Category Archives: All TSTC

Student Success Profile – Naomi Reyes

(HARLINGEN) – Naomi Reyes recently graduated from La Feria High School, but immediately enrolled at Texas State Technical College. The 18-year-old is studying the Academic General Education Core and expects to complete the program by 2018.

The La Feria native is active on campus as a member of the Service Squad, volunteering and committing her time to various philanthropic organizations around the community. Reyes also dedicates herself as a teacher’s aide for bible school and bible studies at her church.

What are your plans afNaomi Reyester graduation?

After I finish my academic core, I plan on transferring to Texas A&M International University in Laredo to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English. Ultimately though, I want to be happy in whatever I end up doing and spreading the word of God.

What’s your dream job?                    

My dream job is to teach English in different countries. Coming from a family where my mom speaks only Spanish, I believe being bilingual is important and I want to help people achieve this. I’m currently teaching myself Korean.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been stepping out of my comfort zone, which doesn’t sound like much of an accomplishment. However, I was really shy and always avoided meeting people or being around large groups, so to me this is a big deal.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that no matter what I’m going through I will never be alone because I have God by my side to guide and direct me in the right direction.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success?

I believe that everyone I have come in contact with at TSTC has really influenced my success, because even the smallest gestures of kindness are greatly appreciated.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

There are two important pieces of advice I want to share: Always try your best and do not procrastinate.   

TSTC and Texas Veterans Commission Celebrate Women Veterans

(HARLINGEN) – Only four months ago, Deborah Jackson was working as a Foreign Service Officer at the Port of Brownsville, but now the United States Navy veteran is dealing with a layoff and the Texas Women Veterans Roll Call: Life Beyond the Oath conference is helping her get back on her feet.

Texas State Technical College recently hosted the conference catered to women veterans. The event was one of several being held across the state by the Texas Veterans Commission.

Jackson was one of few women who left the conference with two job offers and a scheduled interview.

“Everyone here has been so helpful and sensitive to my situation,” said Jackson. “They’re supporting me in my job hunt and for that I am grateful.”

Director of External Relations for the Texas Veterans Commission Edith Disler said there are approximately 180,000 women veterans in Texas, many of whom do not identify as veterans.

“Many women don’t identify themselves as veterans for different reasons,” said Disler. “We’re here to make sureTSTC Women Veterans Seminar they get the assistance they need or seek, and that they network with those with shared experiences.”

The Texas Women Veterans Roll Call was a three-day event providing women with veteran resources such as panel discussions ranging from women’s health and well-being, what hiring managers are looking for, to stories of hope; professional headshots; resumè building; Workforce Solution of Cameron County skills workshops, small business entrepreneurship workshops, self-care stations and a career fair.

“We are so grateful to those who have helped put this event together and make it a success,” said Disler. “Also, a huge thank you goes to TSTC for allowing us to host it on campus and opening its door to our veterans.”

Director of TSTC’s Veterans Center Steve Guevara said TSTC prides itself in being a military-friendly school.

“Hosting events like this one are a way to show our community that we truly are military-friendly,” said Guevara. “This event recognizes the impact women veterans have in our military and it’s important to honor and connect them with the benefits and services they have earned.”

Guevara said he hopes women veterans were able to find a resource they can use and perhaps even employment.

“If anything, I hope they made a connection with another veteran,” he said.

As for Jackson, she said she is thankful for events like this that give women veterans the support they deserve. She added going from active duty to civilian life is no easy task and no matter at what age, the transition is difficult, and learning how to embrace the change is the first step in moving forward.

“This has been a great opportunity to network and get informed on the resources available to us as veterans,” said Jackson. “I’ve been having a difficult time, but after this event I feel lifted and my future is looking brighter.”

TSTC’s Veterans Center is a centralized office that assists veterans or their dependents with admissions, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood benefits, and internal and external referrals. The goal of the Veterans Center is to help veterans transition from boots to books and achieve their educational goals.

For more information on veteran services contact TSTC’s Veterans Center at 956-364-4385.

TSTC: Get a Job, or Get a Refund

(ROSENBERG) – Texas State Technical College Chancellor and CEO Michael Reeser announced today that beginning on Nov. 1, 2016, the college will offer money-back guarantees to students who complete degrees in high-paying, high-demand technologies but fail to find jobs within six months of graduation.
The announcement came as Reeser spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at TSTC’s newest campus in Fort Bend County.
TSTC students may apply to participate in the money-back program, which will be retroactive to fall 2016, during their first semester at school. Graduates earning associate degrees in Welding, Instrumentation, Electrical Lineworker, Diesel Equipment, and Electrical Power and Controls programs may be eligible for a refund if they fail to find a job in six months.
“This bold new initiative is certainly unconventional,” said TSTC Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer Elton E. Stuckly Jr. “The notion of a money-back guarantee may be new in higher education, but we have an outstanding track record of 50 years in successfully placing skilled graduates in great jobs and with major employers in Texas who know the quality of our graduates. We’ve gotten so confident in our ability to serve the state as its technical provider that this guarantee is putting our money where our mouth is.”
“Our unique mandate is to be Texas’ technical provider,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor and Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Kilgore. “We’re doing something to help reverse the student debt crisis that is crippling many in our country. The biggest impact is going to be on the success of our students. We’re doing this for our students and for the workforce of the state of Texas.”
“There are many benefits to this, but the biggest impact it’s going to have is on the success of our students,” Reeser said. “Families in Texas can send their kids to school confident in the fact that they aren’t going to be burdened by extraordinary debt or lost interest payments if they fail to get a job.”
The money-back guarantee is a part of TSTC’s Get-a-Job program, a comprehensive extracurricular development program in which students learn the skills they’ll need to locate and land a great-paying job.
“Colleges focus on giving students the skills they need to be successful in their job,” said Reeser. “The Get-a-Job program teaches students the skills they need to land that job. At a time when some colleges are going out of business because their practices are not leading to gainful employment, TSTC is putting its guarantee behind the job-placement promise that students receive when they sign up for these high-demand programs.”
“An increasing trend in Texas families is to seek a higher-ed option that offers the best value for the tuition and time invested,” said Kilgore. “TSTC is putting its guarantee in place to demonstrate that if you don’t get a job, you’ll get your money back. This is a contribution to addressing the growing disparity between increasing student debt and decreasing employment rates among college graduates.”
“We think the fact that TSTC offers a money-back guarantee in these high-demand programs will make it easier for families to make their college selection,” said Kilgore. “Families are increasingly concerned about what they get for their college tuition dollar. If the employment goals of the student are not achieved, they’ll be getting those tuition dollars back.”
Additional information about the program will be available on Nov. 1 at tstc.edu.
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TSTC Student-Veteran Receives First Grant From Military Organization

(WACO) – Russa Bolton has 285 reasons to be happy about her career future.

Bolton, 43, a Computer Networking and Systems Administration major at Texas State Technical College in Waco, recently received a $285 grant to take a network certification test next year.

“I am having to establish a standard now – how many females will come after me?” Bolton said. “The standard is pretty high now.”

The nonprofit Our Digital Heroes Foundation in Austin was created last year to highlight the need for veterans to pursue certifications in technical areas. The organization’s primary projects include matching disabled veterans to technical security work using and robots, besides administering continuing education grants.

“We figured a place to start would be to help people with technology exams,” said Robert Wagner, chairman of the board for Our Digital Heroes. “Russa was our first grantee.”

TSTC Veterans Program Administrator Rachel Mims said she heard about the program from a TSTC recruiter at another campus. She called the organization and learned more about the grant program.

“Russa is a great student and we are happy to have her,” Mims said. “She is always so cheerful and positive. I’m very glad we were able to connect her with Our Digital Heroes to help her with testing fees connected to her future career.”

Bolton wants to pursue a career in telecommunications after graduation.

“I’ve always been tech savvy,” she said. “I want to enhance my talent and get skills that work anywhere in the world.”

Bolton is originally from Swakopmund, Namibia, in southwest Africa.

“When you grow up in a desert, you have a freedom of space,” she said. “We aren’t that populated.”

She has a legal studies degree earned in South Africa and a criminal justice graduate degree from American Military University in West Virginia. Bolton has also lived in Germany and Great Britain.

Bolton came to the United States at 33 and served for six years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic. She was posted at Fort Hood, among other military installations, and served a tour of duty in Iraq.

Bolton said she liked how TSTC was supportive to non-traditional students like herself.

“I don’t think one institution can have so many special people,” she said.

For more information on TSTC Veteran Services and the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program, log on to tstc.edu.

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TSTC Welding Instructor Receives District Instructor Award

williams-lab-2(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College Welding Instructor Donnie Williams has been awarded the American Welding Society’s Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor District Award for North Texas.

The award recognizes high school, trade school, technical institute or junior college instructors whose teaching has advanced their students’ knowledge of welding.

“It’s recognition of my dedication to my profession,” Williams said. “It shows me that people recognize my efforts and that what I do is recognized by my peers. I was very glad for it. It kind of validates what I’m doing.”

The Hillsboro resident attended welding school in Dallas and later earned a Certificate of Technology in Petroleum Technology from Odessa College. He began teaching at TSTC in North Texas in January.

A second-generation welder, Williams began welding when he was 16 years old.

“I’ve been a welder all my life,” Williams said. “I spent my first eight years in the industry working in the oil field on pipe. In the early ‘80s, the oil field went bust, so I moved into structural welding and moved out of the oil field. Eventually I got into quality control and weld inspection and got my welding inspector certification. I moved from there into education, became a certified educator through the American Welding Society, and that’s where I am today.”

Williams has been a member of the American Welding Society since 1997. He serves as treasurer and sits on the executive board of the North Texas chapter. Williams is working toward starting an AWS student chapter at TSTC.

“We have students becoming members,” Williams said. “A prerequisite for a chapter is that you have at least 15 student members. That’s the phase that we’re in right now.”

Williams said throughout the years he’s seen growth in his students.

“Not only here at TSTC, but a lot of students that I’ve had over the years, I’ve maintained contact with,” Williams said. “Some have gone on to own their own business; some have gone into quality control and inspection. This is why I’m trying to take the students I currently have and expand their knowledge, so they can go into a variety of trades.”

In addition to teaching, Williams is also a certified welding inspector and owns his own welding shop in Hillsboro.

“There’s a lot of real-world application that I bring to the classroom to benefit the students,” Williams said. “Much of what I do at my shop I document. Some of it I film, some I take pictures of. I incorporate that into my lessons in the classroom. I want to include my students in my work to show them the hands-on application of what they’re doing.”

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

TSTC Welding Technology Program Receives Robot

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College in Waco’s Welding Technology program recently received a Kuka welding robot valued at $150,000.

The gift was made by ARC Specialties in northwest Houston, a company that designs and builds automated machinery for welding, pipeline manufacturing and the oil and gas industries.

“It’s important that the students get access to the newer technology,” said Jim Walker, a welding technologist and certified welding inspector at ARC Specialties. “It doesn’t do any good if they don’t ever touch the equipment and have to learn about it once in the industry.”

Mark Watson, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor, said the robot will give students a way to learn technology they may encounter in the industry. He said a robot like the one from the company can be used in the automotive industry on assembly lines.

“I want them to be able to operate it,” Watson said. “You also have to learn how to program and repair it.”

Robots typically perform about 10 percent of tasks across the manufacturing spectrum, but this is expected to increase to 25 percent worldwide by 2025, according to the Boston Consulting Group, a private global management consulting firm specializing in business strategy.

“It’s taking over the skill level of your welders,” Watson said. “Nowadays, it’s hard to find the skilled welders. Students need to be on the global playing field with technology.”

Watson’s welding students are excited to start learning about the machine.

Rhett Fuller, 20, of Cedar Park and a 2014 graduate of Cedar Park High School, said the robot combined his interests in welding and computers. He said the donation made him glad he chose TSTC to study welding.

“A lot of the things Mark is doing is for the students,” Fuller said. “He wants to teach a new generation of welders.”

Taylor Otte, 20, of Lexington and a 2014 graduate of Lexington High School, is studying for an advanced pipe welding certificate. He said he enjoys learning how robotics and his knack for mathematics fit into the welding field.

“My aunt is the high school principal in Lexington and she told me about a tour of TSTC when I was a student,” Otte said. “I learned about other programs and took an instrumentation class here. It made me want to be in the field doing work. I want to do underwater welding.”

Walker, along with Dan Allford, the company’s owner, and Randy Ellington, project manager and process specialist, all have associate degrees in welding technology from TSTC in Waco.

“We all enjoyed going through the program at TSTC,” Walker said. “We are still involved in welding and deal with welding on a daily basis. It’s been something all three of us have loved to do.”

ARC Specialties is also represented in the Welding Technology program’s Advisory Board.

Watson envisions securing more technology through partnerships with other companies in the future so students can be more competitive for jobs.

“Good things are going to come to us in the future,” Watson said.

For more information on the Welding Technology program, log on to tstc.edu.

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Student Success Profile – James Washington

(HARLINGEN) – James Washington is a biology student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native is pursuing an associate degree and is expected to graduate in 2017.

When not in class, Washington can be found volunteering with the TSTC Service Squad throughout campus and in the surrounding community.

What are you plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree, I will be transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology so I can work toward a career in coaching or as an athletic trainer.

What is your dream job?

Ultimately, I would love to be a powerlifting coach. Honestly, though, a dream job for me is really just doing anything that involves me motivating and leading others.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?James Washington

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to prove to myself that I belong in college. It hasn’t been the easiest road for me, but I haven’t given up. I plan on finishing what I started.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I learned that if I fall, I come back stronger. I have definitely had my share of failing moments which can be very overwhelming, but I always stand back up and work or study harder.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

Frank Coronado, my former psychology instructor here at TSTC, has been my greatest influence. He was always there to offer guidance, never sugar coating reality. He once said, “It’s not about how strong you start, but how strong you finish.” I will now always carry this advice with me.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Always allow yourself to adapt to things that come your way. If you adapt, you overcome and can get through anything.  

TSTC Agriculture Technology Receives Generous Donation

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College in Harlingen recently received a $10,000 donation from the Harlingen Cotton Committee during the organization’s scholarship fundraiser at the Casa de Amistad.

This donation was made to support TSTC’s “Make a Texas-Size Difference” campaign. All money raised through this initiative goes to the Texan Success Scholarship, which is awarded to assist new TSTC students with tuition, books and other expenses.

“They (Cotton Committee) have been great supporters of our Agricultural Technology program and students for many years,” said Amy Lynch, TSTC’s South Texas development officer. “So many people have been able to receive an education and continue on to great careers because of this wonderful group of stewards.”

The Harlingen Cotton Committee has given this donation in an effort to support Agricultural Technology students and theTSTC_Harlingen Cotton Committee Check Presentation program as a whole. In the past, the organization has helped purchase equipment needed for student training.

Sammy Gavito, TSTC’s Agricultural Technology state chair and instructor said this type of assistance helps drive students to begin and finish the program.

“Many times, students come to school with limited finances,” said Gavito. “Students have told me that scholarships like this make a difference in whether they continue or drop out. And our goal is to get them to graduate and into a career. This money helps us do our jobs.”

Brady Taubert, chairman of the cotton committee, said the group is always trying to help their local community and they found no better way than helping TSTC and its students.

“I don’t see how we can get any more local than partnering with TSTC,” said Taubert. “All of the money we’re raising is staying right here in the Valley. Plus, this opens doors of opportunities for those wanting a college education.”

Taubert said he looks forward to many more years of working together with TSTC, and for the college and Agricultural Technology it means continued support.

“This year, all funds, donated and matched, will be used for scholarships focused on new students to the program. In the future, donations will benefit students at any point in the program for tuition and fees,” said Lynch. “This committee has made such an impact at TSTC.”

For more information on the “Make a Texas-Sized Difference” campaign or to donate, call 956-364-4500 or visit tstc.edu/tstcfoundation.

TSTC Chancellor Honors Prestigious Award Recipients

(HARLINGEN) – Past and present Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients gathered recently at the Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts dining room for the Chancellor’s Excellence Award Honoree Luncheon.

Recipients as far back as 2001 and TSTC administration celebrated the 2016 award recipients: David Campos, department chair and instructor for Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics; Enrique Carrillo, safety, health and environmental affairs officer; Adele Clinton, executive director for Student Life; and Amy Lynch, South Texas development officer.

“Here’s what I love; once a year we get to break bread together and celebrate you,” TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser told the recipients. “We get to celebrate your natural leadership and remi2016 Chancellor's Excellence Award Recipient Group Photond ourselves that it is this feature that makes TSTC an extraordinary place to work.”

The four recipients were recognized earlier in the year for their achievements at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Awards Dinner and Celebration in Austin.

“With more than 260 total recipients, many share this legacy,” said TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia. “We have 50 years of a long-standing history and we want to keep making history in the next 50. And these recipients are the epitome of that.”

Reeser has made it a priority to host honoree luncheons at every campus with Chancellor’s Award recipients to share with attendees the significance of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award and its importance to TSTC.

“Society is changing so fast because of the impact technology is having in our lives,” said Reeser. “But the one thing that doesn’t change is the strength of a leader and their character, and the profound impact we have on each other. And that’s why TSTC is a special place and unique player in Texas.”

He went on to mention that this award represents leadership, and the respect colleagues have amongst each other regardless of position or title.

“Everyone who has ever received the Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a leader who is setting the way,” said Reeser. “They are looked up to by their peers and are worthy of their teammates’ respect and regard.”

Chancellor’s award recipients are chosen based on nominations from their colleagues, their character and their hard work and commitment to the college and its students.

“Each of these recipients owns this award and position as a trailblazer,” said Reeser. “And on behalf of the students and the employees at TSTC, we thank them for being who they are: leaders.”

TSTC Student Success Profile – Nancy Fontanna

(HARLINGEN) – Running her own dental office and furthering her education are some of the goals that Harlingen native Nancy Fontanna has set for herself.  The 28-year-old Army veteran is ready to conquer the world of dental hygiene.

 What are your plans after graduation?

 After graduation I plan to further my education and obtain a doctoral degree in dental hygiene.

What’s your dream job?

 My dream job is to own a dental office that caters to people in the Rio Grande Valley.  I believe that a family owned and run dental business in the RGV would be greatly beneficial to the area.

 What has been your gNancy Fontannareatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

 My greatest accomplishment is being actively involved with the college.  I currently hold the role of Vice President of the Veteran Students Alliance Club, and was secretary of the club before that.  I find immense gratification in helping fellow veterans and students in commonplace.

What greatest lesson have you learned about your life?

 The greatest lesson I have learned is to grab life by the reigns and steer in the direction that is most beneficial to me.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

 Psychology Instructor, Frank Coronado has influenced my success a lot.  I remember him saying something along the lines of “Never give up on your dreams and achievements, because someone is always looking up to you, even if you don’t realize it at the moment.”

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

 I highly suggest joining a club to broaden your network.  I also suggest making a time management calendar, it will help you so much when trying to juggle the college lifestyle.