Category Archives: All TSTC

Taylor Remembered for Bringing Higher Education to Nolan County

(SWEETWATER) – Homer K. Taylor of Sweetwater left a legacy not only at Texas State Technical College, but also throughout Nolan County.

Taylor, who died today at age 83, is being remembered for his lasting contributions and many years of service to TSTC.

TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser commented on Taylor’s enduring importance to the college.

“Homer Taylor served our college for close to 30 years, and it’s impossible to overstate the impact he had on our successes. We owe much of our prosperity to his leadership,” Reeser said. “On behalf of the entire TSTC family, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Beth, his children, and the Taylor family.”

Glen Bedgood, a professional development officer at TSTC in Sweetwater, noted Taylor’s foresight when it came to matching education with industry needs.

“Homer was a visionary in many respects,” Bedgood said. “He was well ahead of the wind industry in West Texas, implementing a wind energy technician program at TSTC in concert with the construction of the first turbines in the area. Graduates of the training program have enjoyed a high placement rate for years.”

Taylor worked for TSTC from 1970 until his retirement in 2005. During that time, he was an assistant campus manager, manager of instruction, dean of instruction, manager of development, college president and vice chancellor of the TSTC system. The TSTC Board of Regents later gave him the elite distinction of naming him president emeritus.

“Homer was always thinking about growing the impact of TSTC,” Bedgood said. “Any time that I traveled with him, he would leave his business card with everyone he met, telling them that they owed it to themselves or their kids or friends to look into TSTC as a life-changing investment.”

Bedgood recalled that some of his earliest memories of Taylor were of greeting him at church on Sunday mornings.

“I listened to him pray and teach Sunday school,” he said. “He was investing in me. Years later, he hired me, or at least suggested that I apply for an opening at the college, and continued to invest in me as an employee. When I started my family and was trying to make a little extra money on the side, he would buy my artwork.”

Among the many people on whom Taylor made a positive impact is Maria Aguirre, TSTC interim senior executive director of Communication and Creative Services.

“I met Mr. Taylor in early summer 1984,” said Aguirre. “I attended what was then TSTI, and shortly after I arrived, Mr. Taylor hired me as a PBX operator. After graduation, he encouraged me to apply for a Student Recruitment position, and through the years he promoted me to other positions within the college. Long story short, nearly 34 years later, I am still very proud to be part of TSTC. He was a true mentor, teacher and friend. I will miss him dearly.”

Taylor taught high school in Jayton and Sweetwater for 11 years.

“Homer was my high school English teacher,” said J.V. Martin, a former member of the TSTC Board of Regents and a founding board member of the Nolan County Foundation. “Homer was very close to me. He was a student’s ideal teacher as far as his personality. He was young enough at that time. He was not much older than the students. It was like having a student-teacher teaching you.”

Taylor was public relations director for Sweetwater Public Schools (now Sweetwater Independent School District) when he was asked to serve on the Sweetwater Study and Survey Committee for the Utilization of Air Base Facilities, which formed when the Sweetwater Air Force Radar Station was deactivated in fall 1969, according to TSTC historical accounts.

A group of committee members met with Dr. Roy Dugger, then vice president of Texas A&M University and director of the James Connally Technical Institute (now TSTC) in Waco, about opening a technical campus on the grounds of the former radar station.

Taylor’s first role at the Sweetwater facility of the Texas State Technical Institute was as an assistant manager starting in 1970. He, along with D.A. Pevehouse, facility manager, and two office employees, worked in the old Texas Bank Building in Sweetwater. Taylor saw the campus later become the Rolling Plains Campus of TSTI and Texas State Technical College West Texas.

“He was always so friendly and talking to everybody and anybody that was here on campus,” said Lupe Deloera, a human resources senior specialist at TSTC in Sweetwater. “He was such a smart guy and always had his door open if we had any questions. We felt like we could ask him anything. We felt so comfortable around him.”

TSTC in Sweetwater honored Taylor in 2006 by renaming College Drive as Homer K. Taylor Drive.

“He followed my career and has been an encouragement to me long after his retirement,” Bedgood said. “I get to remember him every day as I turn onto Homer K. Taylor Drive heading to my office at TSTC.”

After his retirement, Taylor helped create the Nolan County Foundation, which has given about $300,000 to Nolan County students attending Texas colleges. The foundation has also supported Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital and Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium, Martin said.

Taylor earned an associate degree from Cisco Junior College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education and English and a Master of Education degree from Hardin-Simmons University.

He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities by Hardin-Simmons University in 2011.

TSTC Names Campbell Campus Director

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas has named Kim Campbell its new Campus Director and Campus Academic Manager.

Campbell previously worked at TSTC in Abilene from 2000 to 2009, holding positions including Recruiter, Coordinator of Support Services, Student Government Advisor and Director of Student Activities.

In 2009, Campbell married and moved to Lubbock, where she worked as Director of Career Services for Vista College, and after a period of self-employment, Enrollment Coordinator for Virginia College.

Campbell rejoined the TSTC team in March of 2016 as a Career Services Associate.

Campbell said she’s excited about the new role she’s taken on.

“I have worked with the Student Services side of TSTC for over ten years,” she said. “Working with Student Learning will be an opportunity of new growth and challenges to excel in.”

In the new role, Campbell will work more closely with the instructors, and statewide department chairs and directors. She will make sure statewide guidelines and procedures are met.

“I feel truly blessed to be working with such an amazing team of instructors at North Texas and I’m looking forward to the new journey,” Campbell said.

Campbell said that, though she’s worked for other schools, TSTC is where her heart is.

“I love working for TSTC and my passion is working with the students,” she said. “I’ve worked at other colleges but I’ve always thought about TSTC as a home and as my family.”

Vice President of Student Learning Mike Bowers said Campbell’s background made her the right choice.

“Kim has held many roles at TSTC and has over 15 years of experience in higher education,” Bowers said. “Kim was selected as Campus Director because of her background and proven leadership skills. We’re happy to welcome Kim to our team.”

TSTC prides itself on being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for over 100 positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

TSTC to Host High School Welding Competition May 1

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College in Marshall will host a welding competition for area high school students from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1.

The event, now in its third year, offers young students a way to showcase their welding talents.

“They can get some more hands-on practice,” said TSTC lead welding instructor Danny Nixon. “Other than that, they’ll have a good time and they can show off what they’ve learned throughout the year.”

Nixon said students will use oxyfuel cutting, fluxcored arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding techniques. One hundred students participated in the event last year.

Freshman and sophomores compete in the junior division and juniors and seniors in the senior division.

Students competing will build a 6-by-6-inch structure named the “Stairway to Welding.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC’s welding program, visit tstc.edu.

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Local Students Learn about Career Options at Taylor Trades Day

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College set up at the Taylor Trades Day Career Fair to meet local students and educate the public on the college’s programs.

The event was a collaboration between the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and the Taylor Economic Development Corporation. Area companies represented industries such as plumbing, automotive, energy services and machining.

Chamber President and CEO Tia Stone said they hoped the event would teach area students about technical education opportunities after high school.

“Our goal is to get local kids connected with TSTC and local businesses before they’re out of high school, so they can recruit them, so they can train them,” Stone said.

Texas State Technical College offers a variety of educational avenues in over 60 technical fields and has 10 campuses across the state. The college’s Williamson County campus in Hutto offers pathways in Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, HVAC, Industrial Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Precision Machining and Welding.

All seven programs available at TSTC’s campus in Hutto set up presentation tables to catch the attention of passing students.

“These guys are here today because they have some things that can get kids excited,” Stone said. “We’ve got to spark their imaginations. We’ve got to get them thinking that these are viable fields. Having people here who are excited about what they do and can show kids what they do really helps. The earlier we can do it, the more they have time to think about it.”

With many open jobs in the city, and the TEDC hoping to bring more companies into the area, Stone hopes that local businesses and TSTC can get Taylor residents trained to enter the skilled workforce.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is to be sure that we have a well-educated workforce and that we have a workforce that’s ready, to get businesses in here,” Stone said. “That’s our goal. It’s about filling the jobs now, but also filling the jobs that are coming. Taylor’s a working town.”

Regina Carlson, program manager at Taylor Economic Development Corporation, said the city currently has 200 jobs that need to be filled. Carlson said the TECD noticed the shortage as they were trying to fill industrial and manufacturing openings of their own.

“When we were trying to recruit, we realized that we had all these other people looking for these workers also,” Carlson said. “We have to have the workforce in order to recruit them here and to take care of them.”

Carlson said she wanted to make sure the local students knew that learning a trade is a viable option for them.

Stone echoed Carlson’s sentiments.

“That work’s not for everybody, but there are people that this is the right thing for,” she said. “These jobs that we’re highlighting​ ​– most of them have good benefits and most of them have good salaries.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC in Waco Student Constructing Her Future in New Career Field

(WACO) – Graduation can be a stressful time, but Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology student Courtney Seelhorst of Plano is a pro.

“It’s a little weird when people remind me that I already have two degrees, but this one is just as cool, if not cooler,” said Seelhorst. “And I’m going to be doing something I really like.”

Seelhorst is a candidate for graduation for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology at TSTC’s Spring 2018 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 30, at the Waco Convention Center. TSTC will grant more than 380 associate degrees and certificates to graduates.

According to the National Association of Women in Construction, approximately 939,000 women were employed in various occupation sectors of the construction industry. Women now make up 9.1 percent of the construction industry in the United States.

“This industry is changing and growing. You’re starting to see more women involved.” Seelhorst said. “As long as you show up, work hard and don’t be afraid to ask questions, anyone can do it and be successful and respected.”

Seelhorst’s goal is to be a project manager for commercial construction projects. She has been sifting through job offers, with one in San Antonio standing out.

“Most people think residential and that would be fun, but I love the idea of doing big stuff and working with various fields and being more creative with it,” she said.

Seelhorst has donned the collegiate cap and gown before.

She decided after earning her bachelor’s degree in Health Science Studies and master’s degree in Sport Management from Baylor University that she wanted to change course.

“I knew I wanted to work with my hands but I didn’t know how to do anything, anything at all,” said Seelhorst. “So I figured I should go to school and learn and TSTC is right here in Waco and its reputation speaks for itself.”

After graduating from Baylor with her second degree in 2013, Seelhorst worked with a soft tissue rehab company for a little more than three years.

“I enjoyed it but it got kind of boring. While I loved helping people, I realized this was not my forever,” said Seelhorst.

About that time, the gym Seelhorst worked out at was moving and constructing a new facility.

“I was helping them and I realized that I really liked seeing all these pieces come together from the ground up; seeing nothing become something,” she said. “It’s creative and there’s collaboration with all the different fields and it’s a really awesome feeling to create.”

The leap from the medical field to construction caught no one more off guard than Seelhorst’s mom.

“My mom thought I was crazy when I first told her, but after I explained what I wanted to do and why, she supported me fully,” said Seelhorst. “She’s always been really supportive of me in everything I do.”

Seelhorst will leave the program with the respect of her classmates and instructors.

“She’s a great student and a hard worker. I know she’s got several companies interested in her and they should be,” said Michael Carrillo, an instructor in the Building Construction Technology program.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

 

Waco School Offering Internship Opportunities for TSTC Technology Students

(WACO) – Four Texas State Technical College in Waco students working as interns at St. Paul’s Episcopal School on Columbus Avenue ensure nothing disrupts their students’ education.

“They are our Information Technology department,” said Head of School M’Lissa Howen. “They keep us going so the kids can learn.”

Technology is a vital part of education today, but if the system goes down, it can bring a halt to education. For the past semester, the interns have worked to guarantee teachers and students at St. Paul’s have the fastest and most secure software and hardware.

“They do everything from installing the new server to moving the computer lab for us and helping us troubleshoot daily problems,” said Deborah Bennett, assistant head of school. “The other day they even caught a security breach and fixed that quickly,”

TSTC and St. Paul’s have worked together for the past five years. The internship is unpaid but provides students an opportunity to earn real world experience.

“It’s amazing for these students to have practical real world training before they graduate. They can learn these skills in lab, but out there, you’ve got the teachers and students relying on you to do your job. It gives them a new sense of priority and urgency,” said John Washington, an associate professor in the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program at TSTC.

Chad Vana, a Cyber Security and Digital Forensics major set to graduate in December, said the internship helped him to grow in his abilities and provided valuable professional experience.

“This is a career change for me and after I lost my left eye, I worried about what I would do but this job doesn’t give me any trouble with depth perception and is something I thoroughly enjoy,” Vana said. “To a student this opportunity is amazing, because it may not pay now but it will in the future.”

The interns work a minimum of 15 hours a week and serve as representatives for the IT department during school board meetings.

“When we have our board meetings and the head of the Technology Committee has questions, it’s great to have the interns serve as representatives because they can answer any questions and provide reassurance.” said Howen.

For many of the interns, it is a career change and an opportunity for hands-on learning in the classroom. Working in a professional environment also sold them on selecting TSTC.

“I already had a degree, but TSTC offers something special that I’m interested in that you don’t see many schools offering,” said Roy Gordon, a CNSA major. “I mean, you get hands-on training, work experience and you’re out in two years.”

As these interns graduate, St. Paul’s will look for more students interested in interning and welcomes students to apply, but they should be prepared to fill big shoes.

“Every student we get from TSTC is amazing, but this group has just raised the bar even higher,” said Howen. “They are passionate and proactive and professional and we have been very blessed.”

For more information about St. Paul’s Episcopal, go to speswaco.org.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

 

TSTC in North Texas Designated American Welding Society Testing Facility

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas has been designated as an accredited testing facility by the American Welding Society, joining seven other Texas sites approved to certify welders.

The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders.

TSTC Welding Technology instructor Donnie Williams said he was approached by the AWS last August.

“We had to be audited by the AWS, and they had to come and see that our facilities and programs are up to par,” Williams said. “Our facilities are now accredited to do AWS certifications.”

Williams said the accreditation is a substantial achievement for TSTC.

“It’s a feather in the hat for TSTC,” Williams said. “It’s a validation for our program to be recognized by an industry organization, and it puts us on the map as far as the welding industry is concerned.”

The school’s being an accredited testing facility directly benefits TSTC students.

“It offers them a welder certification that is transferable,” Williams said. “These certifications come from the AWS and are entered in a national database.”

Though TSTC in North Texas is the first in the college’s system to receive this designation, Williams said it can also benefit the college’s other nine campuses.

“The ATF services are available to our other campuses also,” he said. “We can test remotely, so I can go to other campuses and certify other students who want to participate.”

TSTC Provost Marcus Balch said he is proud to see his campus become one of three test facilities in North Texas offering this distinction.

“One cool thing about this certification is that it is recognized worldwide, and, if maintained, the certification is valid for a lifetime,” Balch said.

Williams said a grant from the Texas Department of Labor helped to get the facilities accredited.

“We’re going to be offering certifications to industry and the general public also,” he said. “State organizations can also send their welders to us for certification.”

Balch believes the accreditation will offer great opportunities for regional welders.

“This certification program will bring welders from all over the region to our campus,” he said. “It will help provide more exposure to our welding program and, in turn, produce more welders that are earning a great wage for the state of Texas.”

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC’s welding program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC to Host First Commencement Ceremony in Hutto

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College in Williamson County will host its first commencement ceremony Friday, May 11. Twenty students representing six of the Hutto campus’ seven programs are eligible to graduate.

The ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

“We are exceptionally proud to be hosting our first graduation ceremony on campus in Hutto this spring,” said TSTC Provost Edgar Padilla. “As we’ve grown as a campus, we’ve worked to find ways to show our students how much they mean to us, and this is just another way for us to ensure we’re celebrating their accomplishments locally.”

Padilla says the ceremony honors the work of the students.

“We’re delighted to offer commencement locally so our students do not have to drive far to celebrate with their families,” he said. “In addition, our faculty and staff who work so hard to get our students to the finish line will now have the opportunity to see the fruit of their labor. It’s very positive for our campus culture.”

Padilla said he is excited to see the students begin working.

“Our students are exceptionally trained and very valuable in the workforce,” he said. “We’re proud that we will uphold the 50-plus-year tradition of TSTC providing a quality workforce to Texas.”

TSTC’s Chancellor, Mike Reeser, will speak at commencement, as well as Robb Misso, president and CEO of Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions in Austin.

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. The last day to register is Monday, Aug. 20, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 27.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC in West Texas Earns Gold Medals at State SkillsUSA Postsecondary Conference

(SWEETWATER) – Kacee Merrifield knows how to be twice as nice when it comes to winning.

Merrifield, 30, a Vocational Nursing major at Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge, won her second consecutive gold medal in Nurse Assisting at the SkillsUSA Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference held April 5-7 in Waco.

“Honestly, to get gold two years in a row is awesome,” said Merrifield, a Mineral Wells native now living in Breckenridge. “I never thought I would get it once, much less twice. It’s a great confidence booster. And, it pushes you to want to be better in your skill and trade.”

TSTC in Breckenridge won two gold medals, four silver medals and four bronze medals at the state conference.TSTC in Brownwood received one gold medal and three silver medals.  TSTC in Sweetwater captured six gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal. TSTC in Abilene also participated in Culinary Arts but did not finish in the top three.

Gold medalists are now eligible to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in late June in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Last year the state and nationals were life changing,” Merrifield said. “At each level, you have the opportunity to meet people from all different places and make new friends.”

Rick Denbow, provost of TSTC in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater, said it was an honor to have so many students traveling to the national conference.

“It speaks to the quality of our instructors and making sure the students are successful,” he said.

Ashley Schroeder, 26, a TSTC in Sweetwater Nursing major from Llano now living in Abilene, was excited about her gold medal in Medical Assisting.

“I feel honored to have had the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA and to compete with members from West Texas,” she said. “Never did I expect to have come away with a gold medal.”

Schroeder is already thinking about her trip to Kentucky.

“I am so excited about going to Louisville and competing,” she said. “For nationals, studying has already begun. I plan to go into it as prepared and ready as possible.”

Other gold medalists from the West Texas campuses are:

TSTC in Breckenridge: Medical Math: Corbin Calsoncin

TSTC in Brownwood: Technical Computer Applications: Alexander Oldham

TSTC in Sweetwater: First Aid-CPR: Ryan Ostrander; Health Knowledge Bowl: Priscilla Green, Erica Jones, Brittney Rivera, Christa Valdivia

For more information on SkillsUSA, go to skillsusa.org.

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

 

Student Success Profile – Natalie Santana

(HARLINGEN) – Natalie SantanaNatalie Santana recently graduated and earned her pin from the Texas State Technical College Student Leadership Academy. The 27-year-old is studying Biology and expects to earn her associate degree in Spring 2019.

When the Georgia native and mother of five is not in the classroom, she can be found volunteering and doing community service with TSTC’s Student Government Association, Student Leadership Academy and her church.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work with local law enforcement in forensics to help solve cases. I’ve always had an interest beyond just TV crime shows in investigating and testing.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far at TSTC has been graduating from the TSTC Student Leadership Academy. I suffer from bipolar disorder and being active on campus has really helped me control it and better focus. It has helped me grow as a person.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is to not pay attention to the negativity around you. Replace negative energy with positivity and know that there is always hope.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success?

There are two people at TSTC who have had a great influence on my success. The first is my Psychology Instructor Frank Coronado. He has taught me a lot about keeping my mind active, different coping skills and the importance of remaining positive. Next is Student Life Coordinator and my Student Leadership Academy advisor Belinda Palomino. She has motivated me to get active on campus and stay involved. She has showed me how this helps me grow personally and professionally.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to take it easy on themselves. Don’t let things overpower you or consume you. Take one day at a time and avoid the negative. Remain positive.