Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

TSTC Welcomes New Instructor, Program

(FORT BEND) – With more than 35 years of experience in his field, Dr. David Johnson comes to Texas State Technical College as the new Environmental Technology-Compliance Specialization instructor.

The United States Marine Corps veteran got his start at TSTC in Waco, when it was still Texas State Technical Institute, in 1975 earning his associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology.

“It feels great being back where my professional career began,” said Johnson. “TSTC is where it all started.”

Immediately after graduating he worked with various Texas-based companies doing surveying and drafting, until he was promoted to an environmental technician and inspired to work for the military and to continue his education.

“TSTC prepared me to work in the industry. It gave me the skills I needed,” he said. “My success is because of TSTC, and my goal as a new instructor is to get my students fully prepared for a rewarding career.”

In 1987, he became an Environmental and Energy Coordinator for the U.S. Army in Germany and moved between the states and overseas over the course of his career from Fort Polk in Louisiana to Japan and Korea and back to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

The Irving native was promoted through the years to Environmental Training Manager and Environmental Compliance Manager positions. He was also the primary author for the Army Environmental Compliance Handbook.

During this time Johnson was also furthering his education. In 1994, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, in 1996 his master’s degree and in 1998 his Ph.D. in Environmental Science, all from Southwest University.

“It was such self-gratification and self-motivation going back to school,” said Johnson. “And it was my first degree, my associate degree, which got me to where I am today.”

In addition to federal jobs, which Johnson retired from in 2013, he has also worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, as an adjunct instructor at Louisiana State University and for the Texas Department of Public Safety keeping within the environmental and hazardous material line of work. .

The now 65-year-old is back at work saying he needed something more to do than just playing golf.

“I had applied for a safety position at TSTC in Waco, but instead I was offered this position in Fort Bend,” said Johnson. “I was excited to accept it and I am ready to share all of my knowledge.”

Students who enroll in TSTC’s Environmental Technology–Compliance Specialization will have the opportunity to learn under Johnson’s instruction about how to apply science and technology to environmental issues and projects.

The program will not only offer classroom lectures, but also in-lab and off-site, hands-on experience working with soil, water and air sampling, performing chemical and safety audits at businesses and learning how to properly handle hazardous materials.

When the associate degree track is successfully completed, students can find jobs as environmental coordinators and consultants, environmental engineers, environmental scientists and specialists, environmental technicians and health and safety engineers.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas is one of the largest employers of environmental technicians in the nation.

Environmental Technology-Compliance Specialization is already accepting students and will officially begin August 2017. The program will be housed at the Brazos Center, TSTC’s newest building in Fort Bend County.

For more information or to register for the Fall Semester visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Celina Elizondo

(HARLINGEN) – Celina Elizondo is a biology major at Texas State Technical College. The 19-year-old expects to receive her associate degree Fall 2017 and currently boasts a 3.1 grade-point average.

When the Brownsville native is not studying, she is working with New Student Orientation and welcoming new generations of students to TSTC.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate with an associate degree in Biology, I will return to TSTC to pursue another associate degree in Agricultural Technology. Once I am done with that I will transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville to work toward a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture-Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a veterinarian. I want to be able to afford a large plot of land with a big house so I can open an animal rescue facility and I can help save animals’ lives. My interest in animals stems back from my childhood, growing up on my uncle’s ranch. I recall the days I would bring animals home to nurse back to health. It drove my mom crazy, but she always helped me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been my work-study job with New Student Orientation. I have always been a shy person, but this job has taught me to have a voice, meet new people and make new friends. It definitely has helped me grow as a person and has given me more confidence.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lessons I have learned are about organization, time management and responsibility. I have found these all to be important assets to my success in school and at my job. They help me do my best in everything and these will be lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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

The person who has had the most influence on my success is Larissa Moreno, TSTC New Student Orientation coordinator. Thanks to her I have learned my greatest lessons and she really boosts my confidence with her positive spirit. She always makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I encourage everyone to attend TSTC. You receive a great education, if not better than anywhere else, while saving money because it is so affordable. I also urge future and current students to always ask questions, join clubs and make new friends. These are great experiences that will also help you in future endeavors.

Student Finds her Formula to a Better Life at TSTC

(HARLINGEN) – Recent Rio Hondo High School graduate and former Texas State Technical College dual enrollment student Griselda Gonzalez Olvera is back, this time pursuing an associate degree in Chemical Technology.

It was during Olvera’s senior year in high school, while taking algebra and precalculus at TSTC, when she learned about the Chemical Technology program.

“Had it not been for my TSTC Success Coach Anna Cortez who took the time to talk to me about my interests I would have never known about this program,” said Olvera.

The 19-year-old said chemistry first peaked her interest her sophomore year in high school. She said that year was the moment she knew it was a career she needed to pursue.

However, for Olvera and her family money was tight and she couldn’t afford a four-year university.

“TSTC was a great option for me,” said Olvera. “It’s affordable, there’s more one-on-one with instructors and because classes are smaller it’s easier to interact with your peers.”

Olvera added that her favorite part of the program is the hands-on experience she is receiving.

“I’m the type of person that learns by doing,” she said. “And in this program you get to practice what you study. I don’t think I would have gotten this kind of training anywhere else.”

After graduating in Spring 2018, Olvera hopes to return, this time to pursue an associate degree in Physics.

Ultimately, Olvera hopes to become a chemical analyst.

“I eventually hope to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but for now I know that TSTC will give me the skills I need to start a rewarding career and be successful at a university.”

Chemical Technology Lead Instructor Robert Hernandez said this program is a right fit for students like Olvera who have a love and passion for math and science.

“It is Griselda’s love for chemistry that drew her to the program. It’s her constant curiosity that keeps her engaged,” said Hernandez. “She is a hard worker and I know she has a bright future ahead.”

For students such as Olvera who are completing the five-semester program, they can graduate to become lab, research, chemical and environmental technicians and chemical plant and system operators.

Hernandez said the program’s placement rate averages above 90 percent.

“We don’t have any problems placing our students,” he said. “The majority of students receive job offers before they even graduate.”

Refineries, testing laboratories and companies such as Shell, Chevron and Valero hire graduates from this program.

Hernandez said what sets his students apart from other job candidates are the skills and hands-on experience they receive throughout the program by using identical, if not similar tools that are in industry and participating in real-world work experiences such as sampling water and other chemicals and touring treatment plants and landfills.

Hernandez said TSTC Chemical Technology has been around for 35 years and has a great reputation with employers. So much so, that the Shell Foundation recently awarded the program a $10,000 grant for student scholarships.

The scholarships go to the first 20 new students who enroll and register for Fall 2017 in Chemical Technology. Each scholarship is worth $500.

For more information or to register visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Employee’s Journey to 30 Years

(HARLINGEN) – For Leticia Licea all roads led to Texas State Technical College more than 30 years ago.

The Raymondville native has been at TSTC since December 1986 and was recently recognized for her service to the college at its recent Employee Appreciation Day.

Her journey at TSTC started when she had to return home from St. Edward’s University in Austin, where she was studying Fine Arts, to help her parents through a difficult time.

“I was one class shy of getting my bachelor’s degree,” Licea remembers. “But naturally when your family needs you it’s time to come home.”

Licea recalls applying anywhere and everywhere for a job, including TSTC. She received call backs from the Department of Health Services and almost became a state trooper, but said neither of the two options felt right.

“I had just started working at Dillard’s when TSTC called me,” she said. “So I did what I thought was right and I worked at TSTC, Dillard’s and later HEB all at the same time.”

Eventually she said the combination no longer worked and she chose TSTC above all other jobs and never looked back.

Licea is currently an enrollment specialist for the Office of Admissions, but she started as a switchboard operator and stayed at that position for 15 years. She then became the department secretary for the Office of Student Recruitment and finally made her way to admissions as an admissions technician and an admission staff assistant.

“I love everything about my job,” said Licea. “I wake up every morning happy to come to work and tackle the day. It’s never the same thing and that’s exciting.”

She went on to say that the students are what make her job worthwhile and being able to help them through the application process and to make a difference in their lives.

“From the students to my colleagues, I have been blessed with my second family here at TSTC,” Licea added.

Those who work closely with Licea say she brings positivity to the office and for some, like TSTC Executive Registrar Paula Arredondo who has worked with her for 23 years, it makes all the difference.

“Leticia is an outstanding employee, very committed,” said Arredondo. “She is student driven, loyal to her work and the college and a great person all around.”

It is these qualities that also earned Licea Staff Excellence Awards in 2006 and 2014.

Though Licea is an avid runner and has her ranch complete with goats, chickens, geese, dogs and cats to take care of she said retirement is not in her horizon yet.

“I could have retired already, but I’m still healthy and as long as I am I’m going to continue working,” said Licea.

When asked what keeps her going she had insightful advice for others: “The key is to always be positive and take life one day at a time.”

TSTC Women in Welding

(FORT BEND) – Don’t be afraid or intimidated. That’s the message that two Texas State Technical College students want to spread.

April Abitago-Thompson and Sara Rivera are the only two women currently enrolled in Welding Technology at TSTC in Fort Bend County.

April Thompson (left) and Sara Rivera (right)

“When I saw the campus being built while driving down the expressway I told my husband, ‘I’m going to enroll there,’” said Thompson. “I had no fear, I knew welding was what I wanted to do.”

Thompson, 33, now sees graduation around the corner. She will be receiving her certificate in Welding Technology in August during TSTC’s first Fort Bend County commencement ceremony to be held the Rosenberg Civic Center.

“I can’t wait to graduate and get my career started,” she said.

Pending a passing grade on her Certified Welding Inspector test, Thompson already has a job with a Bay City company as a Welding Inspector.

Before TSTC, the mother of four worked as a welder’s helper for nuclear plants and the oil industry.

“I didn’t want to be a helper for the rest of my life,” said Thompson. “TSTC is helping me change that. I’ve had the best experience and I’ve learned so much. TSTC has given me a career to be proud of.”

Thompson’s classmate, Rivera will also be earning her certificate in August, but will return to TSTC in the fall to pursue her associate degree.

The Rosharon native said it was her brother, who works for the oil industry, who introduced her to the possibility of a career in welding.

“What I immediately loved about welding was building something from nothing,” she said. “And now I see how I can take my career anywhere. Welding really can take you a long way.”

Rivera added that her goal is to work in fabrication, her favorite part of the program.

“TSTC is really setting my foundation,” said Rivera. “I appreciate every critique and piece of advice from my instructors, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. I honestly feel prepared to work in the field.”

She hopes that by telling her story, other women will be encouraged to enter this or other male-dominated fields, and so she offers the following advice: “Work hard, do your best, be the best at what you do, don’t give up and show those men what you are made of.”

TSTC’s Welding Technology gives students like Thompson and Rivera the opportunity to learn how to work all of the equipment that is used in industry, while gaining real-world experience with hands-on training.

The program offers certificate and associate degree tracks in areas such as combination welding and advanced pipe welding.

Upon successful completion of the program students can expect to find careers in welding, in addition to, soldering and brazing, or as pipefitters and steamfitters, cutters and machine setters and operators.

Welding Technology Instructor Brooke Williams said Thompson and Rivera are driven to succeed in this field.

“Since I have known her, April knows where she wants to go with her career and has never lost sight of that,” said Williams. “She is always quick to help other students and isn’t afraid to seek advice on how to achieve her dreams.”

“As for Sara, she is a focused and hardworking student,” she added. “No matter how hard something is she never lets that stop her or bring her down.”

Welding Technology is offered at eight other TSTC campuses: Breckenridge, Brownwood, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County.

For more information or to register for Fall 2017 visit tstc.edu.

Two TSTC Employees in Sweetwater Earn Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(SWEETWATER) – Texas State Technical College has announced the recipients of this year’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award, and seven West Texas employees were honored. Of the seven, two employees from Sweetwater received the award.

This year’s Sweetwater award winners are Marina Wilcox, interim provost and vice president of Dual Enrollment, and Julie Browning, executive administrative assistant.

Browning has worked at TSTC for four years and said she was honored to receive the award.

“I guess I do my job well!” she laughed.

It is interaction with people that motivates her to come into work every day.

“I’m passionate about TSTC because of the people I work with and the students I work for,” Browning said.

Wilcox, who has worked at TSTC for a collective four years, felt the same sentiments.

“I was absolutely honored and humbled that my peers felt that I was worthy of this award and that I helped serve and lead them in a capacity that they felt was of benefit to them and the college,” she said.

Wilcox returned to TSTC in 2015, having previously worked at the college from 2007 to 2008.

“When I returned to TSTC, the college was on the ground level of going through the transition period of moving from separate colleges into one TSTC,” she said. “There was a great deal of change that was going on, on multiple levels.”

She was happy to guide her team through the shift.

“I’m glad I was able to be part of such an exciting transition and that I helped lead my team through that transition,” she said. “I’m glad they were able to see the positive effects the transition was having on the college in the present and where we’re going in the future. Every day is full of change and opportunities to be that servant-leader, to lead your team through the changes and to see the great effects it has in each of their areas.”

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001, and over the past 15 years more than 280 TSTC employees have received the honor. Recipients are chosen based on outstanding contributions and achievements, commitment to excellence and character. Honorees serve as agents of change in the advancement of TSTC initiatives.

TSTC touts itself as being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for over 90 positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

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Three TSTC Employees in Abilene Earn Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(ABILENE) – Texas State Technical College has announced the recipients of this year’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award, and seven West Texas employees were honored. Of the seven, three employees from Abilene received the award.

This year’s Abilene award winners are Holle England, professional development officer; Jeannette Gist, director of student recruitment; and Jennifer Ryan, success coach.

England, a 22-year TSTC employee, was honored to receive the award.

“I believe in TSTC’s mission, and I strive to make sure that everything I do goes toward that mission,” she said. “In today’s society, a technical education is so important. I try to make sure we have excellent faculty and staff to support the students.”

Ryan has worked at TSTC for 14 years and said winning the award was a humbling experience.

“I thought it was a joke,” she laughed. “When you come to work, you do your work and you try to make the best of it. You try to encourage your students the best that you can, and you don’t really think about being recognized for that.”

The “underdogs” keep her motivated at TSTC.

“I want to help the person that was told by their high school counselor, a teacher or even a family member, ‘I don’t think college is for you,'” she said. “I try to show them that just because they may be limited in reading or math skills, or maybe have a learning disability, that doesn’t have to limit their potential to break the chain. Just because your family has always had manual jobs, that doesn’t mean you can’t be something different.”

With a background in children’s and family ministry, Gist also wanted to help make a difference for families.

“My heart just beats for families,” she said. “When I took the job, I wasn’t sure how my passion would connect with this job, but I found out very quickly how well it connects to what I care about. Every day in student recruitment we meet people. Sometimes they’re young, but sometimes they’re people even older than me who don’t know what they want to be when they ‘grow up.'”

She enjoys helping these students take the next step toward success.

“It’s a high to be able to walk through the process and direct them to a career that will enable them to provide for their families,” Gist said. “You never know what everybody’s story is and what it even took for them to walk through the door and pursue something different. What if they grew up in a household where people didn’t tell them they were smart? Maybe they didn’t have the confidence to take on a challenge like college. I want to be the person that sits across from them and says, ‘You can do it.'”

TSTC touts itself as “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for over 90 positions at its 10 campuses. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

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TSTC Police Chief Celebrates 30 Years of Service

(HARLINGEN) – Police Chief Aurelio Torres’ career at Texas State Technical College spans over 30 years and was recently recognized at the college’s annual Employee Appreciation Day for his service.

Torres, whose law enforcement career started at TSTC, said this was always a field he wanted to pursue because of its nobility.

“Our highest call is to provide service to others,” he said. “I feel that with my career I’m doing something with a purpose.”

Torres earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice – Police Administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville and graduated from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College and moved up the ranks.

He arrived at TSTC in 1987 as a police officer and served in that position until 1995 when he became an investigator and field training officer. And finally in 2008 he was named the TSTC Chief of Police.

“The title of a job doesn’t matter, it makes no difference,” said Torres. “It’s about helping people and making a difference.”

TSTC Chief of Police Aurelio Torres

Helping and changing lives is what Torres says is his favorite part of the job, even if the task is as small as unlocking a car.

“When I was an officer I loved being out in the field and helping our students overcome challenges,” he said. “It was great getting to know them and becoming a mentor.”

Although he does not work with students as often as he would like anymore, he said it has been great taking his officers and sergeants under his wing and helping them become the best officers and employees they can be.

“I love coaching and mentoring my personnel,” said Torres. “It’s important to me that they understand their jobs and what they do and how it ties into the college’s mission. In turn, it helps us provide the best service possible.”

Torres ensures that his team is always well trained and prepared by encouraging developmental training, the way TSTC has always encouraged his professional growth.

Torres and his officers have all completed trainings such as Campus Orientated Police Training, Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and sexual assault family violence investigator courses. Most recently the chief and his sergeants completed the FBI’s Command Leadership Institute trilogy.

“Learning never stops and I’m thankful for the training that TSTC provides,” said Torres.

TSTC’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Ray Rushing, who is also Torres’ supervisor, has worked with the chief for more than 18 years and said that he is the epitome of a law enforcement professional.

“His knowledge, skill and leadership is best reflected in the awesome department he has assembled and trained,” said Rushing. “TSTC is lucky to have a man of such integrity and commitment on staff. His love for and dedication to TSTC is showcased daily in his actions.”

It is this dedication that has earned Torres other recognitions as well. He has been recognized by the FBI for his assistance in a child pornography case, by the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and by TSTC in 2011 as a Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipient.

Torres added that he never expected to be at TSTC for 30 years, but he is grateful that the college has allowed him to stay that long.

“TSTC has become my second family,” he said. “I look forward to continuing my commitment to the college and its community. TSTC offers so many opportunities to its students and employees and transforms lives. I want to continue being a part of that for as long as I can.”

Donation Takes TSTC to New Heights

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College Electrical Lineworker Technology will have a nearly two-acre training facility when the program begins August 2017, all thanks to CenterPoint Energy.

The Houston-based electric and natural gas utility company has donated 50 utility poles and electrical lines for students to utilize in hands-on training.

“CenterPoint Energy has been eager to help us right from the beginning,” said TSTC Field Development Officer John Kennedy. “CenterPoint Energy’s generosity will allow us to reallocate our resources in our new Electrical Lineworker Technology program to enhance the students’ learning experience.”

The training yard will mirror that of CenterPoint Energy’s training center for its employees and will include two circles of 15 poles with additional practice lines.

“CenterPoint Energy was thrilled to participate in TSTC’s lineworker program. It’s a great opportunity to help them get started,” said CenterPoint Energy Director of Training and Development Don Matthews.

It is also CenterPoint Energy employees who are handling the installation.

“This gives our employees additional practice in setting the poles, but helps TSTC get their training program off the ground,” said Matthews. “It’s a win, win.”

TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology Instructor Troy Eads said he has had the pleasure of working with CenterPoint trainers and he is very appreciative of the opportunities they have given students with their donation.

“We can’t say thank you enough to CenterPoint Energy,” said Eads. “They have had their employees on campus working hard at installing our yard pole set in the rain and mud. This donation really gives our program the chance of providing our future lineworkers a real-world experience and the hands-on training they need for a successful career.”

TSTC Electrical Lineworker Technology will make its debut in the fall and will be located in TSTC’s newest building, the Brazos Center.

The program will include a certificate and associate degree track and will prepare students for one of the most physically demanding, but highest-paying careers in the nation.

Students will learn how to safely use lineworker climbing equipment and tools while practicing in an authentic utility training environment.

“We, and other companies are looking for skilled, quality workers and it is our belief that these graduates could potentially be good candidates for us or other companies in the area,” said Matthews.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Texas employs the most electrical lineworkers than any other state and also shows that employment is expected to grow six percent from 2014 to 2024.

“Because of CenterPoint’s innovative thinking, our students will not only be well-trained, but they will also have a viable option for excellent employment after they leave TSTC,” Kennedy said.

Electrical Lineworker Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Marshall and Waco campuses.

For more information or to register for Fall 2017 visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student Edith Romero is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management Technology and is expected to graduate Fall 2018.

The San Benito native currently boasts a 3.2 grade-point average and is active on campus and within her community.

The 20-year-old is a work study with the Office of Student Life, secretary of the Veteran Students Alliance Club, a member of the TSTC Pool Sharks club and a volunteer with the Harlingen Recycling Center and the Humane Society of Harlingen.

What are your plans after high school?

Edith Romero

After I graduate from TSTC I hope to get hired at either the San Benito Parks and Recreation or the Harlingen Recycling Center as an event coordinator.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work in anything that has to do with recycling and spreading awareness on environmentalism. I’ve always had a love for it and I want to encourage others to help make our communities green. Hopefully one day I’ll also be able to start a recycling center in San Benito and invent environmental-friendly products.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

At TSTC, my greatest accomplishment so far has been being voted secretary for the Veterans Club. I’ve always been a shy person and TSTC has helped me break out of my shell. Another accomplishment I’m really proud of happened when I was in high school when I was selected to be the only national representative for a Health Occupations Students of America competition.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I live by one quote, “Everything happens for a reason.” I was never interested in going to college, until some TSTC representatives came to talk to my high school class and showed me how important a college education is. I believe I was meant to hear their presentation because now TSTC has given me a brighter life and future.

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

Math lab assistant Vicky Lopez has had the greatest influence on my success. I came into college afraid of math. I’m not good at it. But Vicky was available every day to tutor me and help me. She was so welcoming and because of her and her great attitude I got an A in all of my math classes.