Category Archives: All TSTC

Students begin fall semester at TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently celebrated summer graduates with a virtual commencement that livestreamed on Facebook. Friends and family commented online with joy and excitement about the momentous occasion as they wished their loved ones all the best on their journeys after college.

Now TSTC is ready to safely welcome back students as the fall semester begins.

Campus enrollment executive Georgeann Calzada shared a message for new students, and she also gave advice on how they can maximize their experience at TSTC.

“Welcome to the TSTC family,” she said. “Make sure that you ask questions and check your TSTC emails regularly. Get involved in Student Life and SkillsUSA. You will not regret these opportunities.”

Associate Provost Bryan Bowling acknowledged that this semester will be vital for students.

“The rest of this year will be a monumental, course-correcting year for our students,” he said. “Not due to COVID-19, but to them beginning their journeys toward life-changing careers.”

He credited the dedicated instructors and staff at TSTC for making these opportunities possible.

“They (instructors and staff) heartily believe in the mission that we not only ‘place Texans in great-aying jobs,’ but ‘we change lives,’” he said. “Just as our students were incentivized to enroll in TSTC to land a great job in the industry of their choice, so too are we heavily incentivized to prepare them accordingly. Their success is our success.”

TSTC is strictly following its set of COVID-19 safety guidelines, including mandatory multilayered facial coverings, directional signs throughout the campus and social distancing. To learn more about TSTC’s coronavirus precautions, visit tstc.edu/coronavirus.

To learn more about programs offered at TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC begins fall semester after celebrating summer graduates virtually

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College began the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31.

While many of TSTC’s programs have transitioned to being taught completely online, there are still several being taught in a hybrid format, which allows for mandatory lab hours to be completed on campus. Safety standards maintained by TSTC include multilayered facial coverings being worn at all times, directional signs placed throughout every building, and at least six feet of social distancing practiced while on campus.

The fall semester began only a few days after over 100 students were virtually celebrated during TSTC’s digital commencement on Aug. 28.

TSTC staff encouraged students beginning the semester.

“Believe in yourself and what you can do,” said new student orientation coordinator Larissa Moreno. “This next semester may be more challenging than you hoped. But remember that at TSTC, we have your back.”

She also offered some words of wisdom for the students.

“Stay positive, have a plan, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and manage your time,” she said. “Study, and always do your best.”

Provost Cledia Hernandez recognizes that residents of the Rio Grande Valley have rallied together to get through the ongoing pandemic.

“We are excited to launch a new semester,” she said. “As a region, we continue to move forward and stay strong. Our students are ready to begin their next chapter, and they have answered the call to keep Texas thriving by enrolling at TSTC to prepare themselves to go into the workforce and become an integral part of rebuilding South Texas. We couldn’t be prouder.”

To learn more about TSTC’s coronavirus precautions, visit tstc.edu/conoravirus.

To learn more about programs offered at TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Graduate Profile: Ashley Flores

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Navy veteran Ashley Flores knew that her career was not over after she concluded her time in the military. The Austin native received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology this summer, and she wants other veterans to know that they, too, can start a voyage in higher education.

Why did you decide to pursue surgical technology?

I thought it was fascinating to be able to assist in surgeries and save lives behind the scenes.

What was your experience like at TSTC?

My experience at TSTC was really great. The instructors in the program were wonderful. Mr. Sanchez, who is now retired, really impacted me in the program. I related to him a lot because he is also a veteran.

Do you have any favorite TSTC memories?

My favorite memory at TSTC is when my surgical tech classmates and my instructors had a Thanksgiving dinner at TSTC. We were like one big family. I will miss my instructors and classmates a lot, but I know they will be there when I need them, and they are just a phone call away.

What are your plans after TSTC?

I’ve recently been hired to work in the main operating room at DHR Health, where I am hoping to gain as much experience as I can. My goal is to grow in knowledge and reach the high bars I have set for myself.

What words of advice would you give to others who are about to start their educational journey at TSTC?

I would say that it is OK to start from scratch, not knowing what you want to do. Our paths change often until you find your way to your true journey. I’m a U.S. Navy veteran who was stationed in Japan for four years. When I got out of the military, I really didn’t know what to do. When I started college, I began to see that the military wasn’t the end of my journey and there was another chapter in my life to write. The advice I would like to give to my fellow veterans is not to let the hard days win. Only you can decide what breaks you. You have more courage than you know when you start your journey in higher education.

To learn about veteran services offered at TSTC, visit www.tstc.edu/veterans.

TSTC programs receive upgrades, thanks to grant

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Thanks to a grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the Emergency Medical Services and Dental Hygiene programs at Texas State Technical College received some welcome additions to better serve students.

Upgrades include adding top-of-the-line equipment to the real-world setting of the Dental Hygiene program, as well as an indoor ambulance simulator for the Emergency Medical Services program.

TSTC senior field development officer Richard Mesquias explained that the process of obtaining the simulator began with the desire to add a few technological improvements to the programs.

“The idea was to add another emergency medical services simulator,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation for enabling us to enhance our Dental Hygiene program and our Emergency Medical Services efforts. Both programs were provided additional equipment to expand their labs in an effort to prepare students for the workforce.”

TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook said that the ambulance simulator is an additional way for the programs to ensure that TSTC students experience thorough and realistic training before entering their careers.

“We are always on the lookout for best practices in how our students can get a real-life feel of what will be expected and experienced in the field,” she said.

Emergency Medical Services program director Dan Forbing reiterated the statement.

“The simulator is very close to working in a real ambulance, all the way down to the dashboard,” he said.

The grant not only covered the simulator itself, but also the special flooring needed to allow for realistic road conditions.

The Dental Hygiene program was first introduced at TSTC in 1996, and much of the resources that students had been using were from that time frame.

Updates to complement the program include a new lab, radiology chair, radiology digital scanners, and a disinfection and sterilization system.

Dental Hygiene instructor Victoria Martin is thankful for the upgrades in the program.

“We provide patient care in our clinic,” she said. “Just like going to your doctor or dentist’s office, you want that place where you get treatment to look nice and clean. With new equipment, we are not only able to modernize our program, but also produce students with advanced technical skills.”

The new technology is another way that TSTC is giving students beneficial experience that will allow them to make a difference in their communities, something that the foundation strongly believes in.

“The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation invests in healthy initiatives that will improve the health and quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Bernadette Perez, grants associate for the foundation. “We want to address health-related needs and close the skills gap in the Rio Grande Valley area specifically. It is important that the students are receiving all of the education that will fully prepare them to go into the workforce and make a difference in our area.”

The updates to both programs will allow TSTC students to do just that.

“I like being able to train students so well that they go out into the field absolutely confident,” Forbing said. “Our new equipment is a huge benefit to our students.”

To learn more about programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Photo: TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez (left) and Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation Executive Director Judy Quisenberry (right) during the check signing ceremony at TSTC on August 10, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Texas State Technical College.)

TSTC begins fall semester at a distance

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – It was a different sight for many returning students at Texas State Technical College this week.

Students were greeted with entrance and exit signs, social distancing markers, and signs detailing TSTC’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

“Because of this pandemic, we have to follow these rules,” said Keith Aguirri, a Diesel Equipment Technology instructor in Sweetwater, during a student safety orientation session on Monday. “We are going to make sure each (student) is safe.”

It was a similar message from Welding Technology instructor Taylor Elston, who said students began the day learning safety protocols for classroom and lab sessions.

Lance Eastman, interim provost, said TSTC’s top priority is to keep students, faculty and staff safe while on campus.

“Students are now limited to the areas in the school necessary for their program,” he said. “TSTC has done everything possible to keep our students and faculty safe and assist any student who has struggled in this distance learning transition.”

During the student safety sessions, social distancing was practiced, and in each classroom, only one person sat at a table.

“Having these safety measures in place will make everyone feel better, and we will be working in a safe environment,” said Diesel Equipment Technology student Cade Palmer of Menard.

Daniel McVey, of Blackwell, said he is also happy that TSTC implemented the safety protocols.

“I am glad they are in place. This will allow me to get to work in the lab. The more lab work I can do, the better,” said the Diesel Equipment Technology student.

Automotive Technology students were also greeted with a safety session on the first day.

Layton Mosher, of Loraine, is entering his final semester in the program. He knew this semester would be challenging for him because it would be mainly classroom sessions.

“I am more of a hands-on learning type of person,” he said. “Having to do a lot of classroom work this semester will be challenging for me.”

Like Mosher, Keith Guffie, who is from Lubbock, has completed all of his lab requirements for the program.

“We will be working strictly in the classroom. We will work together to make sure we all come out on top,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Welcomes Back Students for Fall Semester

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus kicked off the new academic year on Monday.

TSTC students, faculty and staff are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in wearing masks, not gathering in groups, and sanitizing hands and work areas. All of this is being done due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I sincerely hope that everyone will greet your classmates back and extend a welcome and helping hand to those who are new,” said Patti Tate, TSTC’s interim provost. “When you are returning or new, you are off to an exciting start to learn and obtain skills and abilities to get you that great-paying job.”

Diesel Equipment Technology students noticed a big change, with engines being moved to a building that once housed the Solar Energy Technology program and tractor units moved into the main garage area.

David Mahood of Troy is studying for a Diesel Equipment Technology – Off-Highway Equipment Specialization certificate. He said he enjoys the hybrid format of his classes because he can better separate lab work from online lectures and quizzes.

“Nothing will stop us from graduating this fall,” Mahood said.

Kent Kahler, an instructor in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, began as a lab assistant in 1977 and was later promoted to instructor. He said he is in his third generation of teaching students.

He said the first day of the fall semester never gets old to him.

“I still get excited about teaching,” Kahler said.

Tanner Vandeplas of Salado began his fourth semester in the Robotics Technology program on Monday. He is looking forward to taking the Robot Interfacing class this semester, which will be taught in a hybrid format. He said time management and consistent attendance are the keys to mastering hybrid classes.

Vanderplas is used to the first day of new semesters. He already has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology from TSTC.

Parking was in ample supply at the John B. Connally Technology Center, the Student Services Center, and the Provence Graphic Communications Center. Some of TSTC’s programs have moved to an all-online format, eliminating the need for as many students, faculty and staff to be on campus.

Students saw mounds of dirt at the construction site for Griffith Hall, TSTC’s new dorm scheduled to open by August 2021. The dorm is being built between the Student Services Center and the Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center.

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

Teenage TSTC graduate overcomes obstacles to earn EMS certification

(ABILENE Texas) – Dayna Williams admits that she has faced obstacles during her life.

After leaving high school as a sophomore, Williams completed her high school requirements through the Texas Online Preparatory School. Without a diploma in hand, Williams explained her situation and was able to enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program.

This summer, at age 18, she completed her EMS certification and was among the candidates for graduation. When the summer class of 2020 was announced last month, Williams also learned that she had passed the national certification exam.

“I started the (TSTC) program when I was 17 years old. I had all the odds stacked against me,” she said. “One of the main things I learned coming out of the program is that for every odd stacked against you, there are people behind you, supporting your every move.”

Williams said she always wanted to work in the medical field and “fell in love with EMS” after taking courses at TSTC in Abilene.

She said obtaining her certification from TSTC and national certification on the same day was an “ecstatic” feeling.

“It was amazing to receive that news the same day the graduates were honored,” she said.

Among the obstacles that Williams said she faced was the drug and alcohol use by fellow teenagers. While she did not give in to the pressure of using, that temptation motivated her to complete high school early.

“Once I finished high school, I did not have a diploma or transcript in my hand,” Williams said. “I took a leap of faith and asked to enroll at TSTC. I was going into this blind. I thought to myself, ‘Do the thing you’re most terrified to do, and embrace your fears.’”

Williams faced those fears and emerged victorious.

“TSTC prepared me for a career,” she said. “The clinical experience was great. I am more of a hands-on person, and it was 10 times better going through clinical sessions than having to read about it.”

As for her high school friends, Williams said they were “amazed” at her accomplishments in such a short period of time.

“All of my friends stood behind me through college. Some of them said they wish they could have done what I did,” she said. “I told them to look into TSTC because they will prepare you for a career.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

It’s all in the family for TSTC graduate

(ABILENE, Texas) – Melinda Cannon had the support of her family while attending Texas State Technical College.

The mother of two TSTC graduates decided to go to school knowing she would need a support system. She is now a candidate for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.

Cannon, who works at Comanche County Medical Center, is now preparing to take the Registered Health Information Technician exam.

“My kids gave me a lot of help, especially on the technical side,” Cannon said. “I did not know much about building websites and using computers. I had to tell them, ‘Mom does not have a clue.’ It was also great to have a husband who would allow them to help.”

Cannon’s daughter, Rachel, received an associate degree from TSTC in Health Information Technology and is working in the same hospital as her mother.

“She is a medical coder at the same hospital. We work in the same building, but there is a wall between us,” Cannon said.

Cannon has always been interested in the medical field. After raising her family, she decided to pursue college.

“I knew that I was not that knowledgeable with computers, so I decided to go to school,” she said. “I had a background in the medical field, but the knowledge of today’s terminology was something I would need to learn.”

She chose TSTC because her daughter and son, Caleb, both earned degrees at the college. Her son graduated from the Drafting and Design program.

“I knew it would be hard going back to school at the age of 50, but I was able to get things together,” she said. “Overall, TSTC prepared me to do well in the health care field. It introduced me to other systems that I was not used to using.”

Cannon said the online classes allowed her to work at her own pace.

“I was able to learn more about medical terminology and what to expect in the field,” she said.

The family will celebrate her accomplishment during the virtual summer commencement celebration available on social media.

“We are planning to gather around the computer and watch the celebration,” she said. “It will be a great family moment.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to https://tstc.edu/admissions.

TSTC enrollment coach inspired by students

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – As Texas State Technical College is gearing up to celebrate this summer’s graduating class virtually, enrollment coach Tracey Clayton at the Fort Bend County campus discussed some of the characteristics that add positivity to her job. She said she is inspired by students who pursue their education and become role models for those they love.

What are your responsibilities as an enrollment coach?

I assist students with registration, collect documents for admissions and assist with financial aid, among many other things. It is also always very important to me that I provide the best customer service.

What inspired you to work in higher education?

Being able to see others succeed. I was an adjunct instructor before I became an enrollment coach, and it was a great feeling to see students graduate and become successful.

What do you enjoy most about your career?

Helping people achieve their goals. It is inspiring to be able to help them further their education and become positive role models for their siblings and peers.

What is one of the best aspects about helping students change their lives?

One of the best things about helping students change their lives is saving their lives. We give students hope, strength and encouragement to be the very best they can be.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. To apply to TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/admissions.

TSTC celebrates 50 years in Sweetwater

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – When classes begin at Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus on Monday, Aug. 31, it will mark 50 years of service in West Texas.

On Sept. 1, 1970, the first classes at the former Texas State Technical Institute Rolling Plains campus were held in Sweetwater. The college offered seven day courses and eight night courses during the first year. Today, TSTC offers associate degrees in eight different programs at the campus.

TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser has a special affinity for the Sweetwater campus.

“I had the honor of serving 10 years at the Sweetwater location of TSTC. So, I know firsthand how the Sweetwater campus reflects the peerless work ethic and the friendly nature of the people who make West Texas a very special place,” he said. “Want to find the ethos that defines the state of Texas? Go to TSTC in Sweetwater.”

The Sweetwater community began working on plans to request a campus in 1969. The Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce, on May 2, 1969, listed as its top priority that a vocational-training school be built at the former air base in Sweetwater.

“We feel that this is a must for this area and that it would fill a definite need,” wrote Wade E. Forester, chamber president, to then Texas Gov. Preston Smith. “We are looking at the surrounding areas and feel that this would turn the tide concerning the many problems that the West Texas area is facing in reference to industrial development and training.”

Since its inception, the Sweetwater campus’ mission of training students for the Texas workforce has not changed.

Texas State Rep. Stan Lambert recently voiced his appreciation for TSTC’s value to the area and the state.

“Thank you, TSTC, for 50 years of service and partnership in our community. Never straying from your original goal of ‘training Texans to work in Texas,’ you provided so many opportunities for rural residents to enhance the Texas workforce,” Lambert said. “I am proud to partner with you and look forward to seeing what TSTC in Sweetwater accomplishes in the next 50 years.”

Texas State Sen. Charles Perry, a native of Sweetwater, is also proud of the services provided at TSTC.

“Both employers and employees have benefited from the commitment to train and place tomorrow’s workforce to meet the needs of our growing state,” Perry said. “The model of ‘we don’t get paid unless the employee gets paid’ is one that maximizes taxpayers’ resources. TSTC’s legacy of providing the community a skilled workforce, and the families that workforce represents, is worthy of recognition and continuation of the state of Texas’ investment and support.”

Officials from Sweetwater and Nolan County also know the importance of the local campus.

“I took computer classes at TSTC 30 years ago,” said Sweetwater Mayor Jim McKenzie. “The importance of TSTC has not changed to our community and state since it first opened 50 years ago.”

Nolan County Judge Whitley May said the college has been and will continue to be an asset.

“TSTC has been a huge asset for our county and trade industry for years. It has helped people get jobs since it opened,” he said. “I look forward to another 50 years of TSTC in Nolan County.”

Ken Becker, executive director of the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development Municipal Development District, said TSTC’s progression in Sweetwater is “quite amazing.”

“In this day and age, the ability to train workers for the marketplace and creating a talent pipeline is very important in economic development. We have a shortage of skilled labor for different sectors that can’t wait four to six years for a student to go through a program and graduate,” Becker said.

“Companies have different entry points, and the ability of a person to go from student to productive employee in one to three semesters has provided a quicker pipeline of skilled workers,” he continued. “Just like inventories, we need just-in-time skilled workers to fill the talent gaps as companies retool to compete in an ever-changing business environment. Sweetwater is fortunate that community leaders some 50-plus years ago fought for TSTI to be located at historic Avenger Field, home of the WASP training.”

The first director of the campus was Elmer Kuntz, and J.N. Baker replaced him in January 1970. D.A. “Bill” Pevehouse was named the campus’ manager of instruction. Later in 1970, a name that would become a fixture for the campus was hired. Homer K. Taylor, who was an assistant principal at Sweetwater High School, joined TSTI as the campus’ assistant manager.

According to TSTC archives, 101 students were enrolled full time and 50 students were enrolled in evening classes during the first trimester.

When the first academic year ended, 43 students made up the graduation class. During the ceremony, TSTI President Roy Dugger announced the naming of the automotive building for Wade Forester, a Sweetwater auto dealer and businessman.

By 1973, the Sweetwater campus was considered one of the fastest-growing technical-vocational schools in the state.

“The old days of simply being willing to work have passed, and now during the technical age it is imperative that quality, trained technicians and craftsmen meet the entry requirements for the demanding need of business and industry,” Taylor said in an Aug. 5, 1973, San Angelo Standard Times article.

By 1975, TSTI graduated 446 students from one-year programs and another 1,494 from other special instructional courses.

With more student interest, state officials took notice and dedicated $1.9 million for a construction project in 1977. The project included a building for the new diesel mechanic program, which started in 1980. In 1979, funding for apartments to house 96 students was approved by TSTI’s regents.

The campus’ second decade began with more construction as $4.2 million was approved by Gov. Bill Clements for expansion. The funding included a vocational technology building for licensed vocational nursing, dental assistant, advanced emergency medical technician training and electronics. A graphics technology building and physical plant were also funded by the state. The vocational building was named for Pevehouse, who died in 1981.

In 1997, the Student Center opened its doors to the college and community. Many events, from banquets and fashion shows to fundraisers and job fairs, have been held in the facility over the years.

The campus has hosted many visitors over the years, including state and national officials. Former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, Gov. Dolph Briscoe, Gov. Mark White, U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, and even a group of U.S. Marines who trained on diesel engines have walked the campus grounds.

One person who traversed the campus since it opened was Taylor, who was named the campus’ president in 1999. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2006. He was honored by the college when it named the main entrance to campus Homer K. Taylor Drive.

During his more than 36 years with the college, Taylor saw the Sweetwater campus grow and in 1991 witnessed TSTI undergo a name change to TSTC. He kept the mission of training Texans for the workforce a top priority.

“The practicality of TSTC has been the real reason many of our graduates have been successfully placed in a job,” Taylor said in a 2006 interview.

Taylor’s replacement in Sweetwater and West Texas was Reeser. Under Reeser’s leadership, TSTC has continued the mission of “placing more Texans in great-paying jobs.”