Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

TSTC Names Campbell Campus Director

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas has named Kim Campbell its new Campus Director and Campus Academic Manager.

Campbell previously worked at TSTC in Abilene from 2000 to 2009, holding positions including Recruiter, Coordinator of Support Services, Student Government Advisor and Director of Student Activities.

In 2009, Campbell married and moved to Lubbock, where she worked as Director of Career Services for Vista College, and after a period of self-employment, Enrollment Coordinator for Virginia College.

Campbell rejoined the TSTC team in March of 2016 as a Career Services Associate.

Campbell said she’s excited about the new role she’s taken on.

“I have worked with the Student Services side of TSTC for over ten years,” she said. “Working with Student Learning will be an opportunity of new growth and challenges to excel in.”

In the new role, Campbell will work more closely with the instructors, and statewide department chairs and directors. She will make sure statewide guidelines and procedures are met.

“I feel truly blessed to be working with such an amazing team of instructors at North Texas and I’m looking forward to the new journey,” Campbell said.

Campbell said that, though she’s worked for other schools, TSTC is where her heart is.

“I love working for TSTC and my passion is working with the students,” she said. “I’ve worked at other colleges but I’ve always thought about TSTC as a home and as my family.”

Vice President of Student Learning Mike Bowers said Campbell’s background made her the right choice.

“Kim has held many roles at TSTC and has over 15 years of experience in higher education,” Bowers said. “Kim was selected as Campus Director because of her background and proven leadership skills. We’re happy to welcome Kim to our team.”

TSTC prides itself on being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for over 100 positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

TSTC to Host High School Welding Competition May 1

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College in Marshall will host a welding competition for area high school students from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1.

The event, now in its third year, offers young students a way to showcase their welding talents.

“They can get some more hands-on practice,” said TSTC lead welding instructor Danny Nixon. “Other than that, they’ll have a good time and they can show off what they’ve learned throughout the year.”

Nixon said students will use oxyfuel cutting, fluxcored arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding techniques. One hundred students participated in the event last year.

Freshman and sophomores compete in the junior division and juniors and seniors in the senior division.

Students competing will build a 6-by-6-inch structure named the “Stairway to Welding.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC’s welding program, visit tstc.edu.

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Local Students Learn about Career Options at Taylor Trades Day

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College set up at the Taylor Trades Day Career Fair to meet local students and educate the public on the college’s programs.

The event was a collaboration between the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and the Taylor Economic Development Corporation. Area companies represented industries such as plumbing, automotive, energy services and machining.

Chamber President and CEO Tia Stone said they hoped the event would teach area students about technical education opportunities after high school.

“Our goal is to get local kids connected with TSTC and local businesses before they’re out of high school, so they can recruit them, so they can train them,” Stone said.

Texas State Technical College offers a variety of educational avenues in over 60 technical fields and has 10 campuses across the state. The college’s Williamson County campus in Hutto offers pathways in Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, HVAC, Industrial Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining and Welding.

All seven programs available at TSTC’s campus in Hutto set up presentation tables to catch the attention of passing students.

“These guys are here today because they have some things that can get kids excited,” Stone said. “We’ve got to spark their imaginations. We’ve got to get them thinking that these are viable fields. Having people here who are excited about what they do and can show kids what they do really helps. The earlier we can do it, the more they have time to think about it.”

With many open jobs in the city, and the TEDC hoping to bring more companies into the area, Stone hopes that local businesses and TSTC can get Taylor residents trained to enter the skilled workforce.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is to be sure that we have a well-educated workforce and that we have a workforce that’s ready, to get businesses in here,” Stone said. “That’s our goal. It’s about filling the jobs now, but also filling the jobs that are coming. Taylor’s a working town.”

Regina Carlson, program manager at Taylor Economic Development Corporation, said the city currently has 200 jobs that need to be filled. Carlson said the TECD noticed the shortage as they were trying to fill industrial and manufacturing openings of their own.

“When we were trying to recruit, we realized that we had all these other people looking for these workers also,” Carlson said. “We have to have the workforce in order to recruit them here and to take care of them.”

Carlson said she wanted to make sure the local students knew that learning a trade is a viable option for them.

Stone echoed Carlson’s sentiments.

“That work’s not for everybody, but there are people that this is the right thing for,” she said. “These jobs that we’re highlighting​ ​– most of them have good benefits and most of them have good salaries.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC in North Texas Designated American Welding Society Testing Facility

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas has been designated as an accredited testing facility by the American Welding Society, joining seven other Texas sites approved to certify welders.

The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders.

TSTC Welding Technology instructor Donnie Williams said he was approached by the AWS last August.

“We had to be audited by the AWS, and they had to come and see that our facilities and programs are up to par,” Williams said. “Our facilities are now accredited to do AWS certifications.”

Williams said the accreditation is a substantial achievement for TSTC.

“It’s a feather in the hat for TSTC,” Williams said. “It’s a validation for our program to be recognized by an industry organization, and it puts us on the map as far as the welding industry is concerned.”

The school’s being an accredited testing facility directly benefits TSTC students.

“It offers them a welder certification that is transferable,” Williams said. “These certifications come from the AWS and are entered in a national database.”

Though TSTC in North Texas is the first in the college’s system to receive this designation, Williams said it can also benefit the college’s other nine campuses.

“The ATF services are available to our other campuses also,” he said. “We can test remotely, so I can go to other campuses and certify other students who want to participate.”

TSTC Provost Marcus Balch said he is proud to see his campus become one of three test facilities in North Texas offering this distinction.

“One cool thing about this certification is that it is recognized worldwide, and, if maintained, the certification is valid for a lifetime,” Balch said.

Williams said a grant from the Texas Department of Labor helped to get the facilities accredited.

“We’re going to be offering certifications to industry and the general public also,” he said. “State organizations can also send their welders to us for certification.”

Balch believes the accreditation will offer great opportunities for regional welders.

“This certification program will bring welders from all over the region to our campus,” he said. “It will help provide more exposure to our welding program and, in turn, produce more welders that are earning a great wage for the state of Texas.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC’s welding program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC to Host First Commencement Ceremony in Hutto

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College in Williamson County will host its first commencement ceremony Friday, May 11. Twenty students representing six of the Hutto campus’ seven programs are eligible to graduate.

The ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

“We are exceptionally proud to be hosting our first graduation ceremony on campus in Hutto this spring,” said TSTC Provost Edgar Padilla. “As we’ve grown as a campus, we’ve worked to find ways to show our students how much they mean to us, and this is just another way for us to ensure we’re celebrating their accomplishments locally.”

Padilla says the ceremony honors the work of the students.

“We’re delighted to offer commencement locally so our students do not have to drive far to celebrate with their families,” he said. “In addition, our faculty and staff who work so hard to get our students to the finish line will now have the opportunity to see the fruit of their labor. It’s very positive for our campus culture.”

Padilla said he is excited to see the students begin working.

“Our students are exceptionally trained and very valuable in the workforce,” he said. “We’re proud that we will uphold the 50-plus-year tradition of TSTC providing a quality workforce to Texas.”

TSTC’s Chancellor, Mike Reeser, will speak at commencement, as well as Robb Misso, president and CEO of Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions in Austin.

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Natalie Santana

(HARLINGEN) – Natalie SantanaNatalie Santana recently graduated and earned her pin from the Texas State Technical College Student Leadership Academy. The 27-year-old is studying Biology and expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2019.

When the Georgia native and mother of five is not in the classroom, she can be found volunteering and doing community service with TSTC’s Student Government Association, Student Leadership Academy and her church.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work with local law enforcement in forensics to help solve cases. I’ve always had an interest beyond just TV crime shows in investigating and testing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC has been graduating from the TSTC Student Leadership Academy. I suffer from bipolar disorder and being active on campus has really helped me control it and better focus. It has helped me grow as a person.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is to not pay attention to the negativity around you. Replace negative energy with positivity and know that there is always hope.

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

There are two people at TSTC who have had a great influence on my success. The first is my Psychology Instructor Frank Coronado. He has taught me a lot about keeping my mind active, different coping skills and the importance of remaining positive. Next is Student Life Coordinator and my Student Leadership Academy advisor Belinda Palomino. She has motivated me to get active on campus and stay involved. She has showed me how this helps me grow personally and professionally.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take it easy on themselves. Don’t let things overpower you or consume you. Take one day at a time and avoid the negative. Remain positive.

TSTC welding instructor receives teaching award

(HARLINGEN) – Kenny Moore has been welding since he was 16 years old and as a Welding Instructor at Texas State Technical College his experience and teaching is being recognized with the Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Section Award from the American Welding Society (AWS).

The 55-year-old has been with TSTC since 1999. Entering into his twentieth year of teaching, Moore already holds three educator awards from the AWS, earning those in 2003, 2010 and 2011.

“I don’t do what I do with an award in mind, I do what I do because I love sharing my experience and helping young men and women find successful careers in welding,” he said. “But it’s always an honor when what you do is recognized by your peers.”

Moore was nominated for the Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Section Award by other educators and professionals in the AWS. The award recognizes high school, trade school, technical institute and community college instructors whose teaching is considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their schools.Kenny Moore with his Welding class

Adan Gutierrez, Moore’s former supervisor and TSTC automotive programs instructor, said he believes Moore has received this award on multiple occasions because of his reputation, commitment and dedication to the trade and education of welding.

“Mr. Moore has many of years of work experience as a certified welder and custom fabricator of high-end projects,” said Gutierrez. “He brings a wealth of valuable knowledge to TSTC students seeking a certificate or degree in welding and is widely known and connected to industry giants who hire our students.”

Gutierrez added, “Kenny is an instructor of high caliber and has a passion for the trade and teaches to a high standard of quality, precision and practice. Students are fortunate to learn from him.”

The Harlingen native has come a long way since his days of welding as a teenager at his father’s family-owned construction company and working on heavy-equipment repairs.

Moore, who is also a TSTC alumnus, graduated with an associate degree in Welding Technology in 2008 and returned to TSTC with extensive experience in the aviation, aerospace, petrochemical and motor sport industries as a welder.

“It is this experience that I bring back into the classroom to provide real-world training for my students,” said Moore. “I take everything I have learned and share it with my guys and gals to provide them a good head start toward a successful career.”

Although Moore said teaching was never something he thought about doing, he now finds it to be the most rewarding job he could have asked for. He was an adjunct instructor with TSTC before becoming a full-time instructor.

“As an instructor we have the power to make an impact on someone’s career and life,” said Moore. “And I’m grateful to have this opportunity and to be able to share my experience and knowledge with those who are the future of welding.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers is projected to grow nearly six percent from 2016 to 2026. One reason for this projected growth – the nation’s growing infrastructure which will require a skilled workforce in these areas to build and rebuild bridges, highways and buildings.

“Welding is a skill that will always be in demand,” said Moore. “It’s been around for many years and will continue to be around. If you think about it, almost everything has some kind of weld. And with the aging workforce, our students will be replacing those who are retiring.”

Moore’s goal and challenge for TSTC’s welding program is to keep ever-changing technology in the labs up to date.

“I’m grateful for my award, it’s very humbling and I just want to be sure to continue doing a great job for our students, growing our program and making a difference.”

Welding Technology is offered at all 10 TSTC campuses throughout the state.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Chancellor’s Excellence Award – Edda Urrea

(HARLINGEN) – For nearly 15 years at Texas State Technical College, Edda Urrea has dedicated herself to promoting gender equality and providing the best services and support for faculty, staff and students alike. It is her work and commitment that has earned her the honor of being selected a 2018 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient.

“I was on the phone with my boss when the email from the chancellor (Mike Reeser) popped up in my inbox,” said Urrea. “We were prepping for a meeting and I told her ‘Hold on, I have to read this email. It could be a concern.’”

Fortunately, and much to her surprise it was a congratulations email.

“I was in total shock,” Urrea recalled. “I still have no words to describe my feelings about this honor, except that I am grateful and humbled.”

Hannah Love, TSTC associate vice chancellor for Human Resources, recalls the phone call that day.Chancellor's Excellence Award - Edda Urrea

“I am honored and thrilled to have shared this moment with her,” said Love. “She was immediately tearful and deeply honored. Of course, to Edda’s form, she quickly tried to refocus on the project instead of spending much time on herself.”

Love describes Urrea as a servant leader who is always looking to improve the Human Resources team and TSTC.

“We are extremely proud of Edda. She is loyal, dedicated and engaged in all that she does. Always seeking new knowledge, Edda is always willing to do what needs to be done for the team. She is extremely deserving of this honor and we are pleased to see that someone who gives so much is being recognized.”

Urrea currently serves as a Human Resources executive handling employee recruitment and onboarding, employee engagement and Title IX investigations. She first came to TSTC in 2004 as a gender equity advocate for TSTC Support Services after working several years as a victim advocate for a women’s shelter in Corpus Christi and as an investigator with Child Protective Services in Brownsville.

“I’ve always known that my place in life is to be a voice and support for others,” said Urrea. “So when I saw the TSTC job posting for Support Services, I knew I had to try.”

Throughout the years Urrea, who holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Sociology from Texas A&M-Kingsville, has grown with the college. She has held various director, associate vice president and chief of staff positions.

“I love my job and the best part of it is the people,” she said. “The employees of TSTC are the reason I wake up excited to come to work every morning. Everyone drives me forward and are my energy, focus and strength.”

Urrea said she also realizes it is these same people, whom she also considers family, who have bestowed such an honorable recognition on her.

“I want to send a heartfelt thank you to whoever nominated me for this award,” she said. “I thank you for believing in me and trusting me. I hope I can continue to give you the best of me and make you proud.”

The mom of two said she shares this award with her team in Harlingen, colleagues statewide and with her parents.

“Without my mom and dad I could not give 100 percent of myself at work,” she said. “They are my backbone and support system. There is no way I’d be able to do this without them.”

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.

This year’s 16 recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses will be honored in May at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration in Austin.

Chancellor’s Excellence Award – Chris Martin

(FORT BEND) – Although Chris Martin has only been with Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County for just over a year, he has already made a favorable impression and recently earned the 2018 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“Before this, I was not familiar with the award or the scope of it,” said Martin, business relationship manager for TSTC. “So when people started congratulating me and making a big deal, I was surprised to learn what it meant.”

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

“These teammates were nominated by their peers, recommended by their provosts and vice chancellors, 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.”

Born in Houston and raised in Fairfield east of Waco, Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Houston in 2000 and a master’s degree in business administration from Houston Baptist University in 2015.Chancellor Excellence Award Chris Martin

He arrived at TSTC with an extensive background and experience in economic development, real estate and health care. He first heard of TSTC while serving on the Rosenberg Development Corporation, where he still serves as president.

“One of the initiatives for the Rosenberg Development Corporation was to bring TSTC to our county,” said Martin. “I was instantly impressed with the college and the services and opportunities it would offer to our area.”

Martin was working as a real estate agent and owned a small business consulting group when he saw the job posting on TSTC’s website.

“My passion is economic development and workforce training. I love all facets of the area,” said Martin. “So I saw this as a great opportunity for me and I went for it.”

As TSTC’s business relationship manager in Fort Bend County, Martin establishes business relationships for the campus with the goal of securing workforce training opportunities.

Besides the work he does for TSTC, Martin maintains his real estate license, serves on the board of the local library and museum, is a committee member for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and serves as a swim meet director for his son’s competitive swim team.

Loree Scott, TSTC’s senior executive director for workforce training, said Martin has a servant’s heart, which is an inspiration to many.

“Chris was instrumental during the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,” said Scott. “He volunteered countless hours with the TSTC food pantry, located and assisted TSTC Fort Bend County families with cleanup and rescue, offered his home to our TSTC families who were displaced, and found resources such as gas in the days following the storm.”

Scott added, “It is Chris’ willingness to go above and beyond in everything he does that makes him so deserving of this award.”

Martin said he is thankful to those who nominated him for this distinguished award and is happy to represent TSTC.

“It’s humbling to know that my work is being noticed, and I feel so appreciated,” he said. “Never have I received an award like this. TSTC is truly one big family, and I hope I can continue to be a part of the college’s growth and live up to what this award means.”

Martin will join the other 15 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses in May for the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development awards dinner and celebration in Austin.

TSTC veteran student club host annual Car Show

(HARLINGEN) – The Veteran Students Alliance Club at Texas State Technical College will be hosting its Fourth Annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show tomorrow to raise funds for veteran student scholarships.

This is the largest fundraiser for the student-run organization that assists veterans and their families with the transition to civilian life and awards scholarships, a tradition started in 2013.

“Sometimes our veteran students come in with no benefits or not enough benefits and these scholarships help supplement what they need to attend TSTC,” said Veteran Center Director Steve Guevara. “These scholarships have made the difference in many lives and have allowed veterans the chance at a new career.”

Every semester, three students receive a $300 scholarship that can be used to cover tuition, books and supplies, tools or room and board.TSTC veteran student car show

Student veterans who apply for the scholarship must have prior military service, 90 plus days, or 30 days medical discharge; be a part-time student; have a 2.0 grade-point average and complete a 300-word essay.

“The scholarships we award our veteran students act as a reminder that they are not forgotten and we are here to help them in any way we can,” said TSTC Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas.

There are three competitive categories that car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts can sign up for to help support the cause: Best in Show, Provost Choice and People’s Choice. Registration fee to enter a car is $20.

The show is free and open to the public, but to those wanting to contribute to the club’s mission can purchase tickets for $1 that will count as one vote for their favorite vehicle for the People’s Choice award.

Winners in all three categories will receive a framed United States flag plaque, gift cards and car care gift sets that have been donated by local restaurants and auto shops.

“All money raised from competitors, spectators and vendors goes a long way when you’re helping students pursue an educational dream,” said Guevara.

TSTC alumnus Frank Macias, owner of Frankie Flav’z in Harlingen, will also be joining the cause. He will have his food truck at the event with a portion of the proceeds going to the scholarship fund.

“We want to encourage our community to come out and support our students,” said Villegas. “The more people we have in attendance, the bigger our event grows annually and the more students we are able to help.”

Since the event’s initiation, the Veteran Students Alliance Club has raised more than $3,000.

Those interested in registering a car into the competition have until 10 a.m. the day of the event, Saturday, April 21.

For more information, call the TSTC Veteran Center at 956-364-4385.

Event Information:

Saturday, April 21, 2018

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TSTC Student Center Parking Lot (off Oak St.)

1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, Texas 78550