briggs, from Texas State Technical College in Abilene, is the Clinical Coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program. He was awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

Two Employees at TSTC Recognized for Outstanding Service

Susan Cowart, from Texas State Technical College in Abilene, teaches academic English and Humanities. She was awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

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.

Student Success Profile – Daniel Rodriguez

(HARLINGEN) – Daniel Rodriguez, 21, is a Computer Maintenance Technology student at Texas State Technical College and maintains a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Harlingen native already holds an associate degree from TSTC in Computer Networking and Security Technology, which he earned in Spring 2018.

Rodriguez volunteers at the Harlingen Public Library for the children/teen department because he hopes to be a role model for those younger than him.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to work for the city of Harlingen or the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District as a computer technician.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a computer or network technician and expand and enhance the Rio Grande Valley’s networking infrastructure.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments are my first associate degree and becoming a college graduate, maintaining my GPA and making it on the dean’s list for my grades and also earning a President’s Volunteer Service Award for my hours of community service.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to have patience and perseverance. Don’t let self-doubt keep you from your plan or goal. Be confident and overcome obstacles.

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

I have a number of people who influenced my success, but the ones who have stood out and really pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me when I doubted myself are my English instructor Timothy Kikos, Physics instructor Jose Alvarez, Computer Maintenance instructor Alex Alcoser, Computer Science Division associate professor Norma Colunga-Hernandez and Business Management Technology professor Edna Claus.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Don’t let people shame you because you’re enrolled at a two-year technical college. There are many benefits to a two-year versus a four-year degree. TSTC is a great place to learn, grow and it’ll lead to a great career. I know many people who have found success through TSTC, all anyone has to do is work hard, have confidence and believe.

TSTC’s Industry Job Fair places students, helps meet industry demand

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College was created to place more Texans in great-paying jobs, fill the middle-skills gap and meet industry demand, and it leads numerous initiatives throughout the year to accomplish its mission.

One of these initiatives is the biannual Industry Job Fair, where TSTC students and alumni can meet potential employers. The event was recently hosted not only in Harlingen, but also at several other campuses throughout the state.

“This event is growing in popularity statewide,” said Viviana Espinosa, director of Talent Management and Career Services. “Industry is looking for qualified, highly-skilled graduates, and they know they can find that right here at TSTC.”

More than 500 TSTC students and alumni, and more than 60 company representatives, attended this month’s fair in Harlingen.

The event served as an opportunity for recruiters and students to connect and network. TSTC students and alumni were able to submit resumes and applications, and numerous companies conducted on-site interviews.

“Our students’ skills and knowledge really make an impression with employers,” said Espinosa. “A number of our students are usually hired during this event, even before they graduate.”

TSTC’s overall job placement rate is 94 percent, and many TSTC graduates land jobs with good starting salaries and full benefits packages.

“Two-year degrees are enough for these students to find very successful positions,” said Espinosa. “They’re work-ready, and many of our certificate graduates find similar opportunities.”

Because many of TSTC’s students gain the hands-on training and experience they need to be successful in the classroom, Espinosa said they are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce, with little on-the-job training needed.

Robert Salazar, who is in charge of senior talent acquisition at Tenaris, said he hires most of his employees from TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance and Engineering programs.

TSTC Spring 2019 Industry Job Fair

“The training that students get at TSTC encompasses everything from the basic skills to troubleshooting and real-world experience that help companies like us because they don’t require much training when they get hired,” he said. “And it’s great that TSTC puts us in connection with these students before they even graduate. They help us fill an immediate need.”

Joe Lopez, senior superintendent at Joeris General Contractors in San Antonio and a TSTC Building Construction Technology alumnus, said they currently employ about seven TSTC alumni and are ready to hire more TSTC graduates.

“At the moment, we’re focused on hiring carpenters. And from my experience, TSTC students possess the skills they need to go far with the company,” he said. “There’s always a demand for skilled labor, and we can find qualified candidates at TSTC.”

Espinosa said this semester’s Industry Job Fair was a success, thanks to industry partners, TSTC faculty and staff, and her Talent Management and Career Services team.

“Our Industry Job Fairs are a success because of the support we receive from everyone,” she said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s efforts in ensuring that our students find success and get that job offer.”

TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services department offers Industry Job Fairs, interview practicums, resume building, and interview coaching statewide for all TSTC students and alumni.

For more information on the services offered, call 956-364-4940.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC development officer, local leader earns prestigious award

(FORT BEND) – Field Development Officer John Kennedy, who has been with Texas State Technical College since the expansion in Fort Bend County in 2014, has recently been named a Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient.

The Sugar Land native has worked diligently with TSTC donors to raise funds for scholarships, has collaborated with local industry partners and has served as an ambassador throughout the community for TSTC.

“I never expected this,” he said. “There are scores of people who I know deserve this award, so I am humbled.”

Kennedy was nominated by his peers, provost and vice chancellor and chosen among 160 faculty and staff members nominated for his distinguished service and dedication to the college, community and the state.

“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.”

For nearly two decades, the Chancellor’s Excellence Award has celebrated employees who exhibit TSTC’s core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service and Integrity.

Coming from a long-time career in the hospitality industry and tasked with the mission of expanding TSTC in Fort Bend County, Kennedy realized his favorite part of the job immediately: giving someone the chance at a better life.

“Everyone at TSTC shares a unique opportunity; and that is to give the people in our community an education and a skill that will change their life,” said Kennedy. “There is nothing like seeing our students with their families at commencement. It’s moving and motivating.”

Kennedy said his goal is to continue increasing engagement and interest in TSTC statewide, so that students can continue to have scholarship opportunities.

“Many of our students rely on these scholarships,” he said. “For many, this is a game changer.”

TSTC’s Vice President of Development Pete Rowe has worked with Kennedy for almost five years. In fact, it was Rowe who invited him to join the team.

“As soon as you meet Kennedy you can feel his confidence and see his intelligence. We have a tremendous respect for John,” said Rowe. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Chancellor’s Award than John. His passion for the college and its students is what drives his work and his success. He always puts TSTC and helping others first.”

In addition to serving his community through education, Kennedy also serves the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as an ordained deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land.

“I enjoy the possibility of helping people and making a difference in their lives,” said Kennedy. “My passion is serving and I carry that over to TSTC and I want to thank those who nominated me and see this. I hope to be able to continue fulfilling expectations now and in the future.”

More Than 50 Companies Represented at TSTC Industry Job Fair

(SWEETWATER) – More than 180 Texas State Technical College students and alumni attended the TSTC Industry Job Fair in Sweetwater on Tuesday, April 2. They had the opportunity to meet representatives from some 50 local, national and international companies.

TSTC provided free transportation to the Sweetwater campus for students coming from the Abilene, Breckenridge and Brownwood campuses. Students talked with representatives from companies looking to fill positions in various fields such as diesel, electrical power and controls, industrial maintenance, nursing, welding, and wind energy.

It was the first time some companies had visited the West Texas campus.

“I was surprised that TSTC had an RN program out here, and now that I know, we fully intend to take advantage of having this local resource,” Tara Camp, community marketing liaison for Cogdell Memorial Hospital, said.

For others, this was an event marked on their calendar every year.

“I go to as many of the job fairs that TSTC does as possible because of the type of training the students get and just the type of personality these students have. Their hands-on experience shows, and they have the willingness to keep learning on the job,” Bret A. Martinets, Human Resources manager at M&S Engineering, said.

The event was a homecoming for TSTC diesel program alumnus Josh McBride of Bruckner’s Truck Sales Inc.

“I hope these students just keep their eyes open and learn from every opportunity because it pays off,” McBride said.

Representatives from Oncor Electric Delivery spoke with students from TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls, Industrial Maintenance, and Wind Energy programs and offered on-site interviews.

“We’ve got 10 positions we need to fill in Odessa alone, so there is a huge need across the state,” Brad Villa, M&C supervisor at Oncor, said.

TSTC in Abilene Electrical Power and Controls student Anthony Neighbors said he was impressed with the company turnout and hopes to find a job that allows him to travel.

“I’m a single dad, so I want something that provides for my son but that also lets me enjoy new places,” Neighbors said.

Neighbors spoke with representatives from Koenig & Bauer and said he felt like he had found the place for him.

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

More than 180 students and alumni attended the TSTC Industry Job Fair at TSTC in Sweetwater. More than 50 companies were represented.

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.