Category Archives: Waco

Texas State Technical College Recruiters Utilizing Business and Education Experiences

(HUTTO) – The Texas State Technical College family at Williamson County is growing. The campus welcomed two recruiters who are looking forward to working with students and parents.

Sherri Arrington joined TSTC in December while Caleb Steed began work on Feb. 1. Both are based at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

“Willimason County is a location in which we see growth potential to train and place more students in the immediate area,” said Kimberly Porter, TSTC’s interim vice president for student recruitment. “Our program offerings are aligned with the needs of the community and TSTC is a great resource for employers looking for talent. Our recruitment team is focused on visiting the local high schools and participating in community events to educate the community about all TSTC has to offer.”

Arrington sees similarities between her two decades of work in manufacturing management and her new role as a recruiter. She worked in Austin before joining TSTC in December.

“The skills I developed in industry, like organizational and people skills, will serve me well in my new position at TSTC,” she said.

Arrington goes to the high schools to present to juniors and seniors in their classrooms.

“I am making contacts at the schools so they know we are here,” Arrington said.

She wants everyone she visits with to take away how TSTC can offer the opportunity to earn a quality education, provide career development and is affordable.

Arrington, an Austin native and graduate of Reagan High School, has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from what is now Concordia University Texas in Austin.

Steed too, is eager to visit students to tell them about TSTC.

“We want more students to get in and get out in the workforce to make money,” he said. “There aren’t many colleges stressing that to the students.”

Steed was raised in San Angelo and is a graduate of San Angelo Central High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in family ministry from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

“When I first graduated (from HSU) it was right in the 2008-2009 housing bubble crash and there weren’t too many banks hiring, so I went into personal finance and worked on retirement plans for people,” he said.

Steed joined TSTC in January 2015 as the director of instructional support services and interim director of the culinary arts program at the Abilene campus.

“We (Steed and his wife) will definitely miss west Texas and the relationships that we built,” he said. “We are very excited to be living in the Williamson County area.”

TSTC’s Williamson County campus offers Computer Support Technology, Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, Database Administration Programming, Global Communications Systems, HVAC Technology, Industrial Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Plumbing & Pipefitting Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology.

The College Preview at TSTC in Williamson County will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Student Success Profile – Ryan Kosik

(FORT BEND) – Ryan Kosik, 19, from Cypress, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College working toward a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology specializing in heavy equipment. Throughout Kosik’s time at TSTC he has maintained a 3.0 grade-point average. Kosik will be graduating in Summer 2016 and hopes to return to TSTC for his Associate Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. He said he is excited about returning because he will get to attend the new TSTC Fort Bend County campus opening in August 2016.

What are your plans after graduation? I want to start working for a company where I can use all of the skills I’ve learned to work on engines and power trains.

What’s your dream job? I ultimately want to be an engine and generator specialist. I hope to one day own my own business and be my own boss.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? My greatest accomplishment at TSTC is realizing that I can get through my classes with good grades by simply doing my work. I’ve been able to maintain a B average.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? Regardless of how I may feel at the end of the day, I must always remember that I made some progress.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? I have to say all of the guys in my class have been a big influence. Many of them make A’s and that motivates me to do better and keep up with them.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? Don’t complain about college, or how much work you have to do, or how dirty the job is. Just push through it and get it done.

 

Photo Cut Line: Ryan Kosik from Cypress, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Diesel Equipment Technology. He has a 3.0 grade-point average and will earn his certificate in Summer 2016.

TSTC in Fort Bend County Welcomes New Hire Tara Zekavat

(FORT BEND) – Meet Tara Zekavat, the new director of student recruitment at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County, which will officially open the doors to its new campus in August 2016.

“TSTC has been treating me amazing,” said Zekavat. “The teamwork is so impressive and I’m ready to work hard at letting folks know of the great educational opportunities TSTC is bringing to the area.”

Zekavat comes to TSTC with more than 18 years of experience in higher education. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, Persia. Zekavat then moved to Houston in 2009 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Upon arriving in the United States, Zekavat was hired as an instructor for Wharton County Junior College’s adult education program and a few years later was promoted to Instructional Supervisor for the same department. Prior to relocating, she worked as an instructor in Persia for 12 years.

Zekavat said she was ready to make the move from instructor to recruiter when she applied with TSTC. She said her teaching and supervisory duties gave her the experience she needed in working closely with instructors, providing departmental resources and trainings, and working orientations at different schools.

“I felt confident in my skills when I applied for this recruitment position,” said Zekavat. “I was also ready to make the move to TSTC. Their growth was impressive to me and I had to at least attempt to join the team.”

The experience and contacts Zekavat has made while working with different schools in Fort Bend and surrounding counties will help her spread TSTC’s message and inform students and parents on what TSTC has to offer.

“My goal is to reach as many students as possible because there is interest. Students are asking questions,” said Zekavat. “I’m going to continue reaching out to high school counselors and informing them of our new campus which will have bigger labs, bigger classrooms and will be ready to be filled with their students wanting to pursue a technical education.”

Zekavat, who is also a single mother to a nine-year old son, said she wants to share the same advice she will someday tell her son when he is preparing for college.
“Be opened minded about TSTC,” said Zekavat. “One-year certificate or two-year associate degree programs are a way to reach an educational and career goal faster, while spending less on tuition. We need students and parents to realize TSTC is here to give them the skills needed to find jobs opportunities out in the workforce.”

Registration for summer and fall semester begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu.
For more information on new programs or registration at Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. Or to apply for one of 60 jobs opening on the new Fort Bend campus, please visit www.tstc.jobs.

 

Tara Zekavat is the new director of student recruitment at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County, which will officially open the doors to its new campus in August 2016.

Texas State Technical College Hosts FFA Tractor Competition

Texas State Technical College students in Waco prepare Tuesday morning for another round of a tractor troubleshooting contest at the FFA Tractor Technician Competition for high school students from north and central Texas

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program hosted Tuesday the FFA Tractor Technician Competition involving 16 high school teams from north and central Texas.

The two winning teams from FFA’s Area 5 was Frisco Centennial and Weatherford while the top winners in Area 8 were Blooming Grove and Teague. These teams will move on to compete in a state FFA competition in March at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“Our mission is to offer the students a foundation to build on for financial stability and to build a knowledge base in technology,” said John Goebel, a TSTC Diesel instructor and campus organizer of the contest.

TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology students created the problems the high school students found in the tractors and served as contest judges.

“It was a good experience,” said Joseph Jimenez, 20, of Red Oak and a Diesel Equipment Technology major. “You get to talk to the kids and they learn something and we learn something. It is important to know how an engine works.”

The contest had special meaning for Joshua York, 18, of Mexia and a first-year Diesel Equipment Technology major. He participated in FFA at Mexia High School where he did welding and raised pigs.

“It was a good experience for the high school students to see TSTC,” said York.

Sam Hall, 20, a Diesel Equipment Technology student from Weatherford, was the scorekeeper during the tractor troubleshooting. He said the students had to think within the allotted time how the tractors worked and what needed to be done to get them operating.

“The hardest part about being a mechanic is knowing what’s wrong,” Hall said.

Teams of three students took a written test, did a parts identification test and troubleshooted John Deere and Kubota tractors donated for the competition by Brazos Valley Equipment and Tipton International, both in Waco.

Individual and team winners received tools donated by Snap-on and Matco Tools, both of Waco, and NAPA in Bellmead.

TSTC offers Diesel Equipment Technology at the Waco, Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas and Sweetwater campuses. Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4.

The College Preview at TSTC in Waco will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Student Success Profile – Miguel Cervantes

(FORT BEND) – Kendleton, Texas native Miguel Cervantes is currently a student at the Fort Bend County Campus of Texas State Technical College. The 23-year-old expects to graduate in August 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a heavy truck specialization. Cervantes currently boasts a 3.4 grade-point average and said he couldn’t be any more excited about graduation being around the corner because he looks forward to his new career.

What are your plans after graduation? I want to immediately start working in my field. I can’t wait to start making my own money and stop living on a college student budget.

What’s your dream job? I would like to work for an oil-field company as their Diesel Technician. If that doesn’t happen right away, I would also like to work for a large construction or mining company. I’ve got several career plans and options to consider.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? I have had great academic success because I’m more disciplined as a student since having worked as a diesel technician on tractors prior to enrolling at TSTC, and because of the extensive hands-on learning I am receiving at this college to improve my skills. I didn’t do well in high school, so my grades in college make me look like a genius now. I’m proud I now have good grades.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned you must take risks in order to succeed in life. Opportunities will not seek you, you must seek them. This is important to remember especially when opportunities are outside of your comfort zone.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? As far as teaching me life skills it’s instructor Keith Klix. My instructor Gary Voelkel has also been an excellent inspiration. He has years of experience in the diesel equipment field and he is always willing to share his knowledge.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? Incoming students need to realize that everything the instructors talk about and teach will show up later in your career, so it’s best to learn the material and make mistakes now, than out in the field later.

TSTC Announces New Leadership at North Texas campus

(RED OAK) – TSTC Vice Chancellor Jeff Kilgore announces the appointment of Marcus Balch to serve as provost for the Texas State Technical College campus in North Texas, effective immediately.

Balch began his career at TSTC more than 15 years ago as an Admissions Advisor at the Waco campus. Today, he serves as TSTC’s Vice President of Student Recruitment for all ten campuses. Over the past year Balch has led the transition of recruiting department from a regional focus to statewide. Previously, he served as TSTC’s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services at the Waco campus

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“The provost serves as the senior campus executive in developing, implementing and maintaining strategies that grow TSTC’s student and donor markets, builds the TSTC brand regionally, improves the quality of the local campus and experience of its students, and works to unify the faculty and staff in making TSTC a great place to work,” said Kilgore. “Growing enrollment and the TSTC brand in North Texas is of the highest priorities. Marcus’ experience and leadership in recruitment combined with the high respect he has earned from his teammates in North Texas has positioned him well for this new assignment,” added Kilgore.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the growth efforts at one of TSTC’s strategic locations. We have an aggressive goal for growth at TSTC in North Texas and I’m confident that working closely with our faculty, staff, community partners and industry partners we can make technical education followed by a rewarding career accessible to more people in this region,” said Balch. “I’m proud to be a part of the TSTC family and look forward to working more closely with the folks at TSTC in North Texas to Place More Texans.”

Balch earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Wesleyan University. He is a member of Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Balch was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award in 2009 and honored as Employee of the Year at TSTC in Waco in 2006.

TSTC Graduate Finds His Passion

(FORT BEND) – Jacob Thompson never imagined he would become a college student, much less a graduate, but on December 11 he will receive his associate degree in Precision Machining Technology from Texas State Technical College.

“Growing up, I never thought I would make it to college,” said Thompson. “I never expected to get a degree in anything, but TSTC really did make it possible for me.”

Thompson lost his mom to lupus before he was a teenager. He said his dad was never in the picture. These circumstances made it necessary for him to enter into the foster care system after his mom passed away.

From 2006 to 2008 he waited in the system while his maternal grandparents organized and processed all the legal paperwork needed to adopt him. Thompson was finally adopted by them at the age of 14.

“My grandparents were the greatest factor in my decision to go to college,” said Thompson. “My grandpa always told me to go to school while I was young, that it would make everything worthwhile. He pushed me to be something and helped me to realize school is an important part of life.”

After graduating from high school in 2012, Thompson was unsure about college and what he wanted to study. He took some core classes at a junior college in East Texas before deciding to work at Houston Custom Metal Works as a water jet machine operator.

“It was at Houston Custom Metal Works that I found my passion,” said Thompson. “I knew I needed to follow my interest and so after researching I found the precision manufacturing technology TSTC and enrolled.”

For Thompson the apple did not fall far from the tree. He followed his grandfather’s example, and like him, continued to work to pay for college. He worked 40-hour weeks during the night shifts to pay for school.

“My grandpa’s example was my driving force. He put himself through college working at a cotton farm,” said Thompson. “So working hard was my only option. Putting myself through college definitely makes this degree that much more rewarding.”

After graduation, Thompson will complete his remaining academic core pre-requisites and transfer to the University of Houston to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Thompson said TSTC really prepared him and encouraged him to continue his education.

“TSTC really prepared me to move on. My time here as a student has been so fulfilling,” said Thompson. “It really laid a solid foundation for me in my industry. It was a real eye-opener to all my future possibilities.”

Thompson said his instructor Michael Barnes really encouraged him and all his students to step out of their comfort zones and really explore the precision machining industry.

Precision Machining Technology at TSTC is a hands-on program that teaches students a series of machine tool operation courses. Students also learn skills in precision measurement, blueprint reading and heat treatment of metals. After completion, graduates can find jobs in commercial and military aircraft and automotive tool and oil tool manufacturing.

“Mr. Barnes never limited us. If he we wanted to try something he was helping us every step of the way,” said Thompson. “He even gave us the opportunity to attend Houstex Tool Show and encouraged us to visit every vendor and pursue trainings and certifications offered to us.”

Thompson was able to earn certificates to a computer-aided manufacturing software; and to make blue prints using the AutoCAD software and is highly recognized in his chosen field.

“Jacob has been a great student and a very hard worker in everything he does,” said Michael Barnes, Precision Machining Technology Instructor and Department Chair. “I know Jacob plans to continue with his education beyond TSTC, and he will have a very rewarding future.”

Thompson hopes to one day work for Lockheed Martin or Halliburton and said he would owe it to everything he has learned at TSTC and along the way.

“My grandpa always said, ‘The day you stop learning is the day you cease to exist,'” said Thompson. “Everything I’m doing I’m doing for me, but especially for him.”

Thompson is one of five students graduating December 11 from TSTC Fort Bend County’s campus. Graduation will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Waco Convention Center.

For more information on Precision Machine Technology call 281-239-1587.

TSTC Fort Bend County Campus Now Hiring

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College will be opening a new campus in Fort Bend County come Fall 2016, but first, they are looking to fill the approximately 60 job positions that have opened or will be opening in the coming months.

Set to be hired immediately are student recruitment representatives. Followed by the first round of faculty hires in Spring 2016 and the remaining positions should be filled in Summer 2016. There will be 40 faculty and institutional program support jobs available and nearly 15 support staff positions such as human resource personnel, admissions counselor and financial aid representatives.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic, energetic, committed and fun people to work for our campus,” said Randy Wooten, TSTC Vice Chancellor. “We want people who can relate to not only high school students, but also our non-traditional students.”

Wooten said TSTC’s Fort Bend campus already has the support of the community, businesses and industries with them coming together with more than $40 million to bring a campus to their area.

“We get a lot of positive comments and the excitement of our new campus is definitely there,” said Wooten.

The hiring influx comes with the increased number of programs offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend campus. There will be seven programs total with 15 different degree awards offered. Currently, there are three programs offered: HVAC Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology and Precision Machining Technology. The new four programs will include, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Cyber Security, Telecommunications Convergence Technology and Welding Technology.

“There was a need to expand the programs offered. Now that we’re in the process, we need to hit the ground running,” said Mary Castañon, Director of Instructional Administration. “There are going to be a lot of job opportunities for those who want to work for TSTC.”

Wooten also added these additional programs will also result in great careers for students. He said it is TSTC’s role to talk to students about going to college and giving them the opportunity of not only graduating, but graduating into a great job.

“We want to help students decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives,” said Wooten. “The career programs we will offer at Fort Bend County will result in great jobs for them with the ability to have a family and provide for them, grow, own their home – in other words we want to provide good paying jobs for our graduates.”

The new TSTC Fort Bend campus is set to open in Fall 2016. First day of class is August 29. There will be day and evening classes available. TSTC’s goal is to open with 500 students and all new employees will be part of working toward that goal.

“This project is on time and budget and will be a great addition to this area,” said Wooten. “It’s going to be something people can be proud of and will go a long way in helping the economic vitality of Bend County and its surrounding areas.”

For more information or to apply for a position please visit www.tstc.jobs or call Human Resources at 956-364-4042.

For information on programs, please call 287-239-1548.

The Last Man on the Moon Speaks to TSTC

Former Astronaut Gene Cernan addresses TSTC students at the Annual Aerospace Division Awards Seminar.

(WACO) – Gene Cernan, former American naval officer and aviator, electrical engineer, aeronautical engineer, fighter pilot, and NASA astronaut, spoke at the TSTC Aerospace Division’s Annual Awards Seminar earlier today.

Cernan launched into space three times, and as part of the December 1972 Apollo 17 mission, was the 11th and last man to walk on the moon. He was Pilot of the Gemini 9A mission in 1966, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 10 in 1969, and Commander of the Apollo 17 mission. Cernan was also a backup crew member for the Gemini 12, Apollo 7 and Apollo 14 missions.

Cernan delivered a moving speech about his knowledge of the field of aerospace, and his experience on the moon, describing the earth from space.

“When you head out in space, it’s a different point of view. Now you’re beginning to see the earth and the world as only it has been seen through the paintings of artists, or the words of poets.”

Cernan urged the students to accept the challenges of life.

“I want to promise you that fate will play a role in your life,” he said. “If you’re willing to accept a challenge, an opportunity, more challenges and more opportunities are going to come along. You’re going to have to be willing to take the risk.”

Cernan accepted the challenge of commanding the Apollo 17 mission to prove himself.

“People ask me all the time what it was like to take those first steps on the moon, but Neil Armstrong and many others took steps before me. These steps mattered to me because they were my steps, and no one could ever take them away from me,” Cernan said. “The reason I needed to command that flight, was to find out if I was good enough. It proved to me that I could do it. You have to have the attitude that you not only can do it, but you can do it better than it’s ever been done.”

Aircraft Pilot Training Department Chair Angel Newhart said it was beneficial to have Commander Cernan speak to the students because of his experience.

“Commander Cernan represents aviation as whole. He’s been there and done that,” Newhart said. “He’s been out there in industry and flown some really fast, cool aircraft. He’s a good example of where these students want to be; we have a couple of students here who want to go to NASA.”

Cernan words encouraged the audience.

“It was good to have an astronaut here to represent the industry and to encourage everybody to keep going,” Newhart said.

Aaron Gilbert, an Aircraft Pilot Training student, said what he took away from Cernan’s speech was that anyone can do anything.

“There’s really no limit to what you want to do,” said Gilbert. “If you set your mind to it anything is possible.”

TSTC Announces New Leadership for Williamson County campus

(HUTTO) – TSTC Vice Chancellor Jeff Kilgore announces the appointment of Edgar Padilla to serve as provost for the Texas State Technical College campus in Williamson County, effective immediately.

Padilla began his career in higher education nearly 10 years ago in student affairs and development. His tenure with TSTC began in 2012 with responsibilities for career services at the Waco campus. Today, he serves as TSTC’s statewide Senior Executive Director of Industry Relations and Talent Management which helps to place TSTC graduates in jobs across the state. Additionally, Padilla has led the analysis, design, and implementation of TSTC’s statewide career and professional development efforts, first outcomes and placement reporting models, and dedicated workforce analysis components. Previously, he served as TSTC’s director of career services at the Waco campus specializing in developing relationships with area industries and placing graduates.

Through statewide instructional and industry relations efforts in fiscal year 2015, TSTC has seen a 5.6% increase in job placement, 18% increase in registered employers and 16% increase in jobs posted for TSTC graduates in Jobstar, TSTC’s online job site.

“The provost serves as the senior campus executive in developing, implementing and maintaining strategies that grow TSTC’s student and donor markets, builds the TSTC brand regionally, improves the quality of the local campus and experience of its students, and works to unify the faculty and staff in making TSTC a great place to work,” said Kilgore. “Edgar’s devotion to the organizational mission, personal drive and focus on his work and teammates around him will be an asset in growing our TSTC campus in Williamson County,” added Kilgore.

“TSTC is the undisputed leader in higher education innovation in the state, and the value we provide to our graduates and Texas industry has never been stronger. I am humbled to lead the Williamson County campus in pursuit of TSTC’s strategic initiatives,” said Padilla. “Working with the community, industry, and the exceptional faculty and staff in Williamson County, I have no doubt we will accomplish our ambitious goal of growing TSTC across this great state and Placing More Texans.”

Padilla earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Information Systems from Schreiner University. He is a nationally certified Title IX Investigator and has served in leadership positions within community and professional associations including: Lacy-Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, Work in Waco Committee, Waco Collegiate Forum, Upjohn Waco Economic Development Team, National Association of Colleges & Employers and Christian Women’s Job Corps of Waco.