(HARLINGEN) – Dr. Christine Carruthers has been at Texas State Technical College for nearly five years and has already made her mark, earning the 2017 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“This was such a great surprise,” said Carruthers. “It feels great knowing my colleagues think enough of my work to nominate me. It makes this award that much more special.”

The TSTC Vice President of Enrollment Services said her career in student services started as what she thought would only be a six-month stint while she waited for her dream job.

“I was holding out for an outside sales position with Marlboro,” she said. “That was my dream job. Of course now I see it wasn’t a good personality fit and it would not have worked out.”

The 36-year-old’s career began at the University of Texas Pan American, which is now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She was there for 13 years working in student activities and conduct before finally being promoted to Assistant Dean of Students.

“My path didn’t go as I had planned, but I ended up finding my true passion,” said Carruthers.

The McAllen native began college as a student of architect before changing majors and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from UTPA in 2001. She continued her education receiving a master’s degree in adult education from Penn State in 2005 and a PhD from the University of Nebraska in 2014.

“I haven’t figured out how to leave college. And I don’t want to,” she said with a laugh. “My job is so rewarding and I love seeing students succeed.”

Carruthers said that in her years in student services her favorite parts are being able to implement an idea and see the immediate impact it has on her students and commencement.  

“Being able to make a difference is what this work is all about,” she said. “And that difference is evident when you watch students walk across a stage in a cap and gown to receive their degrees. That final step is the reminder of why you do what you do.”

TSTC Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Carruthers’ supervisor Rob Wolaver said he nominated her for her leadership and brilliance.

“Christine is one of the most dedicated and brilliant persons I have ever worked with,” he said. “She is so passionate about the students and truly excels as a leader. She is a jewel.”

Wolaver credits her leadership in their team as one of the significant parts of what helped them achieve their enrollment goals.

“Her leadership in our team is invaluable,” said Wolaver. “She deserves this recognition. She has been vital to the growth and transformation of this department and is always a team player.”

Carruthers will join the other 13 Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients from across TSTC’s 10 campuses later this month in Austin at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration to receive her award.

Her family will be present to witness this honor.

“Things like this help me show my daughter examples of great work ethic. I hope this models what a good education and working hard can accomplish. I want her to always know that her possibilities and opportunities are endless.”

Carruthers said after returning from Austin she is excited to embark on new initiatives that are tailored to continue to help students learn.

“Not many places push the envelope when it comes to new and innovative initiatives like TSTC does,” she said. “But that’s what makes this a great place for students and an exciting place to work.”  

(HARLINGEN) – Santa Rosa High School senior David Lee Garza recently walked into his school’s library after his morning classes ready to register for his first semester at Texas State Technical College.

Garza is one of nearly 40 students that chose to attend TSTC during National Decision Day, the deadline for high school seniors to pick their college. High schools across the country dedicate an event for their students to celebrate their final decisions.

This was Santa Rosa High School’s first National Decision Day event and nearly half of the senior class decided to attend TSTC.

“We have 91 students graduating and we’re proud that they’re looking toward college,” said Santa Rosa High School principal Rebecca Corpus. “And it’s wonderful that many are staying close to home at TSTC because this college has opened doors of opportunity for so many of our students.”

TSTC representatives from recruitment, admissions and financial aid recently set up a registration station at the Santa Rosa High School library to help students finalize all paperwork and register for classes.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin said they are excited that students like Garza have chosen to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) programs at TSTC.

“STEM careers are growing and are in demand,” she said. “At TSTC these students will be provided with the skills needed to fill STEM-related jobs.”

“This is truly a collaborative effort between TSTC and Santa Rosa High School,” she added. Our staff is committed to helping our students have a smooth transition from high school to college. We are here to help our students succeed.”

Garza, who has chosen to attend TSTC in the fall, has decided to major in vocational nursing, a field he has known he has always wanted to pursue.

“My sister, who also studied vocational nursing at TSTC, is the one who encouraged my decision,” Garza said.

The 18-year-old also mentioned that a huge deciding factor for him also was affordability.

“TSTC is affordable and will allow my family and I to save money,” he said. “Because I plan on pursuing registered nursing there also.”

Garza’s mother Lori Ann Garza said she is excited that Garza has decided to stay close to home.

“I always tell him, you’re going to get a good education wherever you go because it’s what you make of it,” she said. “But for the field he wants to pursue I know TSTC is the best place for him.”

Lori said she is very proud of her son and said she will always support his decisions.

“I have so many hopes and dreams for him. I want him to accomplish everything he can,” she said. “I want him to do well and help people.”

Her dream is the same dream that her son’s principal and TSTC has for all of their students.

“Our students are extraordinary and have great talent and TSTC is instrumental in preparing them for work and the real world,” said Corpus. “TSTC makes college accessible for many and gives students the vision they need to make their dreams come true.”

Registration for Fall 2017 is in progress. For more information on the technologies offered at TSTC visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – It has been five years and counting since Melissa Villarreal started at Texas State Technical College in the Financial Aid Office. And to commemorate the financial aid technician’s hard work and dedication to students, she has been awarded the Employee Spotlight for May.

Many who work with Villarreal, staff and students alike, say she is “the lady who is always happy.” Villarreal humbly said she is happy because she is doing what she loves to do: helping students.

“I truly love my job,” said Villarreal. “I was a student once and had no idea about financial aid. I believe God put me in this office at this campus for a reason, and that is to make students aware of what is available for them.”

The 44-year-old is an alumna of TSTC. She graduated in 2003 with her certificate in Medical Records and Transcription with the help of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through the Texas Workforce Commission, which provides workforce development activities to enhance employability.  

“This was the only financial help I could find, and they paid for it all,” she said.

Going to college was not an easy process for the Harlingen native. To qualify for the WIA program and in turn to enroll, she had to qualify for food stamps. Had it not been for the $10 in food stamps she qualified for, school would not have been an option.

“There was no way I could have gone to school without this money,” said Villarreal. “Since then I knew I wanted to come back and help those going through the same thing.”

After graduating, her one-year stint at a local oral surgery clinic did not work out because TSTC was in her heart.

“This period was a challenge. I went back to school, left my job of 20 years at JCPenney, and fortunately I was hired at the college,” she said. “I took a chance and it worked out because of TSTC and those that believed in me.”

Villarreal’s Employee Spotlight award is the sentiment that says many still believe in what she does, and it is written directly on her certificate.

“It’s refreshing to hear many refer to Melissa as ‘the lady who is always smiling’ or ‘the lady who always helps me,’” one statement read.

Another said, “Ms. Villarreal always presents services in a highly motivated manner and explains services in a positive language.”

One last comment read, “Despite the long lines…she has been overheard providing students with motivating and inspiring wisdom when she is assisting them at the counter; this is beyond her scope of duty.”

Villarreal said her ultimate goal every day is to help students succeed.

“The most rewarding part of my job is working commencement and watching them (students) graduate and seeing the fulfillment and happiness in their eyes and in their family’s eyes, and knowing I had a little part in that.”

In the next couple of years, Villarreal expects to walk the TSTC commencement stage, instead of working, to receive her associate degree in Business Management Technology.

“I want to grow and retire from TSTC,” she said. “This is where I belong, as an employee and a student.”

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Veteran Program Officer Jose Villegas has been with the college for a short time, but has already made a difference in students’ lives earning the 2017 Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

The award is given yearly to deserving faculty and staff from across TSTC’s 10 campuses for their service to the college and their community.

The San Antonio native said he was surprised when he found out he had received the award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I never think about awards, my concern is helping veterans the best I can. So you can imagine this came as a shock. I’m speechless.”

As an Army veteran who served for eight years, including a one-year tour in Iraq, the 35-year-old said he understands the difficulties veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

“My passion for helping veterans comes from personal knowledge,” he said. “I know how difficult it is to find your place after leaving the military.”

After leaving active duty in 2004 and the reserves in 2009, Villegas went back to school and received a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Composite in 2011 from the University of Texas Pan American.

Villegas went on to work at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health as a peer facilitator for veterans getting mental healthcare. He traveled across the Valley and the state conducting support groups at various colleges and universities.

Although Villegas loved working with veterans and their dependents, he was ready to leave all of the traveling and the unsteady schedule behind.

“I was ready for a change and to spend more time with my family,” said Villegas. “I wanted to continue working with veterans though, so it was great when this position at TSTC came up.”

Villegas has been at TSTC now for three years, assisting veterans and their dependents with military benefits such as the GI Bill and Hazelwood Act, and admission and financial aid processes, in addition to providing external and internal resources that help veterans and their families succeed.

“For some veterans we are their last chance for hope,” said Villegas. “I go through highs and lows with some of these students and the best part is seeing them graduate and get a job or continue with college.”

Veterans Center Director Steve Guevara said that within the two years he has worked with Villegas he has seen the dedication he has for students turn lives around.

“He is always interested in how our students are doing,” said Guevara. “He takes the time to really get to know them and take care of everything he can to help them succeed. He’s their positivity.”

“If anyone deserves this award its Jose,” he added. “He’s a real asset to TSTC.”

Villegas will be traveling with his family to Austin to the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards dinner and celebration where he will receive his Chancellor’s Excellence Award later this month.

“I truly appreciate that my colleagues think my work is making a difference. I don’t do what I do for awards. My true success is getting veterans help and giving them a second chance at life.”

(HARLINGEN) – Maria Araujo is studying Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College and expected to earn her associate degree in Fall 2017.

The Harlingen native also recently received the Most Active Club Member award at TSTC’s Student Leadership Banquet for her service as president of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

The 22-year-old said that as a shy person she has only recently come to enjoy being active on campus and throughout her community. She also serves as a community assistant for the TSTC dorms and its student residents.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I want to come back to TSTC to get a second associate degree in automotive, welding or culinary arts. I believe combining one of these with my passion for photography and design will make me a well-rounded artist.

What’s your dream job?

I ultimately want to be a photographer. Right now I photograph everything from people to landscapes. I also hope someday to serve our country as a military photographer.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been breaking out of my shell. I have always been a shy person and now, because of my job as a community assistant and as president of my club, I can carry conversations with people and express myself more.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is not to be afraid to fail. We are all going to fail at some point in our lives; I know I have. But the important thing is to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

The person who has influenced my success the most at TSTC is another student and my best friend, Jose Zepeda. He is a business management technology student and is my biggest inspiration. He is my encourager and keeps me going. We have been friends since high school.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is never put yourself down or compare yourself to others. We are all our own people on our own paths, and sometimes we are so busy comparing ourselves that we lose sight of our own accomplishments and our goals.