Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Graduate Harnesses New Technology in Job

(WACO, Texas) – Randall Frett’s career in Waco is blossoming like a magnolia tree in springtime.  

Frett, a graduate of Texas State Technical College, is an information technology systems administrator at Magnolia, which encompasses real estate, vacation rentals, home decor and food.

“My responsibility is to be what my company needs for me to be,” Frett said. “We (the IT staff) find solutions to problems. And we solve issues, whether it is server-related or cloud-related, and we try to adapt to our environment.”

Frett must also be innovating, which for him means finding new ways to make technology more effective. He said this takes research and experimentation. 

“TSTC really taught me that in my career, I do not want to get to where I am complacent,” he said. “Complacency means you are too comfortable. I love what I do because I love to see things evolve and see things change.”

Frett graduated in 2006 from Waco High School, where he took technology classes.  He has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Network Security Technology, both from TSTC. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems, Information Technology from Tarleton State University.

Clint Pate is a TSTC instructor who taught Frett in networking classes when he was a student. Pate is now an instructor in TSTC’s Cloud Computing program.

“Randall was an up-and-coming student with a lot of potential,” Pate said. “He got into the networking side of the house quickly. He was quick to pick up on concepts.”

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

TSTC Culinary Arts Instructor Selected for IKA/Culinary Olympics

(WACO, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College instructor in the Culinary Arts program in Waco has been chosen to work with a team of chefs from Canada at the IKA/Culinary Olympics next February in Stuttgart, Germany.

Chef Michele Brown will work with the Agricultural Culinary Team Manitoba on pastry arts. Assisting Brown in Germany will be her son, William, who works at Southern Methodist University and Williams-Sonoma and is a culinary illustrator.

“It’s pushing the limits of creativity,” Michele Brown said. “It pushes your endurance and organizational mind.”

Competition practice will take place via Skype and conference calls due to cost constraints. 

“I will be fundraising,” Brown said. “I have a GoFundMe page. I will be practicing with the assistance of our students.”

This will be the third time Brown has participated in the IKA/Culinary Olympics. She also has international experience providing support for Epicurean World Master Chefs Society members  Patrick Mitchell and Morris Salerno on the gold medal-winning regional Texas team at the 2014 Expogast Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

“For the Culinary Arts program, this is an excellent credential for the students to be trained by students on the world stage,” Brown said.

Chef Gayle Van Sant, an instructor in TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, said Brown has a great passion for ingredients and exploring new products, skills and techniques.

“She is an inspiration to our students,” Van Sant said. “She will challenge our students to become all they can and encourage them to dream on a bigger scale.”

Chef Jackson York, a member of the Texas Chefs Association’s East Texas chapter, has known Brown professionally for several years.

“I have seen her not only excel and grow very fast in her career, but influence so many other people she has trained and mentored,” he said. “Anything that she has done, there is no halfway about it.”

The IKA/Culinary Olympics is the oldest and largest culinary arts exhibition in the world. At the 2020 event, the jury and guests will be able to experience creations by chefs from 39 countries.

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

TSTC Holds Summer 2019 Commencement

(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 30 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel at Wiley College in Marshall.

Rush Harris, director of business services at the Marshall Economic Development Corp., was the ceremony’s guest speaker. He talked to graduates about the power of having a degree from TSTC.

“My advice to all graduates here today is to hone your skills and never stop learning,” Harris said. “You will work in an ever-changing environment. Pay attention and learn each day. Know that with technological advancements, you will likely undergo future training. Look for companies that invest in their employees.”

Harris is a graduate of Marshall High School, Southern Methodist University, the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

Some graduates either have jobs or are waiting on word about employment opportunities.

Jacob McCombs of Harleton recently wrapped up an internship at Southwestern Electric Power Co. in Marshall. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology.

He came to TSTC after working in a fabrication shop where he did welding.

“I didn’t like being stationary,” McCombs said. “Electrical Lineworker Technology pays well. I have a big family, a wife and four children, and just needed something that will provide well for them and something that I would enjoy doing long-term.”

Graduates are already making their plans for the future.

Lazaro Gonzalez of Carthage said he made the right decision coming to TSTC to earn a structural welding certificate.

“I’m excited but a little nervous,” he said. “They (the instructors) taught me a lot more than what I learned in high school. This is a good start.”

This fall, Gonzalez plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at TSTC’s Waco campus. Eventually, he wants to work with tungsten inert gas welding.

“Welding is a good profession if you want to travel,” Gonzalez said. 

For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

 

TSTC Holds Summer 2019 Commencement

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 40 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

“As we come to the close of another semester, it is exciting to witness yet another group of students-turned-graduates talk about job offers and opportunities that lie before them,” said Marcus Balch, TSTC’s provost for the North Texas campus. “All have worked tremendously hard to reach this milestone in their educational career, and it is quite easy to see just how excited each one is to begin their new chapter.”

Some students have already been hired for jobs in their fields.

Edward Price of Alvarado will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. 

“My wife and I discussed it to take it a little bit easier as we get closer to retirement,” he said. “Teaching had been discussed. In 2016, I got injured and had to have surgery on my knee and that did not heal well, so my ability to go back on the floor as a diesel mechanic was over. I had to make a career change.”

Price has been hired to teach Diesel Equipment Technology at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg.

“I am looking forward to it,” he said. “I am nervous. I have been a trainer on many jobs, but I have not taught in a classroom environment. I think everything is going to be good.”

For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC Holds Summer 2019 Commencement

(WACO, Texas) – More than 500 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Waco Convention Center.

Adam Hutchison, provost of TSTC’s Waco campus, led a moment of silence at the start of the ceremony for Mary Williams, a TSTC faculty member who passed away earlier in the day. Williams taught several electronics and electrical classes and she was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Many of Friday’s graduates already have jobs.

Joshua Miller of Hewitt graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cyber Security and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cyber Security – Digital Forensics Specialization. 

“It’s nice to have people who understand the terminology and that we went through this together,” Miller said.

He has been hired as a project engineer at JWS Enterprises in Carrollton. 

Jasmine Burkes of Killeen received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts. She said she will miss her classmates.

She will be working as a baker at Aramark at Baylor University.

“It is exciting,” Burkes said. “After I got the job, I got a new car and (was) approved for my apartment.”

One graduate will soon be going on a north-south adventure to celebrate his accomplishment.

Luis Reyes of McGregor received the Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization. He is working at Behlen Country in McGregor as a welder, but will search for a job in his field after riding his motorcycle on a trip to Washington state in September.

Reyes is the first member of his family to graduate from college.

“It’s finally done,” he said. “I’ve been going to school since I graduated from high school and working full time. I think it is an honor being the first in my family to graduate and setting the example for my siblings.”

For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

TSTC Honors Campus Police Officers at Ceremony

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored three campus police officers at a promotional swearing-in ceremony Tuesday morning in Waco.

Sgt. Craig Lampe, Sgt. Roy Luna and Lt. Roman Proctor were given a ceremonial oath of office by Judge Matt Johnson of the 54th State District Court. The officers, who have more than 30 years of combined service at TTSC, were pinned with new badges by members of their families. 

“They are the embodiment of TSTC’s core values of excellence, accountability, service and integrity,” said Brian Davis, TSTC’s police chief at the Waco campus.

Lampe joined TSTC in 2001 and is a certified master peace officer, mental health officer, sexual assault and family violence investigator, and an aircraft rescue firefighter and instructor. Before coming to TSTC, he was a patrol officer at the Groesbeck Police Department.

“I am glad to be part of TSTC,” he said. “I’m blessed I have the support of family and friends. This is a great achievement for me, and I look forward to future promotions.”

Luna has worked at TSTC since 2011. He is a certified master peace officer and crime prevention inspector. Before coming to TSTC, Luna worked for 23 years at the Waco Police Department.

“I am proud to be here at TSTC,” he said. “I plan to stay hopefully until I retire again.”

Proctor started his law enforcement career in 2005 at TSTC. He is a certified master peace officer, and a mental health officer and instructor. Proctor is a graduate of McLennan Community College and is working on a bachelor’s degree at Tarleton State University.

“I’m blessed with everything,” he said.

TSTC Provost Adam Hutchison said the campus police officers exemplify the meaning of service. Besides keeping the campus safe, the police department works with area law enforcement agencies when needed on service calls.

“It is not uncommon for the men and women who serve as TSTC police officers to see us at our worst moments,” Hutchison said. “They are a vital link for the college. They see more of it than probably anyone else on campus. They serve holistically and completely.”

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

TSTC Holds Summer 2019 Commencement

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 40 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 9, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

Celina Estrada-Thomas, superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District, gave the commencement address. She told graduates to celebrate their accomplishments and surround themselves with positive and encouraging people.

Estrada-Thomas also said grit goes a long way in building success.

“The fact you are here tonight tells me you have grit,” she said.

Estrada-Thomas told graduates they will be called upon in their workplaces to find new solutions to old problems. And, she said graduates should learn from their mistakes and challenges. 

The Provost’s Achievement Award was given to Dominick Gonzales Jr. of Hutto, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts.

“I am going to miss the camaraderie and the staff that have motivated me to keep going,” he said.

Gonzales is a line cook, butcher and baker at the Easy Tiger Bake Shop and Beer Garden in Austin. 

Another graduate, Roman Sustaita of Granger, received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology. He said he will miss the instructors.

He is working at AiRCO Mechanical in Round Rock, welding exhaust ducts and grease ducts.

“Growing up in an agricultural town, I did a ton of welding,” Sustaita said. 

TSTC has more than 1,000 students graduating this summer across the state.

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

 

TSTC Hosts League City Student for WorldSkills Practices

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program in Waco hosted practice sessions this week for the WorldSkills USA’s Restaurant Service contestant, and he happens to be a Texan.

Colt Schultz of League City spent his time practicing his cooking, barista, beverage service, and casual and fine dining table presentation skills ahead of WorldSkills Kazan 2019, which takes place Aug. 22-27 in Russia.

One of the highlights of the contest is making two different dishes using the flambe method.

“I had to get comfortable with that,” Schultz said. “They (the judges) will look at the height of the flame.”

Sheila Hyde, a SkillsUSA national co-chair and WorldSkills expert in Restaurant Service, is also a professor at the Food and Hospitality Institute at El Centro College in Dallas. She said it is convenient that she and Schultz live in the same state, which has made practices easier.

Hyde said TSTC’s Waco campus was chosen for training because of the Culinary Arts program’s equipment. Hyde has also worked at district and state SkillsUSA events on campus and professionally knows some of the Culinary Arts faculty.

Chef Michele Brown, TSTC’s lead instructor in the Culinary Arts program in Waco, said the campus designation as a WorldSkills USA training facility is tremendous.

“It means we have the equipment and staffing to see this excel,” she said. “Having Colt on campus really inspired our students.”

The WorldSkills USA team will have 22 members competing in 20 events, Hyde said.

Schultz appreciates the cultural outreach opportunity that WorldSkills provides while helping him perfect his culinary abilities. 

“It’s just really making that passion stronger, and making connections and friends, and being open to other cultures,” Schultz said.

Schultz is a 2019 graduate of Clear Springs High School in League City. This fall, he will attend the Culinary Institute of America’s campus in Hyde Park, New York, and major in Food Business Management.

After graduation, Schultz wants to work in fine dining and hopefully open his own restaurant focused on European-style dining.

“This is my career and something I love,” he said. “I’ve kept this mentality and the connections I have made in SkillsUSA and WorldSkills. My motivation is to keep expanding these skills that I can apply later in life.”

WorldSkills is made up of 78 nations with a goal of developing vocational skills in young adults. It is a level above SkillsUSA, which is a professional organization teaching employability, leadership and technical skills that help middle school, high school and college students pursue successful careers.

For more information on WorldSkills, go to worldskills.org.

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

TSTC Welding Student Lands New Job Before Graduation

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Nicholas Delaurelle of Longview is relieved that he has been hired for a job before he graduates from Texas State Technical College.

“It is reassuring making some money, because I have bills to pay,” he said. “I’ll be moving into an apartment the day after graduation.”

Delaurelle is one of more than 30 candidates for graduation at TSTC’s Summer 2019 Commencement at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel at 711 Wiley Ave. in Marshall. Delaurelle is scheduled to receive a structural welding certificate from the Welding Technology program.

“It’s been a pretty good amount of learning,” he said. “I really enjoyed TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding and the torch itself, watching the metal melt into the joint. I enjoyed learning how all the torch stuff works and how the processes differ so much.”

Delaurelle will begin work this month at Smith Tank & Equipment Co. in Tyler, a supplier of horizontal and vertical steel tanks used for liquid food handling systems.

Philip Miller, an instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program, said Delaurelle could have gotten a job anywhere with his skills and work ethic.

“He was probably one of the best (students) we have had,” Miller said. “He could make a 98 on a test and ask to retake it. He hit over the mark every time.”

Miller said the faculty encourages students to search for jobs while still taking classes. He said the faculty can help students practice their welding tests before job interviews.

“We hope they get hired before they graduate,” Miller said.

Delaurelle is a 2018 graduate of Pine Tree High School in Longview. He originally wanted to be an auto mechanic, but he changed his mind once he took a welding class during his senior year and found he enjoyed the work.

“Some people think (welding is) hard, but they don’t know how to deal with the conditions,” Delaurelle said. “If you have a strong will, you can deal with it.”

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

Women Set Example in TSTC Electrical Construction Program

(WACO, Texas) – It is an achievement that Letha Novosad, lead instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Construction program, is happy to see happen.

For the first time since she began teaching at TSTC in 2010, Novosad will see three women complete the Electrical Construction certificate program this summer.

Chrystal Robinson of Killeen is a candidate for graduation at TSTC’s Summer 2019 Commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at the Waco Convention Center, while Keely Brown of Bertram and Amber Voss of Axtell are scheduled to finish the certificate program and continue their studies at TSTC.

“Chrystal, Keely and Amber work very hard to be at the top of their class,” Novosad said. “They study between breaks and at lunch. They even book a private room in the library to study when they have breaks. It has been very rewarding as an instructor to watch them grow closer together. I have seen them support each other and get through not only classes, but also whatever life decides to throw at them.”

Although Robinson’s work in the U.S. Air Force as a medical lab technician is a career opposite from electrical construction, she said the challenges she encountered in the military prepared her for her studies at TSTC.

“I was so happy to see other females in the class,” Robinson said. “We want other women to know because we are in a male-dominated field, but we are still women.”

Robinson and her classmates learned how to use power tools, how to wire for commercial and residential buildings, and electrical theory.

“I am about diversity and learning a little bit of everything,” she said.

Robinson plans to find an electrical apprenticeship in the Killeen area after graduation.

“Never quit,” she said. “You start and finish the race. You don’t know what you can accomplish.”

Robinson will join a growing career field. The number of electricians that will be needed in the United States is projected to be more than 726,000 by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Brown and Voss are scheduled to earn Electrical Construction certificates this semester, but have more work to do. They are also working toward the Energy Efficiency Specialist certificate and the Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology. 

Voss is also pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls.

“I grew up around it,” she said. “It’s my path.”

Brown said she became interested in her fields of study after taking a woodshop class in high school and learning how to use tools. She said she realized she could do hands-on work as a career.

“My mother told me when I was younger to go to college, get a job, take care of yourself, and that I do not need a man taking care of me,” Brown said.

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