Category Archives: West Texas

TSTC alumnus puts skills to use as oil, gas field inspector

(ABILENE, Texas) – Devan Moore puts the skills he learned at Texas State Technical College to use on a daily basis.

After serving seven years in the U.S. Army, Moore attended TSTC and received Associate of Applied Science degrees in Wind Energy Technology in 2018 and Industrial Systems in 2019. Today, he is an oil and gas field inspector for the Railroad Commission of Texas.

“Not one day goes by that I do not implement some piece of knowledge that I learned at TSTC,” he said. “With the Railroad Commission, it is my responsibility to ensure that the oil and gas industry stays in compliance with rules and regulations.”

Moore, a native of The Colony, is in charge of inspections in Erath, Hood, Palo Pinto and Parker counties.

“I absolutely love what I do. I do not see this as a job; I see this as a new beginning,” Moore said.

Moore served as a field artillery cannoneer in the U.S. Army, and he said that experience gave him an advantage, both at TSTC and the Railroad Commission.

“I had zero oil-field experience,” he said. “Between my military training and my education at TSTC, I am excited about my career.”

He said his instructors and fellow students at TSTC did something for him in addition to academics.

“When I first started at TSTC, I was a little older than most of the students. But I was seasoned. At the same time, I wanted a clean slate,” Moore said. “In life, you can get into one of those slumps. I started to refine my skills, and my morale was higher. The biggest thing TSTC did for me was getting me out of my slump.”

He wants other veterans to know about the opportunities available at TSTC, especially since he was part of the first Industrial Systems graduating class in Abilene.

“I am an active member of the Abilene area’s veteran community. I want our veterans to know that TSTC can offer a career path,” Moore said. “I know that other veterans may feel the same way after leaving the service. They need to know that TSTC will help them get out of that slump and be there for them.”

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

Perkins Grant helps TSTC students with expenses

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – With help from a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Grant, Texas State Technical College student Rebecca Fortuna does not have to worry about gas money.

Through the grant, Fortuna is able to travel from Rotan to Sweetwater to study Wind Energy Technology. Without the grant, Fortuna said she might not be able to complete school.

“If it was not for this grant, I would probably have to work more just to pay for gas,” she said. “I saved a lot of money driving back and forth, even with gas prices fluctuating. Every little bit helps me.”

Michael LeRoux, coordinator of Retention Services for TSTC’s West Texas campuses, said helping with transportation costs is not the only benefit of the grant. The Perkins Grant also allows nontraditional students to receive funding for child care.

“We also have a lending library available where students can borrow books or tools for their courses,” he said. “We wanted to dedicate our money to our assistance programs.”

Fortuna, 35, learned about the grant opportunity by talking to her classmates.

“It was not a difficult process. With a lot of grants, it is a large essay, but this was not that way,” she said. “Michael helped me through the entire process.”

She has even paid it forward by telling other female classmates about the grant program.

“I wanted to help get the word out that this is available,” she said.

LeRoux said funding helps relieve some stress on students.

“I hope people take advantage of this program. One of my main goals is to get as many students to apply for funding as possible,” he said. 

To receive funding, the student must be in good academic standing, be classified as full time, and take classes on campus.

“We accept applications each semester, and students are eligible to reapply,” LeRoux said. “It is rewarding because it helps a lot of people.”

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

TSTC to offer OSHA-compliant degree program in Breckenridge

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Safety on worksites is important.

The person behind the scenes making sure that all of the rules and regulations are being followed is a certified Occupational Health and Safety Administration technician. Texas State Technical College will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology at the Breckenridge campus this fall.

TSTC had planned to start classes in the program in Breckenridge last year, but Martin Knudsen, the program’s department chair, but did not have enough applicants. Knudsen said he expects to see the program thrive in West Texas, where oil fields and wind farms are in need of safety compliance officers and directors.

“A lot of our students are those that were in the trade industry and are getting older. We tell them we will retrain you so you will know the hazards in your industry,” he said. “When you learn the compliance side of the industry, that is what makes a good safety person.”

Knudsen said he has seen enrollment increase when the economy drops.

“When the economy hiccups, we explode (with enrollment),” he said. “I am expecting that to happen this fall in Breckenridge and Waco. People always say they want to go back to school and they need to go back to school. This is the best time for a person in the field to become an OSHA technician.”

The reason for that, according to Knudsen, is the fact that the need for OSHA technicians will never end.

“Once you learn (OSHA training), you learn it for life,” he said. “The technician position is not going anywhere.”

Teresa Purcell will be instructing the five-semester course in Breckenridge. She and Knudsen both said the OSHA technician position is misrepresented as being the “bad guys.”

“A lot of people, when they hear OSHA, they say, ‘Oh, my God.’ They are not the bad guys,” Purcell said. “They are on the sites training workers and providing the knowledge to better educate people to be safe.”

Knudsen said the primary objective for technicians is to “make sure people do not get hurt.”

“Safety is enormous on the job site,” he said. “Technicians want to make sure all areas are in compliance with all of the current regulations. They want to make sure that mom or dad gets to go home safely at the end of the day.”

Students will learn the hazards of machines, safe work methods, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures during the five semesters.

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

TSTC students practice social distancing during lab sessions

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A limited number of Texas State Technical College students returned to campus Monday, May 4.

Students allowed back on campus are studying in programs that require them to complete hands-on lab work in order to finalize their semester. While on campus, students and instructors practiced social distancing guidelines and wore face coverings at all times.

Students were glad to be back on campus and have social interaction with classmates.

“I am excited to be back,” said Diesel Equipment Technology student Jacob Rambo, of Wichita Falls. “While we were away, I did a skills test and had to align my own vehicle.”

Devyn Johnson from Lubbock, who is also a Diesel Equipment Technology student, said he spent time at work and with his family while away from campus.

“It feels good to be back. I missed the bonding with my friends and the coming together we had before getting started with class,” he said. “I have learned a lot from these guys.”

The return to on-campus instruction is specifically authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which has identified career and technical education as one area of education that may continue under the Texas governor’s Executive Order No. GA-16.

“CTE programs that require hands-on instruction that cannot be delivered online can continue to be delivered, but in strict accordance with CDC guidelines,” the executive order states.

“It is good to be back in the groove,” said Diesel Equipment Technology student David Wilson, of Brownwood..

Welding students in Sweetwater were also excited to be back on campus. Brian Naza, of Colorado City, admitted he did not do any welding at home.

“It is important that I improve my cutting and torch skills,” he said about what his focus would be on during the on-campus lab sessions.

Welding student Hector Mendez, of Senora, said returning to campus was a fresh start.

“I am looking forward to finishing what I started. I want to make good grades and put my skills to use,” he said.

Mendez said that before starting the lab session, his classmates talked about what they did during the past five weeks.

“We were really glad to see each other, but more importantly we want to finish and graduate,” he said.

For more information about how TSTC has prepared to return students to campus, visit https://tstc.edu/coronavirus.

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

TSTC graduate finds career in computer programming

(ABILENE, Texas) – Haley Howdeshell started taking Computer Programming Technology classes at Texas State Technical College only knowing the basics.

Howdeshell is graduating this semester with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Even before receiving the degree, she has found a career opportunity at Funeral Directors Life in Abilene.

“They have so many career paths available,” she said. “I am pretty much set for life. It is thanks to TSTC that this happened, and I have a goal of staying here and working my way up.”

Howdeshell said that even though she did not have much experience with computers, Computer Programming Technology was a perfect fit.

“The more that I looked into the program, the more in love with it I became,” she said. “The only experience I had was turning on my computer at home and working on it. A lot of people do not even know how to hook up a printer. I really enjoyed my time in class and the labs.”

She credits her instructors, including Julie Rhoades, for opening her eyes to a different career.

“TSTC has a lot of different people there to help you,” Howdeshell said. “They helped me with my resume and coached me for interviews. TSTC showed me how to carry myself and provided me with a lot of good tips and tricks during the interview process.”

Rhoades knew Howdeshell would succeed.

“Haley has been a responsible student who’s dedicated to getting her work complete and submitted on time. She actively sought employment before she graduated and was able to dedicate hours to the job search, and the position she landed, while continuing her school work,” Rhoades said. “She has the self-discipline required to complete her goals and succeed in life.”

Rhoades had pulled Howdeshell aside to tell her about the Funeral Directors Life job opening.

“She was always helpful and encouraging to the students,” Howdeshell said. “I really appreciated what she did for me.”

TSTC prepared Howdeshell for a career, and she hopes more students, especially high school students, take advantage of the available programs.

“TSTC does some amazing things for students,” she said.

Howdeshell said she had one goal when she started at TSTC.

“I knew I was going to have to work hard. Graduation was my goal, and I graduated,” she said.

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

Kahl receives TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(ABILENE, Texas) – Carly Kahl believes in Texas State Technical College’s values.

Kahl, who has worked at TSTC for the past 12 years, received a 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award for her dedication to the college and willingness to help others.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Kahl, a graduate of Andrews High School, is a Social/Behavioral Science master instructor in Abilene. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMurry University and a Master of Arts degree from Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia. She is currently working on a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and I am excited to join the ranks of previous Chancellor’s Excellence Award winners,” she said.

As an assistant department chair, Kahl does more than teach students. She leads the TSTC General Education department at the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, and Sweetwater campuses, as well as with other department chairs statewide within the department.

“I love that I get to do so many things at different levels,” she said. “I enjoy meeting and working with various departments and divisions across the state who all have a common mission: Place more Texans in great-paying jobs. The General Education department is full of wonderful faculty, and I couldn’t ask for better team members. I also love teaching students, and I especially love seeing that moment when students get it, when something they’ve been thinking about clicks and understanding happens.”

Kahl’s willingness to help her students and others is among the reasons she received the award.

“Each year TSTC employees have an opportunity to nominate fellow employees who display our core values on an ongoing and consistent basis. Regardless of their daily demands, these nominees have risen to the top through their dedication to TSTC customers, both internal and external,” said Rick Denbow, provost at TSTC in West Texas. “With multiple levels of vetting, only a small percentage of those nominated are awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.”

Kahl said she is excited about TSTC’s new commitment campaign, “Shaping You to Get Hired.”

“I believe our new commitment campaign is a game changer. Companies want employees with good communication and professional skills, and (the) campaign ensures that all our students have the chance to learn those essential skills,” she said.

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

Collins receives TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(ABILENE, Texas) – After working for Texas State Technical College a few years, Annette Collins knew it was going to be a career-defining opportunity.

Collins’ work with veterans in West Texas earned her a 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Collins, a native of East Cleveland, Ohio, is the Veterans Program officer in West Texas. Her support of students is evident. She went as far as calling one student daily to make sure he made it to class on time.

“My top goal is a base residency establishment at Dyess Air Force Base that eventually will open doors for other military installations. I have set goals for myself, and one of them is to increase the veteran enrollment by 10 percent every semester,” she said.

Collins said TSTC offers an education beyond books and classrooms.

“We have an opportunity to gain hands-on training, and TSTC gets you prepared for employment on the outside,” she said.

That is one of the reasons Collins received the award.

“Each year TSTC employees have an opportunity to nominate fellow employees who display our core values on an ongoing and consistent basis. Regardless of their daily demands, these nominees have risen to the top through their dedication to TSTC customers, both internal and external,” said Rick Denbow, provost at TSTC in West Texas. “With multiple levels of vetting, only a small percentage of those nominated are awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.”

Collins, a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant, credited her time in the military for the work she does helping veterans.

“I learned that accountability, loyalty and providing excellent customer service were the key elements in making an organization successful. I live by the values of Integrity, doing the right thing at all times, service before self and excellence in all we do,” she said. “The values I have presented to TSTC and to all the veterans, co-workers and others I encounter amplified my ability to provide outstanding customer service and an uplifting, caring attitude each day. A simple greeting and smile can actually make someone’s day.”

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

Alumnus helps recruit students to TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology students at Texas State Technical College in West Texas have an advantage.

Lab assistant Tony Torres is a 2016 graduate of the program, and he is available to guide students during lab sessions. Torres and master instructor Julie Rhoades share the same goal. They want their students to get a job after completing the program.

Torres said the program prepares students for the Texas workforce, but the learning does not stop after graduation.

“We let them know that the learning is not over at TSTC,” he said. “They will be learning different programming languages in the field. But if that language is not part of their company’s database, we want to give them enough tools so that they will be able to pick up what it is.”

Rhoades said the program will help students with different computer programs, including mobile applications. While she does not see many TSTC graduates focusing on mobile applications, Rhoades said it is a good skill for them to learn.

Having Torres working in the lab with students is an advantage, she said. Most of the program is taught online, but some students use the computer labs on the Abilene and Brownwood campuses to complete assignments.

Rhoades said Torres is also a good recruiter for the program in West Texas.

“His work ethic is great. He can tell the students what to expect during the course,” Rhoades said. “He has been through it and offers them first-hand knowledge.”

Torres said he likes to talk to students about why they chose the computer programming field.

“I have talked to some students that barely knew how to turn on a computer,” he said. “Those are the ones that really flourish in the program.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming Technology. Torres earned that degree and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree.

Rhoades said she was pleased that Torres is working to further his education while helping current students.

“Tony has helped our recruiters with recruiting efforts,” she said.

She hopes that more of the West Texas program will include face-to-face interaction in the future.

“That will give us a chance to work with students both online and in person. It would be the best of both worlds,” she said.

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

Salinas receives TSTC Chancellor’s Excellence Award

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Omar Salinas enjoys his job at Texas State Technical College.

Salinas, the production chef at the Sweetwater campus, received the 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award for his outstanding job performance and willingness to lead by example.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s mission,” said TSTC Chancellor & CEO Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Salinas said he was surprised to receive the award.

“All I am really doing is enjoying my job and in a way helping my co-workers or any other TSTC teammate as much as I can,” he said.

“Each year TSTC employees have an opportunity to nominate fellow employees who display our core values on an ongoing and consistent basis. Regardless of their daily demands, these nominees have risen to the top through their dedication to TSTC customers, both internal and external,” said Rick Denbow, provost of TSTC’s West Texas campuses. “With multiple levels of vetting, only a small percentage of those nominated are awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.”

Rick Nelson, supervisor of Food Services in Sweetwater, said Salinas is a “blessing for TSTC.”

“He has the skills to go to work wherever he wants, but he loves TSTC,” Nelson said. “He takes ownership of everything that goes on in the kitchen. He is willing to put in long hours to ensure the work is done correctly.”

After graduating from Menard ISD, Salinas graduated from TSTC’s Culinary Arts program. He has spent the past 12 years working for TSTC and does not see that coming to an end.

“Working for TSTC is a great opportunity. There is much to learn and do. We have many opportunities to grow within TSTC,” he said. “I want to learn more about the business side of running the kitchen.”

Salinas knows the importance of TSTC throughout the state and is happy he has a career helping others.

“TSTC offers hands-on training in many essential jobs that make this great state function,” he said.

Nelson said students appreciate Salinas’ efforts.

“Omar strives to be a good example to students through his words and actions,” Nelson said.

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

Virtual events keep TSTC students engaged

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students are facing a new challenge with online learning.

Michael LeRoux, coordinator of Retention Services for the West Texas campuses, said the staff wanted students to have a sense of normalcy. Through a brainstorming session with team members, LeRoux said the idea of a daily virtual experience was the way to go.

These experiences include Trivia Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, and discussions about what students face working at home.

“We are talking a lot about time management in what is our new normal,” LeRoux said. “We are doing things online that we did during our leadership luncheons. We had to adjust the approach by doing them online.”

Belinda Palomino, Harlingen’s Student Life and Engagement coordinator for TSTC, said students are wanting something positive to do with their time.

“We are there for the student experience on campus and wanted to keep that going in these times of uncertainty,” she said.

Eight students participated in the first Wellness Wednesday event, LeRoux said. However, as word spreads, he expects the numbers to grow.

There is an incentive for students, LeRoux said. Each student who signs in will have a chance to win prizes and shout-outs in future events.

There is also the chance to be the top campus. LeRoux said each of the 10 TSTC campuses is conducting virtual activities. But Wellness Wednesday is a statewide challenge. With the theme “Commit 2 B Fit,” students will have a chance to win prizes throughout the month.

“All students have to do is log 30 minutes of activity in order for it to count toward the challenge,” he said.

LeRoux and other staff members will send wellness tips and links to workout videos to help keep students active. One of the wellness tips was for students to do school work outside because, as LeRoux said, it can “break up the day.”

The experiences will vary by campus, and Palomino said Harlingen students can expect online hangouts with counselors, receiving positive messages. She said that a virtual movie night is in the works.

“With the different demographics, we are setting up each experience specific to where we are at,” Palomino said.

Fridays have been set aside as a virtual hangout for students just to talk about the week, LeRoux said.

“The students participating so far have really liked the activities,” he said. “We are getting some very positive feedback.”

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