(FORT BEND) – Meet John C. Kennedy, field development officer for Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. Kennedy, a hospitality professional, ordained Deacon, husband and father, came to TSTC in 2014 and is excited to tell the college’s story.

“TSTC’s story is so easy to talk about,” said Kennedy. “And in my position I have the great opportunity to help develop something special for Fort Bend County that will be here for generations to come.”

Kennedy’s hospitality and golf career spanned 24 years before he came to TSTC. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in communications and immediately after graduation landed a job as an assistant golf pro.

“I enjoyed playing golf with my dad growing up and unfortunately he passed away before he could see me graduate from college,” said Kennedy. “Every time I play I have such fond memories of him, so I took it on as a career endeavor.”

Working his way up the ladder, Kennedy eventually became a general manager, working in country clubs from Texas to California, managing properties, staff, memberships and providing excellent customer service and experiences for members and guests.

However, Kennedy felt he was being called for something bigger. In 2013, he received his Masters of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas and became an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon.

“This was my calling,” said Kennedy. “The formation process was nearly seven years, but I kept an open mind. It’s a life of service.”

Kennedy just celebrated his three-year anniversary serving as a deacon. He is assigned to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Sugarland, and the Office of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Galveston and Houston.

In the summer of 2014, Kennedy was still working in the golf industry, but was introduced to an opportunity with TSTC that peaked his interest.  After a tour of TSTC’s Waco campus, he knew this was his chance to help create a college that would help his community become a better place. So, in October 2014, Kennedy left his career in golf and hospitality behind for a new adventure with TSTC.

“Having a place like TSTC in our own backyard is something that is going to changes people’s lives,” said Kennedy. “This opens up the opportunity of education. It’s a game changer for many, even the industry. Our job is to close the skills gap.”

Kennedy said he is ready to focus on the task at hand and that is to establish partnerships between the college and community entities, enroll students for the fall semester and find scholarship money to help students.

“The faculty and staff we already have in place here at Fort Bend are ready to welcome in new employees and get into our new building,” said Kennedy. “We all have the same goal and that is to increase the footprint of TSTC in the county and place more Texans in great paying jobs.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus is set to open in August. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

For more information regarding donating to scholarships funds or partnership opportunities, you can reach Kennedy at 832-447-1473.

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(FORT BEND) – Billy Ruiz, 37, from Rosenberg is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County working toward a certificate in Precision Machining Technology. He expects to graduate in August 2016.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to find a job in the machining industry as an operator. I would like to work for Schlumberger, but I know there are also a lot of opportunities outside of the oil industry. We’ll see what the future holds.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to be a machine programmer. I want to be able to produce a blue print and install the program onto a machine to create a part.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Everything I’m learning is so new to me. I’ve never done anything like this before, so being able to handle the workload and becoming familiar with the equipment in machining is a huge accomplishment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that if I stay focused on my classes that I can get through them. Being focused can get you through a number of challenges.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

The person with the most influence in my success at TSTC is Mr. Michael Barnes. He is the man who took the time to explain the program to me, he introduced me to everything. He is full of great advice and always looking for bigger and better opportunities for his students.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

There are several things I would like to tell future TSTC students. First, do a lot of research on the field you want to study and see if it is right for you. You don’t want to end up picking a field you are not going to be happy with. Second, stay strong, focused and inspired.

(FORT BEND) – Jacob Blazek, 20, from East Bernard is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. He is pursuing an associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. Blazek expects to graduate in August 2016. In addition to going to school full-time, Blazek works part-time in a law office in Wharton to help pay for school.

Blazek said he first discovered his love for diesel technology in high school while taking an agriculture class. He said one of their lessons was in agricultural mechanics, so when it came time to choose a college he knew the diesel equipment program at TSTC was for him.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on attending TSTC in Waco to continue my education and work toward another associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in John Deere Construction and Forestry Specialization.

What’s your dream job? I want to work as a diesel mechanic for John Deere, but of course my options are open. I will go where there is opportunity for me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? My greatest accomplishment at TSTC was passing my first semester. It took a lot of effort on my part and extra work, but I did it. And I’m now doing well in all of my classes.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I have learned that no matter what I need to be on time with my assignments. All of the training we get here applies to school and the workforce. If something for class is not done on time we do not get a grade for it and once I’m working if I do not meet a deadline I risk losing my job.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? Gary Voelkel has been my biggest influence because he has taught me a lot and has been very patient. All of his experience in the field really impacts what we learn and how he teaches it. He is a great instructor.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I would like to tell other students to make sure to get their work done on time, and no matter how hard it gets, do not give up.

Photo Cut Line: Jacob Blazek from East Bernard, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his associate degree.

(FORT BEND) – Judy Cox, Texas State Technical College’s office manager in Fort Bend County, started with the college in 2001. Cox said she cannot imagine herself working anywhere else and is excited for the college’s future.

Cox handles all of the day to day duties at TSTC. She is responsible for completing and managing all clerical work, assisting students, faculty and visitors, and helping with recruiting at local community events.

“I love my job. It changes every day, it’s never the same thing,” said Cox. “I enjoy working with people and still being able to work with students, even though I’m not in a classroom setting. Watching them learn and making their own dreams come true is my favorite part.”

Cox comes to TSTC with extensive experience in office management. She worked as a division secretary at Wharton County Junior College for nearly 5 years, prior to that she worked at South Texas Medical Clinic for 3 years.

“When I came to TSTC I knew it was the right place for me,” said Cox. “I could see that technical jobs were the future and TSTC was and still is a leader in educating students for these jobs.”

Coming from a junior college herself, Cox knows the value of a one or two year certificate or degree. She is a product of WCJC, where she earned her associate of arts in 2000. She now finds it her duty to educate students and parents about the benefits of a technical education.

“Many see technical jobs as pertaining only to machinery or automobiles, but it’s so much more,” said Cox. “Many don’t realize what “technical” really is and it’s my mission to expand the knowledge because “technical” is also digital media design, computer science and dental hygiene, only naming a few.”

Cox said with the new TSTC campus opening in August 2016, she is now ready to come together with her team, more than ever, and offer the surrounding communities an affordable, hands-on technical education close to home.

“The whole area has been driven to keep us here, so when I heard about the expansion it was a dream come true,” said Cox. “The programs at our college have been tailored to the growing industries in the area. Students can now study and find a good paying job while staying close to their families.”

Family is important to Cox, she has been married for 11 years and has three daughters. Besides being busy with work, she also finds the time to volunteer at her daughters’ schools with the Parent Teacher Organization and works closely with Jump Rope for Hearts, an organization working to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.

“After my dad passed away from cardiovascular disease, we made Jump Rope for Hearts an annual family event to raise money for research,” said Cox.

Cox and her daughters also enjoy doing arts and crafts, and baking together. Decorative sugar cookies are their specialty, in addition to creating ornamental crosses out of wire and rocks.

“My girls are my pride and joy. I’m so proud of the young ladies they’re becoming,” said Cox.
When the time comes, Cox said she will encourage her daughters to attend TSTC, the way she encourages others. She said as a parent herself, she understands what it is like to want the best for your children.

“I hope prospective students and their parents keep an open mind when they tour our campus,” said Cox. “Here at TSTC you’re not just a number, you’re a name. It’s a great place to work, a great place to come to school. It’s a great place to be.”

For more information on TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. Registration begins April 4. You can apply anytime at tstc.edu.

Judy Cox is the Office Manager at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. She has been with TSTC since 2001 and is excited for the region’s new TSTC campus to open in August 2016.

(FORT BEND) – Colton Boaz, 18, from Needville is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Precision Machining Technology. Currently he has a 3.7 grade point average. Boaz expects to graduate with his associate degree in Fall 2016 and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I want to use the skills I have gained here at TSTC and become a CNC Machinist for an oil company. I have my eye set on working for National Oilwell Varco.

What’s your dream job?
Someday I would love to own my own machine shop and work with oilfield companies creating and repairing parts.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?
My greatest accomplishment has been making good grades. Everything I’m learning is new to me and I feel I am successfully pursuing my passion.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?
I have learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination. I have learned that all my sacrifice will be worth it in the end.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?
Mr. Michael Barnes has been my biggest influence. He has done some great things for our program. Every time we need help or we are struggling he is by our side, always willing to help. He always has past students visiting him, that says a lot. Mr. Barnes is also helpful when it comes to helping us find jobs because of the contacts he has made throughout the year.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?
It is important students remember that behind every success story, there has been great sacrifice.

Photo Cut Line: Colton Boaz from Needville, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Precision Machining Technology. He has a 3.7 grade-point average and will earn his associate degree in Fall 2016.

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College will be opening a new campus in Fort Bend County in August 2016, but the college is already producing successful students like alumnus Matthew Fresquez, and placing them in good paying jobs in and around the Fort Bend region.

Fresquez graduated from TSTC in Fort Bend County in 2012 with a certificate in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology and a job offer in hand. He was on the dean’s list throughout his college career and graduated with honors.

“TSTC has definitely changed my family’s life for the better,” said Fresquez. “Getting a job straight out of college and earning a steady income has helped my family tremendously.”

Prior to enrolling at TSTC, Fresquez worked as a helper and installer for a local HVAC company. After a couple of years with the company, he knew he needed to go to college.

“I felt I wasn’t getting the training I needed with the employer I was with,” said Fresquez. “I wanted to advance my career and I wasn’t getting where I wanted to be.”

Enrolling in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program at TSTC was the next step Fresquez needed to advance in the career he loved and provide a stable financial environment for his wife and two sons.

Fresquez was with the company that hired him right after college for three years, but in March, he will begin a new chapter in his career at a new company: Chimney Rock Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. He will be working as a service technician and the owner of the company is excited about having him on board.

“There is a shortage of skilled and highly trained workers in the HVAC field,” said Brian McIlwain, owner of Chimney Rock. “But I can tell that Matthew has all the required skills and passion needed to succeed with my company. Because of the education he received I have full confidence in his abilities and I’m so excited to have him on board.”

Fresquez credits the hands-on learning approach TSTC takes with all of its programs for helping him take his skills to the next level.

“I left TSTC more knowledgeable than I came in and ready to take on the workforce,” said Fresquez. “I practiced with all of the equipment I could. After all it’s everything you use while working in the field.”

Fresquez said his experience at TSTC was rewarding and fulfilling. He said his instructor Keith Klix played a huge role in his success in the program.

“Keith is a great instructor. He’s so knowledgeable in the field and has so much experience,” said Fresquez. “He not only showed us how to get the job done, but how to get it done right.”

Come August 2016, Fresquez hopes to enroll at the new TSTC campus to work toward an associate degree in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology. He hopes continuing his education will give him the opportunity of becoming an instructor at TSTC someday.

“I want to be a good example for my sons,” said Fresquez. “I hope watching me graduate and seeing how our lifestyle has changed for the better will inspire them to go to college someday.”

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County Campuses.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters begins April 4. To apply visit tstc.edu today!
For more information on the program in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1586.

Matthew Fresquez is a graduate from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. He graduated with a certificate in 2012 from the HVAC program with a job offer in hand. He will begin a new chapter in his career in March as a service technician for Chimney Rock Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.