Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC’s New Nursing Education Center is a Dream Come True

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College started the Fall 2016 semester by opening the doors to its new Nursing Education Center equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and simulation labs.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s perfect timing,” said Hector Yanez, interim vice president of Student Learning. “A building like this was needed on our campus and I can see it being fully utilized.”

Allied Health Division Director Jean Lashbrook said this building is a dream come true. In the 20 years she has been at TSTC she has pushed for a center like this.

“Our Allied Health division has grown in the past few years,” said Lashbrook. “We had four programs sharing three labs. We were outgrowing our space. So this is definitely the most beneficial move for our students and faculty.”

The Nursing Education Center is located right off Loop 499 on the main campus. It will accommodate vocational and registered nursing students with classrooms, computer labs and state-of-the-art simulation labs. The building will also be equipped with a centralized medical supply closet, student break rooms, cubicles for student testing, offices for faculty and a conference room.

“This building is just as much for faculty and administration as it is for students,” said Yanez.

“So everyone’s really excited for this brand new facility, and it will definitely be a showcase.”

Vocational nursing student Kevin Cole started his first day in the program at the brand new building. Although Cole is no stranger to TSTC – he graduated as a nursing assistant in 2015 – he said being at the Nursing Education Center is a new experience.
“It’s exciting to be in a new building furnished with new equipment we get to use and practice with,” said Cole. “I love that TSTC provides us (students) with these types of opportunities and facilities. It definitely makes me more confident going out into the workforce.”

For nursing students like Abbigale Prieto, the education center came a little too late. Prieto is in her last semester of vocational nursing, which means the majority of her time is spent at clinical rotations off campus.

“I’m a little jealous that I won’t be able to fully utilize this building and new labs,” said Prieto. “But I’m excited for the new vocational nursing students who are going to be able to use everything here to their full advantage. They’re going have a great learning experience.”

Lashbrook said the center is also a great asset to the Rio Grande Valley community.

“We can partner with local high schools, give tours and show those interested in our program what our facility has to offer,” said Lashbrook. “Not only that, the training that will happen in this building will prepare our students to enter the workforce and make a difference.”

For more information on TSTC’s nursing programs call 956-364-4797 or visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Carlos Obregon

(HARLINGEN) – Carlos is a student at Texas State Technical College. He recently graduated with an associate degree in Computer Systems Management Technology and is now pursuing his second associate degree in Mechatronics Technology.

When the 20-year-old is not studying, you can find him working at TSTC Housing as a community assistant. He also serves as Vice President of the South Texas Migrant Association.

The Harlingen native is the first in his family to graduate from college. Obregon said as a migrant he traveled a lot and keeping up with school was a challenge, so he never expected college to be in his future. However, now that he is pursuing his second degree, he said he hopes to inspire his two younger brothers to follow in his footsteps.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I want to start my own business. I want to open a computer shop here in the Valley doing maintenance and repair. And hopefully in the near future I’ll continue on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

What is your dream job? My dream is to own a business. That is what I’ve been working toward. I want to make a decent living and show that hard work pays off.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was graduating from college. I’ve seen my parents work very hard and they always encouraged my five brothers and I to get an education so we could live a different life than the one I grew up living.. I can actually say I did it.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned that nothing is too big to accomplish. Growing up I felt with my life, college was not in reach, but I pushed through and finished. If you continue to move forward, you eventually get your reward.

What TSTC person has influenced your success the most? My biggest influence was my former College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) adviser Daisy Avalos. She was by side since my first day at TSTC. She helped me submit all my paperwork to get into my program and gave me advice when times got tough. She was my confidant.

What advice do you have for future TSTC students? I want to tell students to always remember not to give up. Success is there, you just have to go for it.

TSTC Works With Waco Companies on Skills Development

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College in Waco and the Texas Workforce Commission are partnering to provide workforce development to two local companies.

Jobe’s on Franklin Avenue and Hobbs Bonded Fibers on South Commerce Drive, both in Waco, are utilizing TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education programs to update workers’ skills.

“I know the quality of education at TSTC,” said Wayne Winekauf, Jobe’s director of plant operations. “I’m very impressed. It’s a gem that is hidden.”

Jobe’s employees take master rolls of outdoor commercial fabric, such as burlap and sun screen, and cut them to be consumer-ready in various lengths. The company has 30 workers, but increases to 100 employees during their busy period from January to May.

The Jobe’s workers recently took part in operation care classes through a state Skills Development Fund grant valued at more than $60,000. Workers learned about troubleshooting, upkeep and quality control on their shrink wrap, winding and other machines. A representative from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration also visited to talk about workplace and machine safety.

“TSTC is focused on the manufacturing side,” said Winekauf. “The safety was key to having someone come in and review the safety recommendations. Someone from the outside is respected more.”

Several of Jobe’s workers said they benefited from the training.

Arturo Vicinais, a night lead operator who runs machines and works on production floor compliance, has been at the company for 10 years. He appreciated the training in the importance of communication, inspection and audit forms.

“You can take more pride in your work and everything will be more organized,” he said.

Barron Parks, a machine operator, has worked at Jobe’s the last year and a half.

“The safety class we had was very much needed,” Parks said. “There are a lot of dangerous machines here if you don’t know the safety procedures. Everyone should be held more responsible.”

Thirty-eight workers from Hobbs Bonded Fibers began taking Thursday and Friday classes in mid-August lasting for six weeks so they can learn to weld using structured steel. The training is also under a state Skills Development Fund grant worth at least $60,000.

“These guys have never welded before,” said Shawn Grisham, a welding trainer in Workforce Training and Continuing Education at TSTC in Waco. “They are making very good welds.”

For more information on Workforce Training and Continuing Education at TSTC, call 254-867-2053 or log on to tstc.edu.

Project Link Students Begin Academic Year at TSTC in Waco

(WACO) – Andre Bernal and Joseph Ramos Jr. have been linked since they were preschoolers.

The two attended Head Start together, grew up a street apart, both attended the old University Middle School and graduated together earlier this year from University High School in Waco.

Now, the lifelong friends are students at Texas State Technical College in Waco. Bernal, 18, is a Computer Network and Systems Administration major and Ramos, 18, is an Automotive Technology major. Both are Texan Success Scholarship recipients.

The students are among more than 20 members of the 2015-16 cohort of Prosper Waco’s Project Link representing University High School and La Vega High School to enroll at TSTC this fall.

Project Link is a grant-funded initiative aimed at creating a college-going culture by connecting students to higher education and the workforce. The La Vega Independent School District, the Waco Independent School District, McLennan Community College, TSTC and Prosper Waco are partners in the project, which included more than 130 high school seniors in its first year who took advantage of education and career advising. The program had 730 students in grades nine to 12 last year, according to Project Link information.

“The liaisons at the high schools did a good job preparing them for college,” TSTC Project Link Coordinator Brandon Chappell said. “Some of the students registered toward the end of registration. We need to be more aggressive and keep them on track after graduation. Financial aid was a common question from the students.”

Bernal and Ramos are among the first generation of their families to attend college – something Project Link campus liaisons look for when recruiting students.

So far, Bernal has discovered TSTC’s Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center to play pickup games of basketball. He wants to work in the technology field after graduation and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“I am not used to long breaks between classes and the free time,” Bernal said. “I am getting used to it. I am meeting new people.”

Ramos took automotive classes for four years in high school and said he wanted to learn more in college. He wants one day to work at a Chevrolet dealership.

Bernal, Ramos, and their University High School classmates all completed applications through ApplyTexas and had a 100 percent federal financial aid application completion rate. La Vega’s Project Link seniors had a 98 percent federal financial aid application completion rate and a 100 percent ApplyTexas application rate.

The program has made some changes to start the new academic year.

Project Link has expanded to Waco High School and added a campus liaison, while University High School has two new program liaisons to work with students.

“With the addition of Waco High School, Project Link will be serving 1,000 high school students at three different high schools for year two of the program,” said Natalie James, Project Link Coordinator at McLennan Community College.

For more information on Prosper Waco and Project Link, go to prosperwaco.org.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Challenger Learning Center Formally Opens at TSTC in Waco

(WACO) – Haylee Harper, 9, of Bosqueville, has career goals as big as the solar system.

“I like learning about science,” the Bosqueville Elementary School fourth-grade student said. “I want to one day put a flag on a planet.”

Harper said she enjoyed talking into a microphone inside Mission Control at the new Challenger Learning Center, which formally opened Thursday night with a community event at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

The educational center on Airline Drive is the third of its kind in Texas and is affiliated with the not-for-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Washington, D.C. The state’s other centers are at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen and San Antonio College. There are more than 40 centers nationwide and in Canada, South Korea and Great Britain.

The center’s purpose is to bring the sun, moon, stars, and planets to life for students. After a meeting in a briefing room, students are divided into two groups, one to work in Mission Control, and the other in a working laboratory. Students also “ride” on the Space Shuttle Challenger and visit a planetarium. The activities center on communication, critical thinking, leadership, science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

“These kids get a sense of accomplishment,” said Dr. Lance Bush, president and chief executive officer of the Challenger Center.

Kris Collins, senior vice president of economic development for the Waco Chamber of Commerce, said aviation and aeronautics are target industries for the city. She said TSTC and its learning center, along with SpaceX in McGregor, were critical to the chamber’s goals.

“I think it’s fantastic for the technical school to bring students in to showcase the programs offered,” Collins said.

Finding ways to teach science creatively to students can be a challenge for educators.

China Spring Middle School eighth-grade science teacher Shannon Field saw the learning center for the first time and imagined her students visiting. She said the center puts space science in front of the students and can hopefully spark curiosity.

“I think it’s great,” Field said. “Field trips are usually confined. This in our backyard.”

Carson Pearce, director of the TSTC Aerospace Division, hopes the students’ interest in science today translates into future air traffic controllers, pilots, aircraft technicians and other aeronautical careers. He said there is a 94 percent placement rate for division graduates.

“Once they (students) get energized and have the imagination, they are going to want an outlet,” Pearce said.

The Cooper Foundation and the Rapoport Foundation, both in Waco, made substantial financial gifts to the initiative.

Casey Sadler, the Rapoport Foundation’s foundation coordinator, predicted the center would bring more exposure to the technical college and Waco. She said education is one of the foundation’s areas of interest.

“Geographically it is an excellent location,” Sadler said. “Waco is on Interstate 35 with Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin close by for unbelievable opportunities for students.”

Addison Haygood, a fifth-grade student at Woodgate Intermediate School in the Midway Independent School District, dreams of being an astronaut someday, but also an actress.

“It was cool,” Haygood said about her visit. “I liked looking at all the planets and stars in the planetarium.”

Tours for area schools will begin later this fall. Trey Pearson, director of the Challenger Learning Center, is ready to see how students of all ages take to the simulations and planetarium.

“That’s going to be the exciting thing,” he said.

TSTC Chancellor Michael Reeser reminded attendees that the technical college was founded in 1965, the year of the early NASA spaceflight program Gemini. He said space can excite children.

“There is no more worthy way to explore space than to honor the people who explored the outer reaches of the universe,” Reeser said. “Every time a child comes through the center, we want hope and excitement to do the technology to make a difference in the country and world.”

The Challenger Learning Center honors the astronauts who died Jan. 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed on the Challenger space shuttle launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The initiative was founded later that year by the families of the seven astronauts tragically killed.

To register a class for the space exploration experience, log on to tstc.edu/challenger.

TSTC Graduate Channels Love of Science Into Career

(WACO) – It is a place that one may not think of as visiting to get back to nature: the Chernobyl Power Complex in the Ukraine.

The nuclear facility became well known in spring 1986 as the site of reactor explosions due to inadequate design and worker error, according to the World Nuclear Association.

The plant was re-opened as a tourist attraction in 2011, according to the WNA. And this is a place Garrett Fulcher of Hamilton wants to visit because he is curious about how nature adapted to the accident.

That kind of interest propelled Fulcher to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiation Protection Technology at the Summer 2016 Commencement at Texas State Technical College in Waco.

As a student worker, he worked with Environmental Health, Safety and Radiation Protection Technology faculty members.

“He assisted in setting up the labs for experiments and was very helpful packing equipment to ship out for calibration,” said Jacob Navar, an instructor of Radiation Protection Technology. “He grasped the technical aspects and could do these without supervision.”

During the summer, Fulcher and other students took soil samples along the Brazos River and sent them to The University of Texas at Austin’s Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory. The goal was to detect radiation and elements such as cadmium, chromium and arsenic in soil.

“The hands-on work gives me the job experience I need to get where I am going,” he said.

Fulcher will begin temporary employment in September at Quantum Technical Services in Houston, where he will work with employees performing diagnostic scans for naturally occurring radioactive material deposits at chemical and petroleum plants.

Meanwhile, Fulcher is applying for positions at U.S. Department of Energy labs and wants to conduct nuclear research.

He wants to see more students join the Radiation Protection Technology program because as baby boomers retire, younger and knowledgeable workers will be needed to fill positions.

“Follow what you are passionate about,” Fulcher said. “I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. And, keep an open mind.”

During his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing and off-roading.

“I am a small-town farm boy who grew up in the country,” he said.

He graduated in 2004 from Evant High School where he ran track.

After high school, he worked in a machine shop, was a certified hostage negotiator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and traveled throughout the country.

He came to a point when he knew he needed to find a career that interested him.

“I was fascinated with working with atomic particles and how they work with each other,” Fulcher said.

TSTC Students Beautify Private Cemetery

(HARLINGEN) – Dirty headstones, fallen American flags, trash and grass the height of a small child once littered San Jose Cemetery located in the rural eastern part of San Benito.

The sweltering 90 degree Texas heat didn’t stop the Veteran Student Alliance Club at TSTC from recently filling up trash bags and whacking away the weeds.

President of the Veterans Club, and Biology freshman Brian Rodriguez said that this cemetery cleanup is a way to give back to those who have served.

“There are a lot of veterans buried here,” said Rodriguez. “Nobody really keeps up with the cleanup, and we do have some members that live out here who have passed by and mentioned that it could look a lot better. When I became president of the club I knew that I wanted to tackle this project.”

Student Recruitment Representative Melissa Zamora, was also on deck to lend a helping hand.

“Cemeteries hold our loved ones. If we can provide a helping hand to keep these places safe and clean for families to visit, then we are absolutely making a difference.”

While TSTC students did most of the work, Rene Rodriguez, sergeant of arms for the Veterans Club, was proud of the effort not only made by the club, but also by a neighbor who was willing to lend a helping hand.

“We cut the grass and trimmed the trees around the headstones. One of the homeowners next door said that he was more than happy to help us get rid of any debris we picked up, and that was a big help,” he said. “During our next cleanup we hope to see familiar faces, and new faces, as well.”

Veterans Program Officer Jose Villegas was very proud of the work done by members of the organization.

“I was very happy with everybody’s effort. If it wasn’t for their hard work and commitment to giving back to the community, this cemetery may have remained neglected,” said Villegas. “Some of the students will be going back individually to see that the job is kept up. It’s an honor to make sure that the veterans who are resting here get the respect that they deserve.”

The next cemetery cleanup take place during the Fall 2016 semester. For more information or to volunteer, call the Veterans Center at 956-364-4386.

The Veteran Student Alliance Club prides itself on helping military veterans and family members with their transition into civilian life. For more information visit http://www.tstc.edu/veterans.

Student Success Profile – Benardo Garcia

(HARLINGEN) – Benardo Garcia is a student at Texas State Technical College pursuing an associate degree in Agriculture Technology. The Harlingen native is expected to graduate Spring 2017.

The Agricultural Club member said he first became interested in an outdoor career when he would go fishing and hunting with his father and brother as a child.

“I knew immediately outside is where I was supposed to be,” said Garcia. “I’m an outdoor guy and my career will reflect that.”

When he is not studying, the 20-year-old can be found working part-time at the TSTC Wellness Sports Center, and at the Harlingen Boys and Girls Club, as a youth development professional teaching children about different sports and how to play them.

What are your plans after graduation? After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either animal science or wildlife.

What’s your dream job? I plan to someday work as a ranch hand or ranch manager, but ultimately I hope to become a game warden. This is something I have thought about doing since I was young.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? So far my greatest accomplishment is not dropping out. I thought I was never going to finish; I had to take remedial classes and I felt like giving up sometimes, but I didn’t. And soon, my greatest accomplishment is going to be graduating.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I’ve learned the true meaning of not giving up. I have overcome many challenges when it comes to school and I’m still standing. It’s important to keep going no matter how hard things get.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most? There are two instructors who have influenced my success – Sammy Gavito and Norberto Mendoza. Both have always been there constantly pushing me to keep going so I can do what I love.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I want students to know this is a great college with really good instructors. As long as they focus, keep going and do what they love, they will leave as a TSTC graduate with a great education.

TSTC Hosts Strategy Roundtable

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, Texas State Technical College was host to the Business and Workforce Talent Development Strategy Roundtable set forth by the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Cameron. Large industry and school district representatives, city officials and local economic development councils gathered to discuss the business workforce talent needs and talent development strategies. Remarks were given by Julian Alvarez III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor, and Pat Hobbs, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions Cameron. During the round table, TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said TSTC is ready to train, fill the skills gaps and offer solutions. She added that with TSTC’s can-do attitude the college is ready.

TSTC Automotive Graduates Get Local Career Opportunity

(HARLINGEN) – Roberto Gonzalez grew up watching his father work on automobiles, and knew that was the career he wanted to pursue, so the Los Fresnos native enrolled in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College in 2014.

Two years later, Gonzalez received his associate degree with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and immediately got hired at Gillman Chevrolet of Harlingen.

“I needed to start working after graduation and because TSTC’s training prepared me for the field, I was able to find a job right away,” said Gonzalez. “Now my twin brother goes to TSTC for machining and I’m helping him pay for his classes.”

Gillman’s Service Manager Ramiro Salguero said although Gonzalez has only been there a short time, he is already very impressed.

“Roberto is very productive and always ready to work,” said Salguero. “Coming in new he was already prepared to begin working as an entry-level tech.”

In the four years that Salguero has been service manager, he has hired more than 20 TSTC graduates like Gonzalez from the Automotive Technology program. He said when positions are available, he calls on TSTC for candidates.

“It’s very hard to find skilled, experienced technicians now a days,” said Salguero. “So having TSTC offer this program is a great advantage to service departments like ours; they (graduates) come to us with experience.”

Salguero said hiring TSTC graduates ensures that he will get people who are already trained to use the equipment in their service shop. He added that it is also easier for them to get hired as entry-level technicians straight out of college.

“Students who attend TSTC get all of the hands-on training they need to be successful in their career,” said Salguero. “Those that I have hired are ready to work and focused on getting work experience. They know what it takes to prove themselves in the field.”

Salguero added that Gillman Honda in San Benito also hires TSTC graduates.

“My door is always opened,” said Salguero. “I’m happy to give any TSTC graduate a chance if this is what they really want.”

Automotive Technology Department Chair and Instructor Abel Castillo said it is an advantage to students knowing that experts in the industry are hiring program graduates straight out of college or even before graduating.

“Our students have so much opportunity available to them,” said Castillo. “Our certificates and associate degree give our students unlimited possibilities.”

Students who enroll in Automotive Technology will get hands-on training in automotive systems ranging from electrical and brakes to air conditioning. There are three available tracks that a student can pursue – certificate, certificate II and an associate degree.

For more information on the Automotive Technology program call 956-364-4576. The first day of class is August 29. To register or apply anytime visit tstc.edu.

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