Category Archives: West Texas

TSTC Vocational Nursing student adapts to new learning environment

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Virdi Crawford admitted she took a “leap of faith” when she began studying Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College in late 2019.

What she learned over the past five months is that she was able to adapt to a new learning environment.

“This is an experience that I will never forget,” said Crawford of finishing the spring semester from her home in Abilene. “What this made me realize is how easily I was able to adapt to a stressful situation.”

Crawford said students had to adjust to the new learning environment, but were able to stay connected through online resources.

“It was sad that we could not go to class and talk to each other. Not having the one-on-one with the instructors was also a huge adjustment,” she said. “All of this taught me to roll with the punches.”

The spring semester experience is something Crawford said she will remember after completing the program and getting a job.

“I know there will be days that are work-heavy and I will want to give up,” she said. “But what COVID -19 has taught me to analyze everything and take a deep breath. I will be able to keep going because if we can make it through this, we can make it through work.”

Crawford completed the spring semester from her home while her husband also worked from home. The couple also had to make sure their two children, ages four and seven, were active.

“It was hard to explain to my children that mom and dad needed a little time to get their work done,” she said. “We were able to do it.”

She knew other students were facing the same situation.

“A majority of my classmates are working and have children. They also had to make this adjustment,” she said.

Crawford said the Breckenridge instructors helped with the transition.

“When this first started, we did not know what was going to happen. We did not know if we would have to start the program over,” she said. “The instructors are always there fighting for us and adapted to the new learning environment. It was definitely challenging for them and for us.”

Crawford said working through the spring semester helped her realize she made the right choice to study nursing. She said that other students interested in the field should look at TSTC first.

“TSTC has so many resources available. The doors are always open for the instructors to talk to you,” she said. “Breckenridge may be a small campus, but everyone cares how you are doing.”

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

Potts passes love of racing to next generation

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Billy Potts has a passion for auto racing.

The 1997 Texas State Technical College graduate is passing that passion to the next generation, but not through a lot of horsepower. Potts is president of the Bobcat Solar Racing Team composed of students at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club.

Each year, the team builds and then races a solar-powered car from the Texas Motor Speedway to California during the Solar Car Challenge. Potts and the team are disappointed that this year’s event was canceled.

Potts’ involvement with the racing challenge started when his son enrolled at Byron Nelson High School.

“I asked my son (Emery) to get involved. That was going to be the direction of the auto industry,” Potts said. “It was fun.”

The former team leader at that time was phasing out because his son was graduating, Potts said.

“I did not want to see this program fall apart,” he said. “We are still working and building a car, preparing for next year.”

Potts said working on a solar car offers team members something they do not get in the classroom. His son shared his father’s passion for solar racing, while some team members were merely looking for an extracurricular activity.

“Seeing those different kids working together is something special,” he said. “Some of the students come in and don’t know the right end of a screwdriver. By the time we are ready to race, they know what to do, and I just sit back and watch.”

Potts credited his career success to TSTC. He graduated from the Sweetwater campus in 1997 with a double degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Computer-Aided Drafting Design. 

He is currently a certified Bluebeam specialist and building information modeling coordinator for Jacobs, a company that provides professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

Today, Potts still recommends TSTC for anyone wanting to expand their education. He said his degree led him to good jobs, including working on the Texas Motor Speedway. But over the years, Potts said he wanted to “plant his feet” somewhere.

When a job at Jacobs opened, he did just that and pursued his passion for racing. He also spends time with Emery, who is now in college, when the Bobcat Solar Racing Team gets together.

“Emery, he is my right hand now. He is helping the new team,” he said. “What I learned at TSTC is still paying off for me today. For that, I will always be thankful.”

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

TSTC awarded Community Foundation of Abilene grant

(ABILENE, Texas) – For the third time since 2016, Texas State Technical College was awarded a Community Foundation of Abilene grant.

TSTC was awarded $7,500 which will be used for scholarships during the Fall 2020 semester. The college previously received grants in 2016 and 2018.

The scholarships are available for new students attending TSTC in Abilene, said Delton McGuire, TSTC’s West Texas Senior Field Development Officer.

“The TSTC Foundation is very thankful for the generosity of the Community Foundation of Abilene. Their gift will help new students at the school and relieve some of the financial burden,” McGuire said.

Financial aid advisors will award the scholarships in accordance with the policies and practices of TSTC, McGuire said. Full-time students may receive as much as $1,000 in scholarship funds.

“This money will provide opportunities for adults and students to attend school and help our local job market,” said Michelle Parrish, grant director at the Community Foundation of Abilene.

Grant funds to TSTC and other nonprofit groups is only part of the foundation’s mission. Parrish said donations are made throughout the year and used to fund projects.

Since 1985, the Community Foundation of Abilene has awarded more than $100 million in grants.

“We first opened through a gift and have definitely grown since that time,” Parrish said. “We have been able to double our grant donations over the past 10 years thanks to the community’s support.”

For more information on scholarships available at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

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

TSTC instructor says welders are always in demand

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Welders are always needed, no matter the economic situation.

Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Robert Whitley knows his students will likely find a job soon after completing the program. In West Texas, welders are needed not only in the oil field, but also at other sites, he said.

“Other (businesses) are not hurting as bad as the oil field right now,” Whitley said. “A lot of our guys are noticing that welding is definitely a reliable source of income.”

Whitley said many welders are self-employed, while others like the structure of working for a company. No matter what, he said, welders usually can find work.

“Some of the guys like to venture out to the bigger cities for work. They go out several different directions to find a job,” he said.

With oil prices beginning to rebound, Whitley said he expects to see more students enrolled in the program, which is offered at each of TSTC’s 10 campuses. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, and certifications in structural welding and structural/pipe welding.

“Hopefully everything in the oil field will be going the right way. When that happens, we will probably pick up another boom (of students),” he said.

Whitley said his main goal is to see students employed.

“I like to see them succeed. The best thing for me is to send kids out and see them be able to provide for their family,” he said.

With social distancing being the new normal in business, Whitley said lab sessions have been set up to state standards. He said that social distancing is nothing new to welders.

“Many of them will not be near anyone when they are working,” he said. 

During lab sessions, Whitley said students have worked within the guidelines.

“It has kept our guys on their toes. It is teaching them to prepare for the unexpected,” he said.

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

TSTC alumnus finds job stability in medical records field

(ABILENE, Texas) – Like most people, Sarah Johnson was looking for job stability.

After graduating from Texas State Technical College in November 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, she found that stability. Johnson credits TSTC for helping her find a job as a medical coder at Hendrick Health System.

“At one point, it was difficult for me to find work,” she said. “Once I started in the medical field, I loved it and would make it a career.”

After being employed in customer service for 20 years, Johnson worked in the outpatient unit at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. She decided to complete TSTC’s Health Information Technology program to further her career. It was a decision she has not regretted.

Since February, Johnson has worked as a coder at Hendrick Medical Center. Coders are health information professionals who analyze medical records and assign codes using a classification system. 

“If I would have known about the HIT program first, I would have done it,” she said. “I am glad I was able to graduate and get a job I love.”

Johnson said the instructors were instrumental in helping her during school and finding a job.

“I was overwhelmed with work and school. My instructors were always supportive,” she said. “They would always tell me and other students, ‘You can do this.’ They really took an interest in how we were doing and wanted us to succeed.”

Sarah Brooks, TSTC’s Health Information Technology program chair, said Johnson “defined what makes a student successful in the online learning environment.”

“She was self-motivated and self-disciplined,” Brooks said. “Sarah was open-minded in sharing her work, life and educational experiences with others through the learning process.”

Johnson, who codes emergency room records at Hendrick, said no two days are the same and credits TSTC’s instructors for preparing her for the daily challenge.

“I see a variety of charts,” she said. “My main focus is to make sure the information is coded correctly.”

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

Eight area TSTC students place at virtual SkillsUSA contest

(ABILENE, Texas) – Eight students from Texas State Technical College representing its West Texas campuses won medals at the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

The students earned five gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals. 

William Hancock earned gold medals in two events, Information Technology Services and Telecommunications Cabling. Victoria Jones earned a silver medal in Medical Math and a bronze in Medical Terminology.

Also earning gold medals were Rachel Bradshaw in First Aid/CPR, April Clark in Nurse Assisting, and Jerrod Doss in Internetworking. Bronze medals were awarded to Ashley Turnbow in Medical Math, Kerrie Helmuth in Nurse Assisting and Kaitlyn Mitchell in Job Interview.

Marchelle Taylor, TSTC’s West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator, said the students faced more of a challenge this year because of campuses being closed and the district conference being held virtually.

“It took flexibility on their part and extra work to prepare for the entire contest,” she said. “I am glad to have students at TSTC that worked together to continue to excel and participate in this excellent program.”

Bradshaw said competing online was “nerve-wracking.”

“I was more comfortable being able to do the written test from my home,” she said. “I hope the next time I compete it will be in person so we can show the judges what we know. It is always better to show your skills.”

Bradshaw, who is studying Nursing at the Breckenridge campus, said the competition will help her when she completes college.

“SkillsUSA will help you become a better employee and adult in general,” she said. “It has helped me to study more for my classes.”

Turnbow said knowing the contest would be online was not thrilling, but when it started, she changed her mind.

“It was both shocking and exciting,” she said of placing third. “Once I started taking the online test, it was an easy process.”

Turnbow, a Nursing student, said she plans to recommend that other students compete in SkillsUSA next year.

“This is a good program that will help you in your career. It is really good for resume building,” she said.

Helmuth was encouraged to participate by classmates and did not regret her decision. Even the online experience was beneficial.

“Once you completed the orientation, it was simple. I would do this again, but in person, preferably,” she said.

Helmuth, who is also a Nursing student, said competing taught her something she will carry over to her everyday life.

“I learned that no matter what the scenario is, I need to take the time to slow down and not hurry, no matter if it is at school, work or life,” she said.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

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

Texas State Technical College student Ashley Turnbow won a bronze medal in Medical Math during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

Texas State Technical College student Kerrie Helmuth won a bronze medal in Nurse Assisting during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

Texas State Technical College student Rachel Bradshaw won a gold medal in First Aid/CPR during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

TSTC alumnus returns to hometown hospital

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Seeing childhood friends will be a normal occurrence for Roby’s Kaycie Hills.

Hills, who graduated this spring from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, was recently hired at Fisher County Hospital. Hills is also following in the footsteps of her mother, who has worked at the hospital for 26 years.

“I enjoy working in my hometown. I see a lot of people from my childhood, and they tell me how proud they are of me. That makes me feel good,” she said.

Hills said she wanted to be a nurse like her mother and worked to reach that goal.

“I was working three jobs and realized that I wanted a career,” she said. “I wanted to provide for my son.”

Hills admitted that she struggled in some of her classes at TSTC, but she feels a sense of accomplishment about finishing her degree requirements.

“It feels really good to be graduating,” she said. “The instructors really came through for me and helped me.”

It was not only with classwork that Hills said instructors helped her.

“They would always call and ask how we were doing and if I needed anything,” she said. “That is what I appreciated the most. They really care about their students. They are a huge part of my life now.”

Completing the registered nursing courses taught Hills lessons she will use daily.

“The program really dove deep into the entire disease process,” she said. “It helped me learn what the patient needs, and I can better care for my patients with that knowledge.”

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

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TSTC Automotive Technology instructors bring experience to the program

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Students in the Automotive Technology program on the Texas State Technical College campus in Sweetwater listen when their instructors talk.

Mike Myers and Gerod Strother use their different backgrounds to teach the students what to expect on the job. Myers worked in the automotive industry for more than three decades, while Strother once served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army.

“Mike knows what (auto) dealerships are looking for,” Strother said. “All of the students listen to him.”

Myers said knowing what is expected of a mechanic helps the students while they work toward a certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree.

“When I get onto a student about something they did, it is because I know that it could be a fireable offense,” he said.

Strother said Myers is quick to return to the student.

“After a couple of minutes, Mike will go back to that student, put his arm around him and explain what they did wrong,” he said.

Safety is the first lesson students learn in the program. Strother said students must pass the safety course before they are allowed into the lab.

Once students are in the lab, that is where the majority of their time is spent. Myers said students spend two hours in the classroom, but “we then go in the lab and perform what we learned in the classroom.”

Strother’s military career and the lessons he learned while serving the United States play a role in safety.

“I want to focus on people and make sure they are paying attention. It is always about safety for me,” he said.

Both instructors said one of the more difficult lessons is when students have to work on the vehicle’s electrical system.

“Over my 31 years, I went from basic electronics in a car to technology today, with which you can land on the moon. Some vehicles have more technology in them than the capsule that landed on the moon,” Myers said. “We go over all of it and make sure the students know what to do.”

Myers said graduates typically begin working at a dealership’s oil change station. Six to nine months later, students will go through an apprenticeship with a master technician. The final stop is the main goal, according to Myers.

“After working as an apprentice, most of our guys get their own bay at the dealership,” he said. “That is their goal. That is where the big money is for them.”

Myers said he receives phone calls and text messages from former students telling him about their journey. He also gets a call or two a month from some of them needing help.

“It amazes me that students still call or text me about something they are working on. I listen to them, and we discuss what they have and have not done,” Myers said. “Then it clicks, and they know what to do. That is what I appreciate.”

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

TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology instructors preparing for enrollment surge

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – When oil prices decline, eventually they will increase. The biggest question is when.

When oil production increases, the demand for diesel specialists also increases. Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in heavy truck specialization and two certificates in heavy truck specialization.

“We are looking for a really good enrollment this fall, especially with the economy the way it is,” said instructor Shannon Weir. “The oil field is going to bounce back eventually, and companies will need people to work on the trucks and equipment.”

Some graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program are employed by established companies like Caterpillar, Peterbilt and Freightliner.

“Our students will be able to get work when they graduate,” he said.

Weir said most graduates have jobs prior to the end of their final semester. That is one of the selling points for the program, he said.

“Most of our graduates from Sweetwater get jobs in the oil field,” Weir said. “People trust our graduates.”

Students spend a majority of the time in the lab. Earlier this month, students returned to the Sweetwater campus to finish spring semester lab sessions.

“It is good to get back to work. This is a very hands-on class,” said second-year student Jacob Rambo of Wichita Falls.

With registration for the fall semester underway, Weir said instructors are preparing for changes.

“When the students returned this month, we did not have any issues. Everyone is following the rules,” he said, adding that those rules include wearing a face covering at all times. “We are going to make sure to practice all of the safety guidelines in place. Safety is our top priority.”

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

Technology key to recruiting students to TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – With Texas State Technical College recruiters working from home, creativity is being used to attract potential students.

Daniel Martin, TSTC’s director of Student Recruiting in West Texas, and his team are using technology to gauge the interest of prospective students and keep in touch with current applicants.

“We have been really productive,” Martin said. “Not only are we refining our craft, we have grown together as a team.”

TSTC is offering Virtual Visits on Facebook for prospective students. Each Thursday, a different program is presented from one of the 10 campuses across the state. The West Texas campus virtual visits began with Emergency Medical Services last month.

Martin said TSTC was one of the first colleges to offer Virtual Visits, and he hopes they will continue once on-campus tours are allowed to resume.

“I think we have learned a lot from our Virtual Visits. This will help us connect with high school students because they use social media,” Martin said. “I hope to continue to do more of these once we get back on campus.”

Another avenue recruiters are taking is conducting virtual presentations with high school counselors and teachers.

“We are talking to counselors and teachers about any presentation they would like us to make using Zoom or Google Meet,” Martin said. “This will set up our recruiters with students that are interested in a certain program.”

With open house events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin and his team had to be creative in recruiting students. Students who have shown an interest in attending TSTC are getting a phone call from a recruiter just to check on them.

“We are doing more of an encouraging phone call to students. We want to know how they are doing and if there is anything we can do for them,” Martin said.

Martin said he hopes all of the efforts being done lead to more students in the summer and fall.

“If we can turn all of our efforts into more students attending TSTC, that will be great,” he said. 

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