Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Alumnus Overcomes Obstacles to Pursue Teaching

(ABILENE) – Computers and water don’t mix. But water — too much of it — was what led Texas State Technical College alumnus Tony Torres to pursue his passion for computer programming.

“After my wife finished school, the plan was for me to go (to college). But the day she was supposed to start her new job, our house flooded,” Torres said. “It was a blessing in disguise because I couldn’t juggle fixing the house, going to school and working full time. So we decided that the house and (my) education was a priority.“

During the two years that Torres studied for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Database and Web Programming at TSTC in Abilene, he also repaired the couple’s home.

Then, in the last semester before his 2016 graduation, he caught pneumonia.

“My brother had to drive me to my final project because I was wheezing so bad that I couldn’t drive,” Torres said. “But my final project was something nobody in our class had done before, and I wanted to present.”

Torres’ final project, based on an idea from his wife, was an IOS grocery app that helps create recipes, keeps users on budget and sends reminders about potentially expired foods.

“I like to challenge myself, and this was a different type of computer language than what we had studied. But I know my craft and had the tools to do it,” Torres said.  

Despite multiple obstacles, Torres’ dedication made him stand out to his instructors, and he was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Award and the Provost Award.

“Tony was an excellent student,” Julie Rhoades, Database and Web Programming master instructor, said. “He worked hard and if he started something, it got done.”

After graduation, Torres remained in contact with his instructors while honing his skills as a freelancer. When a position for a Database and Web Programming lab assistant opened up at TSTC in Abilene, he got the job. He is currently working on a bachelor’s degree to become an instructor.

“TSTC’s top priority is to recruit top talent — and Tony is top talent,” Rhoades said.

Torres said his instructors were an inspiration to him, and that’s what he hopes to be for his students.

“I love teaching,” he said. “I believe in what we do, and that’s changing lives.”

Torres encourages anyone interested in problem-solving to pursue the DWP program.

For more information, log on to tstc.edu.

Texas State Technical College in Abilene Alumnus Tony Torres teaches as a Lab Assistant for Database and Web Programming at Texas State Technical College in Abilene.

TSTC in Waco Student-Run Restaurant to Open Feb. 6

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program opens its student-run restaurant Wednesday, Feb. 6, for the spring semester.

The restaurant is located in the Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center on Campus Drive and is open to the public. Student-prepared meals with themes such as Hawaii, Ireland and Native American will be featured.

Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays from Feb. 6 to April 19 except for March 13 and March 15 due to Spring Break. Each menu includes up to three courses.

The serving days and themes are:

Feb. 6 and Feb. 8: Texas

Feb. 13 and Feb. 15: Native American

Feb. 20 and Feb. 22: Hawaii

Feb. 27 and March 1: Romania

March 6 and March 8: Ireland

March 20 and March 22: Native American

March 27 and March 29: Hawaii

April 3 and April 5: Romania

April 10 and April 12: Ireland

April 17 and April 19: Live-Action Buffet

Menus and dates are subject to change without notice.

Call 254-867-4868 to make reservations. Reservations are not accepted on serving days. Customers should arrive 15 minutes before their seating time.

The restaurant is not providing to-go orders this semester.

For menus and other information, visit tstc.edu/about/culinarydiningwaco or the Greta W. Watson Culinary Arts Center at TSTC in Waco Facebook page.

TSTC in Williamson County Hosts Spring Counselors Update

(HUTTO) – About 70 area educators learned Tuesday how Texas State Technical College’s technical programs can support the state’s economy.

The TSTC Spring Counselors Update held at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto featured talks from TSTC staff about the registration process, dual enrollment and certificate and associate degree options.

Josh Schier, chair of the Cyber Security program at TSTC, said the field needs problem solvers. He said there are about 10,000 jobs open now in cyber security in the state, with the Austin area being one of the places with opportunities for graduates.

“We teach a mindset to be successful,” Schier said. “The challenge is filling the jobs. Students need to learn networking to begin with.”

Darren Block, statewide chair of the Precision Machining Technology department at TSTC, said students who graduate with a certificate in the field typically make at least $18 an hour,while those with an associate degree can make at least $22 an hour.

“The job market is great right now, and our economy is great, with low unemployment rates,” Block said. “All of my students have jobs lined up in their third semester, and some companies are offering to pay for student loans as sign-on bonuses.”

Ed Latson, executive director of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, told attendees that manufacturing is the top contributor to the area’s gross domestic product. He said there are about 1,500 manufacturing companies with about 57,000 jobs in the area. Many of those jobs are technology-based.

Some of the skills companies are looking for in potential employees include the ability to read drawings, take measurements, do mathematics, drive forklifts and complete shop paperwork, Latson said. But, companies also need people with good communication skills.

Liane Kerkman, a teacher at Wayside: Sci Tech Middle and High School in Austin, visited TSTC for the first time on Tuesday. She said out of this year’s 34-member senior class, about half are considering two-year secondary education options.

Kerkman said TSTC’s Cyber Security program could spark her students’ interest.

“TSTC is a good resource to bring back to them,” she said. “A lot of them are hesitant about a four-year university.”

Shirley Reich, a college and career coordinator at the Hutto Independent School District, said she was surprised at the number of jobs available in technical fields. She said the labor market will give staff more information to guide students on their post-high school paths.

“This (TSTC) is in their backyard,” Reich said. “It’s getting them in the door and excited.”

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

TSTC NCCER celebrates graduating class

It all started with a Home Improvement 1-2-3 book for Kristen Perales, who was among a group of 40 students who graduated Friday from TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Construction level 1 course.

“My family was spending a lot of money doing simple repairs on our home,” said Perales. “What these workers were fixing I knew I could do, so I did.”

The 28-year-old isn’t only a graduate from NCCER, but also from the college’s Building Construction Technology program. She earned her associate degree in Spring 2018.

“TSTC has really opened doors of opportunity for me,” said Perales. “I haven’t been without work since graduating. I feel like l’m taking leaps within my career.”

Immediately after earning her degree, Perales accepted a job offer with Davaco Inc. doing retail remodels and installations throughout the United States.

She is now the construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Davaco was a great place for learning and gaining experience,” she said. “But I’m glad to be home and doing what I love; all thanks to TSTC and its programs.”

NCCER Construction level 1 is a 262-hour course and focuses on the NCCER core and NCCER basic framing. It is an introduction to carpentry, wood frame structures, layout, walls, roofs and floors and also includes a safety and forklift component.

Graduates of the course earn an NCCER certification and become forklift and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified.

TSTC Continuing Education coordinator Myra Deleon said these certifications are recognized internationally so they can be used to work across the country and abroad.

“These are credentials that most, if not all, large contractors require their employees to have,” said Deleon. “They are precursors to an individual looking for a career in construction. They become more marketable and employable.”

For Robert Young, who also graduated Friday with an NCCER certification, this course has allowed him to begin his career.

With no prior college under his belt, this certification has allowed him to gain employment with Davaco Inc. as a retail installer.

“I enjoy working with my hands, creating and building things,” said the 27-year-old. “But I was undecided on a career path. Thanks to the TSTC NCCER course I now have a job and a direction.”

Young said he will return to TSTC to pursue a degree in Building Construction Technology and hopes to open a business building residential cabinetry and furniture.

“I’m so excited to have graduated, and it’s all thanks to my mom’s encouragement and TSTC,” he said. “I’m looking forward to my future.”

For more information on the upcoming NCCER courses or on the services that TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education offers, call 956-364-4567.

TSTC in Harlingen Workforce Training earns TWC recognition

The Workforce Training and Continuing Education office at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen was recently recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission for its small business training across the lower Rio Grande Valley.

The award was presented during the Texas Workforce Commission annual conference to recognize top performing workforce training providers serving small businesses in city populations between 50 and 100 thousand.

“This small business award means we’re doing something right among many small business training centers in the area,” said Isidro Ramos, TSTC Workforce Development executive director. “TSTC is a leader in preparing the workforce against the latest industry standards.”

TSTC has served small businesses in Cameron County for the last six years.

“Serving small business employees created a multiplier effect because a better trained workforce means growth, efficiency, product development and expansion,” said Ramos. “Small businesses are always looking for ways to be more competitive in the market, improve operations and business bottom line.”

TSTC trains to enhance the skills of the small business employees that will ultimately improve operations and how the customer is served by offering various courses such as QuickBooks, Marketing, Customer Service and beginner Microsoft Office training.

Ramos said future plans for TSTC’s workforce training include tracking key performance indicators that the small businesses are recognizing when the training is complete.

“We want to make sure that the training we are offering is producing the bottom line results the customer is expecting. Our goal is to continue improving and evolving what we offer,” said Ramos. “It’s a win-win for TSTC and the small businesses we work with.”

TSTC has trained employees from businesses such as MediForce, Harlingen Glass and Mirror and Just Bead It receiving positive reviews.

“I really enjoyed the QuickBooks class I took,” said Romie Arellano, owner of Just Bead It, a jewelry and bead store in Harlingen. “I was able to learn about features I didn’t know QuickBooks offered and I had overlooked. It was beneficial to me and my business. I highly recommend this class and I hope to sign up for others.”

Ramos added that small businesses are the backbone to the economy and combined hire the most workers.

 “Our community is made up of small businesses, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources they need,” said Ramos. “And our focus is to provide the training needed to create innovation and spur growth.”

TSTC Workforce Training is preparing for its upcoming small business Marketing series that is aimed at providing marketing skills and tactics that will enhance business marketing and outreach performance.

The classes are driven by applied activities and hands on learning in subjects such as Marketing Communication Channels, Marketing with Social Media, Creating a Marketing Campaign and Developing a Comprehensive Marketing Plans.

For more information on the Marketing Series or other trainings offered by TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4615.

Student Success Profile – AnaDi Arispe

AnaDi Arispe is a student at Texas State Technical College, taking the prerequisite courses she needs to apply for TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program this fall.

The 34-year-old has worked as a licensed pharmacy technician for eight years and said that’s where her passion for nursing began. She expects to earn her certificate in vocational nursing in Fall 2020.

When the San Benito native is not in the classroom you can find her working with TSTC’s Leadership Academy and TSTC’s Service Squad. Through her participation in both organizations she has earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 100 hours of community service.  

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on returning to TSTC to pursue an associate degree in registered nursing.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work in a hospital setting, ultimately ending up as an emergency room registered nurse. I love the fast-paced environment and the thought of always experiencing something different.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been getting involved in on-campus organizations. This has changed my mindset and has helped me become more focused on my plans and goals. I feel it has also helped me grow as a person and find my voice.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is patience, especially being one of the older few in class. I constantly remind myself that education is not a race and it’s never too late to pursue your dream. My education is what’s going to help me become a better version of myself and all I have to do is continue believing that I can achieve what I set my mind to.

Who at TSTC has had the greatest influence on your success?

The person who has had the greatest influence on my success is TSTC Student Life coordinator Belinda Palomino. She is so dedicated to her work and her students. She’s a motivation and inspiration to all. She’s always pushing me to do more and to do better. She’s a great person and I really look up to her.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to be engaged; engaged in everything they do. Take advantage of all the resources TSTC offers; they want to see you succeed. All you have to do is go for it.

TSTC Hosts Students for FFA Tractor Competition

(WACO) –  Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program hosted on Thursday the Texas FFA Association Tractor Technician Career Development Event featuring 10 high schools from North and Central Texas.

In the Texas FFA Association’s Area 5 consisting of North Texas schools, Wolfe City High School placed first while Denton High School finished second and Rayburn High School in Ivanhoe finished third.

“This was really the first time we have ever come to a tractor technician competition and our coach told us what to do in precheck,” said Austin Ferguson, 17, a junior at Wolfe City High School. “We checked the oil, checked the fluids and tire pressure and started looking for bugs.”

In the Texas FFA Association’s Area 8 consisting of Central Texas high schools, , Elkhart High School finished first while Teague High School placed second and Midway High School finished third.

“We did not want to get too cocky,” said Jacob Mims, a junior at Elkhart High School. “It was a learning experience. This is what we want to do the rest of our lives.”

Mims said the team was going to celebrate with Mexican food, and later on, a steak dinner.

The top team from each area will compete in a state FFA tractor technician competition to be held in March at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

In addition, Elkhart High School’s team along with the contest’s three individual overall high scorers all received TSTC scholarships.

Teams of three students took a written test and did a parts identification test. The students performed a troubleshooting exercise on John Deere and Kubota tractors donated for the competition by United Ag & Turf and Tipton International, both in Waco. Students drove the tractors once the teams found and repaired the problems.

TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program instructors and students created the problems the high school students found in the tractors and served as contest judges.

Will Allison, 19, of Teague is a Diesel Equipment Technology major at TSTC. He competed in the tractor competition as a student at Teague High School and served Thursday as a judge.

“It feels kind of cool because I know all the bugs,” Allison said. “It’s fun to watch the students find them.”

Allison said he wanted the high school students to leave with a better understanding of how to use heavy equipment manuals.

For more on the Texas FFA Association, go to texasffa.org.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.


Harlandale ISD and TSTC Partner in Dual Enrollment Classes

(WACO) – Students at Dillard McCollum High School in San Antonio are starting the year learning in new dual enrollment classes through Texas State Technical College in Waco – a first for TSTC and the Alamo City.

Eight juniors and seniors are taking Introduction to Automotive Technology and Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems in the Automotive Technology program enabling them to receive high school credit and technical college hours. TSTC credentialed the high school’s automotive technology teachers, Mark Emmons and Michael Martinez, to teach the dual enrollment classes.

“McCollum High School is our first dual enrollment partner in San Antonio,” said Megan Redmond, a dual enrollment advisor at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County who has worked with the students to get them registered. “Their automotive program is incredible. It is a great area to break into and I am really excited where it could take us.”

Rudy Cervantez, TSTC’s statewide Automotive Technology Department chair, said approving the teachers and high school after a site visit was easy because they already had certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

“They have a nice shop and I was impressed,” Cervantez said.

Talks between the Harlandale Independent School District and TSTC began in fall 2017, said Tracy Anderson, the school district’s career and technical education coordinator.

TSTC has supported the school district’s college-going culture in other ways.

“During the fall, TSTC attended the Auto Tech Industry Advisory Committee meeting at McCollum High School, participated with a table at both of the district’s college and career fairs as well as District Family Night to provide information and answer questions,” Anderson said. “We look forward to having our dual credit students and both automotive instructors visit TSTC in Waco soon.”

San Antonio is home to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas Inc. which employs 2,900 employees including TSTC graduates, according to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. Toyota’s presence helps make Texas in the top 10 among states for automotive manufacturing employment, according to the Texas Economic Development Division’s “The Texas Automotive Manufacturing Industry” report.

“There is a lot of potential for jobs for the students,” Cervantez said.

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

TSTC Aviation Maintenance Student Receives Local Scholarship

(WACO) – Whit Palmer’s motivation comes from a giving source.

“I’d say it is the love of God in my own life and all of the blessings I’ve had,” the Temple resident said. “I want to share that blessing with others.”

Palmer, 19, is an Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology major at Texas State Technical College. He recently received the Keith Hull Memorial Scholarship for $5,000 from Wings for Christ International in Waco. Hull was a member of the U.S. Air Force and founded the organization in 1961 in Arizona. Hull moved the organization in 1970 to Waco.

This is the first scholarship the organization has awarded. The organization’s mission is to spiritually and professionally develop aviators to gain pilot hours and fly for mission work to remote areas.

Palmer said the scholarship will help him because a lot of mission organizations discourage workers from having debt.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I’ve always liked working with my hands and potentially spreading the good news of the gospel is eye opening for me.”

Darin Pound, senior pastor at Temple First Church of the Nazarene where Palmer and his family are lifelong members, exposed him to aviation while in high school by taking him flying.

“He is well deserving of the award,” Pound said. “He will use it to further his education but also fulfill the calling he senses in his life to use his love for aviation as a tool to minister to people and help people wherever God leads.”

Palmer’s church membership helped him learn about aviation’s role in mission work. He traveled to Belize twice while in high school on missions to help build a church and work with children.

Palmer graduated in 2018 from Providence Preparatory School in Belton.

Cheryl Hull, Wings for Christ International’s secretary and treasurer on the Board of Directors, said the organization’s goal is to award a yearly aviation scholarship built on the generosity of the business community.

Applications for Wings for Christ International’s next Keith Hull Memorial Scholarship are due May 31. For more information, go to wingsforchrist.org.

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


TSTC alum forges a future back in the classroom

From student to instructor, Jerroll Hodge is back at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County and is ready for his new role.

Hodge graduated from TSTC in Waco in 2016 with an associate degree in Welding Technology and said he never imagined he would return to the college in this capacity.

“I’ve had a passion for the art of welding since high school, but it wasn’t until recently when I began to think about teaching,” said Hodge. “I have learned so much out in the field that I want to share with younger welders.”

The 24-year-old worked as a welder with National Oilwell Varco, a leading provider for equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling, before getting hired as a Welding Technology instructor.

“This is new territory for me. This is my first time as an instructor, but everyone has been so helpful and welcoming,” said Hodge.

Hodge has more than five years welding experience under his belt. He began welding barbeque pits and trailers, among other things, his junior year in high school competing against other students and continued on into college working part-time as a welder while he was in school.

“I was undecided about college until I started welding,” he said. “I figured I’m good at it, I love it…why not pursue it as a career. Welding to me isn’t a job, it’s fun.”

When Hodge was researching colleges, he had a family member attending TSTC and it was an invite to the campus in Waco that helped him decide it was the right place for him.

“It was the perfect fit. I knew it was where I was supposed to be,” said Hodge. “The instructors were amazing in how they taught us and shared their real-world experiences with us. They supported us and really pushed us to be our best. I want to be that for my students now.”

The Huntsville native said he hopes to become the instructor that students feel comfortable going to for advice about welding or life.

His goal is to bring all of his knowledge forward to ensure that he can mold and create great welders for the industry.

“I had a job before even graduating and that’s my goal for these students,” said Hodge. “I want them to be as prepared, if not more, than I was when I entered the field.”

TSTC offers Welding Technology at each of its ten campuses located in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County. For more information, visit tstc.edu.