Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

Island Native Finds Career Success in Texas

By Lynda Lopez

Denzel Gore 01Denzel Gore is a long way from home. The 24-year-old now lives in Dallas but is originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, a tiny little island paradise in the Caribbean Sea.

In 2010 he was one of 20 St. Croix students who got scholarships to Texas State Technical College as part of an industry partnership.

“I was pretty excited. It’s not often people get full scholarships to college,” explained Gore. “It was a little overwhelming coming to Waco. I came from a small island. My first impression was that everything was huge here.”

Gore says he was also surprised at how friendly people were on the college campus and in the community.

“Complete strangers said hi. Faculty and staff were so welcoming to us. They made us feel right at home,” said Gore.

Gore earned an associate degree in Instrumentation Controls and Robotics. He credits faculty for his academic success.

“Instructors were always there to help. They were there if you didn’t have transportation or if you were running behind in class,” said Gore. “TSTC faculty make sure you succeed. You get their full support, including one-on-one training and tutoring.”

And Gore says it was the faculty that helped him get a job with Koch Pipeline, which operates pipelines that transport crude oil and petroleum products. He worked in Corpus Christi right after graduation and recently transferred to Dallas.

In a few weeks he’ll be celebrating five years with Koch Pipeline.

“I still have connections with TSTC. Faculty will call and check up on me. They come to Dallas and call so we can do lunch. Maybe it’s a Texas thing. I just love it,” said Gore.

Last month he traveled back to Waco to recruit TSTC students for his company. He says he was honored to represent Koch Pipeline and delighted to see so many old friends.

“I’m glad Koch sent me back,” said Gore. “All these kids would come up to me. I can’t believe that just a few years ago I was in their shoes looking for my first job. Some of them were taking classes I had taken. We could really relate.”

Gore travels back to St. Croix once a year, but he says Texas is now home.  He says he has no regrets about moving to the Lone Star State. He wishes more students knew about TSTC.

“I would encourage students to do their research. Learn more about TSTC. You won’t just get an education and a career,” explained Gore. “You will get a family.”

For more information on TSTC programs and locations, visit us online at tstc.edu.

TSTC Alum Is Living Testimony for Technical Degrees

By Lynda Lopez

Elliott Bermudez 01He was not your typical student at Texas State Technical College. By the time Elliot Bermudez enrolled at TSTC in Waco a decade ago to get an associate degree, he had already earned two bachelor’s degrees from four-year universities.

The problem was he couldn’t get a job.

“I have a business degree in accounting, economics and business principles. I also have an electrical engineering degree from a university, but no one would hire me because I didn’t have experience,” explained Bermudez. “I was doing maintenance in apartments earning $25,000 a year just to get by.”

Bermudez’s wife knew he had more potential and pushed him to attend TSTC.

“I did a lot of research. I saw the number of students that got hired onto different jobs prior to graduating or right after graduation. I did my research and saw how much people were making,” he said.

Bermudez entered TSTC’s Industrial Engineering program and excelled. He was one of only two graduates in 2008 who could boast of a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. He credits his instructors and hands-on training for his academic success.

“Even though I had an electrical engineering degree, I had never had so much hands-on training as I had here. My experience was awesome,” said Bermudez.

That TSTC training paid off big for this Waco native. He completed an internship with Shell, was assigned a mentor, and was taught the oil business “from cradle to grave,” as they say in the business.

At the end of the internship he was interviewed by a panel of Shell administrators and tested for his knowledge. By the end of the session he was offered a job – and hired a week before graduation.

Today Bermudez works for Shell Offshore making a six-figure salary as a Senior Authorized Electrical Person.

“We have contractors from different companies that come and work. We prepare permits for them, work permits. But prior to that, we have to walk the job down, see all the hazards and put mitigations; we go out there with them and make sure that their job is safe,” he explained.

Bermudez speaks from experience when he urges future students to research two-year versus four-year degrees. As he points out, a bachelor’s degree isn’t for everyone.

“You can spend the amount of money you’re going to spend at TSTC for two years, or go to a four-year university and spend that same amount in one or two semesters. Make your choice wisely,” said Bermudez.

Valley Mills Woman Finds Success in a Man’s World

By Lynda Lopez

TKatelyn Bateman 01exas State Technical College alum Katelyn Bateman has a waspy, fresh-faced, sorority girl look – blonde, pretty and petite.

But she’s proven she’s much more than good looks, making her way in a man’s world and doing a good job of it.

The Valley Mills native is a utility designer for Oncor Electric Delivery, an electric power company in Round Rock, and a 2015 graduate of the Electrical Power and Controls program on the Waco TSTC campus.

“My education at TSTC was superb. I still use theory every day that I learned in my first semesters, and sometimes I find myself explaining electrical concepts to my co-workers,” said Bateman.

Today in her job, Bateman works with new construction in the Pflugerville, Hutto and north Austin areas, engineering the design that will bring electricity to new homes and buildings.

“This career is great in many ways,” explained Bateman. “It’s challenging, hands-on, a perfect mixture of field time and office time. Plus, the money is good.”

Bateman says that as a child she liked to take things apart and put them back together. When it was time for college, Bateman considered teaching or nursing but in the end was drawn to a career with a hands-on aspect.

As a student at TSTC, Bateman was one of only a handful of ladies in a male-dominated program. She says it took a while for her male classmates to warm up to her.

“I had to prove myself with the other students because I was female,” said Bateman. “I would hear the guys say things like, ‘Go ask the girl,’ like I didn’t have a name.”

Bateman eventually won the “guys” over with her work ethic, leadership skills and knowledge. In 2014 she was awarded the “Women in Trades” scholarship – one of only two Texans to win the award.

Today Bateman hopes to inspire more women to look beyond traditional careers and take up the challenge of entering male-dominated technology industries.

“My advice to women is don’t let the stereotypes of women or typical jobs influence you. I get compliments daily on my courage and capability to jump into this male-dominated field,” said Bateman. “I’m proud to work in utility design.”

Bateman is now working on her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, recently enrolling in Tarleton State University’s online program. She hopes to complete her bachelor’s in two to three years.

“By the time I have a bachelor’s degree, I will also have four to five years of experience under my belt. This will increase my options of advancing within my company.”

TSTC has 10 locations across Texas. For more information on TSTC programs near you, visit us online at tstc.edu.

TSTC Spring 2017 Commencement to Be Held Friday

Marlensm(BROWNWOOD) – You can do anything you set your mind to. That is what Marlen Longoria, who will graduate from Texas State Technical College on Friday, believes. The Santa Anna, Texas, resident grew up in Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico, and moved to Texas in 2009.

“Two or three years ago, I got my GED, thanks to my mother-in-law,” Longoria said. “She always encouraged me to start again, to get my driver’s license first and then to get my GED. She said, ‘Well, you have a brain. You can go to college.’”

Longoria did some research, found TSTC online and visited the campus. She chose to study TSTC’s Software & Business Management Accounting.

“One day we came here to look for information,” she said. “I took two years of accounting in Mexico, and that’s why I decided to study it here. I like it.”

Longoria served as vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, and was a member of the Student Government Association. She will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. While she was part of the SGA, the group established a food and clothing pantry on campus to help other students.

“We always try to do community service,” Longoria said. “This year we have more members and we’re really active.”

Longoria will join nearly 150 other students from TSTC’s West Texas campuses in walking the stage at the spring commencement ceremony, which will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Abilene Civic Center.

After graduating, Longoria plans to attend Howard Payne University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She chose one word to describe her experience at TSTC: awesome.

“It’s so much more than I expected,” she said. “The people here are great. They always have a smile on their faces and they always made me feel a part of it. My English isn’t great — it’s not my first language — but they always made me feel comfortable. The instructors have always been patient with me. It’s been a great experience, and they gave me the confidence to continue my education!”

Longoria offered some words of advice to TSTC students and those considering TSTC.

“Never give up,” Longoria said. “There’s no problem that is bigger than your dreams.”

TSTC in Brownwood is currently enrolling for all programs, including Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Aided Drafting & Design, Computer Networking & Systems Administration, Database & Web Programming, Emergency Medical Services, LVN-RN Transition, Medical Office Specialist, Software Accounting & Management and Welding. Summer registration continues through May 1. Fall registration ends Aug. 21.

For more information on TSTC and programs available, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Bianca Medrano

(HARLINGEN) – Student Success Profile Bianca MedranoBianca Medrano is a student at Texas State Technical College and expects to complete her General Academic Core Fall 2017.

The 22-year-old is in the Veteran Students Alliance Club serving as secretary. She also frequently participates in Student Government Association activities such as National Make a Difference Day and makes it a priority to volunteer within her community.

What are your plans after graduation?

Once I complete my academic core here at TSTC I hope to transfer to Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology.

What is your dream job?

I eventually want to open my own practice and help those with mental health issues. This is an important topic for me since I suffer from depression and anxiety. I had a great support team with my family and friends, but not everyone has that. So, I want to be that support that somebody needs and hopefully save some lives.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been the awards I’ve received because of my involvement on campus. I just recently received the Rising Star Award at the Student Leadership Banquet, as well as my second President’s Volunteer Service Award for my 115 community service hours.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned about yourself or life?

The lessons I have learned are one, that with a great support system I can get through anything, and two, it is important to use my voice. Going through anxiety and depression can be a lonely time but I was never alone. And although the battle never really ends, I am where I am today because of the support I have. Additionally, I’ve always been shy but TSTC and the friends I have made here has changed that because I now feel comfortable being myself and speaking up.

Who has TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person that has influenced me the most was my older sister Jasmine Medrano. She graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in Business Management Technology. Life wasn’t always the easiest for her either and she made some bad decisions, but she was able to turn her life around. And when she did and finally graduated it inspired me and I knew I could do it too.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is this: Take your time. College is not a race. All that matters is that you finish and you earn that degree.

 

TSTC Agriculture Expo Opens Fields of Opportunities

(HARLINGEN) – As an Agriculture Technology student at Texas State Technical College Danny Ramos has been given the opportunity to volunteer with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and actively participate in the Fifth Annual Agriculture Expo hosted by TSTC, USDA and United States Custom and Border Protection.

TSTC students from Agriculture Technology and Biology and local high school students were in attendance to receive information from Ramos and 10 other agencies that were on hand to talk about volunteer, internship and job opportunities.

“It’s great being able to inform my classmates about opportunities available to them,” Ramos said. “It was my instructors who advised and encouraged me to apply for this volunteer position and here I am. I’m learning a lot and gaining experience.”

Ramos already holds a certificate from the program that he earned in 2013, but has returned to pursue his associate degreeTSTC Agriculture Expo Spring 2017.

In addition to volunteering with the NRCS, he also spends a lot of his time mentoring high school students from the local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters.

Ruby De La Garza, regional director for Texas USDA, Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program said she encourages all students like Ramos to take advantage of volunteer and internship opportunities when they present themselves.

“Our goal is to create an awareness among agriculture students about the possible opportunities within the USDA and other federal agencies,” De La Garza said. “It’s important they get involved early and begin building their resumes and gaining experience.”

De La Garza said there may not always be internship or other paid opportunities available, but volunteers are always welcomed and it helps to have a foot in the door when positions become available.

In fact, five TSTC Agriculture Technology students will have the opportunity to intern with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Center in Harlingen this summer thanks to the USDA-Step2 Grant, which students also learned about at the event.

The USDA-Step2 Grant is a shared four-year grant through TSTC and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and other Texas colleges and universities, which awards agriculture students with a scholarship and summer internship.

TSTC Agriculture Instructor Norberto Mendoza said this year the grant was able to help a total of nine TSTC students.

“Internships like this are invaluable to our students. They get their foot in the door and many times this leads to full-time job opportunities,” said Mendoza. “And this expo is a great way to expose our students to programs that will help them get ahead in their careers.”

As for Ramos, he said he hopes his volunteer efforts will lead to an internship or full-time position with the USDA once he graduates, but considers himself lucky because he already gets to do what he loves.

For more information on Agriculture Technology and the USDA-Step2 Grant call 956-364-4859 or visit tstc.edu.

Employee Spotlight: Neri Balli

(HARLINGEN) – Neri Balli is the director for Precollege Programs at Texas State Technical College and has been awarded the Employee Spotlight honor for the month of April.

“I’m truly honored to have been given this award,” she said. “I was not expecting it, but it feels good knowing you’re appreciated.”The Harlingen native has worked at the college for 21 years, but had the privilege to call TSTC home as a college student as well.

Balli started her career with TSTC as a student worker in the College Information Office, which is now the Office of Recruitment, before earning her associate degree in Information Management Technology in 1996.

The TSTC graduate was immediately hired after receiving her degree and she said she has never looked back.

“As an employee of TSTC I’ve always been taken care of,” Balli said. “And the opportunity of growth within the college is treme TSTC Employee Spotlight Neri Ballindous. My supervisors have always cared about my success and have encouraged me to excel.”

She said one of those achievements that was supported by her supervisors and her team was the bachelor’s degree in Workforce Leadership and Supervision she earned from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2013.

Today, as the director for Precollege Programs, Balli is the spark of encouragement others need to pursue a college education. From prekinder to seniors in high school, she works to plant the seed of higher education with programs such as TSTC’s Challenger Learning Centers in Harlingen and Waco; and TexPrep, a seven-week math, science and engineering program.

“My passion for assisting and guiding students to a college education has always been there,” Balli said. “It’s a great feeling when you’re able to meet their needs, make an impact and see them succeed. It’s really special.”

It is this passion that her colleagues find admirable and why they nominated her for the Employee Spotlight.

“Neri works tirelessly to ensure that Pre-College Programs is a great area to work in. She gladly steps up to bat for our programs and will not stop until there are results,” one comment read.

Another said, “She has not and will not give up until we are able to provide services to our students. She is also always polite and has a smile on her face. She firmly believes in leadership and modeling the positive traits that make up a good leader because we learn by example, and she sets a very good example.”

Balli said these comments bring tears to her eyes and encourage her to keep going.

“Just knowing that my colleagues and bosses appreciate me encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing because this award shows me that it’s making a difference.”

She said her goal is to continue making a positive impact on the students she works with and her department.

“Now that we’re statewide, my goal is to make our department stronger by collaborating more to increase the number of students we assist and educate about college.”

The TSTC Staff Senate takes nominations for the Employee Spotlight and members vote on the most deserving candidate based on application comments.

TSTC Receives Large Donation from Hernandez Foundation

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently received one of the single largest donations for its Texan Success Scholarship.

Brownsville native Mike Hernandez, founder of the Hernandez Foundation, presented TSTC with a $100,000 check to be used for scholarships.

“We are so grateful to tTSTC Hernandez Check Presentation he Hernandez Foundation for their early support for the Texan Success Scholarship campaign,” said TSTC Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch. “These funds go a long way in helping our students achieve their dream of going to college. This is a big step forward in our goal but we still have work to do and we know this large gift early on is just a sign of great things to come.”

The funds from this donation will be used for scholarships to help assist new, full-time students from Brownsville pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at TSTC with tuition and other expenses.

All donations made to the Texan Success Scholarship campaign are matched dollar-for-dollar by the college. Matching funds will be available to benefit all incoming TSTC students.

“We appreciate Mike Hernandez for his support of our institution,” said TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia. “With TSTC matching funds, this donation turns into $200,000, meaning that 400 students will benefit from this donation.”

Hernandez said he knew he had to support TSTC after taking a tour of its engineering center classrooms and labs.

“I’m very impressed with the way TSTC is doing things,” said Hernandez. “I’m proud to support

Mike Hernadez, founder of Hernandez Foundation

Mike Hernandez

TSTC’s efforts because everything starts with an education.”

Through his Project OP10.33 and his foundation, Hernandez is committed in his mission of educating every child in the community beyond a high school diploma and increasing business growth to create good-paying jobs.

David Estrada, a past Texan Success Scholarship recipient and Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student, gave his testimonial at the event on how these funds have changed his life.

“Going to college meant that my parents would have difficulty providing for my college expenses and also providing for my siblings. So receiving the Texan Success Scholarship was a huge relief for my parents,” Estrada said. “This meant that I could be the first college-educated individual in my family.”

Estrada added that the scholarship is a blessing and he finds himself more motivated to show his instructors his potential. He is also excited about being able to purchase his first laptop computer soon.

For more information on the Texan Success Scholarship or to donate, call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500.

TSTC Breaks Ground on New Abilene Campus

groundbreaking(ABILENE) – Texas State Technical College officials and community leaders broke ground on the college’s newest venture in Abilene on Thursday, April 20. The ceremony, held at 1717 Navajo Trail, marked the start of construction on a 56,000-square-foot Industrial Technology Center that will be the first of a multibuilding campus.

The college is excited for the opportunity to better serve the community with access to advanced technical education that can lead to great career opportunities.

“Our campus expansion in Abilene will support industry growth and expand the city’s economy while reducing the ever-widening midlevel skills gap,” said Rick Denbow, senior field development officer at TSTC. “This groundbreaking marks a new era for TSTC in Abilene and in West Texas.”

The Development Corporation of Abilene, Dodge Jones Foundation, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Shelton Family Foundation, City of Abilene and community leaders have invested $6 million toward the project, which will allow TSTC to add programs in Industrial Maintenance, Welding, and Electrical Power & Controls and will house its growing Emergency Medical Services program.

“These programs were chosen from analyzing data from the Rick Perryman study where we looked at economic growth across the state and what the needs were in those particular areas,” said TSTC Executive Vice Chancellor and COO Elton Stuckly Jr. “We also did some research of our own and selected the programs based on the needs of the community and this region.”

Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald, a longtime supporter of TSTC, was quick to jump on the opportunity for a new TSTC.

“Who are the winners in all of this?” Archibald asked the crowd at the event. “First of all, construction jobs will be made. People that live in our community will be out here working. That’s good. Students will come to this campus and learn skills and go out and get a job that they can be proud of. They’re one of the winners. The workforce helps bring in businesses that think, ‘I’m thinking of coming to Abilene. Do you have the workers I need to make this business work?’ The answer will be yes.”

The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) was among the first to invest in the new campus.

“The DCOA went through an extensive strategic planning process and identified 10 goals we want to focus on,” DCOA Chairman Dave Copeland said. “One of those goals was to build a more highly skilled workforce. Another was to support our existing businesses’ growth and prosperity. The businesses in this town are closely linked to the workforce. We feel that this new facility takes us a long way toward those goals.”

Stuckly stressed the importance of building relationships.

“TSTC is known for providing a skilled workforce for Texas, but of course everything you do takes money,” he said. “Without the support of the county, the city, the DCOA, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Denbow shared the same sentiments.

“TSTC has a reputation of doing great things,” said Denbow, “Growing businesses, growing the economy, transforming lives — but we can’t do any of that without you.”

The new building is expected to open in the summer of 2018. For more information on Texas State Technical College and the programs currently offered, visit tstc.edu.

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TSTC Hosts First Auto Tech Day

(SWEETWATER) – Local high school students had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students during the college’s first Auto Tech Day.

The event was focused on recruiting students to TSTC’s Automotive Maintenance and Repair dual enrollment pathway – an educational initiative that allows high school students to take college courses.

“We want to make sure students are aware of the college opportunities available to them while still in high school,” said TSTC Manager of Dual Enrollment for West Texas Rene Rolston.

Students at the event were treated to breakfast and got to hear from TSTC West Texas Campus Provost Eliska Smith, TSTC Automotive Instructor Henry Ortega, TSTC Automotive Division Director Mark Koslan and TSTC Automotive Advisory Board member and owner of J&M Automotive in SweetwaterTSTC Auto Tech Day Josh Waldon.

After presentations, the high school students were paired with TSTC students to get hands-on experience in areas such as air conditioning, diagnostics, brake repair and engine maintenance and repair.

“When choosing a career path it’s important to know what you’re getting into,” said Rolston. “And there’s no better way than having an event dedicated to exposing students to a field and giving them an opportunity to experience it hands on.”

Rolston said she hopes this event will encourage students to pursue this pathway because there are benefits to enrolling in dual enrollment courses.

“When a student enrolls in dual enrollment they are saving themselves time and money in the future,” she said. “When they complete the pathway they have one semester under their belt.”

TSTC currently has 43 school districts that are utilizing the dual enrollment pathway for its junior and senior high school students in Sweetwater and surrounding counties, including nine online pathways for those who are too far to travel to campus.

Dual enrollment classes are typically offered Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the TSTC campus.

“We have students as far as 250 miles away taking dual enrollment courses through TSTC,” said Rolston. “So our online pathways make dual enrollment a reality with us when students live too far but want to take advantage of this great partnership.”

For more information on the dual enrollment Automotive Technology pathway call 325-235-7319 or go online at tstc.edu.